Local Government Reorganisation is without doubt the biggest shake-up of local government in more than 50 years.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that it is causing a difference of opinion, not just locally amongst our own councillors, but across the whole county.
It is for this reason that five options are on the table for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and this week Cabinet met to decide which of the proposals we will be presenting to Government as our preferred option.
I can’t tell you what the decision was, as the deadline for this column is ahead of the meeting, but I can tell you that at a Full Council meeting last week a majority of members voted for Option D, the greater Peterborough footprint.
I have also made it clear that this is my preferred choice. There is a lot of merit in a Greater Peterborough authority which builds on our heritage but brings in new areas as well – a bigger authority but with Peterborough at its heart. My main consideration will always be that our city gets the focus and attention that it needs and can operate in a financially sustainable way.
At the recent Full Council meeting most councillors voted on the options after taking residents’ views into account. Unfortunately, this was not true of all members, with the Conservatives in the chamber deciding not to vote. It’s a shame because a simple choice was given - A or B - so why not vote?
All seven councils in Cambridgeshire will submit their preferred option on November 28 and we will keep you updated on progress.
Regular readers will know my passion for the Tiger Pass, which offers £1 bus fares for under 25s and is due to run until 31 March next year.
As an administration, we are flying the flag to extend the Tiger Pass beyond this date because of its transformative impact for many young people.
I recently attended a meeting with leaders of other councils and the Combined Authority where the Tiger Pass was discussed. I urged that the scheme should be extended and will not support any other option based on the benefit it brings to residents, the fact it reduces traffic and the positive impact it has on our environment.
With bus fares having increased recently from £2.50 to £3 following the end of the local bus fare cap, it’s vitally important that we support such schemes. Even small fee increases such as the 50p rise can have quite an impact for some people.
Over the coming days you may spot contractors carrying out work on the Queensgate roundabout. They are clearing low lying vegetation and completing surveys ahead of the main construction work for the Station Quarter project starting next year.
Known as City Link, this package of works will start first and aims to improve all types of connection between the railway station and city centre.
Despite only being a ten-minute walk from the station to the city centre, the route is not easy or welcoming for people to navigate with a maze of narrow pavements, dark underpasses and poorly lit areas. There will be lots of communications and advance notice for residents and businesses ahead of the major works starting in the new year.
The Station Quarter project is very exciting opportunity for our city, that's long been spoken about, but now its start is edging closer to becoming a reality.
Finally, don’t forget that our eagerly anticipated Christmas Lights switch-on is now just 24 hours away and I can’t wait!
The family friendly event runs from 4.45pm until 7.30pm with live music showcasing talent from across the city. Eastenders and Only Fools and Horses star, Steven Woodcock will begin the countdown at 7pm with a little help from Father Christmas Councillor Judy Fox, Mayor of Peterborough, and myself.
There are several other fantastic festive events to look forward to, including the Cathedral's first Christmas Tree festival which opened this week and runs until 7 January. Visit the Cathedral’s website for tickets.