Emily Norton

Greater Lincolnshire businesses are being asked for their views on Devolution – a concept that would see funding and decision-making powers transferred from central government to the county.

The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) will lead a consultation with businesses on behalf of 10 local authorities.

A deal is expected to be submitted to the government by the end of the year.

It is not the first time Lincolnshire has been asked to debate the idea of Devolution.

Lincolnshire County Council and South Kesteven District Council rejected a settlement offer from the government in 2016, declining to have an imposed mayor.

The county was missed out of the first round of talks on the latest plans revealed in February, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson told The Lincolnite the government is keen for Lincolnshire to have its own deal – and it won’t need a mayor.

Those wishing to find out more, or to submit their views, can visit the website and complete the online survey from Wednesday, May 11 2022.

Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We were pleased to be asked by the councils to lead an independent engagement programme with the business community and we would like to encourage people to get involved, look at the website and take the survey.

“A devolution deal could give Lincolnshire more powers, more money and more say over public sector funding and can promote local decision-making across many public services that are important to the people, businesses, and communities of Greater Lincolnshire. This in turn should lead to better outcomes and greater prosperity for our area.

“A devolution deal for Lincolnshire could also be important to the business community. For example, it could mean that local leaders have more say to get Lincolnshire businesses the right education, training and apprenticeships to meet their needs – both now and for the jobs of the future.

“It could also mean that decisions are made locally rather than nationally on the best infrastructure to better connect people to jobs, freight to ports, or energy to facilities, ensuring that local priorities are met. This is the first stage of a long conversation about devolution for our area, and I encourage you to get involved and have your say.”

Last year, the Government invited civic leaders to bring forward plans for devolving powers to local areas and to work together to help level up the UK.

The Government’s Levelling Up White Paper provides a framework for devolution and council leaders across Greater Lincolnshire are working together to develop plans to enable Lincolnshire to reach its full potential.

To find out more and have your say, visit Devolution Lincolnshire.

A special baton relay celebrating communities in the build up to the Commonwealth Games will make a stop in Lincoln this summer.

The 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay will be hosted by Birmingham in its 16th year and will stop in Lincoln on Sunday, July 10.

It will provide the opportunity for people to experience the excitement in the build up to 11 days of show stopping sport.

The baton is set to travel the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days, before culminating at the Opening Ceremony for Birmingham 2022 on July 28, 2022.

Kicking off on Thursday, June 2, the Baton will spend four days in London, coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend.

It will then resume the international journey and return to England on Monday, July 4 to commence a 25-day tour of the regions.

A busy schedule of activities and events are planned for the Queen’s Baton Relay, with opportunities to highlight untold stories from Batonbearers who are striving for change in their community.

During its time in Lincoln, the Queen’s Baton Relay will visit the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC), the LNER Stadium, Sincil Bank, Lincoln High Street, Steep Hill and Lincoln Cathedral.

The schedule of activity for the Baton’s time in Lincoln includes:

• Approx. 4.55pm*, International Bomber Command Centre
• Approx. 5.15pm*, LNER Stadium
• Approx. 6pm*, Lincoln Guildhall to visit the Right Worshipful, The Mayor of Lincoln before relaying up Steep Hill to Lincoln Cathedral

*Times subject to change, further details on events to be released soon.

Members of the public are encouraged to get involved with the celebrations and embrace the arrival of the Baton.

The Queen’s Baton for Birmingham 2022 was created in a West Midlands collaboration that fused art, technology and science. Made from copper, aluminium and steel, the Baton also features
a platinum strand in homage to The Queen in her Platinum Jubilee year. It is also equipped with cutting-edge technology; 360-degree camera, heart rate monitor, atmospheric sensors and LED lighting.

The Birmingham 2022 website will be updated with information over the coming months, with detail on the events and where to line the route.

Councillor Bob Bushell, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place at City of Lincoln Council said: “We look forward to hosting the Baton in Lincoln as part of the Queen’s Baton Relay in July.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for us to showcase the city and what we have to offer and welcome residents and visitors to enjoy the evening’s celebrations.”

Thousands of Batonbearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, will have the honour of carrying the Baton during the journey through England, including those nominated in
recognition of their contributions to their local community, whether that be in sport, education, the arts, culture or charity.

Between 40 and 130 Batonbearers will carry the Baton each day, and the Relay will reach hundreds of villages, towns and cities during its tour of the country.

Travelling via land, air and sea, more than 180 communities in England will experience the Queen’s Baton on a route spanning 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres).

Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay has been a tradition for the Commonwealth Games.

Phil Batty, Director of Ceremonies, Culture & Queen’s Baton Relay, said: “Whilst the Baton has been travelling across the Commonwealth, we have worked closely with Local Authorities in England to devise a route that engages with hundreds of communities, passing sport venues, historic sites, local schools and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yet the Queen’s Baton Relay is far more than just a journey. It symbolises connecting people from every corner of the Commonwealth, celebrates Batonbearers who take on challenges, and marks the countdown the biggest sporting event in West Midlands history. And by the time the Baton returns to England for the final leg, 71 nations and territories will have already experienced the magic that comes with it.

“We hope that communities across the country join the excitement, attend events near them, line the streets to cheer on our incredible Batonbearers and celebrate the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.”