Peterborough’s Combined Authority Mayor has called on the new Prime Minister to transfer greater powers to local leaders so the city can accelerate regeneration, improve infrastructure and attract investment.
Devolution and local delivery
Paul Bristow argues that the elevation of Andy Burnham — the former Greater Manchester mayor — to Downing Street highlights the potential of devolved leadership. Bristow pointed to Burnham’s record in Manchester, including moves on bus franchising, drawing business investment and skills initiatives, as evidence that local control can change outcomes.
“Give us the powers... and I’ll work with our partners to deliver the results.”
In Peterborough, the Combined Authority is already pursuing a local recovery agenda. A new Growth Board has been established to coordinate efforts between the Combined Authority, the city council, Homes England and the mayor, bringing together more than 30 investment sites under a single city-centre vision.
Mayoral Development Corporation proposal
Bristow emphasised that the Growth Board is a stepping stone towards his plan for a Mayoral Development Corporation, a vehicle he believes would speed up delivery by providing stronger powers and decisive governance for regeneration projects.
- Seek greater local powers to plan and deliver regeneration
- Co-ordinate investment across 30+ identified sites in the city centre
- Pursue a Mayoral Development Corporation to accelerate projects
The mayor contrasted Peterborough’s current settlement with the larger transport funding available to other city regions. He noted that Greater Manchester benefited from substantially greater transport funding and that Peterborough had been excluded from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement under the previous mayoralty.
Local partnerships and leadership
Local business and civic figures have been visible at recent Combined Authority events. Photographs from a meeting show the mayor alongside figures such as Shaun Grady, chair of AstraZeneca UK, and former footballer Dion Dublin, underlining the cross-sector interest in the city’s future.
| Initiative | Role |
|---|---|
| Growth Board | Co-ordinate investment sites and partners |
| Mayoral Development Corporation (proposed) | Provide powers to speed regeneration |
For residents and businesses, the practical implications are clear: the Combined Authority is seeking more autonomy and funding to tackle local priorities such as transport, housing and jobs. How the new national administration responds will shape the pace and scale of projects planned for Peterborough’s city centre.
Further discussions between local leaders and Westminster will be needed to convert the mayor’s proposals into statutory powers and finance. The Growth Board marks a co-ordinated start; the outcome will depend on negotiations with government and the terms of any future devolution deal.
