Residents of Lincolnshire have been presented with the chance to express their views on a suggested reorganisation of local councils. The plan, termed ‘Your Lincolnshire’, is designed to amalgamate the services currently dispensed by Lincolnshire County Council and the seven district councils into one sole body. This would result in the dissolution of the district councils in Boston, East Lindsey, Lincoln, North Kesteven, South Holland, South Kesteven, and West Lindsey.
Rob Gibson, deputy leader of the county council, clarified that the government is advocating the termination of ‘two-tier’ council systems. In response, they have proposed a strategy to streamline services and deliver improved value for taxpayers. He stated, “The county council already delivers local services throughout every town and village in Lincolnshire. We could amalgamate these with district council functions to create a unified point of contact.”
A series of public events will be carried out across September, with the intent to facilitate discussions regarding the proposed plans amongst residents. Despite only having one event scheduled per district, certain areas such as Bourne, Crowland, and Skegness, will not specifically host any events. The organised events include:
-Boston Library – 3rd of September (10:00-14:00 BST)
-Sleaford Library – 9th September (10:00-14:00 BST)
-Louth Library – 11th September (10:00-14:00 BST)
-Grantham Library – 15th September (09:30-12:30 BST)
-Gainsborough Library – 19th September (14:00-17:00 BST)
-Lincoln Castle – 20th September (11:00-14:00 BST)
-Lincoln Library – 23rd September (11:00-15:00 BST)
-Spalding Library – 24th September (10:00-14:00 BST)
In instances where residents are unable to attend an event, the county council is open to meeting with groups eager to gain further knowledge on the proposal. Additionally, an alternate plan, named ‘A Greater Lincolnshire For All’, suggests a different method of consolidation. It proposes combining the unitary councils of North and North East Lincolnshire with Lincoln and West Lindsey to form one authority. The remaining districts would constitute another.
The residents of Lincolnshire are urged to take part in these significant discussions that have the potential to redefine the administrative structure of their local areas.
This article is based on original reporting by the BBC.
