Home   Spalding   News   Article

Subscribe Now

South Holland and the Deepings MP Sir John Hayes does not feel there is appetite for a mayor




Good and bad news is contained within the devolution deal, according to MP Sir John Hayes.

The South Holland and the Deepings MP says he welcomes the additional funding worth £24million a year being brought into the county along with the retention of the district councils but he remains dubious about the introduction of a mayor.

Last week, the government announced a major political shake-up in years for the county with the introduction of a Mayoral Combined Authority with Lincolnshire County Council and the two unitary authorities in North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire having a greater say over responsibilities normally held by government.

South Holland MP Sir John Hayes
South Holland MP Sir John Hayes

Under the new arrangements the county would get an additional £24million a year for the next 30 years along with £28.4m for capital investment in priority projects in 2024.

Sir John – who has been an outspoken opponent to devolution and had previously branded it not a ‘sensible idea’ – does not feel there is much appetite with the public to hold a further set of elections bearing in mind recent turn-out for the local elections in May was just 19%.

He said: “I remain skeptical about the mayor and I know that is a view shared by my MP colleagues.

“It is another tier of government and these things start off having a small budget and entourage but they end up being hugely costly with a huge entourage.

“I am sure they are going to be based in Lincoln and can’t imagine they will be based in Spalding or Market Deeping.”

Sir John feels that the money spent in setting up the mayoral office could be better spent in the county – which has already proved it can attract government investment.

He said: “A mayor provides a conduit for funding but our county and district councils have already proved that they can do that pretty well in the last year in South Holland. Let’s work with what we have got but I am happy to have the money but I would like more.”

What do you think? Do you agree with Sir John? Post your comments below or email victoria.fear@iliffepublishing.co.uk



Comments | 7
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More