Less than 24 hours after it was announced the previous plan for local reorganisation had been scrapped, South Holland District Council has announced its proposing to add another council it is in partnership.
The authority says it now wants to add up West Lindsey District Council to the currently called South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership it has with Boston and East Lindsey councils.
That was formed with Local Government Review in mind and formed part of a bid to create a unitary authority.
Today the South and East Councils Partnership has announced its looking to team up with West Lindsey.
“Since the Government’s pause on Local Government Reorganisation in September, discussions have been taking place between the councils about the potential benefits of working together through a partnership arrangement,” a statement released by South Holland District Council states. “The councils believe the proposal provides an opportunity to build on the successful track record of the current South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland), by increasing the capacity in each council and delivering savings.
“Reports requesting approval to explore the proposition further will be considered by all four councils in December. The reports represent the first stage of the process.
“If the councils agree, work will take place to develop a business case before further reports are brought back to councils in February and March.”
A statement from the leaders of the partnership councils including Coun Nick Worth reads: “We have a strong, five-year track record of working successfully in partnership, and we believe there is an opportunity to explore whether bringing the four councils together in a partnership arrangement could deliver further benefits to our communities.
“We are also very clear that we have no confidence in the Government delivering local government reorganisation, and yesterday’s news confirmed our suspicions, so we therefore need to take control of our own destiny as Councils.
“Let’s be clear: we are at an early stage in discussions. The reports in December will allow councillors the opportunity to debate and then decide whether the detailed work should commence.”
Cllr Jackie Brockway, leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “West Lindsey has a strong track record of working collaboratively, and this proposal gives us the opportunity to explore whether a wider partnership could bring further benefits for residents. By looking at ways to increase capacity and resilience across four councils, we can ensure we are considering all options available to support high-quality local services in the future.”
