This Weeks Spotlight

Peterborough’s biggest decisions are happening in plain sight this week.

The council has signed off what it calls its most positive budget in more than a decade just as households are trying to work out whether energy bills are about to ease or spike again.

At the same time, a major national retailer has chosen Peterborough as one of only ten locations to launch a new store concept.

That isn’t random.

It says something about confidence in the city — and expectations placed on it.

So this week we’re asking:

• Who really benefits from the new council budget?
• Should you fix your energy tariff before April?
• Is Peterborough becoming a retail test-bed?
• And who pays when rubbish gets dumped on private land?

Let’s start with the decision that affects every household.

Most Positive In A Decade” — Stability Or Spin - Most Positive In A Decade” — But Council Tax Is Still Going Up 4.99%

Peterborough City Council has approved its 2026/27 budget and three-year financial plan, describing it as the most positive financial position in over a decade.

Households will still see council tax rise by 4.99%.

So the question becomes:

If this is stability, why are residents still paying more?

What The Council Says

The administration argues the budget closes previous funding gaps, strengthens reserves and avoids emergency financial measures seen in recent years.

Official documents reference improved stability and longer-term planning.

That matters especially in a city that has faced intense scrutiny over past financial decisions.

What Residents Haven’t Forgotten

Peterborough has been through:

• High-profile asset sales
• Borrowing controversies
• Questions over past investment strategies

• Ongoing public and police scrutiny relating to historic governance matters

Those investigations are public record.

And they shape how residents hear phrases like “balanced” and “positive”.

A David a homeowner in Hampton said:

“You can’t talk about stability without talking about how we got here.”

 

That’s the tension.

This isn’t about party politics.

It’s about trust and memory.

The Household Effect

A Band D property will now pay more per month — and while that may feel incremental on paper, it compounds alongside:

Mortgage payments
Energy costs
Insurance
Service charges

A trusted local mortgage adviser told us recently that buyers are now stress-testing monthly affordability more aggressively than two years ago.

Not because rates are spiking but because every outgoing is under review.

That includes council tax.

And that flows directly into:

Property affordability
Business confidence
Consumer spending

Which brings us to a harder question.

Property Psychology

“When council costs rise, buyers factor that into what they’re willing to pay.”

When council costs rise, sellers don’t always feel it immediately.

Buyers do.

A well-known local estate agent said negotiations this year feel more detailed. Buyers are asking:

“What are the running costs?”

“What’s the service charge?”

“What’s the council tax band?”

That’s a subtle but important shift.

Affordability conversations are becoming holistic.

Small Business Angle

For commercial premises, council tax shifts affect footfall indirectly.

An experienced local accountant explained that when households tighten spending, discretionary retail often feels it first.

That doesn’t mean decline.

It means pressure.

And pressure changes behaviour.

Investment & Financial Planning

An established local financial adviser told us that during periods of public sector reset residents tend to reassess:

Savings buffers
Debt exposure
Fixed vs flexible commitments

That’s not panic.

That’s planning.

Commercial Property & Development

Council stability influences private development appetite.

A commercial property specialist pointed out that lenders and developers pay close attention to local authority financial strength before committing to long-term schemes.

When reserves strengthen, confidence strengthens.

When scrutiny intensifies, caution rises.

Why This Matters Beyond Politics

Peterborough has experienced:

• Asset disposals
• Borrowing controversy
• Police investigations into historic governance matters
• Ongoing scrutiny of previous financial decisions

Those facts are public record.

So when council leaders describe the position as “most positive in a decade,” residents don’t hear it in isolation.

They hear it in context.

What Happens If The Budget Holds?

If the projections are accurate and reserves strengthen:

• Credit confidence improves
• Borrowing costs stabilise
• Planning approvals move faster
• Business investment feels safer

That’s the upside.

But the delivery matters more than the headline.

Because Peterborough isn’t judged on slogans anymore.

It’s judged on follow-through.

Have Your Say 

Do you think a 4.99% council tax rise is justified?

A) Yes — necessary for stability
B) Only if services improve
C) No — residents are already stretched
D) Unsure

Spring Is Coming — But So Are Vet Bills

Longer daylight means more walks, more mud, and more minor injuries.

Local trainers say this is the time of year when:

• Paw pad cuts increase
• Dogs eat things they shouldn’t
• Off-lead behaviour gets rusty

A local dog behaviour specialist Raimonda of Smarter Paws told us spring retraining often prevents bigger issues later.

