YOUR OPINIONS MATTER

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined want to hear your views on our planned activities and spending plans. We are determined to build a prosperous and sustainable Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and seek inclusive good growth for an equitable, resilient, healthier, and connected region.

To request a paper version of the consultation pack please email your name and address to comms@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk. You can also email your views and comments on our proposals to this email address. If you wish to post your comments or views please send to the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority 2nd floor, Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE29 3TN.

Background and Overview

Our successes and community development.

Who we are

Who are the Cambridge and Peterborough combined Authority.

What We Have Achieved and Our Future Plans

The precept and its proposed impact on community development.

Have Your Say

Help Shape our community

Heading Arrow IconBACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW

Our refreshed 2023-25 Corporate Plan sets out how we are working towards the delivery of this vision and the positive impact we can make on residents, businesses and communities. Through this consultation we want to hear your views on our priorities and will use your feedback to help shape our future work programme.

In addition to understanding what is important to you, we also want to get your views on how we fund what we are delivering. This is outlined in our draft 2024/25 Medium Term Financial Plan.

One element of this is the Mayoral Precept, this tax was introduced last year to support buses across the region and for 2023/24 the precept was set at £12 per year for a Band D property.

For 2024/25 the Mayor is proposing to increase the precept to £36 a year on a Band D property (£3 a month per household).

If implemented the additional money raised will be invested in delivering the Mayor’s bold vision for bus services across the area. This will include paying for new routes and improving existing routes to keep our communities connected with each other, work and education.

The Combined Authority is also investing £20m into its Strategic Growth Fund to fund infrastructure including £5m for the University of Peterborough. The Levelling Up Fund will provide public realm improvements while 3m has been earmarked for a creative industries hub.

A further £22m has been set aside for road and rail improvements including £6.5m for the A16.

Meanwhile, £9m is being invested into managing climate changes and £3.85m into reduced fares for under 25s. To find out more click here.

Last year, thanks to your support, the Combined Authority’s share of the precept paid for additional bus services including saving some services that were under threat.

Quote from the Mayor

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Mayor Dr Nik Johnson said:

Quote Mark

“My argument is that for less than 10p a day per average household the Combined Authority can invest £11m per year in our bus network, enabling more routes and more frequent services, serving far more people more conveniently than is currently the case.
“I think that’s a price worth paying, and in the weeks ahead, as part of our extended consultation process, I’d like to hear from you, so do please have a look at what we’re proposing and let us know what YOU think.”

Heading Arrow IconWHO WE ARE

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) was formed in 2017 and is led by directly elected Mayor Dr Nik Johnson. It is made up of seven local councils and the Business Board which represents local businesses in the area. The seven local council leaders make up the Combined Authority’s Board along with the directly elected Mayor. We work with local public services, Government departments and agencies, universities and business to grow the local economy.

The seven councils are Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Fenland District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, Peterborough City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Our Responsibilities

We are responsible for growing the region’s economy including creating the UK’s most technically skilled workforce. We are also responsible for making sure our residents and businesses are connected – both digitally and physically – so our communities can access the best jobs, get a good education, access healthcare and connect with one another.

We aim to grow international recognition for our unique knowledge-based economy which will bring in more funding to the region and improve our residents’ quality of life by tackling areas suffering from deprivation.

Heading Arrow IconWHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED AND OUR FUTURE PLANS

Achieving Good Growth

We want to increase productivity and have a goal of almost doubling GVA (Gross Value Added) for the Combined Authority area by 2040. This is the measure of the total value of goods and services produced in an economy.

We want to do this in a way that reduces inequality across the area, delivering better jobs and higher wages, so that we realise everyone’s potential no matter where they come from or what their background is.

To do this we are working on many different projects with our partners such as developing Enterprise Zones and knowledge clusters to support innovation in our priority sectors like life sciences, agri-tech and advanced manufacturing.

It is important that the local workforce has the right skills to benefit from new jobs, so we are also working with employees and education to train the future workforce.

Here are some examples of what we have already achieved:

  • Created 12,000 jobs
  • Created 13 acres of new commercial space for businesses, equivalent to approximately 24 football pitches or 43 basketball courts
  • ARU Peterborough University opened its doors to its first students in September 2022
  • One hundred young people leaving the care system have now benefitted from a bursary set up by the Combined Authority to fund education and training to support their futures.

By 2025 we aim to have:

  • Created a further 9,000 jobs
  • Completed 1,450 plus new affordable homes
  • Created a £25m grant funding scheme to grow businesses
  • Grown work-ready talent pools for all our key sectors to drive economic growth

Improving connectivity

We want better digital and physical connections across the region, from professional networks, health services and leisure to employment and education. We want a transport system that is locally determined and fit for the future to help us get to the places we need to get to. At the same time, we want to reduce the need for travel by having more services located locally in communities.

To do this we are working on our 5 priorities for better buses to improve everything from reliability to value for money and will be investigating taking the bus network back under our control. We are campaigning for improvements to rail infrastructure and are actively exploring innovative transport solutions that not only improve connectivity but also reduce the environmental impacts of travel.

Here are some examples of what we have already achieved:

  • Over 99% of the area has access to broadband internet, with 70% of the region having access to gigabit broadband internet
  • We subsidise 70 of the 110 bus services within the Combined Authority region to keep people connected to work, education, leisure and essential services

By 2025 we aim to have:

  • 85% of the region with access to gigabit broadband internet

Together with our partners, by 2025 we will have contributed to:

  • Number of people killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents reduced to 300 or fewer

Ambitious skills and employment opportunities

We are working with our partners to create a world-class post-16 education system which ensures we can meet the needs of businesses looking for highly skilled workers now and in the future. We believe this will help us create a globally competitive local economy that offers well-paid, good quality jobs to our communities.

