Council leaders meet to discuss local government reorganisation

The leaders of all 10 greater Lincolnshire councils met yesterday (Monday 24 February 2025) and agreed to work together on first proposals for what local government reorganisation could look like for our county.

The Government has made clear its intention to change all remaining two-tier local authority areas in England and replace county and district councils with new unitary authorities. On 5 February 2025, the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon, wrote to all council leaders in two-tier areas and small neighbouring unitary authorities to invite them to develop these unitary proposals.

The invitation gave guidance for developing these proposals, including the expected population of each new authority area and that consideration should be given to existing district boundaries and reducing disruption to vital care services. It also set out the timeline, with initial proposals to be submitted by 21 March, and more detailed plans expected by 28 November.

Greater Lincolnshire’s 10 council leaders have committed to work together to explore all options, and form plans that are in the best interest of the people of Lincolnshire. In North East Lincolnshire there is a further commitment to involve and consult with elected members to ensure awareness of, and engagement in, the plans moving forward.

The above does not impact the work of the new Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, which will hold its first meeting next month ahead of the Mayoral election on Thursday 1 May. For more on the GLCCA go to www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/glcca/