TIME RUNNING OUT FOR BRIGG PEOPLE TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON GREATER LINCOLNSHIRE DEVOLUTION

FROM CHRIS O'ROURKE, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

There are less than two weeks remaining for people living and working in Greater Lincolnshire to have their say on proposals to create a Mayoral Combined Authority with a Directly Elected Mayor for the area.
Ten local authorities, from the Humber to the Wash, have joined together to ask for some powers, responsibilities and funding from Government to be devolved to Greater Lincolnshire, meaning more decisions on public services – including transport and housing - would be made locally, rather than at a national level.
If all 10 councils sign up to this, a 'Mayoral Combined Authority' would be established. This would be made up of elected councillors from the 10 councils and a representative from the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and chaired by the Directly Elected Mayor, chosen by Greater Lincolnshire residents.
The Combined Authority would not replace existing councils or affect the services they already provide. It would only be responsible for the new powers and funding devolved from central Government, which include transport, housing, skills-training and flood risk management.
Under the deal an additional £450m over the next 30 years (£15m per year) would be provided for investment in housing and infrastructure. It could also help to develop a better approach to skills training provision and criminal justice services in the area.
The consultation also seeks views on whether, if a Mayoral Combined Authority was established, the public would want to see the role of Mayor combined with that of Police and Crime Commissioner if it reduced administrative costs.
For the roles to be combined there would need to be a change made by Government to the Police and Crime Commissioner boundaries, as currently the Greater Lincolnshire area is served by both the Lincolnshire and Humberside Commissioners.
We want your views on the scheme for the establishment of a Mayoral Combined Authority for Greater Lincolnshire. 
Visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/devolution to have your say or pick up a consultation form and read the supporting information at your Local Link, library or leisure centre. Frequently Asked Questions, along with other useful information, are available online.
Coun Liz Redfern, pictured, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The Greater Lincolnshire Devolution deal is a huge opportunity for North Lincolnshire and we want as many people who live and work in our area to share their views. The devolution deal would mean additional money, greater powers and responsibilities coming to the Greater Lincolnshire area with all 10 councils working together for the benefit of the region. It would see more business opportunities, jobs, investment and new homes.
“To secure these extra powers and investment, a mayoral combined authority would need to be created. The combined authority would be overseen by a directly elected mayor, voted for by the people of Greater Lincolnshire.
“With just under two weeks left, it’s important you complete the devolution consultation if you haven’t already. You can pick up a copy from main council buildings or complete the consultation online on our website.”
The consultation will close on Monday 8 August at 5pm. Responses will be reviewed before each council will then have to formally agree the deal later this year.

The local authorities are:
Boston Borough Council
City of Lincoln Council
East Lindsey District Council
Lincolnshire County Council
North East Lincolnshire Council
North Lincolnshire Council
North Kesteven District Council
South Holland District Council
South Kesteven District Council
West Lindsey District Council

As part of the Devolution proposals, the 10 councils have undertaken a Governance Review to understand the most appropriate arrangements to oversee any devolved powers. The consultation is a result of that.