April 29, 2019 10.46 am This story is over 59 months old

More than 90% of parish council seats already decided

Just 36 wards across Greater Lincolnshire are being contested
Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter

All bar 10% of parish and town council seats up for grabs in this week’s local election have already been decided.

Of 468 parish and town wards, 432 will see all their seats filled “uncontested” – meaning either those signed up have no challengers, or the ward has seen no nominations for its election.

This means just 36 seats are up for grabs.

It has previously been reported that 19 of the 283 district seats across the area have been filled uncontested.

Many of the parish candidates are listed without allegiances, therefore it is unclear if a particular party is likely to take gains.

Town and parish councils are usually the lowest tier of elected Government.

They often represent the local community to higher tier councils on subjects such as planning applications and highways matters.

The councils also take a portion of council tax precept, with the money going to a variety of local services including village halls, play areas, cemeteries and crematoriums, litter and maintenance of footpaths.

They can also, in some instances pay for discretionary services usually associated with the district or county councils – for instance, Lincolnshire County Council earlier this year offered parish councils, along with other community groups the chance to turn on their street lights.

Below are the figures for each council, split by district:

  • East Lindsey:
    • 137 parish and town wards
    • 124 uncontested, 13 contested
  • Boston Borough:
    • 18 parish and town wards
    • 17 uncontested, 1 contested
  • South Holland:
    • 35 parish and town wards
    • 34 uncontested, 1 contested
  • West Lindsey:
    • 82 parish and town wards
    • 77 uncontested, 5 contested
  • South Kesteven:
    • 65 parish and town wards
    • 57 uncontested, 8 contested parishes/parish wards
  • North Kesteven:
    • 75 parish and town wards
    • 69 uncontested, 6 contested
  • City Of Lincoln:
    • No parish and town wards
  • North Lincolnshire:
    • 56 parish and town wards
    • 41 uncontested, 15 contested
  • North East Lincolnshire:
    • 14 parish and town wards
    • 13 uncontested 1 contested
  • Totals:
    • 468 parish and town wards
    • 432 uncontested
    • 36 contested

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