The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Council leaders across the county are inviting government minister Michael Gove for talks after missing out on a devolution deal.
The Government published its levelling-up White Paper last week and Lincolnshire was not among the initial group chosen.
The white paper proposes devolution deals designed to create new high-wage, high-skill jobs.
Part of the deal will also look to transform towns to create higher living standards.
“Although we’re surprised that we have not been included in the initial areas for county deals, the white paper is a really positive step. Our draft proposal was a great start and we’re now ready to take this forward in Lincolnshire with our ten-point plan.
“This is an opportunity to address historical underfunding of our area. We’ll be inviting the government to work with us to secure a county deal that brings us new powers and helps our area meet its potential,” said Coun Martin Hill, leader of the county council.
The white paper recognises the value of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), but missed an opportunity according to the Greater Lincolnshire LEP.
“We were disappointed to see that Greater Lincolnshire was not annouced in the first wave for a devolution deal, despite being surrounded by areas that were invited,” said chairman Pat Doody.
“It was encouraging to see our UK Food Valley highlighted in the White Paper as a good example of private sector initiatives supported by the public sector,” he said.
The Food Valley “is at the heart of the UK foodchain,” according to the document. It includes Spalding where 42 per cent of the local workforce is employed.
Greater Lincolnshire has a ten-point plan for devolution which covers a range of areas from housing to innovation.
“Lincolnshire has huge opportunity for growth and by collaborating to secure devolved powers along with budgets for skils and infrastructure,” it says.
