City’s neighbours’ options for future for local government.
As the government deadline looms for local authorities to choose how the greater Lincolnshire area is run, West Lindsey and North Kesteven councils have published their preferred options.
The government wants to replace the current system of counties and districts with unitary authorities to complement the newly devolved Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) with the region’s new mayor being voted for on May 1.
All the authorities need to submit their preferences for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) by Friday, March 21.
As reported yesterday City of Lincoln Council wants to enlarge its boundaries to take in part of West Lindsey and North Kesteven and include areas already naturally connected such as North Hykeham in the south and Nettleham in the north.
West Lindsey District Council has looked at two options – one similar to the city council’s in being based of the Central Lincolnshire plan that will also include Lincoln and North Kesteven. The other is a Northern Lincolnshire authority that will also take in North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, but leave out North Kesteven.
“We have always been clear that district councils are best placed to support their local communities. However, it’s important we are actively involved in discussions about local government reorganisation to ensure the best possible outcome for our residents,” said leader, Cllr Trevor Young.
"Therefore, we will engage constructively to ensure any future arrangements support local services, enhance democratic representation, and deliver real benefits for the people and businesses of West Lindsey."
North Kesteven District Council wants to become part of unitary authority with South Kesteven, South Holland and Rutland.
Council Leader, Cllr Richard Wright, said: “This is the most significant change to Local Government in a generation.
“The process that we are being asked to commit to is one that will fundamentally define how services are delivered in the future and who delivers them. In reaching the proposal that I am recommending to Council, we have considered all of the factors required by central government. These include population growth, economy, deprivation, council tax and other important factors such as place identity.
"Our approach has been data driven to shortlist what we believe is the best option to provide the highest quality services to the residents of Lincolnshire for many years to come.
“In preparing our interim proposal we have actively engaged with all other Greater Lincolnshire councils and recognise the essential need for ongoing engagement with residents, communities, businesses and stakeholders to inform our final submission.”
Statutory consultation on the LGR proposals will be held between January and April 2026 with a ‘go-live’ date scheduled for April 2028.