HL Deb 16 July 1996 vol 574 c805

Earl Ferrers rose to move, That the draft order laid before the House on 12th June be approved [23rd Report from the Joint Committee].

The noble Earl said: My Lords, I beg to move. This order implements the Local Government Commission's recommendations for Peterborough. Its primary effect will be that on 1st April 1998 the City of Peterborough will become a unitary authority. The rest of Cambridgeshire will retain the existing two-tier structure of local government.

We shall be making separate provision for ceremonial arrangements, under which Peterborough will be deemed to be part of Cambridgeshire.

There will be all-out elections to Peterborough City Council in May 1997, after which the order provides for the city council to return to its regular cycle of elections by thirds.

Moved, That the draft order laid before the House on 12th June be approved [23rd Report from the Joint Committee].—(Earl Ferrers.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.