Council's proposal to retain North East Lincolnshire is fully supported

The proposal to Government outlining North East Lincolnshire’s case to remain as a unitary authority within its existing boundaries has received unanimous members’ support. 

The council’s Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Proposal, ‘Building a Stronger Economy & Stronger Communities’, was put before the authority’s Cabinet for discussion and approval, before going onto Full Council this evening for endorsement.

At both meetings there was full support for the document and the content within it, which lays out the financial, economic, and community reasons why North East Lincolnshire Council should remain.

Authorities across the country have been asked to submit their proposals to Government in response to plans to re-organise local government. It thinks bigger could be better with large unitary authorities (one council doing everything) serving more people across wider areas being simpler, more efficient, and financially stronger.

It has launched LGR to deliver that possible change by 2028 and if that happens, North East Lincolnshire could be replaced by a larger unitary authority serving more people.

All the councils in the Greater Lincolnshire area have been asked to submit their preferred options for a way forward by Friday 28 November.

North East Lincolnshire’s proposal says there is a ‘compelling argument’ for keeping the current borough boundaries – and more than 1,000 people who took part in an engagement survey back this view.

Leader of the council, Cllr Philip Jackson (Conservative), said after the council meetings: “Whatever the political make-up of the council now and in the future, it is the ability to take advantage of our size and close links to our communities that is important here.  This has been recognised by us all here tonight, and I applaud the way we have come together to embark on our ambition to see North East Lincolnshire remain as a place where we can continue our work to build a stronger economy and stronger communities.”

Cllr Jackson’s fellow political leaders - Cllr Emma Clough (Labour), Cllr Steve Holland (NEL Independents), and Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe (Liberal-Democrats) agree and joined him in writing a foreword for the proposal, which says:

“Momentum is growing in our place as we look at regeneration, economic activity and improving lives for all. We sit on the cusp of real change, and we ask for longevity as a unitary authority to complete that change – providing security, stability, and growth across the borough. We propose that we remain as an existing high performing unitary council, within our existing borough boundaries.”

Comments and letters received from local people supporting this view have also been included in the proposal.

These include: “We (Lincolnshire) are a large county, our town’s location is fairly isolated, yet unique, as we are also a resort. We need local knowledge and understanding. I am concerned we would not benefit from becoming part of a much larger demographic. Our uniqueness is our strength.”

Another said: “I am concerned we would not benefit from becoming part of a much larger demographic. Our uniqueness is our strength.” 

The authority’s close links with partners, including public sector bodies such as the police and health services, and the business and voluntary sectors are all outlined in detail in the document.

Unique arrangements in place to support adults in North East Lincolnshire, the transformation of Children’s Services, the economic powerhouse of the South Humber Bank, and the continuing regeneration projects, are all at risk if this Local Government Reorganisation goes ahead, it adds.

The financial cost of any reorganisation is a major concern outlined, with expert analysis putting it at between £35-£47 million, taking years to execute and threatening to disrupt council services and working practices.

The proposal will now be taken forward to be submitted to Government.

For more information: Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) | NELC