“People wait until something goes wrong. March is when you reset.”

If you’ve slipped on recall over winter, now’s the time to tighten it back up.

If you are a pet lover sign up for our weekly Local Pet Insider newsletter where you'll find tips, competitions, helpful advice, articles and much more.

Tell Us What Your Think - Does your dog’s behaviour get worse in lighter evenings?

A) Yes — too much excitement
B) A little
C) No — angelic as ever
D) Don’t have a dog

How Will The Latest Energy News Affect You

From 1 April, Ofgem’s energy price cap is set to fall by around 7% for a typical household.

That sounds straightforward.

Bills go down.

But it isn’t quite that simple.

The price cap only limits the maximum unit rate suppliers can charge customers on standard variable tariffs. It does not guarantee that a fixed deal today won’t be cheaper or more expensive over the coming year.

And that’s why people in Peterborough are hesitating.

A homeowner in Werrington told us:

“If it’s dropping, why would I lock in? But if it shoots up again in six months, I’ll regret not fixing.”

 

That’s the dilemma.

What The 7% Drop Actually Means

Ofgem adjusts the cap quarterly based on wholesale energy costs.

The April fall reflects lower wholesale prices compared with previous peaks.

But:

• Markets remain volatile
• Global supply shocks still affect pricing
• Fixed deals now include exit fees again in many cases

So this is no longer a simple “cap vs fix” decision.

Three Things To Check Before You Switch

• Unit rate vs April cap level

• 
  Some fixed deals undercut the new cap slightly. Others don’t.

•  

• Exit fees

• 
  If you fix and prices fall again later this year, you could be locked in.

•  

• Account credit

• 
  Billions remain in supplier accounts nationally from customers who switched during the crisis.

•  

•  It’s worth checking you’re not owed money from a previous provider.

The Planning Angle

A local heating and renewables specialist told us that when energy markets stabilise, households start thinking longer-term:

• Boiler upgrades
• Smart thermostats
• Insulation improvements
• Solar feasibility

When volatility drops, planning increases.

At the same time, a local financial adviser pointed out that locking into predictable outgoings can make budgeting easier particularly for families already juggling council tax rises and mortgage reviews.

Energy isn’t just a utility decision.

It’s a risk decision.

The Bigger Question

Are you chasing the lowest rate or protecting stability?

There isn’t a universal right answer.

There’s only:

Your tolerance for fluctuation.
Your monthly buffer.
Your contract terms.

What are you doing before April?

A) Fixing now
B) Waiting for the cap drop
C) Already fixed
D) Still unsure

Before You Blame The Bill, Check The Boiler

As energy prices dominate headlines, local engineers say something much simpler is often the issue.

Poorly serviced boilers.

Blocked filters.

Thermostats set incorrectly.

A local heating engineer told us many spring call-outs aren’t breakdowns they’re efficiency losses.

“People assume prices are the only reason bills are high. Sometimes it’s the system.”

March is often when households realise their heating has been running harder than it needed to all winter.

A quick service can improve efficiency heading into next season and prevent emergency repairs later in the year.

It’s not dramatic.

But it’s practical.

Why Asda Chose Peterborough For Its New George Concept Store

Peterborough has been chosen as one of just ten locations nationally to relaunch Asda’s standalone George store concept.

In simple terms, that means the city is being used to test a refreshed version of the brand new layout, new merchandising, new retail approach.

Big national retailers don’t test new ideas everywhere.

They pick places where they believe there’s reliable footfall and steady spending.

That’s why this matters.

Why Here In Peterborough?

Retailers look at:

• How busy the area is
• What local households typically spend
• Whether the surrounding retail mix works
• How easy the site is to reach

If the numbers don’t stack up, they don’t invest.

Choosing Peterborough suggests the market is considered stable enough to trial something new.

That’s not hype.

It’s risk assessment.

What It Means On The Ground

For residents:

• A refreshed shopping experience
• Potential job security or additional roles
• More reasons to visit Brotherhood

For neighbouring businesses, increased traffic can mean more passing trade.

A local commercial property adviser told us:

“When a national brand upgrades rather than retreats, it sends a signal.”

 

That signal isn’t flashy.

It’s practical.

It says the area is worth backing.

