Fenland District Council Leader, Cllr Chris Boden, has today (Friday 21 March) written to
the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, outlining the Council’s
position on plans to move towards a new system of local government.
The letter is in response to proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), as set
out in the Government’s English Devolution White Paper published on 16 December 2024.
The Government invited every council leader from two-tier areas of local government and
neighbouring unitary authorities to submit their interim plans for local government
reorganisation on or before 21 March 2025.
In his letter to the Minister today, Cllr Boden accepts the desirability of LGR and affirms the
Council’s commitment to working together with the Government and other local authorities
across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to achieve the best possible outcome for the
area and all of its communities.
However, it also expresses concerns about the way in which the Government is
undertaking the LGR process, and the timescales involved. Some of the concerns include:
Financial uncertainties, particularly funding risks in relation to special educational
needs (high needs block statutory override), business rates, and the Fair Funding
review.
Challenges in the region, such as infrastructure gaps, housing demand, and
deprivation in some areas.
Opposition to certain LGR proposals, specifically the idea of a single unitary
authority for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough or one based on the county council’s
footprint, citing a lack of community cohesion.
Concerns about democratic accountability, particularly the reduction in
leadership roles under the new structure.
Uncertainties about financial savings, stating that anticipated cost savings may
not materialise as expected.
The letter states: “Fenland District Council accepts the desirability of Local Government
Reorganisation (LGR). However, we have substantial concerns about the way in which
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Government is undertaking this process, and the timescales involved. We do not believe
that optimal solutions for LGR will be produced by the current process. Nevertheless, we
recognise Government’s right to pursue this matter as it sees fit, and we will co-operate fully
both with Government and with our nearby local authorities in seeking the best available
outcome for our area.
“We are entering into LGR with an open mind and spirit of wanting the best for all our
residents and for the local area as a whole. Not all of us would have chosen this path but
we accept that it is the path we are on.
“Currently leaders are considering different unitary scenarios. However, further work will be
required following local elections to reach a shared understanding of how best to progress
these to the next stage/business case. These scenarios will take account of historic
community identities, the interests of residents, economic geographies, and local politics.
“We will be spending the next few months considering the options, using data to inform our
thinking, and using the LGR structures at officer and political level that have been put in
place to enable a collaborative approach based on a jointly developed evidence base. We
are focused on ensuring that any proposals ensure that future unitarities are financially
sound – this is a shared principle amongst all leaders.
“We welcome a further meeting with MLCHG where we can work through the areas where
we would appreciate more support.”
Cllr Boden’s full letter is available to view here.
