Christmas is a time where most of us take a break to spend time with our families and friends. During this brief pause it’s always worth reflecting on the whole year and our achievements.
2023 will be remembered as a busy and productive year for Lincolnshire County Council.
The year was off to a poignant start when, in January, we recognised the 70-year anniversary of the major flood event on Lincolnshire’s east coast, when 43 people tragically lost their lives. An exhibition, including photographs and newspaper articles, was held at the North Sea Observatory looking back on those tragic events.
A reminder of the power of nature was brought back to us very recently, when Lincolnshire was hit by ‘Storm Babet’ in October. The storm saw over one month’s average rainfall come down in little over 24 hours, leaving almost 600 homes and businesses flooded.
Whilst council and fire and rescue teams supported the flood response, in recent weeks, the council’s executive took the decision to provide an extra £4m for flood investigation and drainage works, in the coming year.
In February, we responded to an international call for help following the horrific earthquake in Turkey and Syria, when a specialist rescue team including personnel from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue was deployed to help find survivors and assist with the recovery of victims of this disaster. And in September, firefighters supported rescue efforts in the Atlas mountains in Morocco, following a magnitude-6.8 earthquake
There were happier times to enjoy in May, when the country celebrated the coronation of King Charles III and we were all presented with an extra bank holiday weekend to help us to enjoy the occasion. We supported our residents to hold street parties and showed the event itself on a big screen in Lincoln Castle’s grounds.
In July, the new king paid a visit to Lincolnshire, his first as Monarch. His trip to the east coast saw him meet with survivors of the 1953 floods, as well as representatives from our council.
Our celebrated Children’s Services were rated as ‘outstanding’ in June and chosen to take part in a new national pilot programme. And, in September, we were able to find an extra £10m to put into repairing and maintaining our roads.
But, one of our main goals for 2023 has been to pursue a devolution deal for greater Lincolnshire.
Along with North and North East Lincolnshire councils, we have spoken to government about having more control over decisions and funding for our area and each of the councils concerned have reached out to get the views of those who live in greater Lincolnshire, so that they too can have their say on our future.
Residents still have time to have their say on this important issue by taking part in our consultation survey at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/devolution.
I wish you all a peaceful and happy time this Christmas.