Council warns government that any future reorganisation must work for communities

At its full council meeting held on Monday (November 10), councillors debated a further paper on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and agreed to write to the Minister for Local Government, setting out West Lindsey’s clear position, which emphasises that a strong local voice and strategic leadership will be essential to the success of any new arrangements.

Acknowledging that there are currently a number of proposals being worked on by local authorities across Greater Lincolnshire, councillors felt unable to support any of these without having seen them and therefore unable to properly assess the impact of what the proposals really mean for the residents, communities and businesses within the district.

Coun Jackie Brockway, Leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “West Lindsey has a proud record of local leadership, innovation, and partnership working. As discussions around local government reorganisation progress, we will ensure our communities’ voices are clearly heard and that West Lindsey’s distinct needs remain at the heart of any future governance model.”

During the debate members made it clear that they remain concerned around the Government’s proposals for Local Government Reorganisation, particularly in relation to the scale of a future council, the financial viability and loss of identity and connection to an area that districts promote so well, particularly in rural areas.

A formal statement of the council’s position will be approved by the Chief Executive, Paul Burkinshaw in consultation with the Leader, and submitted to Government by November 28. It will reaffirm its commitment to positive, constructive engagement throughout the process.

Following the submission, these guiding principles will inform how the council responds to proposals from all neighbouring councils when they are published.