Council leaders meet for first time since devolution is agreed

Leaders of the seven Cambridgeshire councils, i ncluding Peterborough City Council, met publicly for the first time since a devolution dealforthecountywasagreed.

The‘shadowcombinedauthority’ – a precursor to a new combined authority which will begin next year – met yesterday at the Future Business Centre at the Peterborough United ground in London Road.

The first meeting saw Cllr Steve Count, leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, unanimously approved as the chair of the shadowauthority.

He will be replaced by the county’s first elected mayor in May.

Peterborough City Council leader Cllr John Holdich was also appointed as a vice chair of the authority until May 2017, while it was agreed to advertise for a chief executive for the new combined authority. Thenewauthoritywill have hundreds of millions of poundstospendonareassuch as housing and transport, but there are fears that Peterborough will be a poor relation next to the other councils.

However, Cllr Peter Topping, leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “It’s very important Peterboroughhasarecognisable seat at the top table.

“We in the south of the county regard Peterborough as a distinct but included part of this enterprise.

“I particularlylookforward to working with people in Peterborough.”

The shadow authority will haveits nextmeetingonJanuary 31.

The first Shadow Combined Authority meeting took place at theFuture Business Centre in Peterborough’s ABAX stadium.

South Cambs District Council leader Peter Topping.

Steve Count, chairman of the shadow authority.

Ely businessman Peter Dawe watched the meeting.

Peterborouh City Council leader John Holdich.