The Government has provided a clearer timetable for the ongoing work on local government reorganisation, following a pause announced in September. Elections to new Unitary Authorities are scheduled for May 2028, with their official launch, known as vesting day, planned for 1 April 2029. Local elections in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough for existing councils will proceed as planned in May 2027.
Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, stated that services will continue to run as normal throughout the process. "Our focus remains on delivering the services residents rely on every day and ensuring any transition is as smooth as possible," she said. Residents can be assured that vital services such as bin collections, housing support, planning, and benefits will continue uninterrupted.
“"We look forward to learning more about the options being considered for our area and will keep residents updated as soon as further information becomes available."
Jim McMahon, Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Growth, also announced that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will receive £500,000 in transition funding. This funding is intended to support ongoing work on local government reorganisation. Further clarification is needed regarding this amount in relation to previous commitments of £900,000 for each new Unitary Authority.
The Government's plans, set out in December 2024, aim to move towards a new system of local government by abolishing all ‘two-tier’ areas in England. This means that councils including Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Fenland District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, Peterborough City Council, and South Cambridgeshire District Council will be replaced by a number of unitary authorities.
