Cabinet members at Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) approved Option E being sent to government as one of the options for Local Government Reorganisation across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough at a meeting on Monday 24 November.
The Cabinet meeting followed meetings of Overview and Scrutiny and Full Council, where members were able to comment on the five proposals being drafted for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) locally.
Cabinet reviewed all the options, with most members supporting the submission of Option E to government. The Option E proposal looks to create three new unitary councils to replace the current two-tier system, with Huntingdonshire becoming one standalone authority, Peterborough, Fenland, and East Cambridgeshire forming a second unitary council, and Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire forming a third unitary council.
Cllr Sarah Conboy, Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, said: “This is a pivotal moment for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Huntingdonshire is committed to playing an active role in shaping a future that meets the needs of every resident, business, and community.
“After carefully considering all the points raised by Overview and Scrutiny and Full Council, Option E is the one we will be submitting to government. As well as maintaining existing district boundaries, Option E provides an opportunity to create councils that are connected to the communities they serve, financially robust, and forward-thinking in how they deliver services.
“Huntingdonshire has a strong identity, deep heritage and a growing national role. With major opportunities in defence and innovation, and significant housing and employment growth underway in Huntingdon, St Ives, St Neots and Ramsey, along with our strategic position in the Ox-Cam Growth Corridor, becoming a standalone unitary council would enable us to better support regional economic strength, unlock development, champion sustainability, and improve outcomes for local communities.
“This option also reflects the rapid growth of Peterborough as a major city, Cambridge’s position as a national centre for innovation, and Huntingdonshire’s emergence as a major economic and defence hub.
“Ultimately, the government will decide which proposals progress based on the evidence presented. Our role is to provide a clear, robust and data-led case that demonstrates long-term viability and benefits for the region.”
The other six councils across Cambridgeshire will also make decisions on which of the five proposals will be presented to government ahead of the 28 November deadline.
The government will make the final decision on Local Government Reorganisation in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough following consultation, which is expected to take place next year.