A landmark devolution deal – set to bring new powers and millions of pounds of extra cash to Greater Lincolnshire – took a huge step forward today, as proposals were signed during a high level ministerial visit.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, welcomed the Parliamentary Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Jacob Young to Scunthorpe, before uniting with his fellow Greater Lincolnshire council leaders, Cllr Martin Hill (Lincolnshire County Council leader) and Cllr Phillip Jackson (North East Lincolnshire Council leader) to sign the proposed devolution deal in a ceremonial event held at the town’s Visual Arts Centre.
Following the visit, Cllr Waltham said: “It was brilliant to welcome Jacob to Scunthorpe on what is a momentous day for Lincolnshire and the 1.1m people who call it home.
“Devolution is levelling-up. It means millions of pounds – currently sitting in London – will be spent in Lincolnshire, for Lincolnshire, on the priorities that matter to residents who live here.
“From creating well-paid jobs, to revolutionising transport infrastructure, devolution will bring huge benefits to people’s lives.
“On a personal note and speaking as someone who was born and raised in Lincolnshire, it has been an incredibly special day – a day to celebrate everything that makes our county great, as we look to a prosperous future full of opportunity.”
Devolution would mean £24m of Government funding would come to the area every year for 30 years, driving prosperity and living standards.
Parliamentary Secretary of State for Levelling Up Jacob Young, said:
“It’s fantastic to be here in Lincolnshire today announcing our devolution deal for the Greater Lincolnshire area. It comes alongside extra funding, more powers and a new directly elected mayor for the Lincolnshire area. I know it’s going to have a dramatic impact across the whole of the Lincolnshire County.”
Greater Lincolnshire Council leaders meet the Parliamentary Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Jacob Young, to sign devolution proposals
With the devolution deal proposals now signed, full council meetings will take place to consider a proposal and to launch a public consultation.
If the councils approve, 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.
Featured image shows, from left to right, Cllr Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Jacob Young, Parliamentary Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council and Cllr Phillip Jackson, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, pictured signing devolution deal proposals in Scunthorpe.
