September 9, 2016 8.16 am
This story is over 67 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 67 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.
A new family-run restaurant and takeaway serving authentic Greek food has opened in Lincoln city centre, and The Lincolnite went to check it out.
Spyridon Tsichlis and his wife Marisofi Kiourtzidou came up with the idea for The Greek Brothers and opened their first restaurant and takeaway in Mansfield in February 2021.
After visiting Lincoln Spyridon said he loved the city and the “beautiful atmosphere” and an opportunity came up to purchase the lease of the building next to Wilko off the High Street on Waterside South, formerly occupied by JayDees and The Fish King.
The Greek Brothers serves a variety of Gyros including chicken, pork, halloumi, and burger. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Souvlaki is another Greek favourite on the menu. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Spyridon bought the lease with his father-in-law Dimitrios Kirtikos and, after a lot of work inside including renovating the kitchen, The Greek Brothers welcomed its first customers on Monday, May 9.
The Greek Brothers takeaway and restaurant is open seven days a week between 11am and 7pm, and Spryidon said he is hoping to extend these hours in the future. Customers can also order authentic Greek street food from the takeaway, including via Deliveroo.
Gabby Kennedy and Spyridon Tsichlis from The Greek Brothers in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Take a look inside! | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The new takeaway and restaurant has created four new jobs, with an additional six to be hired in the future.
See the rest of our photo gallery below:
Gabby Kennedy and Spyridon Tsichlis from The Greek Brothers in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
We are investigating a serious assault after a man has received multiple stab wounds.
We received a call to reports that a man had been found with serious injuries in Mareham Lane, Sleaford, at around 3.30pm on Sunday 15 May.
The victim, who is in his 30s, was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
We have arrested a 41-year-old man on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH). He remains in police custody.
We would like to hear from anyone who may have captured CCTV, dashcam or Go-pro footage in the location at the time the incident was reported, or in the few hours before hand.
Detective Inspector Remy Simon said: “We are carrying out investigations in this area and you may see an increased police presence while we do that. We know this might be worrying, and we would like to reassure you that we believe this to be an isolated incident. There are a number of lines of enquiry we are following up on.
“The victim was found near a busy road and there is a good chance that our local community may have information or footage which could help our enquiries, so we would encourage people to check their dashcams, Go-Pros or CCTV as soon as possible and share anything which may help with us. We’d like to hear about, or view, anything you may have, no matter how small you think it is, as every piece of information could prove vital.”
There are a number of ways to get in touch:
By calling 101 quoting incident number 262 of 15 May.
By emailing force.[email protected]putting incident number 262 of 15 May in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.