Tell us what you think

Option B will see the county split into Greater Cambridge in the south and a northern unitary, comprising the market towns of East Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Fenland, together with the economic powerhouse of Peterborough.

Cambridgeshire County Council functions will be divided across both unitaries.

This option is being supported by South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridge City Council and East Cambridgeshire District Council.

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Why we think Option B is best for East Cambs

Out of all the options being debated by councils, Option B is the clear front runner when it comes to meeting all government criteria, and best addressing future challenges and opportunities for the whole county - not just East Cambs.

Option B means the following for residents:

Better off financially

Option B is the most financially viable of all the options. Statistical analysis shows there will be more money, less debt, bigger buying power and bigger economies of scale. For residents it means Council Tax will be lower - meaning more money in people's pockets.

Happier, healthier lifestyles

The northern unitary would use its size to negotiate better deals for care services, while Greater Cambridge would work with cutting edge companies to develop better care technologies. By working in close partnership with the NHS, care services, community groups, sporting and lifestyle organisations we aim to keep people healthy and living independently for longer.

More jobs closer to home

People in East Cambridgeshire benefit from being in close proximity to Greater Cambridge, famed globally for technology, innovation and AI. Under Option B they will also be part of the northern economic powerhouse of Peterborough and its market towns, specialising in agri-tech, advanced manufacturing and fresh produce logistics. With each area playing to its strengths, both unitaries have a clear voice for attracting investment, which in turn leads to more upskilling and jobs.

Local community-based services

Size matters. Because the northern unitary is geographically larger there will be undisputed need for local satellite offices offering local services to communities. These areas will be supported by locally based staff and councillors who live and work in the same areas and know first-hand the communities they serve.

What is Option A

• Option A will see the county split in half
• East Cambridgeshire will join with the districts of South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City in the south
• there will be a northern unitary, comprising the market towns of Huntingdonshire and Fenland, together with the economic powerhouse of Peterborough
• Cambridge County Council functions will be divided across both unitaries
• this option is only being supported by Cambridgeshire County Council

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Why we don't think Option A is best for East Cambs

Option A draws East Cambridgeshire into its already established Greater Cambridge footprint. 

East Cambridgeshire District Council is concerned this will give power to the Cambridge Growth Company. This is an undemocratic government owned body which is tasked with finding space for up to 150,000 homes on top of what has already been allocated in Local Plans.

• all resources and focus is likely to be directed at Cambridge
• East Cambs risks becoming the building site for Greater Cambridge, which needs to accommodate 150,000 new homes
• residents are likely to lose local control of where houses are built to the Cambridge Growth Company, which has been set up by the government to advance the development of Cambridge
• residents will pay the highest amount of Council Tax
• rural and local voices could be lost in a desire to become Cambridge-centric
• close proximity to Cambridge means council offices and services could close
• Option A does not have the support of any district councils