Residents say ‘No’ to mega council that could strip £50m from vital services – councillors unanimously back plan to protect North Lincolnshire

More than 12,000 residents – the highest response the council has ever recorded – shared their views on potential models for local government, a new report reveals.

Most respondents favoured North Lincolnshire remaining a separate unitary authority, citing local identity, accountability and the value of existing arrangements.

North Lincolnshire Council will now formally submit its proposal to Government on the future structure of local government in Greater Lincolnshire, after councillors unanimously approved the recommendation at a Special Meeting on 25 November 2025.

An independent study included within the submission concluded that merging North Lincolnshire with North East Lincolnshire would require up to £49m in one-off transition costs, take several years to implement and risk disrupting established partnerships in health, social care, policing and the wider Humber system.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “More than 12,000 residents took the time to share their views, and the message is clear – the majority want to keep North Lincolnshire as it is. Our job is to take that evidence seriously.

“Not only that, merging with our neighbours could cost as much as £49m and take years to implement – that is money that should be used to deliver for communities across North Lincolnshire, not be spent on unnecessary upheaval.

“At a time when families need stability, this is a measured, evidence-based case that puts residents first. We will continue to work constructively with Government and our partners across Greater Lincolnshire and the Humber to get the best outcomes for residents.”

The council’s submission brings together public feedback, service performance data, financial assessments and the views of statutory partners including NHS Humber & North Yorkshire, Humberside Police and Humberside Fire & Rescue.

It sits alongside the separate proposals submitted by North East Lincolnshire Council and Lincolnshire County Council, forming the complete Greater Lincolnshire response required under the Government’s process.

The proposal will be submitted on Friday, 28 November.

Cllr Len Foster, leader of the opposition, whose group backed the submission, said: “I welcome this comprehensive report, which clearly sets out the strengths of our communities and the need to protect effective local services across North Lincolnshire.

“It provides a well-evidenced case for safeguarding our local identity and ensuring that any future reorganisation works for residents rather than disrupting what already works well.

“As Labour Group Leader, I am committed to working constructively to ensure that the voices of our communities are heard and that the best interests of local people remain at the heart of every decision.”