People in North East Lincolnshire are being urged to give their views on local public services amid a government plan to that could see the number of councils in Lincolnshire cut from ten to just two.
North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) has already confirmed it will oppose the plans, marking a major shift in stance. Earlier this year, Council Leader Philip Jackson wrote to government backing the reorganisation, saying the authority had the “support and capacity” to proceed – despite not consulting opposition parties at the time.
At a recent meeting of the full council, local leaders agreed to put a case forward to keep the council’s current boundaries. They said that having an authority with a smaller population means that decisions are made with an understanding of local needs.
A public survey – which can be found here – has now been launched as part of a wider government drive to scrap two-tier council systems, where local services are split between district or borough councils and an upper-tier body such as Lincolnshire County Council. NELC says it wants to hear from the public about what the council does and how it can be improved.
Leader of the council, Councillor Philip Jackson said: “We have stated clearly that our intention is to build a Stronger Economy and Stronger Communities – and we believe this is best done if we remain as North East Lincolnshire Council, whilst of course looking for opportunities to work with our neighbouring authorities across Greater Lincolnshire.”
Labour Group Leader, Councillor Emma Clough said: “North East Lincolnshire is a unique place that deserves a council that puts our community first. Keeping NELC as a small unitary authority means decisions that shape our local services are driven by people who live and work in the area. We do not want to run the risk of weakening local accountability.”
Lib-Dem Group Leader, Councillor Nicola Aisthorpe, said: “No one knows North East Lincolnshire better than its own people. The history of the former Humberside County Council showed that when decision-making grows bigger and moves further away, communities can find it harder to have their voices heard. Our future is best shaped here, guided by local knowledge, priorities, and voices.”
Leader of the North East Lincolnshire Independents Group Councillor Steve Holland said: “This will be the biggest change to how local government works since Humberside was abolished as a county. It’s really important that the views of residents and local businesses are considered before we push ahead any further on reorganisation plans.”
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.