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Cambridgeshire/Peterborough Consultation

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We conducted a study to find out the impact of devolution on Cambridgeshire/Peterborough. We collected the opinions of the residents of the region, various organisations, and businesses. We conducted the study using online, telephone, and email surveys. Most people seem to agree that a Mayoral Combined Authority would be of great benefit to the region. It will make it possible for the local leaders to join efforts and help the region to meet its economic ambitions including better transportation and housing, public service and the introduction of institutions to teach new skills. The combined authority will offer strong governance which will make I possible to meet the set objectives.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are already well-known for collaboration between local authorities, the public service delivery organisations, and Local Enterprise Partnership when it is time to discuss matters affecting the area. If the system of governance changes, it will facilitate stronger and more efficient ways to assign economic responsibilities. A Mayoral Combined Authority must be able to deliver ways of solving issues that affect the local community rather than the entire country. The authority must have a long-term strategic focus to achieve its objectives.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are within a market area that is covered by the same Local Enterprise Partnership. It has connections to Norfolk and Suffolk and other areas that may facilitate the growth of the area. Through devolution, they can take advantage of this fact to achieve their financial goals. As it is, they have poor transportation networks. An integrated transport network may be good for the economy. It may help to reduce the pressure on its current usage.

From our research, it is clear that there is a need for governance at the level where the local economy works. It may not be possible to improve the economy without considering the direct economic challenges of the local communities. A Mayoral Combined Authority, according to our findings, could be the solution if it is provided with the right support and resources.

The Mayoral Combined Authority will have a strategy for reducing bureaucracy. It will not just be another set of politicians looking out for their personal gains. Instead, it will be a chance to improve coherence in the region. It will be a body empowered with the right resources to help the region achieve its economic goals. It will use the existing delivery mechanisms including individual councils, council partnerships, or agencies to meet these goals. The authority will come up with structures to improve coordination in public service reforms in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The authority will use advocacy and intelligence functions.

The Mayoral Combined Authority will help to achieve a clear platform for the efficient and timely implementation of statutory functions. It will ensure that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough work in close collaboration with the central government to achieve their objectives. The authority will strengthen joint-working between the current authorities in economic, health, public service, and more issues. It will give the area an improved chance of benefitting from devolution and the ability to negotiate for more beneficial responsibilities and budgets from the central government.

Even though the original deal for devolution was not successful, the new deal seems to be more promising. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have finally managed to come to an agreement. This, however, does not mean that the problem is entirely solved. From the consultations, the residents still appear to be confused about the extent of powers the devolved government will hold. Others are not pleased with the mayoral position. If the local authorities stay committed to the course, this journey that has so far been one step forward, two steps backwards may finally come to an end.

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