The Broader Mood

At a time when council tax is rising and households are watching bills carefully, retail investment shows confidence in local spending power.

It doesn’t mean money is flowing freely.

It means the city is still seen as commercially viable.

And that matters for long-term growth.

The 10-Minute Spring Reset

Longer days are creeping back.

Which usually means two things:

You notice your skin looks tired.

And you promise yourself you’ll “sort it this week.”

Local beauty therapists say this time of year isn’t about dramatic change  it’s about small resets:

• Swap heavy winter foundation for lighter coverage
• Exfoliate gently (don’t attack your face)
• Add SPF back into your routine
• Hydrate more than you think you need

A local salon owner told us:

“People overcorrect in March. You don’t need a new face — just a refresh.”

 

If winter left you feeling dull, this is the month to reset not an overhaul.

 THE EASTER EGG REALITY CHECK - Are You Paying For Chocolate — Or Cardboard?

Easter eggs are back in full force across Peterborough supermarkets — but plenty of parents have noticed something.

They look big.

They feel light.

So we took a practical look at what’s on shelves this week.

Big Brand Staples

Cadbury Dairy Milk Large Egg

Still a go-to for many families but check the gram weight carefully. The shell often weighs less than you think, with the “extra” bar doing most of the work.

Kinder Surprise / Kinder Maxi Eggs

Popular with younger children — but you’re largely paying for the character appeal.

Galaxy Smooth Milk Egg

Often marketed as “luxury”, but again — weight versus price is key.

Supermarket Own-Brand

Asda Extra Special Easter Egg

Often comparable in size to premium brands, sometimes heavier in shell weight.

Tesco Finest Easter Egg

Generally positioned as quality-focused — worth comparing gram weight rather than just the look.

Aldi / Lidl Premium Range

Frequently praised for value per gram — though presentation is simpler.

The Real Test

Before putting one in the trolley, check:

• Total gram weight (not box size)
• Whether the “extra” bar inside is full-size or mini
• Multi-buy promotions
• Whether the same chocolate costs less in bar form

A mum Stacey from Stanground told us:

“It’s basically air and packaging. But try telling that to my six-year-old.”

 

Fair point.

Sometimes it’s not about value per gram.

It’s about the moment.

What’s your Easter egg strategy?

A) Big brand only
B) Best value per gram
C) Whatever’s on offer
D) Chocolate bars instead — better deal

Fly-Tipping In Peterborough: When The Victim Gets The Bill

Peterborough has previously featured in national coverage as one of the areas with some of the highest fly-tipping reports per capita.

That reputation didn’t appear from nowhere.

From rural lay-bys to industrial edges and farmland access tracks, illegal dumping has been a persistent issue locally.

But here’s the part many residents don’t realise:

If rubbish is dumped on private land, the landowner is usually responsible for clearing it.

Even if they didn’t cause it.

Even if they reported it.

Even if they’re the victim.

What The Law Actually Says

If waste is left on:

• A private field
• A farm entrance
• Commercial yard space
• Private access roads

The legal responsibility for removal typically falls on the landowner.

Local authorities generally remove waste only from public land.

That means farmers, small industrial unit owners and even homeowners with private access land can face:

• Clearance costs
• Legal disposal requirements
• Risk of further enforcement if it’s not removed

A landowner near Eye told us:

“It’s like being fined for someone else’s crime.”

 

That frustration is common.

Why It’s Hard To Stop

Fly-tipping often involves:

• Unlicensed waste carriers
• Rogue clearance operators
• Cash jobs with no paperwork
• Vans with cloned or obscured plates

And once the waste is there, proving who dumped it becomes extremely difficult.

Even if documents are found in the rubbish, enforcement can be complex and time-consuming.

The Cost Of Clearing It

Removal isn’t as simple as hiring a skip.

Waste must be disposed of legally.

That often means:

• Licensed waste carriers
• Proper documentation
• Hazard assessment (especially with construction waste)

A local waste contractor explained:

“If asbestos is mixed in, costs jump immediately. People underestimate how expensive proper disposal is.”

 

For some rural landowners, repeated dumping becomes a recurring financial burden.

What Residents Should Check

Before hiring anyone to remove rubbish from your home or garden, ask:

• Are they a licensed waste carrier?
• Can they show registration?
• Will they provide paperwork?

If your waste ends up fly-tipped and traced back to you, you can be held responsible.

That surprises people.

