The Independent Group of North East Lincolnshire councillors is urging for a ‘Preserve North East Lincolnshire Council’ campaign. Five councillors have expressed their worries about the potential merging and dissolution of the council with neighbouring councils within the next two years. They fear the local residents may not have enough knowledge or input in the process. The Government expressed its intent to eradicate two-tier council areas last year. North East Lincolnshire, being a single tier council neighbouring Lincolnshire County Council, could be incorporated into a larger council as part of the Government’s local government reorganisation plans. The Independent Group strongly opposes this idea, citing the loss of local identity and dubious cost-saving benefits. They also highlight the opposition of Lincoln City Council and Lincolnshire’s district councils to the idea. ‘What we stand to lose is tangible, but what we stand to gain is largely unknown,’ said Independent Group leader Cllr Steve Holland. The group fears the most significant losers in this change might be local residents while consultancy firms may profit. They also worry about the impact on the council’s children’s services, which are currently improving following a harsh Ofsted report. They believe that unless local voices are taken into account, plans to abolish the council could be in place by November.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
