Agenda item

Motion from Councillor R Martin.

This Council Notes:

• The recent local elections held on 7 May 2026, which have returned a new mandate from the residents of Huntingdonshire.
• The ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and that the government consultation has ended regarding the future of single-tier unitary councils in the region.
• That on 24 November 2025, the previous Cabinet approved the submission of Option E to the government.
• That Option E proposes the creation of three new unitary councils, specifically establishing Huntingdonshire as a standalone unitary authority, while considering the future of Tempsford New Town.
• That competing proposals submitted by other authorities—most notably Option D—threaten to fracture Huntingdonshire.

This Council Believes:

• That a standalone Huntingdonshire authority (Option E) remains the most robust, evidence-led, and financially sustainable model to replace the current two-tier system, bringing decision-making closer to our communities.
• Options A and B, while keeping Huntingdonshire in one piece, do not represent the best options for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and would risk the potential of Project FAIRFAX and Tempsford to support future growth.
• That Huntingdonshire possesses a distinct heritage, a strong community identity, and recognised economic boundaries that must not be diluted or divided.
• That our district is a regional engine for growth—serving as an emerging international defence powerhouse and a key strategic hub within the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. Fragmenting the district would risk stalling this vital economic growth.
• That smaller, more locally focused councils are best equipped to deliver efficient public services and strengthen the crucial focus on community health and prevention.

This Council Resolves:

1. To formally reaffirm its unwavering support for Option E as the best choice for Local Government Reorganisation in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
2. To reject splitting Huntingdonshire boundaries and categorically oppose any LGR proposals, including Option D, that seek to carve up Huntingdonshire’s historic and administrative boundaries.
3. To instruct the Chief Executive, in consultation with Group Leaders to write immediately to the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution and our local MPs, outlining this newly elected Council's reaffirmed mandate for Option E as the government deliberates its consultation findings.

This Council Notes:

1. The recent local elections held on 7 May 2026, which have returned a new mandate from the residents of Huntingdonshire.
2. The ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and that the government consultation has ended regarding the future of single-tier unitary councils in the region.
3. That on 24 November 2025, the previous Cabinet approved the submission of Option E to the government.
4. That Option E proposes the creation of three new unitary councils, specifically establishing Huntingdonshire as a standalone unitary authority, while considering the future of Tempsford New Town.
5. That competing proposals submitted by other authorities—most notably Option D—threaten to fracture Huntingdonshire.

This Council Believes:

1. That a standalone Huntingdonshire authority (Option E) remains the most robust, evidence-led, and financially sustainable model to replace the current two-tier system, bringing decision-making closer to our communities.
2. Options A and B, while keeping Huntingdonshire in one piece, do not represent the best options for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and would risk the potential of Project FAIRFAX and Tempsford to support future growth.
3. That Huntingdonshire possesses a distinct heritage, a strong community identity, and recognised economic boundaries that must not be diluted or divided.
4. That our district is a regional engine for growth—serving as an emerging international defence powerhouse and a key strategic hub within the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. Fragmenting the district would risk stalling this vital economic growth.
5. That smaller, more locally focused councils are best equipped to deliver efficient public services and strengthen the crucial focus on community health and prevention.

This Council RESOLVES to:

1. Formally reaffirm its unwavering support for Option E as the best choice for Local Government Reorganisation in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
2. Reject splitting Huntingdonshire boundaries and categorically oppose any LGR proposals, including Option D, that seek to carve up Huntingdonshire’s historic and administrative boundaries.
3. Instruct the Chief Executive, in consultation with Group Leaders to write immediately to the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution and our local MPs, outlining this newly elected Council's reaffirmed mandate for Option E as the government deliberates its consultation findings.

Councillor Conboy opened the debated and thanked Councillor Martin for bringing the motion forward. She observed that Project Fairfax and Tempsford strengthened the case for Option E. She further noted that those who lived on the fringes of the district may have a different perspective on their neighbours than those in other parts of the district. She stated that Option E had ensure deliverable options for neighbouring authorities and fully supported the motion.

Councillor Alban addressed the Chamber noting how much had changed and progressed since the last Local Government Reorganisation in 1974. He believed that Huntingdonshire was big enough and caring enough to become its own Unitary Authority and expressed his desire to work with neighbours whilst remaining strong and independent rather than a small part in someone else’s plan.

Councillor P Hodgson-Jones reflected on the passionate debate held by the Council in November 2025 and the reasons why Option E is the best option for Huntingdonshire and its neighbours whilst also acknowledging that Option E took the Council’s current Shared Services arrangement into account.

Concern was expressed by Councillor Coogan that LGR was not something which the public had asked for and that people were worried about daily concerns rather than a costly reorganisation. He noted that cost savings remained theoretical and that there was a risk of redundancies for staff. It was his opinion that Option E was designed to preserve Huntingdonshire because some Councillors in the Chamber were emotionally attached to it. He concluded by noting that neighbouring authorities had different opinions on what was best for them and Huntingdonshire.

Councillor Cawley observed that the LGR process was being undertaken at the request of the Government and not by choice. He acknowledged the complexities involved but that Option E would allow the Council to deliver a moment of clarity and a new mandate for its residents.

Option E was seen as positive by Councillor N Hunt who felt that the motion demonstrated the Council’s cross party working on the matter and fully supported the motion.

Councillor Gray offered his congratulations to the Executive Leader on her appointment and looked forward to working collaboratively with her administration. He observed that regardless of opinions on the LGR process, it would be progressing and that it was better to have a say in the process than not.

Councillor Maheshwari addressed the Chamber noting that he felt the tone of LGR and the Councillors in the room were out of touch with the common people. He expressed concern that LGR would not protect the people of Huntingdonshire and that those in need would suffer more.

Councillor Davenport-Ray noted that she agreed with much that had been said by colleagues and that she would be supporting the motion.

Councillor Bulat offered her congratulations to the Chair and Executive Leader and expressed her hope to work across parties and to be constructive in opposition. She stated that she felt Option E was in the best interests of Huntingdonshire and its residents and that it was important to be part of the conversation and process as LGR would happen regardless. She concluded that the decisions made would outlive the current Councillors and affect the district in the long-term so it was important to get this right.

Councillor Martin thanked his fellow Councillors for a fantastic debate and noted the phenomenal job undertaken by the Officers on the project and that they should be proud of their contribution.

Having been put to the vote, the Motion was declared to be CARRIED.