September 9, 2016 8.16 am
This story is over 89 months old
Column: Getting the best devolution deal for Greater Lincolnshire
I’ve always believed that local areas should be allowed to decide as much as possible for themselves. That’s the principle behind devolution, which is something we’ve been pressing for here in the Greater Lincolnshire area. In the last County News, we asked for your views about a proposed agreement transferring powers and funding from the…
By Martin HillLeader of Lincolnshire County Council
I’ve always believed that local areas should be allowed to decide as much as possible for themselves.
That’s the principle behind devolution, which is something we’ve been pressing for here in the Greater Lincolnshire area.
In the last County News, we asked for your views about a proposed agreement transferring powers and funding from the government down to a local level.
We had a superb response to the survey, with more than 4,400 of you taking part, either through the magazine or online.
First of all, thank you to everyone who got involved in the consultation and told us what they thought.
The results confirm what people often say as I go around the county – that they generally support what we’re trying to achieve with devolution.
However, people have very mixed views on an elected mayor, which the government had said we would need to secure the deal.
So what exactly is it all about? And where do we go from here?
The initial agreement was put together by the 10 local authorities in our area, stretching from the Humber to the Wash, plus the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
The main proposal was for a “Mayoral Combined Authority” – a new board with a representative from each of the councils and the LEP.
There would also have been a mayor directly elected by residents, similar to the arrangement in London and other big cities.
Now the survey results have been analysed, I can tell you that:
47% of you backed the idea of a Mayoral Combined Authority, while 49% opposed it.
59% felt that councils should pursue devolved powers for the Greater Lincolnshire area.
73% thought that councils should prioritise economic growth, infrastructure and housing.
77% wanted councils to pursue further funding – in addition to what’s in the current deal – in these key areas.
Only 38% were keen on the possibility of combining the Police and Crime Commissioner role with that of an elected mayor, with 56% against.
During September and October, each of the 10 councils will now meet to consider its own response to the consultation findings.
We’re also contacting the government to discuss what the devolution options might be without an elected mayor – something many residents clearly don’t want.
Looking at the bigger picture, changes at a national level since Theresa May became Prime Minister could make a difference.
In particular, there might be more scope under her new administration to get devolved powers without having a mayor.
However, we need to know what that would mean for the deal we negotiated previously – would Greater Lincolnshire still get the same new funding and powers?
Whatever happens with these ongoing discussions, we’ll continue to press for the best deal and the most suitable arrangements for our area.
In those discussions, your views will be uppermost in our minds, so thank you again to everyone who shared them with us.
Martin Hill OBE is the Conservative Leader of Lincolnshire County Council. A former farmer, Martin was elected to Lincolnshire County Council in 1993, representing Folkingham Rural. He became council leader in 2005 and was later awarded an OBE for services to Lincolnshire. Martin lives in a former pub at Kirby Underwood with wife Janice and their irrepressible Patterdale Terrier, Boris.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
September 9, 2016 8.11 am
This story is over 89 months old
Column: Getting the best devolution deal for Greater Lincolnshire
I’ve always believed that local areas should be allowed to decide as much as possible for themselves. That’s the principle behind devolution, which is something we’ve been pressing for here in the Greater Lincolnshire area. In the last County News, we asked for your views about a proposed agreement transferring powers and funding from the…
I’ve always believed that local areas should be allowed to decide as much as possible for themselves.
That’s the principle behind devolution, which is something we’ve been pressing for here in the Greater Lincolnshire area.
In the last County News, we asked for your views about a proposed agreement transferring powers and funding from the government down to a local level.
We had a superb response to the survey, with more than 4,400 of you taking part, either through the magazine or online.
First of all, thank you to everyone who got involved in the consultation and told us what they thought.
The results confirm what people often say as I go around the county – that they generally support what we’re trying to achieve with devolution.
However, people have very mixed views on an elected mayor, which the government had said we would need to secure the deal.
So what exactly is it all about? And where do we go from here?
The initial agreement was put together by the 10 local authorities in our area, stretching from the Humber to the Wash, plus the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
The main proposal was for a “Mayoral Combined Authority” – a new board with a representative from each of the councils and the LEP.
There would also have been a mayor directly elected by residents, similar to the arrangement in London and other big cities.
Now the survey results have been analysed, I can tell you that:
47% of you backed the idea of a Mayoral Combined Authority, while 49% opposed it.
59% felt that councils should pursue devolved powers for the Greater Lincolnshire area.
73% thought that councils should prioritise economic growth, infrastructure and housing.
77% wanted councils to pursue further funding – in addition to what’s in the current deal – in these key areas.
Only 38% were keen on the possibility of combining the Police and Crime Commissioner role with that of an elected mayor, with 56% against.
During September and October, each of the 10 councils will now meet to consider its own response to the consultation findings.
We’re also contacting the government to discuss what the devolution options might be without an elected mayor – something many residents clearly don’t want.
Looking at the bigger picture, changes at a national level since Theresa May became Prime Minister could make a difference.
In particular, there might be more scope under her new administration to get devolved powers without having a mayor.
However, we need to know what that would mean for the deal we negotiated previously – would Greater Lincolnshire still get the same new funding and powers?
Whatever happens with these ongoing discussions, we’ll continue to press for the best deal and the most suitable arrangements for our area.
In those discussions, your views will be uppermost in our minds, so thank you again to everyone who shared them with us.
Councillor Martin Hill is the leader of Lincolnshire County Council.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
The 2024 Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are now open for nominations, seeking to spotlight outstanding businesses within the Greater Lincolnshire area.
Hosted by Stonebow Media, the publisher behind The Lincolnite and the MyLocal platform, this prestigious event is designed to honour the achievements of the regional business community.
Thanks to the headline sponsorship from the University of Lincoln Enterprise & Research department, the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are a unique opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of local enterprises.
The awards are also sponsored by Ringrose Law, Duncan & Toplis, Sills & Betteridge and Pearson Hydraulics. A small number of sponsorship opportunities remain available. Contact [email protected] to discuss partnerships.
Businesses can nominate themselves across eleven awards categories:
The deadline for nominations is May 24, with the judges’ deliberation lunch set for May 29.The judging panel includes business experts and professionals from Lincolnshire and event sponsors.
The Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards 2024 gala will take place at the Engine Shed on July 12, 2024.
Enhance profile & credibility: Securing an award or being shortlisted acts as a powerful endorsement, signaling trustworthiness to potential customers and helping to distinguish your business from competitors. Displaying the award on your communications can significantly boost your brand’s perception.
Insightful focus & feedback: The application process encourages deep reflection on your business strategy and direction, offering invaluable feedback and clarity, even for new ventures.
Team confidence boost: Recognition from the awards can significantly uplift your team’s morale, affirming the value and potential of your business in the eyes of industry experts.
Marketing & PR boost: Being associated with the awards, even as a nominee, can enhance brand visibility, providing ample content opportunities for social media and other marketing channels.
Networking opportunities: The awards connect you with local business leaders and experts, offering a platform to seek advice, share ideas, and foster future partnerships. The ceremony itself is an excellent occasion for networking with peers and celebrating mutual successes.
Potential to win: Entering offers a chance to win and gain all the associated benefits, but even without taking home a trophy, the process can yield significant advantages for your business.
A Lady Gaga loving kitten owned by a couple who run a charity for disabled pets featured on Channel 5’s The Pet Psychic.
Pet Psychic Beth Lee-Crowther comes to the aid of pet owners and in Tuesday night’s episode she met Cookie the kitten, a depressed camel, and looked at whether a dog can predict the future.