The UK Government opened a statutory consultation in early February 2026 that could change how local services such as bin collections, planning and road maintenance are delivered in Peterborough and the wider Cambridgeshire area. The consultation seeks views on four submitted proposals to replace the current two‑tier county/district system with unitary councils.
One of the main proposals, submitted as ‘Option D’ and described locally as ‘Greater Peterborough’, would combine Peterborough City Council with parts of western Huntingdonshire (the submission requests the transfer of nine Huntingdonshire wards). If implemented, a new unitary council would be responsible for services currently split between county and district councils—including social care, housing and planning, waste collection and highways. Policing would continue to be overseen by the elected Police and Crime Commissioner (with operational decisions made by the Chief Constable), and fire governance arrangements would be a separate matter to be considered as part of any reorganisation.
Peterborough City Council has backed the Greater Peterborough proposal (Option D). The council’s cabinet approved the submission in November 2025 and council minutes and briefing papers say leaders believe a larger council would reduce duplication, deliver efficiencies and provide the “critical mass” to attract funding for major regeneration projects—while making it simpler for residents to know which authority to contact about services.
Residents and organisations have until 23:59 on 26 March 2026 to respond to the consultation. If ministers decide to implement a proposal, transitional arrangements are expected in 2027 (including elections or shadow authorities), with new unitary councils taking on full responsibilities on vesting day in April 2028. Local campaigners in smaller towns have warned that joining a larger, city‑focused authority could risk rural voices and local issues being overlooked.
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