Report to follow.

a)    That the proposal for Local Government Re-organisation (as set out at Appendix A of the report referred) for submission to Government be approved.

b)    That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Corporate, in consultation with the Leader of the Council to make any changes/additions that might be required between the Executive meeting and submission to Government; and to submit the proposal.

A report was presented to consider approving the Partnership’s proposal to Government for Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Lincolnshire.

During his introduction of the report, the Leader of the Council highlighted to Members that Greater Lincolnshire was one of several areas in England that was invited by the Minister for Local Government to submit a proposal for Local Government Re-organisation.

The 21^st March 2025, was the deadline for the Government to receive interim proposals, with final proposals to be submitted by 28^th November 2025.

Working together, East Lindsey and South Holland Councils developed an interim proposal that was submitted to Government.

Greater Lincolnshire received feedback from Government in early June 2025, and this was previously shared with all Councillors.  Since that time, whilst it was likely multiple proposals would be submitted by Councils in Greater Lincolnshire, Councils had shared information to inform their proposals.

In July, Boston Borough Council confirmed its support for the East Lindsey and South Holland proposal.

Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland Councils had been working with a team of expert advisors to prepare their proposal to Government – ‘A Greater Lincolnshire for All’.

This report brought forward the proposal to Government for Local Government Re-organisation (Appendix A).  The proposal met the Government’s criteria, was grounded in evidence and provided a solid foundation for the future of Local Government within Greater Lincolnshire.

Current timelines suggested that Greater Lincolnshire was earmarked by Government to go live with its new arrangements in April 2028.  A shadow authority would be likely to form in May 2027.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 to 3 of the report, pages 2 to 5 of the Supplementary Agenda refer.

Members were invited to put their comments forward.

The Deputy Leader of the Council expressed his appreciation for the extensive work undertaken in preparing the document, noting the significant level of expertise and input provided by officers and specialist advisors.  He highlighted that the process had involved considerable engagement with communities and subject matter experts, which had greatly enhanced the quality and depth of the proposals.  He continued that the resulting document was comprehensive, informative, and realistic in its aims and objectives and commended the leadership shown in guiding the process and thanked officers and advisors for their support and commitment in bringing the document to its current position.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing Communities and Better Ageing expressed his strong support for the report and the proposed LGR submission, noting that this represented the most significant reorganisation of local government in over 50 years.  He emphasised the scale of change for both the Council and its communities and acknowledged that several alternative proposals for Greater Lincolnshire had been submitted.  However, he stated that the Council’s ‘A Greater Lincolnshire for All’ proposal offered a balanced and robust model that met all government criteria.

It was highlighted that extensive community engagement had been undertaken, including face-to-face events, online sessions, resident feedback surveys, and targeted briefings for specific community groups.  The Portfolio Holder for Housing Communities and Better Ageing noted that the report demonstrated the proposal delivering the most significant financial savings and one of the shortest payback periods.  He also referenced the proven track record of the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership in achieving substantial savings and successfully leading change, which underpinned the credibility of the submission.

In closing, the Portfolio Holder for Housing Communities and Better Ageing thanked senior officers for their exceptional efforts in developing the proposal and acknowledged the contribution of specialist consultants whose expertise had strengthened the final submission.  He expressed pride in the quality of the proposal and confirmed his full support.

The Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy expressed his support for the LGR proposal and commended the quality of the Council’s submission compared to other models circulated.  He noted that some alternative proposals appeared not to meet the government’s required criteria and suggested that those submitting them may need to revisit their approach.  He highlighted further the Council’s strong position, referencing its experience of working collaboratively as three councils under a shared management structure.  He emphasised the significant funding secured and substantial savings achieved through partnership working, which demonstrated the effectiveness of the current model and which provided a solid foundation for the proposed LGR model.

The Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy agreed with earlier comments made regarding consultation, observing that other models had encountered resistance and animosity during engagement, whereas the Council’s proposal had been well received.  He attributed this to clear communication of the rationale and benefits of the proposal, which had resulted in constructive discussions with communities and partners.  In closing, he stressed that the focus must remain on delivering the best possible outcome for residents and highlighted that the Council’s approach reflected this principle.  He emphasised that whatever model was adopted must serve as a blueprint for the future and commended the extensive engagement undertaken, including face-to-face meetings and social media outreach, which had strengthened the proposal.

In conclusion, the Leader of the Council reiterated thanks to all officers involved in the preparation of the submission, describing the work as exceptional.  Special recognition was given to the Assistance Director (Corporate) for his diligence, persistence, and patience in providing clarity throughout the process.  The Leader also acknowledged the contribution of external consultants engaged to support the development of the proposal, noting their understanding of the issues and the value they added.  He further agreed with comments made that the focus must remain on delivering the best possible outcome for residents.

He emphasised that the existing partnership provided a strong foundation for the future and expressed pride, as Leader of the Council, in progressing the submission to government.  He further commended Executive Board colleagues for their constructive engagement and understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by the proposal.

RESOLVED

a)    That the proposal for Local Government Re-organisation (as set out at Appendix A of the report referred) for submission to Government be approved.

b)    That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Corporate, in consultation with the Leader of the Council to make any changes/additions that might be required between the Executive meeting and submission to Government; and to submit the proposal.

Reasons

To enable the Council to submit its proposal for Local Government Re-organisation by the 28^th November 2025 deadline.

Other Options

Not to submit a proposal - this was discounted as the Council has a clear vision for Local Government Re-organisation that it wishes to submit by the deadline.

To consider an alternative proposal – the Greater Lincolnshire for All proposal is considered to provide the best opportunity for Greater Lincolnshire.  Other options set out in Appendix A are not considered to deliver the same opportunities.

N.B.  James Gilbert, Assistant Director (Corporate) left the Meeting at 6.12pm.