Reflections 2022: Philip Jackson – Grasping opportunities

By Philip Jackson North East Lincolnshire Council Leader

Philip Jackson is the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council

As we say goodbye to 2022, we do so with a determination to enter the new year grasping the opportunities we have here in North East Lincolnshire.

However, we remain realistic of the challenges we must overcome to ensure our adults, young people and families are equipped with the skills and aspirations they need to live good lives. To achieve what we want and need, we must continue to balance our regeneration and industrial agenda with that of investment into our people.

With regards to the former, we have much to be optimistic about. Our success in achieving central Government grant funding means plans for the re-invention of the western end of our main Freshney Place shopping centre in Grimsby are progressing well. We are hoping for more good news early in 2023 when we expect the national LUF Round 2 bids to be announced – a successful outcome will bring further monies to support our ambitions.

Thanks to ring-fenced funding already secured, the reshaping of Riverhead Square in the centre of Grimsby will also begin in early 2023. In addition, our plans for the town centre include introducing modern homes and the diversification of use to attract new and different audiences.

Meanwhile, our young people will be served extremely well thanks to the national charity Onside, which is developing its new Horizon Youth Zone in the same area.

As our adults of tomorrow, such young people will continue to be a priority for us. In recent years, we have experienced rising demand and well-documented pressures with children’s social care.

However, our hope is for real change in this vital area in 2023. With a new and extremely well-regarded Director of Children’s Services now at the helm, our service is going through a major improvement journey linked to our most recent Ofsted report. There is no-one within the council who does not recognise these issues and the support that is required to achieve continual improvement.

Fortunately, we have support. Our colleagues at Lincolnshire County Council, an ‘outstanding’ Children’s Services authority, are helping, and our relationship with health sector partners is extremely strong. We work together and will continue to do so.

On a wider regional level, North East Lincolnshire Council along with its counterparts in North Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire County Council have confirmed their intentions to take the next step towards devolution. Following approval at their respective councils, the wish is to enter talks with Government on the possibility of a Greater Lincolnshire devolution agreement. There is a long road ahead and much to discuss on this issue as we seek to achieve the best possible outcomes for our communities.

As those discussions move forward, North East Lincolnshire will not forget its industrial links with the Humber estuary and the force we have as an economic powerhouse. Our renewables sector continues to grow strongly, along with the carbon zero agenda and our more traditional seafood processing offer. We believe that we can succeed in growing those strong Humber bonds, whilst taking steps that could lead to the creation of a Greater Lincolnshire devolved administration.

Finally, can I thank all of our partners, our stakeholders and the people of North East Lincolnshire who are working hard to effect positive and lasting change. I wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas and look forward to the new year.

Philip Jackson is the North East Lincolnshire Council leader