Business and political leaders join in Big Debate on devolution

The panel at the Big Devolution Debate: (left to right) Mark Webb from e-factor, Grimsby, Baroness Redfern, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, David Clugston from Clugston Construction, Scunthorpe, GLLEP Chair Ursula Lidbetter MBE and Cllr Peter Wheatley from North East Lincolnshire Council.

Progress towards closer working between ten councils, including South Holland and South Kesteven District Councils, was debated at a meeting organised by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) last Wednesday.

It comes at the same as the public are being asked for their views on the creation of a “Mayoral Combined Authority with directly elected Mayor” for the area from the Humber to the Wash.

A GLLEP spokesman said: “Among the themes to emerge from the discussion were the need to enhance skills and education, as well as to improve transport infrastructure in the area, although not all the topics discussed will necessarily be impacted by devolution.”

Earlier this year, a “heads of terms agreement” between the Government and the ten councils was signed, possibly leading the way to an additional £15 million per year for Greater Lincolnshire.

To take part in the onsultation before August 8, visit snapsurveys.lincolnshire.gov.uk/snapwebhost/s.asp?k=146616235153