Cambridgeshire and Peterborough agree devolution deal

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough residents are set to get a greater say over how their area is run, following the announcement of a devolution deal today by communities secretary Sajid Javid.

The new deal includes fresh powers to create new jobs, improve skills levels, build more homes and improve transport. This will all be led by a new mayor who can represent the region throughout the UK and on the international stage. Residents will be able to vote for their new mayor on 4 May 2017.

The deal also comes with significant new funding, including £600m for economic growth and £170m for housing. The first payment is expected to be made within days. 

Commenting on the deal, communities secretary Javid said: “The people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough came up with an ambitious devolution deal which puts them in charge of decisions that matter to them. This multi-million pound investment into the region is proof that we’re backing Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with the resources they need. With powers over transport, skills and housing all coming to the area, I’d urge residents to head to the polls on 4 May and vote for their new mayor.”

The new devolution deal means the area will receive:

• Control over a new investment fund of £20 million a year over the next 30 years. 
• New planning and housing powers to manage planning across the region. This includes a £100m housing investment fund and an additional £70m ring-fenced for Cambridge City to meet its housing needs. 
• A devolved transport budget and transport powers to help provide a more modern, better-connected network.
• New powers over skills and in particular responsibility for the adult education budget in the region.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough devolution deal was agreed with the seven local authorities covering Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership. The authorities covered by the deal 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.

So far the government has agreed a number of devolution deals across the country and on 4 May there will also be elections for new mayors in Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, West of England, West Midlands and Tees Valley.