Without a devolution deal I feel we will be left behind the rest of the country, says leader of Lincolnshire County Council Martin Hill
Happy New Year to all of our Lincolnshire communities. I am heading into 2024 with real hope and ambition for both the year ahead and the longer-term future, writes Councillor Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council.
The new year sees us continuing to progress a devolution deal for Greater Lincolnshire.
Along with North and North East Lincolnshire councils, we have negotiated a deal with the government that would see more decision-making carried out here, rather than at a national level, and the funding that goes alongside that.
This concerns areas that can make a real difference to future generations such as more training and education in high skill, high wage jobs, better opportunities for our businesses to grow and thrive, and more funding to make our area better connected – be that through better roads or internet connectivity.
Each of the three councils concerned have reached out to get the views of the 1.1million residents of Greater Lincolnshire, so that you can understand more about the proposal and have a say on whether it is right for our area.
The projects involved are predominantly aimed at boosting our economy – and without a deal, I feel that we risk being left behind the rest of the country.
But there are plenty of issues which will have to be dealt with by the council in 2023, not least our 5,500 miles of road network in Lincolnshire. A total of £360m is due to be spent on major improvements and new infrastructure over the next five years, with a part of that investment destined for the Grantham area.
Work to build the relief road bridge over the Witham Valley, River Witham and East Coast Railway is now well underway. All of the new bridge piers are now in place and we’re almost ready to begin the bridge deck itself. The relief road is due to be opened by the end of 2025.
Away from roads, we will be building on our successes from 2023. Our children’s services have been rated as outstanding and it’s important that we give young people the best possible start in life.
And we’ll continue to deliver good social care services for adults, even while seeing an increase in demand for these services.
The council will continue to be here for you when you need us, and we’re working hard behind the scenes for a better future. As we enter 2024, I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year.
