Cambridgeshire County Council has formally approved a major plan to reorganise local government, paving the way for the creation of two new unitary authorities.
Known as Option A, the proposal aims to establish ‘more equal, effective and sustainable’ councils that each serve around half a million residents.
According to the council, the boundaries of the unitaries will align with local health, care, and economic areas.
More than 1,900 residents, businesses, and community organisations took part in the consultation. Support was strong across many districts, though some communities raised concerns about how the proposed changes might alter local identity.
Councillors also agreed an amendment calling for a letter to the Government, highlighting concerns that current Local Government Review guidelines do not offer the best opportunity to set new boundaries for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, welcomed the decision, describing Option A as the ‘best available option’ for the area.
She added: ‘We would have chosen to approach this differently, but the Government’s timescales and criteria did not provide the opportunity to address longstanding issues linked to place and identity – that can be seen through some of the engagement feedback we have received as well.’
Final proposals must be submitted to Government by 28 November 2025, with several local authorities expected to put forward other versions for consideration on behalf of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Want to learn more about local government reorganisation? Check out: Local Government Reorganisation: What It Means and Why It Matters.
