I expected to lead this week's column with an update on the council's future as part of Local Government Reorganisation.
However, a decision on what local government will look like across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has now been delayed until the autumn.
The government needs more time to get the decision right and whilst this is disappointing, it is important that Whitehall has all the information it needs to decide on what is the biggest shake-up of local government for a generation and will impact residents of our city.
I can confirm that Option D remains our preferred option as it will ensure that our identity and significance as a rapidly growing city is protected and preserved, giving us a stronger, clearer, local voice.
Our seven councils have worked side by side to prepare for this significant change - and that collaboration will continue.
Rest assured that services will continue to run as normal up to the creation of the new authorities, known as vesting day, and after the new arrangements are in place. We want the transition to be as seamless as possible for everyone involved.
Last week I ventured north to Barnsley for a special tour of the town's Youth Zone, which is something we are actively planning for Peterborough.
The impressive facility, called Base71, offers young people a chance to try over 20 activities including football, boxing, climbing, creative arts, music and drama.
It's a place for young people to find mentors, confidants and guides who will empower and champion them, building connections that will pave the way for brighter futures.
I was highly impressed and seeing how many young people in Barnsley are actively benefiting from this facility has made me even more determined to realise our ambition for a Youth Zone in Peterborough.
Our plans are gathering pace – this week Cabinet was due to approve committing up to £410,000 from our reserves to further develop designs for a Youth Zone including entering into a grant agreement with OnSide Youth Zones Limited. This will see detailed designs drawn up and a planning application later submitted. A potential site for the Youth Zone has already been identified on the Embankment close to The Lido outdoor swimming pool.
Improving children's services across Peterborough has been a key goal for our administration ever since I became leader last year.
I'm delighted to report that we are making excellent progress, with Ofsted noting that significant improvements have been made since the authority was judged as inadequate in November 2023.
We received further positive news last week, with the council's Youth Justice Service (YJS) being rated as ‘Good’ by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.
The YJS is a multi-agency service helping children and young people who have broken the law and offering them vital support aimed at preventing re-offending.
Inspectors praised the service's strong, child-centred practice, skilled practitioners and effective partnership working to support children, victims and the wider community.
The inspection, which looked at work with children and victims, awarded the council an overall score of 10 out of 12. The service was rated ‘Outstanding’ for assessing children’s needs and risks, ‘Good’ for planning, ‘Outstanding’ for delivery, and ‘Good’ for work with victims.
The report also recognised significant progress, describing the YJS as child-centred and outcome-focused, with effective arrangements to support positive change and manage safety. Inspectors found children were supported by skilled practitioners with high aspirations, helping them recognise their potential.
This positive inspection outcome is a testament to the dedication, skill and compassion of our Youth Justice Service and the partners who work alongside them and I want to thank everyone involved.
It is also testament to the fact that this administration is making huge strides to set up our young people to be ready for the future and provide them with opportunities here, in our city.