Leaders divided on proposal to reform Lincolnshire

Six distinct proposals have been submitted to the government aiming to restructure local authorities across Lincolnshire. In February, the government requested all councils to present options for reform that could lead to larger, single-tier organizations.

After several months of discussions, local political leaders remain divided, with some describing the authorities as "splintered into competing groups." A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) stated: "Reorganisation will enhance public services in Lincolnshire and ensure taxpayers' money is efficiently used."

Currently, Lincolnshire is served by seven district councils handling services such as waste management and planning, while Lincolnshire County Council oversees broader county-wide responsibilities, including social care and strategic decisions.

Under the proposed reforms, a single council could be created to cover Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire. Other suggestions involve forming two or four councils, with varying boundary arrangements.

West Lindsey District Council chose not to submit a proposal. Its leader, Jackie Brockway, highlighted tensions among councils, noting that authorities are prioritizing the protection of their areas and residents.

Some councils collaborated with neighbors for their proposals, while others submitted independent plans. Ashley Baxter, leader of South Kesteven District Council, described the process as "competitive," resulting in "different, competing proposals" and efforts to "maintain the status quo."

North and North East Lincolnshire councils proposed retaining their unitary authority status. Richard Wright, leader of North Kesteven District Council, emphasized that his council did not intend to create a sense of competition, stating that "residents should not see this as an unseemly argument."

Rob Gibson, deputy leader of Lincolnshire County Council, acknowledged the inevitability of disagreements due to the nature of the project, noting that district councils and their leaders would be impacted by the reorganization.

Since 2021, Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council, and South Holland District Council have collaborated on a joint proposal. The authorities leaders expressed pride in their plan and eagerness to work with government and local partners to implement the changes effectively.

The government is expected to announce its preferred option for Lincolnshire in early 2026, followed by public consultation. Elections for any new councils are anticipated in May 2027. MHCLG added that it continues to work with Lincolnshire councils to "unlock growth, accelerate building, and provide better support for local residents."

Proposals vary significantly:

• North Kesteven and South Kesteven suggest four authorities, merging with South Holland for one council and establishing two more for North and North East Lincolnshire. A fourth council would combine Lincoln, Boston, East Lindsey, and West Lindsey.
• The joint Boston, East Lindsey, and South Holland plan proposes two unitary councils: one for the northern part including North and North East Lincolnshire, West Lindsey, and the City of Lincoln, and another for the southern area including North Kesteven, South Kesteven, Boston, South Holland, and East Lindsey.
• The City of Lincoln Council proposed four authorities, incorporating parts of West Lindsey and North Kesteven, with a separate Rural Lincolnshire Council for the remaining county, keeping North and North East Lincolnshire unchanged.
• Lincolnshire County Council supports a single county-wide council, alongside separate authorities in North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.
• North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire councils propose maintaining existing boundaries while transforming Lincolnshire County Council and district councils into a single unitary authority.

Author: Ethan Caldwell