Devolution plan for Greater Lincolnshire is “exciting and important”

A council leader has described ambitious plans to bring more power and responsibility to authorities in Lincolnshire as an “exciting and important” opportunity.

Organisations in the Greater Lincolnshire area have today submitted an expression of interest to the Government asking for a range of powers and funding to be devolved to Lincolnshire.

If granted, it would mean Lincolnshire councils would be able to set priorities and make spending decisions in order to improve quality of life and prospects in Greater Lincolnshire.

The organisations involved believe the services and programmes concerned would be run more efficiently and achieve better outcomes for residents than the nationally-run arrangement.

Councillor Craig Leyland, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: “Devolution provides an exciting and important opportunity for Greater Lincolnshire authorities to take a lead in tackling some of the big issues that affect the county.

“This is about accepting powers from Central Government and bringing the decision making to the county along with the funding to support that. If the Government supports the initial submission the real work then begins to develop a detailed bid.”

If approved, each organisation would retain their current responsibilities and powers, but would work together to meet any new powers agreed with government.

The expression of interest focuses on accelerating economic growth, improving transport links, managing flood risk, boosting employment opportunities, joining up health and services and housing needs.

Areas such as Greater Manchester and Cornwall have already been successful in their approach to government for devolved powers.

As well as Greater Lincolnshire, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and Sheffield are also talking to government.