This announcement follows a Ministerial decision on 7 September to pause and review the LGR programme for all two-tier areas of local government, with the exception of Surrey. The Government had previously outlined criteria for reorganisation proposals, focusing on improving service delivery, strengthening local accountability, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
Cambridgeshire County Council believes that locally developed options for the area met these criteria. The council leader, Councillor Lucy Nethsingha, stated that the extended delay increases risk and uncertainty, further undermining trust in the Government's decision-making process for LGR.
“"This is a bitter disappointment and once again shows we have a Government incapable of making decisions or following through on its own policies. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough were already stuck in ‘LGR limbo’ and to simply extend that further beggars belief."
Councillor Nethsingha added that continued uncertainty prevents long-term planning, particularly as demand for and costs of council services are rising. She highlighted the anxiety for council staff and the risk of being unable to retain and recruit personnel, plan financially, or avoid short-term procurement decisions due to the Government's indecision.
She concluded by stating that residents, communities, staff, and councillors deserve better, and that while the Government may have changed Prime Minister, it remains "mired in chaos". Despite the ongoing indecision, the council remains focused on delivering services and doing its best for Cambridgeshire while awaiting a Government decision.
