A multi-million pound cash windfall for Lincolnshire won’t land if the Conservatives lose the general election, one of their councillors has claimed.
The revelation was made at a meeting of Lincolnshire County Council’s Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee meeting, writes Local Democracy Reporter James Turner.
The government has announced plans to redirect funds from the cancelled HS2 with £262m heading into Lincolnshire.
But Conservative councillor Richard Davies, the executive member for highways, advised councillors to be cautious regarding the anticipated funding.
He highlighted the receipt of funds hinges on the current government’s ability to retain power in the next general election.
“This is really great news – it represents not only a substantial increase in funding, but also it recognises a long standing desire we’ve had to see year-on-year investment which will then make a real difference to our supply chain,” he said
“It does rely on the incumbent government winning the general election, so I would add a note of caution to any expectations as to whether this will actually happen.”
The exact date for the next general election has not been revealed, but it has got to take place before January 28, 2025.
There have been indications that it may be in the autumn of this year.
The extra funding could provide a much-needed boost to significant highways projects like the Spalding Western Relief Road scheme, which had to postpone construction of the southern section until 2030 because of financial constraints.
The delay has led some councillors to question if the project will ever be finished.
The county council also said there is no definitive plan on how any extra funding would be allocated.
“We cautiously welcome this news about the reallocation of HS2 funding, as this is something we’ve been calling for from central government for years.
“It’s still too early to say what this funding will be used for. However, it’s really refreshing to see Lincolnshire not getting overlooked, and we very much look forward to understanding more about this funding, including whether it is actually additional funding and also whether the funding will be guaranteed following the next general election,” said Coun Davies.
