South Lincolnshire Greens have reacted with dismay to the Government’s decision on the reorganisation of local government in Lincolnshire (see page seven for more – Ed).
Vanessa Smith, South Kesteven district councillor for Casewick ward, said: “I am extremely disappointed by the government’s announcement today on local government reorganisation for Lincolnshire.
“I do not believe the model that has been chosen is in the best interests of residents, and I do not believe it will strengthen local democracy.
“Of the four proposals submitted, the government has chosen the option put forward by the City of Lincoln that divides the existing Lincolnshire County Council area into two new authorities: Lincolnshire City and Lincolnshire Rural. In my view, this was the worst option presented. The only local authority to support this was the City of Lincoln council and to my knowledge it had no public support from my residents. It creates an unbalanced split that fails to reflect the geography, communities and needs of our county and falls short of many of the principles the Government itself originally set out for local government reorganisation.
“Under these proposals, the new Lincolnshire City authority will serve around 208,000 residents across 816 square kilometres, while the new Lincolnshire Rural authority will be responsible for approximately 574,000 residents across more than 5,120 square kilometres.”
Local spokesperson Martin Blake said: “The Government’s decision flies in the face of its own stated aim to bring decision- making closer to people. A single authority stretching from Stamford and Crowland nearly to the Humber will be unwieldy and unresponsive to residents.
What’s the point of consulting if the Government takes no notice of the views of residents?”
Martin Blake, South Lincolnshire Greens
