Major devolution milestone set to bring greater powers and funding opportunities for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough 

Major devolution milestone set to bring greater powers and funding opportunities for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough 

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is set to gain greater influence over the decisions and funding that shape the region’s future after government confirmed the Combined Authority has been designated an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority. 

The recognition opens the door to the next phase of devolution, creating the potential for greater funding flexibility, stronger local decision-making and new powers over transport, housing, skills and economic growth.  

The designation follows an application by the Mayor to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and recognises the progress made by the Combined Authority and its readiness to take on a significantly enhanced strategic role. 

Established status means the Combined Authority is now better placed to work with government on future devolution arrangements, including a ‘right to request’ greater devolution where local decision making can deliver better results for the public. 

The announcement comes as the Prime Minister sets out what government describes as the biggest transfer of power, funding and responsibility from Westminster in a generation. The proposals include allowing English mayors to retain a greater share of locally generated revenues, beginning with business rates from next spring, with further details on income tax retention expected at the Budget. 

While the detail of the reforms is still to be confirmed, the proposals have the potential to be transformational for places like Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. By enabling areas that create jobs and grow their economies to retain more of the rewards, they could provide the region with new tools to invest in infrastructure, skills and opportunities that support long-term prosperity. 

The Mayor and Combined Authority will work closely with government, local councils, businesses, universities and communities to make the most of the opportunity. 

The national devolution package includes measures to bring rail and bus services under greater local control, speed up locally led transport schemes, strengthen planning and regeneration powers, give mayors more influence over skills and employment support, back local industries and innovative businesses, and introduce a new “local first” principle under which ministers must justify why powers should remain in Whitehall. 

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said:  

“For years, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has helped drive growth for the whole country while seeing too little of that returned to our local communities. Today’s decision is the first step towards changing that. 

“Being recognised as an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority puts us in a stronger position to secure new powers, greater funding flexibility and more control over the decisions that affect our region. 

“The detail will matter, but if areas that create growth can keep more of the rewards, we can invest more in the transport, infrastructure, homes and skills our communities need. 

“I’ve set a target in our Local Growth Plan to triple the size of our economy. Fiscal devolution is part of how we get there, alongside stronger powers over transport, planning, skills and employment support. 

“Most importantly, residents should feel the benefits of growth. By keeping more of the wealth generated here, we can create more opportunity and help people live happier, healthier and wealthier lives.” 

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

“I want to thank colleagues across the Combined Authority whose professionalism, dedication and hard work have made this possible. I am proud to lead such a committed and talented team. This has been a genuine team effort, supported by our Board, constituent councils and partners, and it shows what we can achieve when we work together with a shared purpose. 

 
“This is an important next step for the organisation and region, one we take together, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to turn this recognition into real benefits for communities, businesses and places across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.” 

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Notes to Editors 

• The confirmation of Established Status follows the Combined Authority Board’s unanimous decision to support an application for Established Mayoral Strategic Authority status.  

• Government guidance says designation is based on evidence of capability across areas including financial and cost management, programme delivery, governance, resource management, risk management and outcomes achieved. 

• Further details on income tax retention are expected at the Budget