Devolution for Greater Lincolnshire region appears to be a step closer

A major devolution deal for the greater Lincolnshire region appears to have moved a step closer following public consultations.

Under the plans the area, including both North and North East Lincolnshire, would receive greater powers overseen by a directly elected Mayor plus more funding.

The result of a consultation saw a small majority of the public backing the proposals but there were doubts about the Mayor idea.

Councils will now vote on the next stage but with the survey showing a majority of people backing the general idea it's thought they'll back the proposals.

There was an initial agreement last year with the Government for extra powers and funding transferred from Westminster to Lincolnshire.

This is a great opportunity for us to be masters of our own destiny

It's thought that will mean it will allow powers to allocate funding for the likes of adult education, transport and business growth.

Consultations on the proposed deal and the survey have now taken place.

Leader of Lincolnshire County Council Cllr Martin Hill said: “All three councils see this as a great opportunity to be the masters of our own destiny and not be left behind when it comes to government investment."

"I’m really grateful to all those who took part in the consultation."

"There was some incredibly useful feedback that was given including innovative ideas that can be taken forward as part of the work that will now be done."

“As part of the deal we have a one-off capital fund of £20m from the government to spend on projects in Lincolnshire that meet our devolution ambitions."

The Government has made it clear a Mayor is a requirement of the deal

"This is for projects that are within our remit and that we can deliver over the next year.”

"The results showed that the majority of people supported the objectives of the devolution deal, but there was less positivity about having a new body to oversee these powers, headed by an elected Mayor.

Cllr Martin Hill continued: “The government have made clear that a Mayor is a requirement of the deal, so given that there is support for what devolution hopes to achieve, especially amongst the business community, the recommendation is that there is enough support to proceed.£

“In response to the feedback we’ve had from the consultation, we’re including Mayoral question time sessions in the devolution arrangements.

"These would take place throughout the year and members of the public will be able to directly scrutinise the work of the combined authority.”

Survey shows some support for the plans

More than 4,000 responses were given to the public consultation and the overall responses were as follows:

• 53% agreed with the proposals relating to new jobs and business growth, 32% disagreed, and 15% did not know or were neutral.

• 57% agreed with the proposals relating to education and training, 31% disagreed, and 12% did not know or were neutral.

• 57% agreed with the proposals relating to roads, buses and transport, 33% disagreed, and 10% did not know or were neutral.

• 48% agreed with the proposals relating to homes and communities, 37% disagreed, and 14% did not know or were neutral.

• 57% agreed with the proposals relating to the environment, 31% disagreed, and 12% did not know or were neutral.

• 39% agreed with the proposals relating to governance, 49% disagreed, and 13% did not know or were neutral.

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