North East Lincolnshire Council is set to remain as a unitary authority from 2028.
Delighted elected members and senior officers at the council have today been told by Westminster that the review of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Greater Lincolnshire has concluded and it is hugely positive news for the borough.
Government wants North East Lincolnshire Council and North Lincolnshire – also a unitary authority – to remain as they are from 2028. Two more unitary authorities, one covering Lincoln with an expanded geography and the other covering the remainder of Lincolnshire, are set to be created. Legislation will be laid before Parliament later this year.
The news comes after an intense period of scrutiny of Greater Lincolnshire by Government.
As part of the LGR review, all current councils across the wider county were asked to submit their own proposals – in which North East Lincolnshire presented its case to stay within its current unitary structure. This was supported by hundreds of residents and businesses during a public consultation – and has resulted in today’s decision.
Council Leader, Cllr Oliver Freeston, said: “Our concise and clear proposal has been read and listened to. In it, we outlined our strong ambition, our close links with our communities and our partners, and the huge strides we are making in key areas of Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, in creating our Marmot Town, and in supporting the economy and regeneration.
“This is the very best decision for the people of our borough, and the wider Greater Lincolnshire and South Humber regions.
“Uniquely placed along the south bank of the Humber, we are the vital link between the economy powerhouse of the estuary and the rest of Greater Lincolnshire – allowing us to contribute to the success of the whole region.
“This decision comes with a pledge from everyone here to continue our work and continue our close collaboration with neighbouring local authorities and our determination to see the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority grow and bring with it benefits for all. We can look forward to the future with confidence.”
Cllr Freeston added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank fellow elected members, officers of this council and importantly the many, many residents, businesses and voluntary organisations that supported our proposal – it was invaluable.”
The council’s proposal to remain as a unitary authority received unanimous cross-party support, and today’s decision has also been warmly welcomed by the other political group leaders:
Leader of the Labour Group, Cllr Emma Clough said: “There is no doubt that this is the right decision for us all here in North East Lincolnshire. Our borough has a strong sense of community, of pride and of ambition and this is reflected in the actions of so many. Our hearts our here, as is our vision to build a better place, and this is best achieved with local decision making, and local accountability. Our proposal, unanimously supported by all elected members, clearly showed the power of working together, with partners and our communities. Government has listened and agreed.”
Leader of the Conservative Group, Cllr Philip Jackson said: “I am pleased the Government has listened to the wishes of residents and businesses right across our borough of North East Lincolnshire. This was also the unanimous view of elected members.”
Leader of the Independent Group, Cllr Paul Bright said: “This is avictory for common sense and a win for our local democracy. Independent evidence has consistently shown huge, unitary structures offer no guaranteed benefits. This decision protects local identity and ensures local government remains genuinely local and accountable to people here. With the cloud of an expensive and divisive merger lifted, we can focus on our challenges. Delivering Grimsby town centre regeneration, advancing Cleethorpes’ masterplan, navigating the new mayoral authority, and driving vital service improvements. We have avoided a costly bureaucratic distraction, allowing us to move forward with stability and deliver services our residents deserve.”
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe said: “I’m pleased the Government has recognised the strong case for North East Lincolnshire to remain a unitary authority. Throughout this process, the Liberal Democrat Group has consistently supported keeping decisions affecting North East Lincolnshire in the hands of local people, not imposed from elsewhere. This proposal received unanimous cross-party support and demonstrated what can be achieved when North East Lincolnshire Council, North Lincolnshire Council and Lincolnshire County Council work together in the best interests of residents across Greater Lincolnshire. With this certainty now in place, we can all focus on improving services, supporting our communities and strengthening our local economy.”
For more go to the Greater Lincolnshire LGR Hub.
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