“I am concerned we would not benefit from becoming part of a much larger demographic. Our uniqueness is our strength.” The views of one person who took part in the council’s engagement survey.
THE four political leaders at North East Lincolnshire Council have been supported by hundreds of local people in their bid to prevent Government replacing the borough with a new, much larger authority.
In the authority’s formal Local Government Reorganisation, (LGR) Proposal to the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, (MHCLG), Conservative Leader Cllr Philip Jackson, Cllr Emma Clough (Labour), Cllr Steve Holland (NEL Independents), and Cllr Nicola Aisthorpe (Lib-Dems) write:
“Momentum is growing in our place as we look at regeneration, economic activity and improving lives for all. We sit on the cusp of real change, and we ask for longevity as a unitary authority to complete that change – providing security, stability, and growth across the borough. We propose that we remain as an existing high performing unitary council, within our existing borough boundaries.”
The proposal says there is a ‘compelling argument’ for keeping the current North East Lincolnshire boundaries – and over 1,000 people who took part in an engagement survey back this view.
Many views and letters were received with comments including: “We (Lincolnshire) are a large county, our town’s location is fairly isolated, yet unique, as we are also a resort. We need local knowledge and understanding. I am concerned we would not benefit from becoming part of a much larger demographic. Our uniqueness is our strength.”
The authority’s close links with partners, including public sector bodies such as the police and health services, and the business and voluntary sectors are all outlined in detail in the document.
Unique arrangements in place to support adults in North East Lincolnshire, the transformation of Children’s Services, the economic powerhouse of the South Humber Bank, and the continuing regeneration projects, are all at risk if this Local Government Reorganisation goes ahead, it adds.
The financial cost of any reorganisation is a major concern outlined, with expert analysis putting it at between £35-£47 million, taking years to execute and threatening to disrupt council services and working practices.
In their combined foreword in the proposal, Cllr Jackson, Cllr Clough, Cllr Holland, and Cllr Aisthorpe add:
“What we are achieving is possible thanks to this unitary authority’s size, flexibility, and personnel. Indeed, we believe that success should not be defined by size, but by having a thorough understanding of how to respond to unique challenges and need – thereby creating opportunities.
“That will be achieved here if we are able to retain and grow what we have. Change in North East Lincolnshire at this moment in our journey would risk delaying or even derailing all the work carried out, and the investment made so far in our place and its people.”
The North East Lincolnshire Council Local Government Reorganisation Proposal, Building a Stronger Economy & Stronger Communities, will go before North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet meeting and subsequently to Full Council for debate on Wednesday 12 November, ahead of submission to Government by Friday 28 November.
Share this article