Have your say on what devolution means to you as consultation tour gets underway

North East Lincolnshire residents are encouraged to have their say on the proposed £720m devolution deal with public events set to get underway.

There are 20 events being held across the county including Grimsby, Immingham and Cleethorpes.

Between 9 and 25 January, the devolution tour will also visit other areas of Lincolnshire such as Sleaford, Ashby, Boston, Gainsborough, Crowle, Scunthorpe, Bourne, Brigg, Louth, Grantham, Barton upon Humber, Skegness, Spalding, Market Rasen and Lincoln.

The first of these events will be held at Cleethorpes Library, Alexandra Road, on Tuesday 9 January from 1.30pm to 5.30pm. Those who attend will have the opportunity to complete the devolution consultation and have support to do so.

Devolution would bring a host of new powers to Greater Lincolnshire, handing down finance and responsibility in a number of agreed key areas including transport, skills and training, housing and highways.  

Cllr Philip Jackson, the Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “As a life-long resident of North East Lincolnshire, I would not be championing this proposed Greater Lincolnshire Deal if I did not believe it was in the best interests of all the residents who live and work across our borough.

 “This is a deal that puts local people front and centre when it comes to things that will make a real difference. Take skills and training as an example. For people to take advantage of the opportunities that are here, we need to make sure as many as possible are skilled, trained, and ready. This deal will allow local people and partners to work together to provide and grow exactly what is needed – we will also have the budget to do so. And this is just one priority area,” he added.

There are a number of other devolution events being held across North East Lincolnshire throughout January:

• 10 January – Grimsby Town Hall, Town Hall Square, Grimsby, 5.30pm to 7.30pm;
• 11 January – Centre4, 17a Wootton Road, Grimsby, 12noon to 4pm;
• 15 January – Immingham Library, Pelham Road, Immingham, 11am to 3pm;
• 16 January – Freeman Street Market, Freeman Street, Grimsby, 11am to 3pm;
• 18 January – West Marsh Community Centre, Beeson Street, Grimsby, 12noon to 3pm.

As well as attending the in-person events, people can also have their say by completing the consultation on the Let’s Talk Lincolnshire website. You can also find an executive summary and a Q&A on what devolution means at www.nelc.gov.uk/devolution.

Following the eight-week consultation period, further formal meetings will take place to assess the consultation results and put a recommendation to the Government. If a decision is taken to move forward, a Mayoral Combined County Authority would be formed with the election for a Mayor in May 2025.