Residents of North Lincolnshire are being urged to speak up as the Government considers major changes to local councils. The proposal could see North Lincolnshire Council replaced by a much larger “super council” covering areas such as Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Gainsborough, Louth, and Skegness.
This reorganisation is not part of a devolution deal but a separate process that could shift control of vital services – including support for vulnerable children and adults, bin collections, parks, and leisure – to a new, centralised authority.
North Lincolnshire Council currently delivers services rated among the best in the country, especially in Children’s and Adult Social Care, which makes up around 80% of its spending. Residents also benefit from a wide range of local services, including:
• Free car parking
• Free Easter and summer holiday swimming for children
• Monthly free books for under-fives
• Free garden waste collections
• Well-supported libraries
• Extra support for older people and families
• Generous bus pass schemes for students, older people, and people with disabilities
• Significant investment in leisure facilities
• Local community grants
• Council tax levels well below the national average.
There is no guarantee these valued services would continue under a new super council.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are incredibly proud of the support we provide for our local residents. This support reflects our deep understanding of local needs and our commitment to delivering quality. A larger, centralised authority could weaken that local knowledge and responsiveness, putting at risk the community-focused initiatives that make North Lincolnshire unique.
“We’ve seen this before – when Humberside County Council made decisions for our area from Beverley. Local people rightly said no then, and they deserve to have their say now. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of how our communities are governed.”
A survey will be sent to every household, business, and voluntary organisation. It is available online and at all council venues.
This marks the biggest shake-up of local services in nearly 30 years. North Lincolnshire Council urges all residents to get involved and ensure their voices are heard.
