North Lincolnshire says 'no' to reducing number of councils in county as leader changes his position

COUNCILLOR ROB WALTHAM NOW SAYS COUNCIL WILL OPPOSE REORGANISATION

- By IVAN MORRIS POXTON

NORTH Lincolnshire Council will now oppose proposals to further reorganise local government in Lincolnshire, after a “clear lack of support” for change.

It marks a U-turn by Conservative council leader Cllr Rob Waltham, who co-wrote a letter in January to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, expressing confidence in support for reducing the county's councils from ten to two.

A new devolution deal was signed off last year that led to the creation of Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA), and the new directly-elected Mayor.

Existing councils have remained the same, with only strategic transport powers transferred.

Late last year, however, the Government signalled its desire to abolish all two-tier council areas, where county and district councils exist.

Because of their small sizes, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire councils have been brought into discussions of a complete shake-up of Lincolnshire local government.