‘A good position to get even more local powers!’ Is this the end for district councils as county chiefs 'broadly supportive' of a major overhaul of local government?

County chiefs are 'broadly supportive' of a major overhaul of the local government scene, which spell the end for district councils.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has today outlined plans to introduce a directly elected mayor for every region and incorporate district councils into wider authorities in a devolution white paper - a move that could be the biggest shake-up in more than 50 years.

Local Government Minister Jim McMahon has said the move could "save £2 billion" and would ultimately deliver more power to local decision-makers.

In Lincolnshire, there are currently seven district councils and one county council, which operate separately. Under these plans, there could be a single authority to deliver services.

The news comes after central government formally signed off on the devolution deal for Greater Lincolnshire in September, which is expected to bring £24 million per year to the region.

As part of the agreement, a combined county authority is being established, which would include a new mayor at the helm. An election for the mayor is set to take place on May 1, 2025.

Upon hearing the news, Coun Martin Hill (Con), leader of Lincolnshire County Council, stated: “Following these announcements, our devolution deal puts us in a good position to get even more local powers and investment for growth and improved services in Greater Lincolnshire.

“In terms of re-organisation, we are broadly supportive as it makes a lot of sense, will save a lot of money and be more efficient for people in Lincolnshire.

“Most of England now has unitary government that is working well.

“Having so many tiers of government creates unnecessary bureaucracy and cost. For example, it really makes no sense that one council collects all the bins and then pass the rubbish on to another council to dispose of it.

“These proposals will make change and reform quicker and easier.”

Multiple Lincolnshire district council leaders predicted that local re-organisation was going to happen.

Coun Ashley Baxter (Ind), leader of South Kesteven District Council, believed it was "inevitable" following a meeting in November.

At the time, he suggested that more councils could join together in a similar way to the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, which includes East Lindsey District Council, Boston Borough Council, and South Holland District Council, all working under one chief executive.

Boston Borough Council leader Anne Dorrian (Ind) shared similar predictions, telling members of its overview and scrutiny - environment and performance committee: “There was a leak of sorts published in The Times, which seems to suggest that the Government is very much looking at local government reorganisation, and there is a concern and worry it might actually get rid of district councils.

"I’m not saying they will, I’m just saying that is what people are worried about. I think if the Government were to go down that path, it could potentially take representation away from local people.”