Decision on way forward for North East Lincolnshire Council

North East Lincolnshire Council will recommend to Government that its existing boundaries remain, as it pledges to continue its partnership working to grow opportunities for its place and people.

Citing the strides that have, and are, being made with regards to the economy and the positive work within communities, a Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), report was discussed and voted on by members at the authority’s Full Council meeting tonight (Thursday).

It was agreed that:

• The preference is for North East Lincolnshire to remain within its current administrative boundaries;
• This option is promoted across Greater Lincolnshire;
• The authority continues to explore opportunities to work closely with North Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire County Councils on any Greater Lincolnshire submissions to government.

Within the report, it states how the preference for existing boundaries to remain does not mean the authority will stand still. There is a commitment to a refresh of arrangements, touching upon governance, democracy, and opportunities. Activity, which has been paused, such as the review to be conducted by the Boundary Commission of England, would be completed.

An LGR Working Group comprising of the four main group leaders, will now continue to work with officers on a full proposal to meet the Government’s November submission deadline.  This group was established to consider LGR and propose the preferred way forward.

All local authorities have been asked to submit proposals for new structures, following the release of the Government’s LGR White Paper. In Greater Lincolnshire the 10 councils – the two unitary authorities in North and North East Lincolnshire, one county council and seven districts – are all working up their preferences. The Government will decide on a way forward after considering all submissions.

North East Lincolnshire’s proposal will be supported by evidence of how, as a smaller unitary, it is able to forge close and positive working relationships to support its Council Plan vision to build a ‘Stronger Economy’ and ‘Stronger Communities’.

It will detail how the borough’s unique south Humber position has seen close partnerships built leading to significant investment in green energy, ports and logistics, and food processing.

The result has been an improvement in prospects with current ONS data showing that North and North East Lincolnshire are now 7% more productive when compared nationally. And, with a local median earning of £34,614 a year, North East Lincolnshire now has the highest median earning rate in the region, just below the national average - demonstrating the continuing growth in skilled employment in the area.

It will also highlight the vital ties to the borough’s communities and the strides that are being made to improve challenges in health inequalities and housing, to regenerate the town centre and to support the borough’s children, young people and adults.

The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “I would like to give recognition to my fellow group leaders. Cllrs Clough, Aisthorpe, Holland and I have worked productively with officers to fully examine what we believe to be the best way forward.

“Crucially this is about the future growth and improvement of North East Lincolnshire, its economy and its people, whilst working within the Greater Lincolnshire footprint, to provide support, opportunity and respond positively to challenge.

“We have clearly shown how a smaller unitary with unique characteristics, challenges and geography can attract public and private sector investment that can and is enabling significant positive change. We firmly believe it is our size and drive that has achieved this and we want the opportunity, as a council, to continue this work, which will be of benefit to everyone locally, regionally and nationally,” added Cllr Jackson.

As the full submission is worked on, North East Lincolnshire Council will be asking people to have their say as part of public engagement. More details will be released soon.