Devolution splits county opinions

The announcement of plans for a devolved Lincolnshire has split local politicians.

Council leaders at Lincolshire, North East and North Lincolnshire have welcomed the news.
But independent members are less enthusiastic about a new layer of local government.
South Holland leader Nick Worth said he was looking ‘optimistically’ at the news.
“The views of South Holland as part of the Greater Lincolnshire authority are important to shape the next steps in the process for a potential deal. The next phase will be a period of public consultation which starts in the coming weeks, I encourage you all to share your views and have your say as residents and businesses in South Holland,” he said.
The creation of another tier of local government was made during the government’s Autumn Statement last week.
It will see a Mayoral Combined County Authority established alongside the county and district councils already in place.
The period of public consultation is likely to start this month and a potential deal will be submitted to the government when it’s complete.
The new authority will include an elected mayor, who could be in place for 2025.
But independent members at both district and county levels are not supporting the move, claiming it’s another layer that’s not needed.
“This is a new layer of bureaucracy on top of the current levels, with the associated costs and a mayor who also raises an additional tax,” said Coun Marianne Overton, leader of the Lincolnshire Independents.
“A new combined authority for the whole of Lincolnshire, North and North East Lincolnshire, around 7,000sqkm from Stamford to Scunthorpe is too big,” she said in a statement.
“We see this government sending funds to densely populated areas, like Manchester or BIrmingham, where they hope to make the most growth. Just creating a mayor does not create a Birmingham, here in Lincolnshire.”
County council leader Martin Hill said: “Devolution means we can invest funding into priority projects, like improving transport links and regenerating areas that need it. We’d also have a stronger voice with government about investment.”