Residents, businesses, and public bodies across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are being asked to give their views on four major proposals that could reshape local government in the region.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched a statutory consultation after receiving rival submissions from councils seeking to replace the current two-tier structure with new unitary authorities.
The consultation, which runs for seven weeks from 5 February 2026 until 23:59 on 26 March 2026, will help ministers decide whether Cambridgeshire should move to a simplified single-tier model — and if so, what form it should take.
The government says its ambition is clear: “to simplify local government, ending the two-tier system and establishing new single-tier unitary councils that are responsible for all local government services in an area.”
Current two-tier system under scrutiny
At present, Cambridgeshire operates under a two-tier arrangement, with responsibilities divided between the County Council and five district councils.
According to the consultation document, the County Council currently oversees services such as:
- adults’ and children’s social care
- maintaining roads
- libraries
- waste disposal
Meanwhile, district and borough councils are responsible for:
- rubbish collection
- housing and planning
- environmental health
Peterborough City Council already operates as a unitary authority, delivering all services within its boundaries.
Ministers argue that moving to unitary councils could streamline decision-making and strengthen local leadership.
With one council in charge, the government believes the region will see “quicker decisions to grow our towns and cities and connect people to opportunity.”
Four proposals submitted
The consultation focuses on four competing proposals submitted to MHCLG on 28 November 2025.
Each plan sets out a different vision for how Cambridgeshire and Peterborough could be reorganised.
Proposal 1: Two unitary councils (city and district councils plan)
Cambridge City Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council jointly proposed two unitary councils:
- North Cambridgeshire and Peterborough: Peterborough, Huntingdonshire, East Cambridgeshire, Fenland
- Greater Cambridge: Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire
This option is referred to locally as “The right size to thrive, local enough to care.”
Proposal 2: Two unitary councils (county council plan)
Cambridgeshire County Council also proposed two new authorities, but with different boundaries:
- North West: Peterborough, Fenland, Huntingdonshire
- South East: Cambridge, East Cambridgeshire, South Cambridgeshire
This proposal is known as “Two Councils. One Fairer Future.”
Proposal 3: Three unitary councils (Huntingdonshire Plan)
Huntingdonshire District Council submitted a plan for three separate unitary councils:
- North East: Peterborough, Fenland, East Cambridgeshire
- Central Huntingdonshire: Huntingdonshire
- South West: Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire
This proposal would see Huntingdonshire become a standalone unitary authority.
Proposal 4: Three unitary councils with boundary splits (Peterborough and Fenland plan)
Peterborough City Council and Fenland District Council proposed three unitaries, including splitting parts of Huntingdonshire into new councils:
- Greater Peterborough: Peterborough and nine wards from Huntingdonshire
- Mid Cambridgeshire: Fenland, East Cambridgeshire and 17 wards from Huntingdonshire
- Greater Cambridge: Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire
This is the only proposal requesting significant boundary changes.
The consultation notes that ministers will ask whether there is “a strong public services and financial sustainability justification for boundary change.”
A technical consultation — but public views welcome
While the consultation is described as “a technical exercise, focused on the criteria, rather than a public consultation,” MHCLG says residents and organisations are still encouraged to take part.
The department states it “welcomes the views of any other persons or bodies interested in these proposals, including local residents, town and parish councils, businesses and the voluntary and community sector.”
Government vision: Growth, housing and faster decisions
The consultation links local government reform with national priorities such as economic growth and housing delivery.
Ministers argue that reorganisation will:
- speed up house building
- unlock infrastructure projects
- attract new investment
The government says: “Reorganisation will speed up house building, get vital infrastructure projects moving, and attract new investment.”
Unitary councils are also expected to fit within wider devolution structures.
The document highlights the role of Strategic Authorities, which use powers over housing, transport, skills, and employment.
In Cambridgeshire, the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority is already in place.
How the process began
The consultation follows a statutory invitation issued on 5 February 2025 by the then Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution.
All councils in the region were asked to develop proposals under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.
The invitation encouraged collaboration, stating councils should make “every effort to work together collaboratively and proactively.”
However, no single joint proposal emerged.
The consultation acknowledges: “No area has been able to jointly submit one proposal, and there is considerable complexity in some of the different proposals.”
Questions the public Is being asked
Respondents are being asked to evaluate each proposal against government criteria, including:
- whether councils are based on “sensible geographies”
- whether they can deliver efficient services
- whether they support devolution
- whether they strengthen community engagement
For proposals involving boundary changes, an additional question asks whether there is a strong justification for altering existing district borders.
Participants can respond using an online survey or by emailing MHCLG at:
lgrconsultationresponse@communities.gov.uk
Written responses can also be posted to the department in London.
What happens next?
The consultation closes on 26 March 2026, after which ministers will assess the proposals carefully.
MHCLG stresses that consulting does not mean a decision has been made.
The document states: “The fact that the Secretary of State has decided that it is appropriate to seek views on the proposals received does not mean that he has made a decision.”
The Secretary of State may implement one proposal, modify a proposal, or decide not to proceed at all.
If reforms go ahead, new unitary councils could take on full responsibilities from April 2028, with transition arrangements in 2027–28.
Final decisions will be communicated to councils “as soon as practicable.”
A defining moment for local government
With four competing visions on the table — and questions over boundaries, identities, and service delivery — the consultation marks a pivotal moment for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
The government insists its aim is stronger, simpler governance, with councils “equipped to drive economic growth, improve local public services, and lead and empower their communities.”
For residents, the coming weeks may shape how local services are delivered for decades to come.
