Emma Howgego

The government is preparing to abolish Cambridgeshire’s two-tier local authority system and replace its seven councils with two or three new unitary authorities. Four merger options remain under consideration, each backed by different local councils and leaders, with arguments focusing on community identity, service efficiency and financial sustainability. Shadow elections for the new authorities are scheduled for May 2027, with full transition planned for April 2028, though judicial review requests from other counties could delay implementation.

Residents of the Bassingbourn Fields estate in Fordham plan to take over management of their neighbourhood after rising service charges from the developer’s management company. Led by homeowner James Greenall, residents unanimously agreed to form their own management structure, citing sufficient local expertise to handle maintenance. The move aligns with government proposals to make resident-led estate management easier. Bellway Homes attributed the creation of management companies to local authorities not adopting new developments, while officials have been asked to comment on the situation.