East Lindsey District Council Leader statement on Greater Lincolnshire Devolution deal

Posted Wednesday 22 November, 2023

East Lindsey District Council's Leader, Cllr Craig Leyland, has cautiously welcomed the announcement of a devolution deal for Greater Lincolnshire.

Published in today's Autumn statement, the Greater Lincolnshire Devolution deal could see a new Mayoral Combined Authority created.

Devolution enables more decisions to be made at a local level instead of by Government, provides the authority with additional responsibilities, extra funding, as well as greater control in how money is spent.

Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council as upper-tier local authorities, are in the process of finalising their proposal that could lead to the  formation of Mayoral Combined Authority for Greater Lincolnshire, potentially in 2025.

Residents will have a say on this deal as a consultation across Greater Lincolnshire is likely to run this December and January before a potential deal is submitted to Government.

Cllr Craig Leyland, Leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: "For several months, district leaders  have been in talks with other Lincolnshire Leaders to ensure a Devolution deal is right for Greater Lincolnshire and particularly, East Lindsey residents and businesses.

"Now the Chancellor has backed the vision shared across Greater Lincolnshire through his announcement today. Devolution will bring more funding opportunities and additional powers to best serve the region which is important to support economic growth, infrastructure and tourism in East Lindsey.

I welcome the fact this is going out to consultation."