A survey has seen locals back the council’s bid to prevent Government replacing the borough with a new larger authority.
Earlier this year, North East Lincolnshire Council confirmed it would oppose the government’s proposed changes to local authority boundaries. The proposals form part of a wider plan to abolish two-tier council structures, in which areas are governed by both a district or borough council, such as North East Lincolnshire Council, and an upper-tier authority like Lincolnshire County Council.
The decision marked a shift in stance after Council Leader Councillor Philip Jackson had previously written to the government in support of a reorganisation that would reduce Lincolnshire’s ten councils to just two. In his letter, he said the council had the “support and capacity” to move forward — despite not consulting opposition parties beforehand. His approach drew strong criticism from other political groups and prompted a special meeting, which ultimately saw all parties unite in favour of retaining North East Lincolnshire’s existing boundaries.
Since then, over 1,000 residents have voiced their support of the council’s position, citing concerns that the area would not benefit from joining a larger authority, and objecting to the estimated £35–£47 million cost and potential disruption to council services and working practices.
Some have also warned that non-local leadership could put heritage and regeneration projects at risk.
The issue will be discussed at North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet meeting, before going to Full Council for debate on Wednesday 12 November, ahead of submission to the government by Friday 28 November.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.