Businesses in Greater Lincolnshire are being asked for their views on devolution – the process which would transfer powers and funding from Whitehall to Lincolnshire.
Devolution Lincolnshire is the start of a conversation with businesses which is being led by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Leaders from the 10 local authorities in the area have asked the LEP to lead this business discussion ahead of submitting a deal to the Government at the end of this year.
If you have a view on the benefits or disadvantages of devolution for Lincolnshire, or if you simply want to find out more, you can visit the website and complete the online survey from Wednesday 11th May 2022.
Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We were pleased to be asked by the councils to lead an independent engagement programme with the business community and we would like to encourage people to get involved, look at the website and take the survey.
“A devolution deal could give Lincolnshire more powers, more money and more say over public sector funding and can promote local decision-making across many public services that are important to the people, businesses, and communities of Greater Lincolnshire. This in turn should lead to better outcomes and greater prosperity for our area.
“A devolution deal for Lincolnshire could also be important to the business community. For example, it could mean that local leaders have more say to get Lincolnshire businesses the right education, training and apprenticeships to meet their needs – both now and for the jobs of the future.
“It could also mean that decisions are made locally rather than nationally on the best infrastructure to better connect people to jobs, freight to ports, or energy to facilities, ensuring that local priorities are met. This is the first stage of a long conversation about devolution for our area, and I encourage you to get involved and have your say.”
Last year the Government invited civic leaders to bring forward plans for devolving powers to local areas and to work together to help level up the UK.
The Government’s Levelling Up White Paper provides a framework for devolution and council leaders across Greater Lincolnshire are working together to develop plans to enable Lincolnshire to reach its full potential.
To find out more and have your say, visit Devolution Lincolnshire.
Pictured are Simon Bird from Associated British Ports and Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, who are encouraging businesses to have their say on devolution for Greater Lincolnshire.
