A bid to hold a £1.3 million referendum on the Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal was rejected by county councillors, who voted to progress a deal for electing a mayor for the area.
Instead, a public consultation will be held across the region, involving residents filling in a feedback form and submitting it.
The new mayoral authority setup will bring more control over government funding and powers around housing, job creation, and public transport, including buses.
Independent group leader Coun Phil Dilks proposed a motion for a county-wide vote on the new government layer and mayor, recalling LCC’s rejection of a similar deal in 2016.
He expressed concern that the timetable for finalising the deal was too rapid, suggesting it might be influenced by the upcoming elections in May.
“I don’t think we’ve got to a really good place in the deal, and maybe Lincolnshire can do better than what’s on offer,” he said. “We’re on a real rush of a timetable now.
“It’s been eight years of waiting, and now off we have to go, but I’m just saying, hang on a minute, let’s get this right, let’s do the best possible deal that we can for Lincolnshire.
“When we consider the £600 million this authority spends annually on services for our people, the £24 million (extra) offered is merely crumbs on the table. It’s not sufficient — we’re being shortchanged.
“This is a massive decision, don’t be sold down the River Humber, and certainly not for such a small price. Lincolnshire deserves better than that,” he added.
Councillors were informed that the estimated cost of a referendum would be around £1.3 million.
Last week’s Autumn Statement announced a devolution deal, with Lincolnshire receiving £24 million annually for 30 years under a new mayoral authority including Lincolnshire County Council, and North and North East Lincolnshire councils.
Despite acknowledging the need for devolution, some members expressed concerns about the mayor having tax-raising powers, the likelihood of additional funding, the absence of a direct vote on the mayor’s role, and the accelerated timeline.
Coun Ashley Baxter (Independent) called the £20 per head funding in Lincolnshire ‘trivial.’ He suggested that the government could provide funds to Lincolnshire without necessitating devolution.
County council leader Martin Hill detailed £20 million funding for projects like UK Food Valley grants, flood prevention, and connectivity improvements.
He told the meeting: “This is a very important day for the council and indeed for all of Greater Lincolnshire.
