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Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

The English Devolution White Paper sets out a wide range of proposals and plans which include proposals on devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

What is Devolution?

In England, devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government. It is important because it ensures that decisions are made closer to local people, communities and businesses. Cambridgeshire benefits from an existing devolution deal through the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA). Through the white paper the Government aims to establish devolution deals for all areas in England.

What is LGR?

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), is the process in which the structure and responsibilities of local authorities are reconfigured. The Government have set out plans to move away from the current two-tier system of district and county councils in England. This is relevant to Cambridgeshire County Council and the five district councils (Cambridge City Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Fenland District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council).

Where can I find out more?

English Devolution White Paper. Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth

The English Devolution White Paper sets out the Government's agenda to increase and expand devolution across all parts of England. In addition, it also sets out proposals to take forward Local Government reorganisation particularly in areas where there are multiple tiers of local authorities, like Cambridgeshire.

Letter from Jim McMahon OBE. Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution

The letter to all two-tier councils and neighbouring unitary authorities, dated 16 December 2024 sets out clear process and milestones.

Local Government Association (LGA) Devolution Hub

Visit the LGA Devolution Hub to find further information and resources. This includes a list of regularly updated devolution and local government reorganisation FAQs. You can find updates on the current devolution framework and devolution deals agreed between Government and local areas.

Proposed timeline

This is an outline of the proposed timetable provided by the Government in the white paper. These actions are relevant to Cambridgeshire County Council as a two-tier council.

Month/Year Action
January 2025 Statutory invitation from Government to submit unitary proposals
March 2025 Submit initial Local Government Reorganisation proposal
May 2025 Elections
Autumn 2025 Submit Local Government Reorganisation proposal
April/May 2027 Elections (Shadow authorities)
April 2028 Vesting day for new unitary councils

What is the council doing now?

We are waiting for our formal invite from the Government to submit initial unitary proposals.

During the process our focus remains on delivering essential services across the whole of Cambridgeshire.