Gateway Review signals confidence in Combined Authority and releases £100m investment 

Gateway Review signals confidence in Combined Authority and releases £100m investment 

The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority has successfully passed its latest Government Gateway Review, marking a strong vote of confidence in the organisation’s progress and future direction. 

The outcome enables the Combined Authority to access the next five years of its Investment Fund, unlocking £100 million of previously allocated funding. This will be drawn down at £20 million per year from 2026/27 to 2030/31 to support continued investment in infrastructure, skills, housing and economic growth across the region. 

The review, which covered 2020/21-2025/26, confirms that the Combined Authority is meeting the required delivery standard and recognises the significant progress made since the previous Gateway Review.  

This includes strengthened organisational capacity, more effective partnership working, and robust processes that are already delivering tangible impact. 

It also highlights the positive steps taken following the Best Value Notice, with strengthened governance, clearer structures and delivery arrangements, and a more confident and collaborative organisational culture. 

Crucially, Government feedback reflects a growing confidence in the Combined Authority’s ambition and ability to deliver.  

Underpinned by a clear shift towards larger, more strategic interventions that will drive long-term economic growth and support delivery of the Local Growth Plan. 

Together, this provides a strong platform to build from, as the Combined Authority continues to work closely with Government to go further and faster in delivering for local people and businesses. 

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said: 

“This Gateway Review is a real vote of confidence in the progress we’ve made and the direction we’re heading. 

“We’ve built strong foundations, improving how we work, strengthening partnerships, and showing we can deliver. Now we’re ready to take the next step, working with Government to go further and faster. 

“Our focus is on backing bigger, more strategic projects that will drive long-term growth and deliver our Local Growth Plan. 

“My ambition is clear: to triple the size of the economy and ensure this region is healthier, wealthier and happier. 

“This also strengthens our case for the next phase, securing the powers and flexibility we need as an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority to deliver even more for our communities. 

“Now we move forward with confidence, building on this progress to make a real, visible difference to people’s lives.” 

Rob Bridge, Chief Executive of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, said: 

“This review reflects the significant progress we’ve made as an organisation, strengthening our governance, building our capability, and working more effectively with partners.  

“We’re now a more focused, confident and delivery-ready organisation, with the foundations in place to support the Mayor’s bold vision for the region.”