A Greater Lincolnshire For All launched

A Greater Lincolnshire for All would see the creation of two equally sized unitary authorities covering the north and south of Greater Lincolnshire that would replace the existing county council, two northern unitary councils and the remaining borough, district and city councils.

• Northern Lincolnshire Council - covering Lincoln, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire and West Lindsey
• Southern Lincolnshire Council - covering Boston, East Lindsey, South Holland, North Kesteven and South Kesteven

The proposal is being championed by East Lindsey and South Holland District Councils as the best possible model for the future of local government in the county with improved and easier to access local services, better value for money, an enhanced role for parish councils and greater opportunities to attract new investment and jobs.

Announced at the event were also 10 public pledges made to the people and communities of Greater Lincolnshire that will act as the guiding principles as the area undergoes change:

1. Continuity of services as local government changes in Greater Lincolnshire
2. A commitment to all residents to keep them informed
3. Protecting frontline staff working across the area
4. Better value for money with savings directed to frontline services
5. Accessible council services for all, delivered through council hubs across the area
6. A single telephone number and website to access ALL council services in your area
7. Improved services for vulnerable residents including housing, adults' and children's services
8. Improved services for all children and young people, including education, training, jobs and transport
9. Greater local decision-making including for all town and parish councils and enhanced area-based governance
10. Closer relationships with all partners including the NHS, police, fire and rescue, education, and the voluntary sector to deliver better services

A comprehensive series of events across the county will take place over the coming months allowing residents, communities, parishes and businesses to get involved with the proposal and have their say.

Cllr Craig Leyland, Leader of East Lindsey District Council said: "The current system is complex, inefficient and confusing. A Greater Lincolnshire for All creates two new unitary councils responsible for delivering all council services - Northern Lincolnshire and Southern Lincolnshire - to replace current structures.

"It is a balanced and ambitious plan that simplifies local government and delivers better services and value for money for residents, communities and businesses. The pledges that we are setting out today will guide our approach and provide reassurance to those we serve. We encourage everyone to now get involved and to find out more about how A Greater Lincolnshire for All will benefit them."

Cllr Nick Worth, Leader of South Holland District Council commented: "A Greater Lincolnshire for All enables stronger local accountability, smarter use of public money, consistent, highquality public services and will create opportunities for our area's economy bringing in new investment and jobs.

"It gives Greater Lincolnshire a stronger voice - in government, in devolution negotiations, and in shaping the county's future for every community, business and resident. We now want to engage our residents, communities, parishes and businesses on this ambitious plan as it develops over the coming months and for everyone to have their say."

The government invited all councils in Greater Lincolnshire to submit proposals for changing the current structure of local government. Final proposals need to be submitted to government by the end of November.

Engagement programme:

Public events and Q&A sessions with council leaders

Online opportunities to ask questions and share views

Roundtable discussions with local businesses, charities and public service partners

Workshops and briefings for parish and town councils

Targeted engagement with young people, carers, and service users

Regular updates via a dedicated website, social media and newsletters

Events for the general public: 

6.30pm 30th July - virtual

6.30pm 12th August - Sleaford

6.30pm 18th August - Market Rasen Festival Hall

6.30pm 28th August - East Lindsey DC offices

6.30pm 9th September - South Holland DC offices

6.30pm 15th September - Virtual

TBC - Lincoln

TBC - Mablethorpe

Virtual events for town and parish councils:

16th July LALC annual conference - stand and presentation

6.30pm 28th July - virtual

6.30pm 20th August - virtual

Event for voluntary and community sector (VCS):

6.30pm 18th September - virtual

Event for business and business representatives:

6.30pm 8th September - virtual