Ely and East Cambridgeshire MP Charlotte Cane backs plans for council shakeup
Council plans could soon see away with district and city councils, and establish two unitary authorities
Ely and East Cambridgeshire MP Charlotte Cane is backing major reorganisation of the local government structure in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough that could soon see away with district and city councils, and establish two unitary authorities.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the Government's consultation that aims to reshape council boundaries, potentially leading to a streamlined governance model.
The consultation period ends on 26th March 2026.
Option A proposes merging Cambridge City, South Cambridgeshire, and East Cambridgeshire into one unitary authority, while forming another for Huntingdonshire, Fenland, and Peterborough.
Charlotte Cane, the Liberal Democrat MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire, has endorsed this initiative, emphasising its alignment with existing public service footprints and community connections.
"Local people need a council that truly understands their daily lives and community connection," Cane said, urging residents to participate and make their voices heard in the consultation process.
Option A has garnered support from nine village parish councils, the City of Ely Council, and local health trusts.
This consultation presents a pivotal opportunity for residents to influence the future governance of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Previously, Cambridge City Council explained what changes will mean for residents:
"In December 2024, the national government set out plans to move towards a new system of local government, abolishing all ‘two-tier’ areas in England. That means that the below seven Cambridgeshire councils could be replaced by a number of new unitary authorities:
Cambridge City Council
Cambridgeshire County Council
East Cambridgeshire District Council
Fenland District Council
Huntingdonshire District Council
Peterborough City Council
South Cambridgeshire District Council
When the change is made from April 2028, rather than dealing with separate county, city, and district councils, residents will access all services from one new unitary council for their area - from road maintenance and bin collections to education, planning, social housing, social care, and support with benefits.
Where areas have parish and town councils, these will not be affected and will continue to operate as they do now."
More information can be found on the Government's website.