The Bigger Question

Why should the victim pay?

Some argue councils need stronger prevention funding.

Others argue enforcement penalties should increase further.

Peterborough’s past statistics show how difficult this problem has been locally.

And while reporting systems have improved, frustration remains.

Should councils cover fly-tipping removal on private land?

A) Yes — victims shouldn’t pay
B) Only in repeat hotspot areas
C) No — landowners are responsible
D) Not sure

The Vitamin D Gap Most Of Us Forget About

From October to March in the UK, sunlight isn’t strong enough for most people to produce enough Vitamin D naturally.

That’s geography, not opinion.

Which means by late winter, levels can dip especially if you work indoors, avoid midday sun, or don’t eat much oily fish.

Why it matters:

• Supports immune function
• Helps maintain bone and muscle strength
• Plays a role in mood regulation
• Particularly important for older adults and children

The NHS advises adults and children over one year old to consider a daily supplement of 10 micrograms (400 IU) during autumn and winter.

This isn’t about chasing miracle benefits.

It’s about avoiding deficiency.

A pharmacist in the city centre told us:

“Every year people are surprised how low their levels are by March.”

 

If you’ve felt more fatigued than usual this winter, it might be worth checking.

Small adjustments often beat dramatic overhauls.

City of Culture Bid: Pride, Eye-Rolls — And A Serious Opportunity

Peterborough’s bid for UK City of Culture status has gathered visible support this month.

Backers say it’s a chance to reshape perception, attract investment and spotlight local creative talent.

And that’s the positive case.

But let’s be honest.

For some residents, “Peterborough” and “City of Culture” in the same sentence still raises an eyebrow.

A lifelong resident in Paston told us:

“Culture? Depends what you mean. We’ve got it but we don’t shout about it.”

 

That’s the tension.

What Supporters Argue

Advocates say a successful bid would:

• Bring national funding
• Increase tourism
• Boost hospitality and retail
• Support local artists and venues

• Change external perception

Other cities that secured the title saw increased footfall and wider media attention.

For businesses, that’s not abstract.

It’s bookings.
It’s spending.
It’s visibility.

A local café owner put it simply:

“If it brings people into the city centre, I’m all for it.”

 

The Cynicism Isn’t Random

Peterborough has often been unfairly caricatured nationally.

Residents know that.

So when big branding exercises appear, scepticism is part of the local DNA.

“Let’s fix potholes before we fix image,” one resident commented on social media.

It’s not negativity.

It’s groundedness.

Why It Still Matters

Cultural confidence and economic confidence often move together.

If the bid generates:

• Events
• Investment
• Creative projects
• Youth engagement

Then it becomes more than a slogan.

It becomes infrastructure.

For hospitality, retail, commercial property and tourism-linked businesses, perception has financial consequences.

That’s why this isn’t just about theatre.

It’s about momentum.

Do you support Peterborough’s City of Culture bid?

A) Yes — time to change perception
B) Maybe — depends on cost and delivery
C) No — focus on basics first
D) Didn’t even know about it

🔎 LOCAL PULSE — WHAT PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT

School-Zone Enforcement Letters Landing

Parents at several primary schools have reported receiving warning letters after recent enforcement around yellow zig-zag markings.

This isn’t new.

What’s different is the consistency.

More patrols.

More camera monitoring.

More follow-up.

The frustration isn’t about safety.

It’s about space.

One parent near a Hampton primary put it bluntly:

“If there’s nowhere legal to stop within 200 metres, enforcement just feels like generating money from parents.”

 

That’s the big issue

Safety matters.

But so does layout.

We’re looking next week at whether school design not just driver behaviour is part of the problem.

Development Fatigue

Planning notices are appearing regularly across the city and surrounding villages.

Some residents welcome growth.

Others say infrastructure still feels stretched.

Road capacity and GP access remain recurring themes in community discussions.

Housing numbers are visible.

Service capacity is what people are watching.

WHAT’S ON — WORTH LEAVING THE HOUSE FOR

Asda’s Betting On Brotherhood

📍 Brotherhood Shopping Park
Store will open at 9am on Thursday 12th March.

Let’s start with something people might roll their eyes at.

“It’s just a clothes shop.”

Is it?

Maybe.

But when a national retailer chooses Peterborough as one of a small handful of locations to relaunch a new-look concept store, that’s not random.

That’s a boardroom decision backed by spreadsheets.

