New report highlights the importance of cities like Lincoln in local government reorganisation

The Case for Cities report calls on Government to give councils the tools and powers they need to tackle key challenges such as health inequality, housing, and economic growth and productivity. 

It argues that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and regional devolution can provide the foundations for cities like Lincoln to flourish, aligning growth with better health and wellbeing. 

LGR offers an opportunity to invest in city-led unitary authorities, giving them the scale and powers to deliver integrated planning across housing, transport, and health, all of which unlock their potential for inclusive, sustainable growth. 

The report says that smaller cities could be engines of prosperity and resilience but are often held back by outdated boundaries and governance structures, which limit their ability to coordinate investment across functional urban areas. 

Lincoln is highlighted as a case study in the new report. 

It says: “Lincoln is a fast-growing and ambitious city – home to a thriving knowledge ecosystem and a rich cultural and historical identity.  

“[As the only city in a largely rural county] it anchors services, jobs and education for surrounding towns and villages, while carrying the weight of concentrated deprivation within its boundaries.” 

“Life expectancy differs by more than a decade between communities only miles apart, reflecting the persistent link between health, inequality and economic opportunity. 

“Lincoln has already shown how partnership and targeted investment can change the trajectory of communities. Its neighbourhood working model has successfully brought together voluntary sector partners, housing providers, and public agencies to focus on the determinants of health and wellbeing at local level.” 

The report continues: “In key sectors, the city sits at the heart of innovative clusters in defence and security, and the creative economy, and with growing digital and technology sectors. The city has potential to accelerate these high-priority sectors to improve productivity, skills and employment across the city and wider region.” 

“Lincoln’s current boundaries date back to the 1970s which prevent the city from taking action across a functional urban geography. Most employment growth in recent decades has been absorbed by areas like North Hykeham, functionally part of Lincoln’s economy but outside its authority to coordinated infrastructure or long-term planning.” 

The report concludes: “With a right-sized unitary, Lincoln could better coordinate across housing, transport, and health systems, accelerate the delivery of affordable homes, and plan infrastructure that serves both city residents and surrounding communities.” 

Angela Andrews, Chief Executive of City of Lincoln Council, said: 

“Lincoln has already shown how collaboration and forward-thinking services can improve outcomes locally.  

“With the right powers and a joined-up geography, we can extend that success and tackle inequalities, drive economic growth, and build healthier, more resilient communities.” 

Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, added: 

“This report makes clear that Lincoln must be at the heart of a new unitary structure.  

“Our city has huge potential to lead regional growth, but it needs the powers and flexibility to plan across housing, transport, and health.  

“With the right framework, Lincoln can be a catalyst for inclusive growth across Greater Lincolnshire.”