Government Announces Greater Lincolnshire Devolution Proposal

A devolution deal would mean £24m of government funding would come to the area every year for 30 years, along with additional responsibilities. The overall aims are to promote economic growth, put councils in charge of money that was previously spent from Westminster and take more decisions locally.

The proposal includes the set-up of a new body (called a Combined County Authority) to oversee these powers, that would include a Mayor elected by Lincolnshire residents. The existing councils would remain, and would continue providing the services they do now.

Until a Mayoral Combined County Authority was established in 2025, it’s proposed that Greater Lincolnshire would also receive £28.4m for capital investment in priority projects, next year.

Cllr Martin Hill, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said:

“This day is of huge significance. It represents a future of collaboration, bringing with it local and direct control of the things that really matter to the 1.1million residents of Greater Lincolnshire who this proposed new deal is for.

“Devolution means we can invest funding into priority projects like improving transport links and regenerating areas that need it. We’d also have a stronger voice with government about investment and services for our area.

“The proposal includes transferring the government’s adult education budget to us locally so we can ensure courses are available for the skills our residents want, helping them get skilled, high wage jobs.”

Following a formal signing of the proposal next week, full Council meetings will take place in the three lead authority areas to vote on the proposal. There would then be a public consultation across the whole of Greater Lincolnshire, before a deal was finally agreed. You can read the article in full here.

More information on the devolution process can be found on the government website or at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/devolution