A historic devolution deal is set to bring new powers and millions of pounds of extra cash to Greater Lincolnshire, creating more well-paid jobs, improving roads and driving prosperity and living standards.
The leader of North Lincolnshire Council has welcomed the Government’s announcement of the landmark deal for the 1.1m residents across Greater Lincolnshire.
Devolution would mean £24m of Government funding would come to the area every year for 30 years, along with a raft of additional powers and responsibilities.
North Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Rob Waltham, united with his fellow leaders, Cllr Martin Hill (Lincolnshire County Council leader) and Cllr Phillip Jackson (North East Lincolnshire Council leader) in welcoming the announcement.
Cllr Waltham said: “It is brilliant to see this once in a lifetime devolution deal announced, which will help Greater Lincolnshire compete on the national and international stage.
“Devolution is levelling up. If we want Lincolnshire residents to get more money – and there is hundreds of millions of pounds on the table – if we want to be able to make more decisions locally, then devolution is the way forward.
“It will create new jobs, provide better outcomes and put local people in charge of money that is currently spent from London.”
The focus of the deal is designed to create new jobs and attract new businesses, supercharge skills, revolutionise transport across the whole of the county, and build new homes, while protecting existing communities and enhancing the environment.
Cllr Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said:
“This day is of huge significance. It represents a future of collaboration, bringing with it local and direct control of the things that really matter to the 1.1million residents of Greater Lincolnshire who this proposed new deal is for.
“Devolution means we can invest funding into priority projects like improving transport links and regenerating areas that need it. We’d also have a stronger voice with government about investment and services for our area.
“The proposal includes transferring the Government’s adult education budget to us locally so we can ensure courses are available for the skills our residents want, helping them get skilled, high wage jobs.”
Crucially, the deal will bring more power and more money into Lincolnshire, with leaders committed to using this to create better outcomes.
Cllr Phillip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said:
“Together, we share a united vision to help create the very best opportunities for our respective council areas, and for Greater Lincolnshire as a whole. There is no doubt that this proposed devolution deal is set to provide that.
“We are delighted and now wish to take everyone on a journey which we believe is the right one for us all.”
Welcoming the announcement of the deal, The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said:
“This historic devolution agreement between Government and Greater Lincolnshire marks a step change for Levelling Up in the region. For a long time, I have believed that Greater Lincolnshire should have the powers and devolved budgets that other areas in England have been benefitting from and I am thrilled to be able to bring that about in Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.
“Greater Lincolnshire has a rich history and a unique place in the future success of our nation, from its world-leading offshore wind energy sector in the north to its agricultural heartland in the south. By taking decisions out of Whitehall and putting them back in the hands of local communities, this deal will enable Greater Lincolnshire to unleash its full economic potential.”
With the devolution deal announced, full council meetings will take place to consider a proposal and to launch a public consultation.
If the councils approve the proposal, residents will then be able to have their say through a survey and a series of public events.
If the deal is implemented, a new Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) would be created as soon as May 2025, with an elected Mayor acting as the voice of residents to deliver on the priorities that matter on the ground in their communities.
To find out more about what devolution could mean for you and your community, and for answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the North Lincolnshire Council website.
Pictured from left to right are Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Phillip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, and Cllr Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, holding the Lincolnshire flag
