Lincolnshire lobbies Government on becoming investment zone

The Government's being asked to rethink its decision not to include Lincolnshire on the list of areas to become "investment zones".

Last week ministers revealed 38 places where proposals would be discussed for tax breaks and fewer regulations.

They included both Northern Lincolnshire Councils and Nottinghamshire County Council but not Lincolnshire.

County Councillor for Lincolnshire's economic development Colin Davie has written to the Government making the case for them to be included.

Investment Zones would be likely to receive tax benefits and loosened planning laws which would make development easier.

Business for the first ten years could benefit from reduced business rates, capital allowance and national insurance contributions.

We spoke to Councillor Davie about the situation.

He told us: "The zones would enable us to deliver much more investment with all the benefits that go along with it,”

“I have formally written to Government expressing my view that Greater Lincolnshire should be classed as one Investment Zone."

“The Government is looking for specific local sites within the wider areas.

"We already have three food enterprise zones which would fit the bill."

“There’s also the potential for Investment Zone for the defence industry around Lincoln and North Hykeham which could attract international interest."

“These are early days – most of the 38 councils have only been speaking with the Government since the business resumed after the Queen’s funeral."

"It would obviously get projects moving faster, jobs created and more local wealth cascading into the area and that's got to be a good thing"

"We need to be investing in the future and that means spending significant amounts of money in good infrastructure for Lincolnshire."

"I would like to see the Government make a commitment to give us more money locally."

• Lincolnshire