The three upper tier councils of Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council secured an ambitious £750 million devolution deal with government on 22 November 2023.
The deal signifies unprecedented investment into the area and provides a catalyst for economic growth and improved outcomes for residents and people working in the area. This is a time of considerable opportunity for Greater Lincolnshire and this proposal is designed to unlock significant long-term funding and give local leaders greater freedom to decide how best to meet local needs and create new opportunities for residents and those who come to Greater Lincolnshire for work or leisure.
We are at the heart of delivering on vital national growth sectors – through the UK Food Valley, our Freeport and our market leader role in offshore renewables. At the same time, we have a clear focus on delivering against the Levelling Up agenda and transforming our city towns and resorts. Devolution is essential to complementing those initiatives through local powers, influence and decision making.
Below we take a look at what difference devolution could mean for residents in North Lincolnshire and answer frequently asked questions.
What is devolution and how does it work?
Devolution sees central Government transfer powers and money to regions across the country. This allows people who know their areas best to decide where money is spent.
This is already happening in Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, the Tees Valley and more recently, North Yorkshire. Devolution involves the creation of combined authorities – legal bodies that bring councils together to decide on agreed issues that cross boundaries.
Does this mean a merger of councils?
No. The three councils (Lincolnshire County Council and North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire Councils) and the seven district councils (East and West Lindsey, North and South Kesteven, Boston Borough Council, City of Lincoln Council and South Holland District Council) will work together with a mayor on projects and schemes which cross traditional council boundaries.
So, what is different and how would this improve things in Greater Lincolnshire?
A new set up would grow over time. For example, a deal in the first year would see money and control handed down in areas such as transport, skills and training, homes and communities, economic growth, and the environment. That will expand as the deal matures with more control of finances and power agreed with Government.
How does a combined authority work?
A combined authority has a board made up of representatives from councils, representatives from business and the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure a fair allocation of funding. This is more efficient than 10 different councils having to go to 20 different Government departments.
What does an elected mayor have to do with all of this?
The best deals come with a mayor – it is the very best way to ensure greater control over future local decisions and brings with it the most power and most money because it brings with it the greatest accountability. This person would be elected on four-year terms and be accountable to residents and ensure a stronger voice locally, nationally and globally for Greater Lincolnshire.
An elected mayor is not a replacement for the civic mayors or chairs, which are ceremonial roles, it is more like the US city mayors.
Will this mean extra bureaucracy and higher costs to taxpayers?
No. It will bring more money and power to Greater Lincolnshire.
Could deals be scrapped if the Government changes?
Setting up a combined authority requires legislation to be passed.
Part of any deal would commit the Government legally to longer-term funding provision, including a 30-year investment funding allocation. Both leading parties have also committed to the principle of devolution.
What happens next?
With the deal now proposed in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, full council meetings will take place in North Lincolnshire and the other two lead authority areas to vote on the proposal, and that it should go out to public consultation.
People will be able to access the full deal text, the proposal and further information about the impact on the councils’ websites.
A series of events are scheduled to take place across the area too, if the councils approve the proposal, so residents can go along to find out more. Further details about the consultation will be published.