Footfall.
Demographics.
Spending patterns.
Catchment data.

Somewhere in Leeds or London, someone decided this city was worth investing in.

That’s interesting.

You don’t have to care about fashion.

But it’s worth noticing who thinks Peterborough still has buying power — especially in a week when council tax just went up.

Go and look. Judge it. See if it feels different.

Umami World Kitchen Is Coming to Queensgate

📍 Queensgate Leisure Extension (next to Odeon & Putt & Play)
Opening soon (2026)

Queensgate has confirmed that Umami World Kitchen, operated by the Cosmo Restaurant Group, is taking a 7,000 sq ft unit in the leisure extension.

That’s not a pop-up.

That’s a serious space.

It’ll sit alongside Odeon and Putt & Play — which tells you exactly what they’re aiming for: cinema, crazy golf, then food.

The concept?

All-you-can-eat.

But not just noodles and rice trays.

They’re promising:

• 100+ dishes
• Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, Italian options
• Street food counters
• A live teppanyaki station (made-to-order Japanese dishes)
• “Chef’s Specials” Monday–Saturday
• A Sunday carvery

That’s ambitious.

Buffets always split opinion.

Some people love the choice.

Some say if it’s unlimited, something’s being stretched.

The real question isn’t the sushi.

It’s whether Queensgate evenings have enough foot traffic to sustain a 7,000 sq ft dining space long-term.

That’s a big bet on people staying in the city centre after 6pm.

If it works, it strengthens the whole leisure extension.

If it doesn’t, it’ll be very obvious.

Either way, it’s more than just “another restaurant.”

It’s a test of whether Peterborough wants big-format dining back in the centre.

Ferry Meadows — Still The Best Thing That Costs Nothing

📍 Nene Park

Before anyone says “there’s nothing to do,” remember this:

You can walk around an actual lake for free.

No ticket.

No booking.

No surge pricing.

Car parking applies depending on length of stay, but compared to most family days out, it’s still the cheapest chill out in the local postcode.

Cycle paths are drying up.

Play areas are busy by late morning.

And yes — the coffee vans are back.

If you haven’t been since winter, go again.

It’s easy to forget what’s on your doorstep.

More info: https://www.nenepark.org.uk

Key Theatre — If You Want Culture, Use It , Don't Lose It

📍 Embankment Road

Spring listings include touring comedy and live performances.

It’s easy to say Peterborough needs “more going on.”

But venues survive on bums on seats.

If the comedy nights sell, they book more.

If they don’t, they don’t.

Simple.

If you’ve never been inside, it’s smaller than you think and that’s part of the charm.

Check Out Whats On Key Theater - Peterborough

Sacrewell “Eggstravaganza”

📍 Sacrewell Farm, Thornhaugh
Easter holidays (see event page for exact dates & times)

Yes, it’s called the Eggstravaganza.

And yes, the name is exactly what you think it is.

Sacrewell’s Easter event includes:

• An Easter trail around the farm
• Meet-the-animals sessions
• Activity stations for kids
• Outdoor space to run off chocolate levels

It’s not flashy.

It’s not a theme park.

It’s fresh air, animals and controlled chaos.

If you’ve got younger kids, this is one of those “they’ll actually enjoy it” days out.

And if it rains? Well. It’s a farm.

Full details and booking info here: Sacrewell Eggstravaganza

Oundle Market — The Anti-Queue Option

📍 Oundle Town Centre
 Thursdays

It’s not Peterborough, but it’s close enough.

Proper market stalls.

Real conversations.

No “unexpected item in bagging area.”

If you’re bored of supermarket routine, this feels different.

That’s the appeal.

Check out Oundle Markets 

That's Spotlight Locked For This Week

Council tax up 4.99% and people watching closely.

Energy bills supposedly dropping but no one quite trusts it.

Retailers investing at Brotherhood

.
A 7,000 sq ft buffet betting it can fill tables after 6pm.

Fly-tipping still landing on the wrong doorstep.

And a City of Culture bid that some are backing… and some are laughing at.

If you’ve read this far, you care about what’s happening here.

Not the press-release version.

The real version.

Next week we’re digging properly into school-zone enforcement  how much is being raised, whether layouts are part of the problem, and whether “safety” and “common sense” are actually lining up.

Forward this to someone who says nothing happens in Peterborough.

See you next week.

Peterborough Spotlight