"Historic moment" in step forward for Greater Lincolnshire devolution
A "statutory instrument" has been laid in Parliament, starting the process in Westminster
Officials say it's a "historic moment," as changes are a step closer, to the way key decisions affecting Greater Lincolnshire are made.
A statutory instrument has been laid in Parliament, starting the political process to create a new combined authority.
It will be responsible for transport, housing, skills and investment across the Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire Council areas.
It's likely to mean a first meeting of the Greater Lincolnshire County Combined Authority in the new year, with a mayor elected in May 2025.
"The chance to shape our area's future"
In a joint statement welcoming this latest news, authority leaders, Cllr Martin Hill OBE (Lincolnshire), Cllr Philip Jackson (North East Lincolnshire), and Cllr Rob Waltham MBE (North Lincolnshire), said: "As we move into this final Parliamentary process, we look forward to the new year and a 2025 that brings with it a new dawn for us all here in Greater Lincolnshire.
"The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority will give local decision makers the chance to shape our area’s future – building a stronger and more prosperous region for generations to come.
"With this will come better lifestyles of residents and wider opportunities for businesses."
Millions of pounds in funding
Officials say the introduction of devolution and the GLCCA will lead to a total investment pot coming directly into Greater Lincolnshire of £720-million over the next 30 years.
This includes an annual £24m Mayoral Investment Fund to invest in priority areas including jobs and skills; housing & highways, transport, business & infrastructure, and innovation and trade.
There is also an initial capital funding pot of £28m including brownfield funding for individual schemes across Greater Lincolnshire.
In North East Lincolnshire this will support the phase one development of a Grimsby Town Centre Transport Hub while in Lincolnshire a number of projects are already underway including road improvements to Old Roman Bank near Sandilands and drainage improvements at Kirkby on Bain.
Upcoming projects include roundabout works at Nettleham and streetworks in Grantham, a business grant programme within the UK Food Valley in South Lincolnshire and a grant to Sleaford Moor Business Park for the next phase of this low carbon business park.
In North Lincolnshire this will be used to unlock land in Scunthorpe, Brigg, and Barton-upon-Humber, enabling more homes to be built for older residents.