A new super council – promoted for its ability to bring millions of pounds into Lincolnshire – looks increasingly unlikely to go ahead.
Ten authorities need to approve the deal for the Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority for it to happen and representatives of two have now indicated they are not in favour.
Following a Lincolnshire County Council ‘no’ vote last week, Holbeach member Nick Worth said: “I voted for devolution and was a strong advocate for it.
“While the vote is just a recommendation to the leader, it is likely that the size of the rejection will leave him with little option but to reject it.
“For me Lincolnshire has missed a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to bring in serious investment into Lincolnshire over the long term and opportunity to negotiate further deals that could benefit enhanced engineering, manufacturing, agri-food, infrastructure, skills and substantial sums for housing.
“While few people wanted an elected Mayor it was a pill I was prepared to swallow for the greater good of Lincolnshire and its future economy but clearly the majority didn’t agree.”
South Kesteven District Council’s full council voted against the proposal today (Monday).
A report to South Kesteven District Council said: “If the council decides not to proceed it will lose the opportunity for a Combined Authority to be statutorily established, an annual budget of £15m linked to activity planned to be delivered by the Combined Authority and it may lose access to future government resources and the local determination of policy and spending priorities.”
Technically, the executive of the council could still overrule the decision.
Lincolnshire County Council’s full council voted 43 to 17 against the deal, with five abstentions. Many members voiced unrest over an elected mayor being part of the deal.
It is down to leader Coun Martin Hill to make the final decision for his authority, which he must submit by November 21.
He told the Voice: “I have got a clear instruction from the county council. There needs to be something new happening before I think about not doing that.”
The devolution deal includes the creation of a combined authority which would take over some powers currently held by central Government. In addition, £15m per year additional funding would be drawn into Greater Lincolnshire to be spent over a 30-year period.
It would be another tier of local government with existing authorities remaining to continue with the work they each currently do.
Seven of the ten authorities in the proposal area have voted in favour, with South Holland District Council due to vote on Wednesday.
A Government spokesman said: “This historic devolution deal offers local authorities in Greater Lincolnshire new powers, £450million worth of new funding, and a powerful new mayor to speak up for the region.
“This is set to make a huge difference to local people’s lives by helping to create jobs, improve skills and invest in transport to make journeys quicker and easier.
“The terms of the deal which local partners signed up to six months ago are clear. We would urge local leaders to hold firm to the deal they agreed, and grasp this great opportunity to bring jobs and prosperity to Lincolnshire.”
