The council's stance follows the Government's September announcement to delay LGR decisions in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough pending a review. Members of the Full Council approved a motion expressing disappointment with the LGR process, describing it as “rushed and poorly managed, creating unnecessary uncertainty for residents, businesses, organisations, staff and councils.” The motion also stated there was “little evidence that larger authorities automatically deliver better services, lower costs or stronger accountability”.
The council reaffirmed its opposition to the abolition of East Cambridgeshire District Council, asserting that residents are best served by strong local councils that understand their communities. Councillor Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, highlighted the council's consistent opposition to LGR, despite full engagement to protect residents' interests. She stated, “The Government must now explain clearly why reorganisation is necessary, publish the evidence behind its approach and properly consider the alternatives.”
Councillor Bailey emphasised East Cambridgeshire's track record of delivering high-quality services with financial discipline, keeping decision-making close to local people. She noted the council's financial resilience, 13 years of frozen Council Tax, and provision of services like free car parking and garden waste collections. The council's trading company has returned £6.2 million, supporting housing development, including affordable homes and community-led schemes.
Given this record and the existing strategic mayoral authority in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the council questions the necessity of structural reorganisation. It proposes less disruptive alternatives, such as stronger collaboration between councils, district-led delivery partnerships, and the devolution of services. Councillor Bailey suggested East Cambridgeshire could serve as a pilot area for greater devolution, testing how more local services and decisions could be managed locally, citing survey results showing the district outperformed other councils.
As part of the agreed motion, the Council will invite the Secretary of State and the Minister for Local Government to visit East Cambridgeshire to observe its model of cost-effective local government delivery.