To do this we are working with businesses to increase the number of high-quality apprenticeships available for our young people. Through the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Careers Hub, we are providing advice and guidance as well as lifelong learning. We are also improving our education offer, particularly in areas such as the Fens, and we are implementing a Health & Work Strategy to address economic inactivity.

Here are some examples of what we have achieved:

  • Over 19,000 people enrolled into Adult Education and over 700 apprenticeships funded through Combined Authority investment

By 2025 we aim to have:

  • Created joined up talent pipelines into all our key sectors, creating sector-specific and work-ready employees to meet industry needs 
  • Continue to promote apprenticeships so that apprenticeships are seen as an equal route into work as university

Together with our partners, by 2025 we will have contributed to:

  • Increase in the proportion of people from less advantaged backgrounds who benefit from degree level apprenticeships

Enabling Resilient communities

We are providing our communities with the tools to be resilient, whether that means coping with environmental or climate changes or financial or social crises, we want our area to be a great place to live and work for all residents.

We are doing this by leading on the delivery of the Climate Action Plan for the area, including supporting businesses transitioning to a net zero economy and improving local biodiversity. In the Fens, we are supporting sustainable agriculture, and we are helping more homes to be retrofitted to save on energy bills. We are also improving our high streets to make them more attractive to visitors.

What we have achieved:

  • Over 3,500 homes retrofitted across the South-East of England

By 2025 we aim to have:

  • Continue to retrofit homes across the South-East of England

Together with our partners, by 2025 we will have contributed to:

  • Reduced total annual net CO2 emissions to under 5000 ktCO2
  • Reduced total CO2 from transport
  • Fewer households in fuel poverty

Achieving Best Value and High Performance

Through all our work we want to provide the best possible value for taxpayers. That means we are always improving by being economic, efficient and effective.

We are doing this by ensuring the books are balanced, embedding a culture of continuous improvement, reviewing plans and strategies for the region, supporting the Mayor’s office and managing performance.

Heading Arrow IconHAVE YOUR SAY

Why your views matter

We will feed back the findings from our consultation to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Members of the Combined Authority Board as part of the evidence they will use to help them come to a decision about the Corporate Plan, Medium Term Financial Plan and Mayoral Precept.

What happens next

This consultation closes at 13.00 on Thursday 11th January 2024.

We will report the findings of this consultation to the Combined Authority Board in January 2024, where the Board will consider the Corporate Plan, Medium Term Financial Plan and Mayoral Precept at its meeting on Wednesday 31st January.


To request a paper version of the consultation pack please email your name and address to comms@cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk. You can also email your views and comments on our proposals to this email address. If you wish to post your comments or views please send to the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority 2nd floor, Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE29 3TN.

Heading Arrow IconFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BUDGET CONSULTATION

  • What is the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA?)

    On 3 March 2017, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority was established as a Mayoral Combined Authority for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area. The mission of the Combined Authority is to make life better, healthier, and fairer for all. The Combined Authority works with our local councils, the Business Board (Local Enterprise Partnership), local public services, Government departments and agencies, universities and businesses to grow the local and national economy.

  • And what is its role?

    The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) is a local government authority responsible for growing the economy, improving skills and job prospects, overseeing public transport, enhancing digital connectivity, building housing, and addressing climate change in the region.

  • Who makes the decisions?

    It is made up of a directly elected Mayor and the following seven local authorities (referred to as the Constituent Councils) and the Business Board (Local Enterprise Partnership). The seven councils are Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Fenland District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, Peterborough City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council.

  • How was the Council Tax Precept determined, and how does it contribute to community development?

    The Council Tax Precept is determined through careful consideration of the budgetary needs. It contributes to community development by funding key initiatives outlined in the CPCA’s plans, such as improving bus services, supporting affordable housing, and fostering economic growth.

  • Can you provide more details about the proposed £36 Council Tax Precept for the next financial year?

    The proposed £36 Council Tax Precept for the next financial year is the equivalent £3 a month for a Band D household. It will fund initiatives outlined in the CPCA’s Five Priorities for Buses, including improving reliability and information. Read More about the Five Priorities for Buses

  • What are the key achievements of the CPCA in the last financial year?

    The key achievements include significant progress in affordable housing, tackling the impact of climate change, growing the economy and providing more jobs. The CPCA has also supported the opening of a new university in Peterborough. You can read more on the Budget Consultation page on the website.

  • How can I attend the Mayor's surgery events?

    We will soon be publishing dates and times for these meetings which will take place in the New Year. These meetings provide an opportunity to engage directly with the Mayor, share opinions, and contribute to community discussions.

  • How can residents and businesses participate in the budget consultation and share their views?

    Residents and businesses can participate in the budget consultation by attending the Mayor’s face-to-face meetings and filling in our survey form the Budget Consultation page on the website. You can also go onto the page and download a paper copy.

  • What is the Road to Better Buses Five Priorities for Buses, and how will it improve bus services in the region?

    The plan focuses on adding more buses, providing better information, ensuring reliability, offering high-quality buses, and delivering better value for money. This plan aims to enhance the overall experience of bus services across the region. You can learn more about this on the Bus Review Page

  • How can businesses contribute directly to the CPCA's initiatives?

    Businesses can contribute directly to the CPCA’s initiatives by actively participating in the budget consultation process. This involves providing valuable input on budget priorities that align with both business interests and community needs. Additionally, businesses can engage in collaborative projects and partnerships that support the CPCA’s objectives, such as fostering economic growth, improving public transport, and addressing climate change. Direct collaboration with the CPCA allows businesses to play a role in shaping the future of the community and ensures that initiatives are tailored to meet the collective goals of both the public and the business sector.