Leaders urged to vote in favour of Greater Lincolnshire Devolution Deal despite residents’ mayor concerns

Concerns persist regarding the necessity of an elected mayor for the county, yet leaders are being urged to proceed with a plan for a major political shakeup.

Councils are now being urged to vote for the within the Greater Lincolnshire Devolution Deal, which could result in the transfer of powers and funding from Westminster to Lincolnshire.

The proposed deal pledges a substantial injection of at least £720 million into the area over the next three decades, with further potential deals and funding in the pipeline.

It aims to put more power into the hands of county representatives to address the needs of businesses and residents – taking a great lead on adult education, transport, business growth, and community development, for example. However, critics fear it will give people in Lincoln a greater say over affairs in the rest county and push places such as Grantham, Stamford and Spalding down the queue when it comes to investment while not delivering as many benefits as promised.

Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill, speaking on behalf of the involved councils, expressed gratitude for the extensive feedback from a recent consultation – saying the move is as an opportunity for councils ‘to be masters of our own destiny and not be left behind’.

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He highlighted ‘innovative ideas’ from residents, businesses, and organisations as being integral to shaping the future direction of devolution efforts in Lincolnshire.

However, while the majority supported the devolution deal, there was notable apprehension surrounded the new governing body, led by an elected mayor.

Of the 4,000-plus responses, 39% agreed with the governance proposals, while 49% disagreed, with 13% unsure or neutral.

Coun Hill said: “The government has made clear that a mayor is a requirement of the deal, so given that there is support for what devolution hopes to achieve, especially amongst the business community, the recommendation is that there is enough support to proceed.”

Plans are underway to integrate ‘mayoral question time sessions’ into the devolution arrangements.

“These would take place throughout the year and members of the public will be able to directly scrutinise the work of the combined authority.”" said Coun Hill.

An initial £20 million of capital funding will be allocated to roundabout works in Nettleham, Grantham's streetworks, flood prevention, Sandilands' Old Roman Bank repairs, the UK Food Valley business grant programme, and Sleaford Moor Business Park.

The decision-making timeline spans multiple council meetings, with each leader responsible for a final determination.

The timetable is:

- March 13: Full council meeting at Lincolnshire County Council

- March 14: Full council meeting at North East Lincolnshire Council

- March 15: Full council meeting at North Lincolnshire Council

For more information on devolution in Lincolnshire and detailed consultation results, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/devolution.

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