FAQs - Local Government Reorganisation

We will regularly review and update this page.

For an introduction into LGR and the timeline of actions received by the Government, please visit: Local Government Reorganisation

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• What is the difference between Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation?
• What is a two-tier authority?
• What is a unitary authority?
• Does this mean Fenland District Council won't exist?
• Why is Local Government Reorganisation being proposed?
• What is the timescale for Local Government Reorganisation?
• What impact will there be on services as the reorganisation takes place?
• How can residents have a say in reorganisation?
• Will Local Government Reorganisation impact town and parish councils?
• Will there be a crossover between the current and new council authorities?

What is the difference between Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation?

Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation are different things. The Government's plans set out how these can work together to improve public services.

Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national government to local areas, specifically to mayoral combined authorities. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is a mayoral combined authority.

Local government reorganisation is about simplifying areas with two-tiers of local government into unitary authorities that are responsible for delivering all council services.

What is a two-tier authority?

A two-tier area is made up of a 'shire' or county authority and more than one district council. Each of these types of authority has specific duties and responsibilities for services for residents in that area.

For example, Cambridgeshire County Council is a shire authority and responsible for services that cover the whole county such as education, libraries and adult social care.

District councils in Cambridgeshire (Fenland District Council, Cambridge City Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council) provide local services such as waste and recycling collections, environmental health, planning and housing support, within specific areas of the county.

What is a unitary authority?

Unitary authorities are a single tier of local government responsible for all council services in an area. They may cover a large town or city, part of a county or a whole county. For example, Peterborough City Council is a unitary council.

Does this mean Fenland District Council won't exist?

Yes. The five district councils and Cambridgeshire County Council will be abolished and replaced with new unitary councils.

Why is Local Government Reorganisation being proposed?

The Government believes Local Government Reorganisation will improve services for residents, making them simpler and more efficient, as well as supporting economic growth and delivering much needed housing. 

What is the timescale for Local Government Reorganisation?

An action timeline is displayed on our Overview - Local Government Reorganisation webpage.

This outline was provided by the Government in the English Devolution White Paper. Our webpage includes proposed and confirmed dates, with actions relevant to Fenland District Council as a two-tier council.

What impact will there be on services as the reorganisation takes place?

There are no immediate changes to the operation of services provided by Fenland District Council or Cambridgeshire County Council. Throughout this process, our vital work supporting residents will continue - services will be delivered and we will still be here for those who need us most.

How can residents have a say in reorganisation?

A public engagement survey to gather feedback on the future of local government is running from Thursday 19 June to Sunday 20 July.

Find out more and take part in the survey: Have your say on plans for the future of local councils

Views from the survey will inform the business cases being developed for each of the three preferred options for reorganisation. Those business cases will then be submitted to the Government in November. The final decisions on which new local government structures are put into place in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will ultimately be made by national government. 

Will Local Government Reorganisation impact town and parish councils?

Parish and town councils are smaller and have differing local responsibilities.

The Government is asking county and district councils to reorganise into unitary authorities. Town and parish councils are not currently being asked to change.

Will there be a crossover between the current and new council authorities?

It is anticipated there would be 'shadow' unitary authorities established 12 months in advance of any handover to the new unitary authorities. This ensures that new arrangements can be put in place without interrupting services.

A shadow authority is elected to carry out the functions of a new unitary council until that authority formally comes into effect, on what is commonly called 'vesting day.'