Wednesday 22 November was a day of huge significance for Greater Lincolnshire with the government announcing a devolution deal for our area.
This will see our county finally offered the extra powers and devolved budgets that other areas are already benefitting from, ensuring we aren’t left behind. It will put decisions about our economic future in the hands of local people and give us a stronger voice in negotiations with government about investment and services in our area. In short, this represents an opportunity to take direct control of the things that really matter to our 1.1 million residents.
Importantly, the deal will bring £24m of government funding every year for 30 years, along with additional responsibilities. That will mean greater local control over decisions relating to transport, skills and training, housing, economic growth, and the environment. However, this list of responsibilities, and the funding that goes with it, is expected to grow as the deal matures.
A devolution deal has been a long-term ambition for the county council, and we have worked closely with our colleagues in North and North East Lincolnshire to move these proposals forward. And although by law only upper tier authorities can lead this process, we have continually engaged with Lincolnshire’s district, city and boroughs councils to create a shared vision that will work for the county as a whole.
Greater Lincolnshire’s new powers would be the responsibility of a new combined county authority, led by a mayor directly elected by residents. The title ‘Mayor’ is quite confusing as we already have ceremonial Mayors in Lincolnshire. This Mayor however, would chair a new board of councillors and other representatives, and is a requirement from the government to get the funding and powers we have negotiated.
There seem to be lots of misconceptions about what the elected Mayor would do – simply put though, they would lead a board of voting members to make sure funding is managed in a robust and transparent way. They would also act as a direct line to government to represent the ‘bigger picture’ needs of the area – whether that be new roads, flood defences or opportunities for our businesses to pilot new innovative technologies.
Existing councils would continue to provide the services they do now. Before this new authority is established in 2025, it’s proposed that Greater Lincolnshire would receive £28.4m next year for priority projects.
Since the deal was announced, the proposal has been supported by all three leading councils, and a public consultation across the whole of Greater Lincolnshire has launched. I’d really encourage you all to take part and make your views known. More information on the proposal can be found on at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/devolution.