So it is your last chance to comment on this controversial proposal. It closes Tuesday 23 August.

This will, amongst other things, add a new layer of local government to our region and introduce a powerful elected mayor for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire. This will, initially at least, bring financial benefits to the city including a one-off funding of affordable housing in for the City.

Whilst the additional funding is welcome (e.g. some more affordable housing for Cambridge) it is hard to see why it is linked to the proposed new structure. Many are asking why do we have to agree to an expensive new mayor to get this overdue money?

Further the mayor will represent an area that gives an, almost certain, inbuilt Tory majority. This will making it effectively a Conservative Party appointee with limited democratic oversight.

There is more information and a link to the Consultation here.

The tone of the Consultation information, seems to me weighted in favour.
This is likely because the City Council has supported the proposal, presumably swayed by the bribe of a short-term gain of much-needed money for affordable housing.

I personally have deep reservations and have said so.
But whether you agree with me or not, do have your say before it is too late.
Paul Saunders

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