Opposition told there is no time to ask the public for its views on major political change for Lincolnshire in North Kesteven District Council meeting

One district council has said there is no time to ask for the public’s opinion on a major political reorganisation as the process continues at breakneck speed.

Lincolnshire’s 10 councils could be reduced to just two authorities in the biggest shake-up for 50 years.

Initial proposals will need to be submitted to the government next month, with the final details to be worked out by November.

North Kesteven District Council Independent group leader Marianne Overton had asked for a public consultation and a cross-party working group to shape the future of the area.

However, the leader says that the extremely tight timeline makes this impossible.

Details of the proposals will be shared at an extraordinary meeting scheduled for next month before they are formally submitted.

Coun Overton told a full council meeting last night (Thursday February 27): “This is the biggest change to local government since 1974, and a very dramatic change. We are all wondering how we influence it.”

She added: “Services are best provided by truly local councils which are sensitive to the needs of residents.

“We don’t want decisions being taken further away from residents, leading to less responsiveness and accountability.”

Other Independent councillors claimed that worried residents were asking them about rumours on the authority’s future, and there was a lot of confusion.

Council leader Richard Wright (Con) said the tight deadlines made consultations with the public impossible before proposals moved forward.

“We need to put together the submissions by March 11, hold a council meeting on the 18th, and make the submission on the 21st,” he told the meeting.

“There is no time for meaningful engagement with the public.

“We don’t know what shape the proposals will be – we literally wouldn’t know what to ask. I don’t agree with passing motions that have no meaning.”

All 10 councils released a statement earlier this week saying they were collaborating on the cross-Lincolnshire proposals.

Coun Ian Carrington (Con) added: “A huge amount of work is being done on an incredible tight timeline.

“Ten councils from different areas and political standpoints are working well together with enormous urgency.”

The government is aiming to create authorities of around 500,000 residents which would take on all the responsibilities of both district and county councils.

This would likely result in two councils for Greater Lincolnshire’s 1.1m residents – although government guidance says exceptions may be made for valid reasons.

What do you think? Should the public have more of a say in the future of the county? Post your comments below…