Four Lincolnshire councils to explore new partnership

Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council, South Holland District Council and West Lindsey District Council are exploring the creation of a four-council partnership.

Since the Government’s pause on Local Government Reorganisation in September, discussions have been taking place between the councils about the potential benefits of working together through a partnership arrangement instead.

On Thursday it was announced by the Government that it was further pausing restructuring of the top two tiers of councils in Lincolnshire to allow for further consideration of the four options that had been put forward.

The councils believe the proposal provides an opportunity to build on the successful track record of the current South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland), by increasing the capacity in each council and delivering savings.

Reports requesting approval to explore the proposition further will be considered by all four councils in December. The reports represent the first stage of the process, say the authorities.

If the councils agree, work will take place to develop a business case before further reports are brought back to councils in February and March.

A joint statement from Councillors Craig Leyland, Dale Broughton and Nick Worth, Leaders of East Lindsey District Council, Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council, said: “We have a strong, five-year track record of working successfully in partnership, and we believe there is an opportunity to explore whether bringing the four councils together in a partnership arrangement could deliver further benefits to our communities.

“We are also very clear that we have no confidence in the Government delivering local government reorganisation, and yesterday’s news confirmed our suspicions, so we therefore need to take control of our own destiny as councils.

“Let’s be clear: we are at an early stage in discussions. The reports in December will allow councillors the opportunity to debate and then decide whether the detailed work should commence.”

Coun Jackie Brockway, Leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “West Lindsey has a strong track record of working collaboratively, and this proposal gives us the opportunity to explore whether a wider partnership could bring further benefits for residents. By looking at ways to increase capacity and resilience across four councils, we can ensure we are considering all options available to support high-quality local services in the future.”