Gainsborough MP says to 'put local democracy first'
Sir Edward Leigh says Lincolnshire people want to keep their current councils.
Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh has described Lincolnshire’s reorganisation as chaotic and unwanted.
The long-time Conservative MP told the House of Commons on Thursday that Lincolnshire people simply wanted to keep their current councils.
Six different proposals have been submitted by authorities, which would create radically different outcomes for the county.
The government says that reorganising into strong unitary councils is necessary to save local government which is “on its knees”.
Sir Leigh described Lincolnshire’s situation as “complete chaos.”
“The government has already forced an unloved office of mayor on us, we don’t know what’s going to happen next.
“Nobody knows what’s going on. Just put local democracy first and allow the people of Lincolnshire to have the system of local government they love and they know with district councils.
“Stop throwing everything up in the air and wasting so much money.”
Miatta Fahnbulleh, a minister in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, accused Conservatives of “ducking the decisions” while they were in power.
“We’re not doing it because it’s fun or for the sake of it. We’re doing it because of the state of local government that the Conservative party left after a decade and a half of underinvestment,” she said.
“We are gripping the mantle, and at the heart of the process is a simple premise that we want stronger unitaries.
“The party opposite should have done that themselves. They didn’t, they ducked it, and we are the ones having to pick that up.”
The various proposals by Lincolnshire authorities would divide it into either one, two or three separate areas which deliver all services.
A decision is expected early next year, with the changes likely taking effect from 2028.
North and North East Lincolnshire Councils have asked to remain as they are.