Lincolnshire County, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire council leaders have responded to a government call for local government reorganisation (LGR). This was an expression of interest and not a detailed proposal.
Before Christmas, the government set out its intention for widespread reorganisation to get rid of ‘two-tier’ council systems, and made recommendations as to the size and structure of unitary authorities. Councils were invited to come forward by 10 January to be considered for the first phase.
In Greater Lincolnshire this would mean fewer councils, instead of having a county council, two unitary councils, and seven district councils.
The leaders are keen to work with government officials to progress opportunities, recognising that currently Greater Lincolnshire doesn’t meet the criteria for the priority LGR programme, but that the early adoption of devolution should not delay more efficient arrangements for local government.
Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Cllr Martin Hill, said: “The government is asking councils to come forward that want to be part of the priority programme for LGR and devolution. The request is aimed at those areas that do not have a strategic authority or that need reorganisation to enable devolution.
“Greater Lincolnshire’s devolution deal is already confirmed with the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority due to be formed imminently.
“Although we do not meet the criteria for the priority programme, we don’t feel our devolution deal should be a barrier to seeking reorganisation, in fact we are well placed to fast track reorganisation for Greater Lincolnshire.”
It is unclear as to whether there would be any impact on the May county council elections if Lincolnshire is chosen as an area to take reorganisation forward.
Cllr Hill added: “Giving residents the chance to democratically elect representatives for their local area is an important part of how councils are run. However, if the government decided to proceed now with LGR in Lincolnshire, it may not be a sensible use of taxpayer money to run county council elections this May. This is a government decision.”
Cllr Philip Jackson, the leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, is confident that both himself and his colleagues can work constructively to move North East Lincolnshire forward in a way that will achieve the very best for local residents.
“Our determined and constructive work with Government in recent years has achieved an extremely good outcome with the creation of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority and this can now continue as we look to work with the recommendations and very clear message to the entire local government sector set out in the white paper.
“North East Lincolnshire is achieving much as a unitary authority and a priority is that the people who live and work here benefit from continued delivery. I wish to reassure everyone that, if there is any change, we are determined to ensure that our area must continue to grow.”
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Devolution plans for Lincolnshire are well under way and a combined authority for the area will be up and running soon.
“We have responded to the Government’s agenda to reduce the number of councils. Our only ambition is to create efficient services that are responsive to local residents and provide value for taxpayers’ money. Devolution is a real opportunity to bring well paid jobs to the area and improve transport for residents across Lincolnshire.”
