The total cost of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor’s Question Time event held in Peterborough in January has been revealed as £2,107.60, following a Freedom of Information request to the Combined Authority.
Further such meetings are planned with the next in Cambridge on March 4.
The inaugural event, which took place on Wednesday 14 January at St John the Baptist Church in Cathedral Square, Peterborough, was promoted as an opportunity for residents to put questions directly to Mayor Paul Bristow and hear about his priorities, including transport, skills and economic growth.
It was hosted by radio presenter Kev Lawrence and was billed as open to anyone, whether or not they wished to ask a question.
However, while the Combined Authority has now disclosed how much the event cost and where the money was spent, no official attendance figure has been released, and there has been limited public reporting or social media coverage following the evening.
According to the FOI response, venue hire for St John’s Church cost £347.50. This included £157.50 for 3.5 hours of hire, £60 for heating, and £130 for two stewards on duty between 3.30pm and 8.30pm.
A further £925 is to be paid to KL Promotions Ltd, a company founded in 2007 by Kev Lawrence. This fee covers hosting the event, advance preparation and meetings, PA and sound equipment hire, and audio recording with post-event delivery.
The Combined Authority confirmed that a formal procurement exercise was not required for this appointment.
In addition, £820 was spent on advertising in the Peterborough Telegraph to promote the event, while £15.10 was spent on refreshments for attendees, including tea and coffee.
All costs are being met from the Combined Authority’s Communications, Engagement and Public Affairs budget and will be recorded in the 2025/26 financial year.
The Mayor’s Question Time was announced in a press release issued on 19 December, inviting residents and local businesses to submit questions in advance and reserve seats via an online form.
The event was structured in two parts, with pre-submitted questions followed by additional time for audience questions.
Mayor Paul Bristow, who was elected in May 2025, said at the time: “If you want to ask a question, share an idea or just find out more about what I’m working on, Question Time is the place to do it. You don’t need to be an expert or have a big issue to raise – everyone is welcome.”
Despite this emphasis on openness and engagement, little information has been made public about how many people attended.
One report suggested that around 30 people were present, but this figure has not been confirmed by the Combined Authority. Only a single photograph from the event has been published, showing the Mayor standing near a lectern, which has led to speculation about turnout.
There has also been limited follow-up coverage in the press and minimal reaction on social media.
A post on the Mayor’s Facebook page the day after the event described it as “an excellent night” with “some great questions asked by members of the public”.
The post attracted a small number of comments, largely positive, including thanks for responses to specific local issues and suggestions for future visits.
One councillor asked publicly whether the sessions were recorded or minuted, though no answer was provided in the comments.
The FOI response confirmed that audio recording was included in the KL Promotions fee, but it is not clear whether recordings or written records will be made publicly available.
The Combined Authority said it does not hold recorded information explaining why Peterborough was chosen as the location for this event, nor whether alternative locations were considered.
Looking ahead, the authority confirmed that Mayoral Question Time events will be held quarterly and will rotate around the Combined Authority area.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority was established in 2017 as part of a devolution deal with central government and brings together seven councils, including Peterborough City Council.
While the January Question Time represents a relatively modest spend in the context of public sector budgets, the absence of clear information on attendance, outcomes, or published records has raised questions about how effectively such events are reaching residents and delivering value for money.
As further Question Time events are planned across the region, greater transparency around participation and impact may help demonstrate whether these forums are succeeding in their stated aim of bringing the Mayor closer to the communities he represents.
UPDATE
In a report to the Combined Authority board on January 28, chief executive Rob Bridge, writes: “The first Mayor’s Question Time of this Mayoral term was held on 14 January in Peterborough.
“As part of the wider framework for democratic accountability and scrutiny. It provided an opportunity for
members of the public and the media to put questions directly to the Mayor.
“The event was split into two sessions.
“The first session focused on pre-submitted questions, which were asked by members in the audience and the host, Kev Lawrence.
“Following this, the second session provided an opportunity for questions straight from the floor, moderated by the host.
“Officers are working on the next Mayor’s Question Time, which will be part of a series with the aim for them being held quarterly in a roadshow style around the region.
The next one is planned for 4 March in Cambridge.”
