The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Three out of ten councils have now voted in favour of the creation of Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority.
The ten local councils that operate in the area the new authority will cover need to agree if it is to go ahead, with each due to vote this month.
South Holland District Council leader Gary Porter is a big supporter of the move.
He has previously told The Voice: “This deal is fantastic for the people and businesses of South Holland.”
The deal would mean the creation of a mayoral combined authority which would take over some powers currently held by central Government, relating to housing, infrastructure spend, skills and public protection. In addition, £15m per year additional funding would be drawn into Greater Lincolnshire to be spent over a 30-year period.
It will create another tier of local government with existing authorities remaining to continue with the work they each currently do.
A public consultation revealed a majority of people backed the notion of a new authority with devolved powers but division over the need for a mayor – a slim majority saying they did not want one.
However, Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has reportedly said an elected mayor is a must for any major devolution deal.
Lincolnshire County Council is due to vote on the deal on Thursday (Oct 20), with South Holland’s meeting set for Wednesday, October 26. North Lincolnshire, Boston Borough and West Lindsey council have all given their agreement.
If approved the new authority will be established by January next year and a mayoral election held in May.
