As a Lincolnshire MP, I always welcome investment in our county, and champion funding for our vital local services, rural economy and communities.
Nevertheless, I am concerned by the news that a funding and ‘devolution’ deal for Lincolnshire must come with more bureaucracy and an additional layer of local government.
The insistence of a city-style mayor does not work for Lincolnshire residents, and I fear will over-centralise our diverse communities, taking away rural identities.
Greater Lincolnshire is a vast area, and this proposal would mean a mayor responsible for certain powers and funding allocations from Sutton Bridge to Epworth, Stamford to Grimsby, sitting as another tier along with our county and district councils.
It is not clear what the distinct responsibilities will be for the mayor, and I believe any extra funding and responsibilities would be better spent by local councils to deliver for the needs of our residents on the ground.
I encourage members of the public to take part in the consultation.
