Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
Name	Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority
Formation	2017
Type	Combined authority
Status	Active
Headquarters	Huntingdon
Region served	Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Leader title	Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Leader name	Nik Johnson
Website	https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority. It is a combined authority established in March 2017, following a devolution deal agreed between the UK government and local councils. The authority covers the geographic area of the county of Cambridgeshire and the unitary authority of Peterborough, with its headquarters located in Huntingdon. Its creation was driven by a desire to coordinate strategic planning, economic development, and transport investment across the region, with powers devolved from Whitehall.

History

The formation of the authority was the result of a devolution agreement signed in 2016 by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, and local leaders including the former Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, Steve Count. This deal was part of a broader national policy of creating metro mayors and combined authorities, such as the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the West Midlands Combined Authority. The first mayoral election was held in May 2017, which was won by the Conservative candidate, James Palmer, who defeated Labour's Kevin Price and others. The authority formally assumed its powers later that year, inheriting some functions from the former Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership.

Governance

The authority is governed by a board comprising the directly elected Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and one representative from each of the seven constituent councils: Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Fenland District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, Peterborough City Council, and South Cambridgeshire District Council. The mayor, currently Nik Johnson of the Labour Party who defeated James Palmer in the 2021 election, holds significant executive powers, including a veto over the authority's spatial development strategy. Key decisions are made through the Combined Authority Board, with scrutiny provided by an overview and scrutiny committee, and audit functions overseen by an independent audit and governance committee.

Functions and responsibilities

Its core functions, devolved from central government, include strategic planning through a Spatial development strategy, adult education and skills funding, and responsibility for the region's Local transport plan. The authority oversees a consolidated transport budget, managing key routes like the A14 road and A47 road, and has powers to franchise bus services. It also leads on housing and infrastructure investment, aiming to deliver new homes across the region, and funds business support programs through its growth and regeneration portfolio. The authority works closely with entities like the University of Cambridge and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group on broader economic and social initiatives.

Funding and finance

The authority's funding is derived from a combination of a yearly central government grant, specific investment funds allocated through the original devolution deal, and locally generated revenue. A key component is the Gainshare fund, a £600 million investment over 30 years from HM Treasury for infrastructure and housing. Additional financing comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, borrowing powers, and retained business rates growth through business rates retention schemes. Major projects are often funded through partnerships with organizations like the Homes and Communities Agency and the European Investment Bank.

Major projects

Notable projects include the development of the Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro, a proposed mass transit system connecting Cambridge, Huntingdon, and other towns, though this project has been significantly revised. The authority is also involved in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc spatial framework initiative. Other significant investments include the University of Peterborough project, improvements to the A10 road and A141 road, and the Fenland rail link study. It has allocated funds for town centre regeneration in places like Wisbech and St Neots, and oversees the delivery of affordable housing schemes across the region.

Criticism and controversies

The authority has faced criticism over the pace and cost of its flagship Cambridgeshire Autonomous Metro project, leading to a major review after the 2021 mayoral election. There have been political tensions between the mayor and constituent councils, notably Cambridge City Council, over housing targets and the spatial development strategy. Its governance and decision-making processes have been scrutinized by bodies like the National Audit Office and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review. Further controversy has surrounded funding allocations, with perceptions of imbalance between Cambridge and more rural areas like Fenland, and debates over the effectiveness of its adult education budget management.

Category:Combined authorities in England Category:Local government in Cambridgeshire Category:Organisations based in Cambridgeshire Category:2017 establishments in England