Have your say on Local Government reform across Greater Lincolnshire: Government consultation now open

Government has today launched its public consultation on reorganising councils across Greater Lincolnshire.

Running until Thursday 26 March the consultation gives everyone the opportunity to have their say on proposals submitted to government. These were created by the existing councils across the county and outline different ideas for the future shape and size of councils.

Once the consultation is complete, Government will further assess the options before making a final decision on what will be taken forward.

All the Lincolnshire councils, along with neighbouring local authorities, will be directly asked for their views on all the proposals, along with public service and health providers, the police and business, voluntary and community sector and education bodies.

Government also welcomes responses from residents, town and parish councils, and other businesses and organisations.

As reported, North East Lincolnshire Council submitted its proposal, along with its neighbouring unitary authority of North Lincolnshire, and Lincolnshire County Council. Other submissions came from the district councils across the county.

Government announced its plans for LGR last year, saying it wanted to reform how local government operates to ensure resilience, robustness and efficiency in providing services for people.

Currently in Greater Lincolnshire there is a mix of district councils, a county council, and the two unitary councils of North and North East Lincolnshire. All were asked to present their preferred options for a way forward.

The government believes unitary councils can lead to better outcomes for residents, save significant money which can be reinvested in public services, and improve accountability with greater clarity over responsibilities.

This was outlined in a White Paper released last year, which announced that the government would facilitate this programme of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) for two-tier areas, and where appropriate, existing smaller unitary councils.

You can take part in the consultation and read all the proposals at: Local government changes in Greater Lincolnshire | Greater Lincolnshire LGR Hub

Paper copies of the consultation and all the Greater Lincolnshire Proposals will be available from next week, at:

• Grimsby pop up Library, Freshney Place - behind Costa, DN21 1QL;

• Cleethorpes Library, Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 8LG;
• Waltham Library, High Street, Waltham, DN37 0LL;
• Immingham Library, Pelham Road, Immingham, DN40 1QF
• The Municipal Offices, Town Hall Square, Grimsby, DN31 1HU