Changes to your local government

The leaders of all ten greater Lincolnshire councils met last week agreed to work together on proposals for what local government reorganisation could look like for the region.

The government intends to change all remaining two-tier local authority areas in England and replace county and district councils with new unitary authorities.

The Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon, has written to all council leaders in two-tier areas and small neighbouring unitary authorities to invite them to develop these unitary proposals.

“We are committed to shifting power out of Whitehall and into our regions, ensuring local leaders have the tools they need to tackle local priorities and realise their areas’ potential as part of our Plan for Change,” said the Minister.

“Our Devolution Priority Programme will deliver that power at pace and I encourage local residents to be part of our ‘devolution revolution’ by contributing to these consultations.”

His guidance included the expected population of each new authority area and that consideration should be given to existing district boundaries and reducing disruption to vital care services. It also set out the timeline; interim plans should be submitted by 21 March 21, and more detailed proposals are expected by November 28.

Consultations with the public will be launched at a later date, but the Government has already given the go-ahead for the formation of Greater Lincolnshire (made up of Lincolnshire County, North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire Councils) and voters will be electing the region’s first mayor on May 1.

The Conservative Party’s candidate is Rob Waltham, who has been leader of North Lincolnshire Council since 2017. 

Labour’s candidate is Jason Stockwood, a businessman and co-owner of Grimsby Town FC. 

Andrea Jenkyns is standing as the Reform UK candidate. Jenkyns was a Conservative MP from 2015–24.

As of Friday, February 28, no other parties have announced candidate selections.

The mayor and the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) will hold devolved powers over economic development, transport, skills, and housing and planning. 

GLCCA will control an investment fund of £24m per year for 30 years.  The new mayor will be able to set a precept on council tax for mayoral functions and charge a business rates supplement for economic development projects.