Title: Council Leader Defends £469 Million Debt as Crucial for Lincolnshire’s Growth
Councillor Martin Hill, the leader of Lincolnshire County Council, has stoutly upheld the council’s hefty debt of £469 million. He posits that this level of borrowing is integral to allowing substantial infrastructure progress. His comments are a reply to critical points from Reform UK candidates, coming before the county elections, set for Thursday, 1st May. Hill confirmed this debt figure, arguing that funding from the Public Loans Board at beneficial rates supports significant projects like bypasses, new schools, and fire stations, with a repayment plan spread over a 30-year period similar to a mortgage.
Answering concerns aired by Reform candidate Gareth Shields about the state of the county’s roads, Councillor Hill brought attention to the ongoing efforts in road maintenance by the council. He commented, “Borrowing for everyday services is neither permitted nor desirable for us. Without borrowing, the feasibility of large-scale construction would be nil, a condition that Reform seems comfortable with.”
Earlier this year, the council reported it had repaired over 100,000 potholes, reflecting a commitment to maintaining the extensive road network in Lincolnshire. Hill commended the council’s efforts, stating that, “Spending on road maintenance reached unprecedented levels last year, with over 100,000 potholes repaired and many miles of roads and footpaths renovated. This year, we’re allotting an extra £106.6 million to uphold our 5,500-mile network.”
Hill went further to explain the hurdles rural authorities, such as Lincolnshire, must navigate, pointing out the imbalance between reported potholes and birth rates as a unique predicament. By encouraging locals to report issues and conducting their own inspections, the council plans to rectify defects promptly. “There is still work to be done, but we are heartened by the traction our maintenance strategy is gaining. Lincolnshire’s chief road network fares better than the average rural authority, and the conditions of our unclassified roads have noticeably improved,” added Councillor Hill.
This report is a rework of the original piece by www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk, adapted by The Lincoln Post.
