Proposed devolution deal announced for Greater Lincolnshire
It was revealed as part of the Chancellors Autumn statement
A proposed devolution deal's been announced for Greater Lincolnshire as part of the Chancellors Autumn statement.
If approved it would see £24 million pounds of Government funding each year for 30 years for the area.
As well as additional responsibilities which would see a new body set up to oversee the new powers there would also be an elected Mayor.
The deal includes Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire and the Council leaders have been working on the proposal with the Government which has now been finalised.
It 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.
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.
North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson joined his fellow Leaders , Cllr Martin Hill OBE (Lincolnshire County Council Leader) and Cllr Rob Waltham MBE (North Lincolnshire Council Leader), in warming welcoming today’s announcement:
He said “Together, we share a united vision to help create the very best opportunities for our respective council areas, and for Greater Lincolnshire as a whole. There is no doubt that this proposed devolution deal is set to provide that.
“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 1.1-million residents of Greater Lincolnshire who this proposed new deal is for. We are delighted and now wish to take everyone on a journey which we believe is the right one for us all.”
If approved a Mayor would be elected in 2025.