The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Residents in Lincolnshire will be asked for their views on adopting a unitary system of local governance – potentially saving £150million in the first five years.
The two-tier system that currently exists in Lincolnshire comprises one county council and seven district councils. All eight would be abolished under the proposal and a new, single one formed.
Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Coun Martin Hill, said: “The current system of councils in Lincolnshire is one we can no longer afford. A unitary model has successfully been adopted in many areas of the country and has proved to be simpler, better for services, more local and, most importantly, costs less to run.
“I believe the current system is complicated, wasteful and no longer financially sustainable. Without change, important local services are already being reduced and even cut entirely.”
A unitary system in Lincolnshire could save up to £150m in the first five years – money that could be used to improve local services and keep council tax down.
Subject to the approval of the county council, a poll will be held at the same time as the May local government elections, asking the public whether they agree that Lincolnshire should have a unitary system of governance.
