North Lincolnshire Council intends to not support proposals for local government reorganisation in Lincolnshire. This decision follows discussions with residents, parish councils and businesses, which revealed a clear lack of support for the proposed changes.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council intends to write to the Government stating the councils position.
Government proposals involved the potential creation of a single-tier ‘unitary’ super councils for the wider Lincolnshire area.
The governments agenda to reduce the number of councils was first suggested earlier this year.
Since that time, the council has engaged in further discussions with local communities, stakeholders, and Town and Parish Councils through their liaison group. Feedback from these discussions has made it clear that there is no appetite to abolish North Lincolnshire Council.
Councillor Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council said: “As leader of the council, I believe it is important that we listen to local residents, businesses and communities and take on board their views and concerns. The feedback we have received was clear that there is no support for a large council to take over North Lincolnshire, particularly if that council could see the end to initiatives such as free car parking in Ashby, Brigg and Scunthorpe, the imagination library scheme that provides books to young people, our successful community grant funding and block school and road investment across our area. Moving the council away from Scunthorpe could also weaken the support for our steel industry.
“We know that many residents value what we do here in North Lincolnshire and we are keen to make sure we continue to support our communities, making sure that we continue to create better paid jobs, invest in support for leisure and play facilities and to keep listening and working with local people.
“I have received support for this decision from our Members of Parliament who represent both main political parties. It is a fact that we are one of the highest performing councils in the country and we are keen to make sure that we build on this success.
“Our staff work hard to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community and this decision will enable them to continue to do so.
“Great things are happening locally and the thought that super councils could undermine this great work and ignore the views of our residents and communities is a distraction that we will no longer have.”
