The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
South Holland councillors have voted in favour of a devolution of powers deal for Lincolnshire, but final decisions from other parts of the county are now key.
The government’s Department for Communities and Local Government has issued a statement calling on Lincolnshire leaders to back the deal.
It said: “This historic devolution deal offers local authorities in Greater Lincolnshire new powers, £450million worth of new funding, and a powerful new mayor to speak up for the region.
“This is set to make a huge difference to local people’s lives by helping to create jobs, improve skills and invest in transport to make journeys quicker and easier.
“The terms of the deal which local partners signed up to six months ago are clear. We would urge local leaders to hold firm to the deal they agreed, and grasp this great opportunity to bring jobs and prosperity to Lincolnshire.”
South Kesteven District Council members voted against the deal, but the final say lies with its executive, which is due to meet on Monday.(Nov 7)
Lincolnshire County Council also voted against and leader Martin Hill, who is responsible for making the final call on behalf of his authority, has indicated he would be minded to listen unless changes are made.
Council leader Gary Porter
Many of those against the deal are opposed to the new mayoral position, in line with a majority of the public who responded to a consultation.
The deal would see the formation of a new additional council to oversee Lincolnshire, including North and North East Lincolnshire, with its own budget and responsibilities relating to housing, infrastructure spend, skills and public protection.
Last week, 31 members of South Holland District Council voted in favour of the proposals, with three voting against.
Leader Gary Porter said: “If we are able to deliver the deal, it will be worth hundreds of millions of pounds to Lincolnshire people and give them greater control over services that impact on all of our lives.”
SHDC deputy leader Coun Malcolm Chandler
Deputy leader Malcolm Chandler said: “I am delighted with the far-sighted decision taken by SHDC councillors at the council meeting on Wednesday.
“It demonstrates the determination of the council for the district to share and benefit from accelerated growth and increased value of the Greater Lincolnshire economy which a devolution agenda is aimed to deliver.
“The final date for the ten leaders to sign off the current deal is November 21 2016 and it is important that all ten councils continue to work together to achieve the full benefits of devolved powers and the associated financial support available to Greater Lincolnshire.
“I am delighted that South Holland will continue to have a seat at that table.”
Those who voted against were former chairman Coun Francis Biggadike (Holbeach), Coun Robert Clark (Donington) and Coun Paul Foyster (Holbeach).
The other seven councils have voted in favour.
