West Lindsey District Council’s leader has expressed disappointment following the announcement on local government reorganisation in Greater Lincolnshire while reaffirming the council’s commitment to working constructively through the next stage.

The Government confirmed its preferred option for local government reorganisation in Greater Lincolnshire is a four unitary model.

In a letter to the leaders of the councils, the Secretary of State for Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed Obe, outlined his selected option.

These would comprise the current areas of City of Lincoln Council, plus 12 wards from North Kesteven District Council and seven wards from West Lindsey District Council (referred to in the proposal as ‘Lincoln City’); Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council, South Kesteven District Council, South Holland District Council, North Kesteven District Council less 12 wards and West Lindsey District Council less seven wards (referred to in the proposal as ‘Rural Lincolnshire’); North East Lincolnshire to remain unchanged and North Lincolnshire to remain unchanged.

placeholder image — The Guildhall in Gainsborough

There will be no immediate changes to council services while the reorganisation process continues.

West Lindsey District Council leader, Coun Jackie Brockway, said: “We are disappointed by the Government’s decision, particularly because it divides West Lindsey’s traditional boundaries.

“The Government indicated that local government reorganisation would be based on existing council boundaries unless there were exceptional circumstances. We do not believe such circumstances exist in this case.

“The population of the new unitary authority which includes the City of Lincoln is significantly below the Government’s initial criteria of 500,000, making it one of the smallest new unitary authority created across the country. This is in stark contrast to the other new unitary authority serving the remaining county of Lincolnshire, which is amongst the largest in both geographical area and population, serving more than 600,000 residents.

“This decision creates greater uncertainty for residents and our employees, so the council must approach the next stage with determination and focus.”

As previously reported, the Government invited councils in two-tier areas, including Lincolnshire, to develop proposals for Local Government Reorganisation on February 5, 2025, with the aim of replacing existing county and district council structures with new unitary authorities. Interim proposals were requested by March 21, 2025, with full proposals submitted by November 28, 2025.

Coun Brockway said: “We are a responsible local authority focused on delivering the best outcomes for residents in West Lindsey and so we will go into this next stage with goodwill and determination to make it work for our residents, businesses and communities.

“There will be opportunities ahead, and we will ensure that we play a full and positive part in shaping arrangements that are effective, accountable and rooted in the needs of local people.

“At the same time, we must recognise the strength of West Lindsey’s identity and the real concerns that come with the prospect of the district being split.

“Our role now is to make sure those concerns are properly understood and that the interests of our communities continue to be represented throughout the transition. Our priority is to ensure that residents continue to receive high-quality service delivery, which will remain our central focus.”

Councils across Greater Lincolnshire have undertaken significant preparation ahead of today’s announcement and are well-placed to support the implementation of the Government’s chosen model.

The council now awaits the Government’s legislation, expected to be laid before Parliament later this year. Subject to parliamentary approval, shadow elections for the new authority or authorities are expected in May 2027, with further details to follow.