Initial findings from a county-wide public engagement survey into the shake-up of local government show 70% of people are concerned that some areas might be overlooked if councils are reorganised.

Over 2000 people have already completed the online survey, which asks the public for their views on national Government plans to move towards a new system of local government, removing the current two-tier structure of district and city councils and county councils. Existing unitary councils including Peterborough are also included.

Businesses and other organisations are also being invited to have their say.

Cllr Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Residents are telling us loud and clear they want to keep the “local” in local government.

“Council services affect every single person in our district – whether you put your bin out, use the roads, have children in school, claim benefits or access social care.  

“They are central to our economy, housing development, infrastructure and environmental management.  

“Essentially, they bring together the strands that make up the fabric of your community, and your life.

“Yet we are hearing that 70% of survey respondents are concerned some areas may be overlooked if councils are reorganised. That is a significant number!

“I very much support the idea of unitary councils, which are simpler for the public to access, support economic growth and deliver much needed housing. However, we must make sure these large unitary councils in their quest for efficiencies are not introduced at the expense of overlooking what is important to local people and local communities. 

“For example, we currently offer drop-in sessions and help people with benefits. We also provide grants to parish councils, and our councillors know the local area they represent. Things like this are important to people and we must make sure they are not overlooked.

“This is the biggest shakeup of local government since the 1970s.  

“It is a once in a generation opportunity to make sure that what we come out with at the end is the best possible outcome for our residents, for businesses and for our communities.

“We need to hear your views to make sure we get this right – and take into account what is important to you.

“Please take our short survey – it only takes around 5 minutes to complete and at the end you have the option to say in your own words what you value about local council services and crucially what you think needs to be improved.”

More information and a link to the surveys is available on our website.