Plans for a devolution deal with an elected Lincolnshire Mayor defended

Consultations are taking place on the possible agreement

Plans for a devolution deal with an elected Lincolnshire Mayor defended
Author: Andy MarshPublished 25th Jan 2024

We've been finding out about the proposed devolution deal for greater Lincolnshire.

It would include both the North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire regions.

The proposals would mean greater powers and investment locally and are currently being consulted on.

However as part of the deal there would need to be a directly elected Mayor to oversee the process.

That would be on top of the current system of councils.

It will be much better because currently money's been spent on our behalf down in Westminster

No district, unitary councils or Lincolnshire county council would need to be abolished.

Consultations are currently underway on the proposals.

It's the directly elected Mayor part of the possible agreement that seems to be a sticking point for many people.

We spoke to Phillip Jackson leader of North East Lincolnshire council about the deal.

He told us: "It will be much better because currently money's been spent on our behalf down in Westminster in London and what will happen is we'll get that money."

"We also get extra powers as well so we'll be able to make decisions about how we spend the cash."

Responses have been fairly positive

"Generally speaking from the feedback we've had so far - because the public consultation has been opened since before Christmas, since the beginning of December - and most of the responses are fairly positive but some people have doubts about whether they want an elected Mayor."

We also spoke to the Deputy Leader of Lincolnshire County Council Patricia Bradwell.

She says: "I think it's a big change and I think people are worried but actually I don't know whether people quite understand the financial gain of going down this route."

The elected Mayor issue has concerned some

"We're not doing it because it's the new thing in town - we're doing it because it will bring more funding into Lincolnshire."

"We're happy with the numbers of people we've been getting - we've had really good turnouts in Boston and Sleaford."

"It is important we hear what people have to say."

Some councillors have expressed opposition because they feel an elected Mayor would be an extra layer of bureaucracy.

Those in favour say they have to accept a Mayor because that's being laid down by ministers as part of the deal.

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