SUPPORT FOR NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE DEVOLUTION

FROM LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

The results of the consultation on a Mayoral Combined Authority for Greater Lincolnshire have now been collated. 
Whilst residents are generally positive about the powers and responsibilities that councils in the area are pursuing from the government, no definitive view has been put forward by the public as to whether an elected Mayor should be put in place.
Around 47% of people 'agreed' or 'strongly agreed' that a Mayoral Combined Authority should be set up for Greater Lincolnshire compared with around 49% who 'disagreed' or 'strongly disagreed'.
Greater Lincolnshire residents are broadly in favour of devolution, with 59% agreeing that councils should pursue devolved powers for the Greater Lincolnshire area, 73% agreeing that councils should prioritise economic growth, infrastructure and housing and 77% agreeing that councils should pursue further devolved powers in these areas.
In total 4,432 completed surveys were received during the consultation period, both in hard copy and online.
Coun Peter Bedford, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Leadership Board, said: "I'd like to thank everyone in Greater Lincolnshire who took part in the consultation and I'm pleased they are generally supportive of what we are trying to achieve. By working together and making more decisions locally we want to encourage economic growth and improve infrastructure across the whole area.
"We will be writing to government to get a clear understanding of what the new administration's aspirations are for devolution and where they stand on the requirement for an elected mayor."
Residents were less positive about the possibility of combining the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) role with that of an elected mayor. 38% agreed with this idea, whilst 56% disagreed.

NF ADDS: North Lincolnshire Council, West Lindsey District Council (and others) will now consider their own response to the consultation findings at meetings during September and October, and decide whether they want to pursue a Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) for Greater Lincolnshire. The full consultation findings will be submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government with the MCA proposals.