Lincolnshire devolution deal unlikely "this side of an election".
The Leader of Lincolnshire County Council doesn't believe an agreement will be done for some time.
Last updated 10th May 2021
The leader of Lincolnshire County Council says a devolution deal for the region remains a priority for him, even though he believes it's unlikely before the next election.
Martin Hill has been setting out his agenda after the Conservatives retained control of the authority last week.
He's been pushing for an agreement which would secure extra funding and powers for the region.
The county wasn't chosen for devolution by the Government in the last round of decisions.
However local leaders had hoped an agreement would be given the go ahead before too long.
But factors like the pandemic means progress on the issue has been delayed.
It also proved to be controversial.
When the proposal first surfaced it was stopped because some of the areas' councils didn't want an elected Mayor.
It was thought the need for a Mayor might not now be a condition.
To complicate issues even further there was a suggestion there could also be a restructuring with district councils being abolished in the county.
That was strongly opposed by the district councils themselves.
But now that appears to be off the table for the moment.
Asked about the matter following the Conservatives' election success in the county Martin Hill said he didn't think reform or a deal would take place for some time and probably not before the next election.