Yes vote paves the way for Mayor to be elected in May

NEXT STEPS TOWARDS DEVOLUTION DEAL

authority and oversee these new powers.

Following the full council meeting COUNCILLORS at Lincolnshire on December 1, county council County Council have voted in favour leader Councillor Martin Hill said: of taking the next steps towards a “We have negotiated an ambitious devolution deal for Greater Lindeal with the government that will colnshire. bring benefits to our residents for

The deal, which would combine years to come, making sure we don’t Lincolnshire, North East Linget left behind. colnshire and North Lincolnshire “I hope that residents will take the into a joint authority, would bring in time to understand what’s on offer £24m a year for the next three decand give their views as part of the ades. consultation. This is our opportu

A mayor, elected by Lincolnshire nity to take more decisions locally, residents, would preside over the boost our economy and have a direct line to the government about what we need in our area.”

Residents will get the chance to have their say as part of an eight

Cllr Martin Hill week public consultation, starting on Monday, December 4. On top of the £720m investment over the next 30 years, there would also be a oneoff capital investment of £28.4m into the region.

There would be a further £2m in capacity funding spread over three years and £1m in jobs funding. Despite optimism from some councillors, others are more hesitant.

In a joint statement, the leaders of South Kesteven District Council, Boston Borough Council and West Lindsey District Council said: “It already feels as though devolution is being done to us rather than being done with and for us.

“We are strongly committed to democratic principles and will ensure that our councils will publicly debate the proposed devolution deal as soon as possible after it has been published.”

A ceremonial signing of the deal by the leaders of the three authorities and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Jacob Young, took place earlier this week.

If the scheme goes ahead, Lincolnshire’s first mayor would be elected in May 2025.

I hope that residents will take the time to understand what’s on offer and give their views as part of the consultation.

GREATER Lincolnshire’s devolution deal could see a significant shift in public transport management, with plans to introduce a bus franchising model as part of the process.

Leaders of the county council, North East Lincolnshire Council, and North Lincolnshire Council have signed off on a proposed devolution deal with Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Jacob Young. The deal includes new powers to improve and integrate local transport, featuring bus franchising as a key element.

This move, reportedly reflecting an Oyster-card style system employed in other regions, could herald a new era of efficiency and connectivity in the area, according to leaders. Central to the devolution proposal, detailed in the official documentation, is the empowerment of the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA.

This body will wield franchising powers under the Transport Act 2000, allowing it to consult on franchising without seeking permission from the Secretary of State. The scope of these powers includes streamlining contractual and delivery arrangements for bus services across Greater Lincolnshire.

However, the implementation raises questions about the procurement process and the extent of the mayor’s involvement.

Responding to reporters’ questions, Lincolnshire County Council and North East Lincolnshire Council said details of the franchising plan were still in the early stages.

A LCC spokesperson said: “We are very early in the Devolution process and, with a lot of preliminary stages to go through over the coming months, we will be able to comment further on transport plans as the process develops further.”