Greater Lincolnshire devolution: Public to have their say on deal

Jacob Young, second from left, signed the deal with Lincolnshire councillors

An eight-week public consultation on a devolution deal for Lincolnshire has begun.

The plan would see an elected mayor controlling funding for housing, job creation and public transport, including bus franchising.

If approved, the area would get an extra £24m of government money annually for the next 30 years.

As well as existing district councils, the deal would also include North and North East Lincolnshire councils.

Councillor Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said devolution had "huge significance".

"It represents a future of collaboration, bringing with it local and direct control of the things that really matter to the 1.1 million residents of Greater Lincolnshire who this proposed new deal is for," he said.

"Devolution means we can invest funding into priority projects like improving transport links and regenerating areas that need it. We'd also have a stronger voice with government about investment and services for our area."

The expanded authority would get an elected mayor

Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young signed the deal to enable the new structure last week alongside local councillors.

The proposal would see the 10 existing councils continuing to provide the services they currently do.

The combined authority would have a board comprised of representatives from councils, along with representatives from business organisations and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Members of the public can have their say, via an online consultation, until 29 January.

The feedback will be incorporated in a document which will be voted on by the county council and the two northern Lincolnshire authorities, the county council said.

If approved, the first mayoral election could take place in spring 2025.