The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
The leader of South Holland District Council says it won’t give up any of the services it provides as a potential devolution deal for Lincolnshire edges closer.
The leaders of Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire authorities are looking to add a new level of authority above them, possibly involving an elected mayor.
They claim it will bring in an extra £20m of funding from central government and see more powers decided locally.
After missing out last year, the authorities hope they’ll be invited to apply for devolution this year.
But several of the district councils in Lincolnshire are concerned on what impact it would have.
South Holland District Council leader Coun Nick Worth told last week’s meeting of the authority that he would update members on the latest on September 7 after a month’s break.
“I’ve avoided doing it earlier as there are a number of negotiations taking place between the authorities, ministers, district councils and MPs and I think quite a bit can still change in the time span allotted,” he said. “We should also make it clear there will not be a decision for the district council.
“It will be upper tier authorities that will make the decision.
“I want to also make it clear that it will not affect our services because the only way services can go to a combined authority is if the district council want them to go.
“I very much doubt that will be the case in South Holland, or for any other district.”
