As you may be aware, the Government has this morning provided an update on Local Government Reorganisation, and the headline for us is that the plans for Lincolnshire are to be looked at again.
The Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Growth, Jim McMahon, said it had concluded its rapid review of the LGR process and decisions on 15 areas, including Lincolnshire, were being withdrawn for further consideration.
This will allow the original proposals and the evidence they contained to be looked at again.
We have been told the minister hopes to come to a decision on the way forward before next year’s pre-election period. The more straightforward areas are likely to hear before Christmas and others in the New Year.
It means that the LGR timescale has been put back a year. District Council elections will take place in May 2027 with those elected serving for just under two years, as elections for a new Shadow Authority are expected in May 2028, with Vesting Day for the new unitary council in April 2029.
LGR is not going away but this does, at least, allow more time to (hopefully) get it right for South Kesteven and Greater Lincolnshire.
Significant concerns about the Lincolnshire proposal announced in July remain, particularly around changes to existing council boundaries and the population imbalance between the two new unitary authorities that would have been created.
We will continue to explore our legal options following this latest development. In the meantime, the focus remains on delivering vital day-to-day services for residents and businesses.
A recording of Mr McMahon’s announcement to the House can also be downloaded here: https://parliamentlive.tv/Download/Index/105839c7-fa98-42c8-a0d7-209d2587c60c