Local Government Reorganisation

Briefing and Information Session

February 2026

AGENDA

To provide an update in relation to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Lincolnshire

To share key information regarding Parish Forum meetings for 2026

Purpose of the Session

To consider any impact on Town & Parish Councils

AGENDA

Statutory Invitation

A Statutory Invitation Letter, was by Government to all Greater Lincolnshire Local Authorities on 5^th February 2025.

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It formally requested that all Greater Lincolnshire authorities develop proposals for local government reorganisation

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The letter requested interim proposals to be submitted to MHCLG by 21^st March 2025 and final proposals by 28^th November

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Government requested where possible for Authorities to work together on proposals

AGENDA

Government Criteria for LGR Proposals

The Statutory Invitation Letter, issued on 5^th February 2025, made clear that LGR proposals should meet the following key criteria, against which all submitted proposals would be evaluated:

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• A proposal should seek to achieve for the whole of the area concerned the establishment of a single tier of local government.
• Unitary local government must be the right size to achieve efficiencies, improve capacity and withstand financial shocks
• Unitary structures must prioritise the delivery of high quality and sustainable public services to citizens.
• Proposals should show how councils in the area have sought to work together in coming to a view that meets local needs and is informed by local views.
• New unitary structures must support devolution arrangements
• New unitary structures should enable stronger community engagement and deliver genuine opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment.

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AGENDA

What is a Unitary Council?

Most local government services are provided by a single local authority (not including those services provided by Town & Parish Councils).

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For West Lindsey residents, LGR means that the services currently provided by WLDC and LCC will instead be provided by a single, new unitary council.

Town & Parish Councils are not included in the remit of LGR and will continue to operate as normal.

AGENDA

Differences between LGR & Devolution

DEVOLUTION

Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral Combined County Authority

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• Transfer of central government powers and funding to local areas

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• More local control, tailored decisions and specific funding for regional priorities

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• Governed by an elected Mayor with powers over transport, housing, economic development, and skills who works across existing council boundaries

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION

A new Unitary Local Authority to replace existing district councils and the county council from 1^st April 2028

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• Restructuring the internal organisation and tiers of local government

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• Simplifying local government structures and service delivery

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• Merging the existing two-tier structure into a single tier of unitary authorities

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AGENDA

Key Milestones to Date

AGENDA

Greater Lincolnshire Context

Six proposals were submitted from within Greater Lincolnshire – three of these proposals opted to use the same geographical boundaries of existing local authorities

There is no consensus on a single option for LGR in Greater Lincolnshire. Despite this, West Lindsey DC remains committed to working collaboratively and constructively across the whole area in the best interests of residents and businesses.

AGENDA

Proposal 1: Four Unitary Model

Joint Proposal by North & South Kesteven

AGENDA

Proposal 2: Two Unitary Model

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Joint Proposal by Boston, South Holland & East Lindsey

AGENDA

Proposal 3: Three / Four Unitary Model

Proposal by City of Lincoln

AGENDA

Proposals 4 -6: Three Unitary Model

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Proposed separately by LCC, North Lincolnshire & North-East Lincolnshire

AGENDA

Government’s view of LGR & Parish Councils

Parish and Town Councils are governed under different legislation. Parish Councils remain independently elected statutory bodies which can continue to raise precept. As such, there is no direct impact as a result of LGR

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There is no expectation from government that Parish and Town Councils will take on the functions and responsibilities currently performed by District Councils

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The government acknowledges the size of new unitary councils means there is a need to ensure some decisions continue to be made closer to local communities. Government is recommending Neighbourhood Area Committees to address this, although there is currently no specific blueprint

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Government see  LGR as an opportunity to....rewire the relationship between town and parish councils and principal Local Authorities, strengthening expectations on engagement and community voice....

AGENDA

What might LGR mean for Town & Parish Councils?

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Simplified and Standardised System: One Local Authority responsible for all public services, enquiries relating to housing, highways, education and council tax for example will all go to the same organisation in future

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Increased Importance: As district and county councils merge into fewer, larger authorities, with fewer Councillors town and parish councils become the primary, most local level of governance.

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Different Engagement Structures & Enhanced Local Voice: The new unitary councils may introduce new mechanisms to engage with parishes, sometimes requiring stronger collaborative partnerships or new neighbourhood-level arrangements

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Devolution of Assets/Services: Larger unitary councils may once established look to pass control of assets

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The final arrangements & relationships between the new Unitary Council(s) & Parish/Town Councils will be decided by the new Unitary Authority

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AGENDA

Next Key Milestones & Timeline to Vesting Day

AGENDA

Statutory Consultation on LGR

Consultation on Greater Lincolnshire proposals expected to start in early Feb and run for seven weeks

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Questions are likely to be based on the six criteria for LGR set by Government and respondents required to rate each proposal against each of those criteria

Government requirement to publicly consult on the submitted proposals

We will notify each Parish/Town Council once the consultation is launched and continue to support and provide briefings on this subject as the process progresses

Greater Lincolnshire LGR HUB – shared website with all proposals & updates - https://www.greaterlincolnshirelgrhub.org/

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Thank you for listening

Do you have any questions?

AGENDA

There will be 3 in person Parish Forums held in May where a range of topics, including further updates on LGR will be given.

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Dates, times & venues will be confirmed nearer the time

2026 Parish Forums