Major changes proposed for Lincolnshire’s political map have been scrapped and the whole process will now have to be ‘reconsidered’.
The county’s local authorities were all due to be ditched and merged into two larger unitaries – an extended Lincoln council and a second authority covering the rest of the county.
In September, the Government said a decision on the controversial changes had been put on hold amid concerns from councils across the country about the decision-making process.
However, the Government has confirmed today (October 29) that a decision on councils in Lincolnshire has been withdrawn and the process will be reconsidered.
In recent weeks, the Government has faced criticism at the amount of time and money wasted by councils on preparing bids – with each having put forward their own vision for a new-look Lincolnshire.
The process, known as Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), was due to be the biggest change to the local political scene for a generation.
It would have seen the scrapping of South Holland District Council and Lincolnshire County Council and one authority taking on both of their roles in the area.
Lincolnshire County Council leader Sean Matthews said: “While I’m glad that the decision for Lincolnshire has been withdrawn, we’re essentially back in the same place we were before they announced their chosen model in July.
“There are still four proposals on the table, a loose timeline and continuing uncertainty; the government has taken a three-month step backwards.
“I’m not surprised if residents are confused about what is happening. But whilst the uncertainty continues in Whitehall, rest assured we’re focused on getting on with the day job and delivering services that support our residents, our communities and our county.”
