Boston Council's cabinet has approved a proposal for local government reorganisation in Greater Lincolnshire, named A Greater Lincolnshire for All, to be submitted to the government. The proposal, developed in partnership with East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council, suggests replacing the existing system with two new unitary authorities. Councillor Dale Broughton, Leader of the Council and chairman of the cabinet, has been delegated authority to make any necessary final changes before the submission deadline.

Local Government Reorganisation Proposal

The cabinet approved the A Greater Lincolnshire for All proposal for submission to the government, with Councillor Dale Broughton delegated the authority to make final changes before submission. The proposal suggests replacing the current two-tier system with two unitary authorities covering the whole of Greater Lincolnshire.

Councillor Dale Broughton introduced the proposal, highlighting that it was developed following engagement with partners, communities, businesses, town and parish councils, and councillors. He emphasised that the proposal aims to address challenges around deprivation and transport issues in the region. The proposal estimates savings of £221 million over 10 years, with a four-year payback on the initial investment.

Councillor John Baxter, Portfolio Holder - Housing, asked whether suggestions from residents had been included in the submission. Councillor Dale Broughton responded that the opinions of everyone consulted had been taken into account. James Gilbert confirmed that the proposal was built based on feedback received.

Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, Portfolio Holder - Finance and Economic Growth, sought clarification on the options appraisal work. James Gilbert explained that the appraisal assessed the strengths and weaknesses of other proposals against the government's criteria, using a weighting and scoring system. Councillor John Baxter praised the proposal's presentation and suggested using it to attract people and businesses to Lincolnshire. Councillor Dale Broughton confirmed that the proposal is a public document.

Councillor Chris Mountain, Portfolio Holder - Infrastructure, described the document as succinct and said that it ticked the most boxes for central government. He expressed reservations about democracy, stating that smaller councils are better with better representation, but acknowledged that the proposal was the best option under the government's stipulations. Councillor Sandeep Ghosh added that the proposal offered the greatest financial savings.

Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder - Heritage, Culture and Tourism, said that the proposal offered the most viable and sustainable model for the future of local government in the county. She thanked the officers, especially James Gilbert, for their work. Councillor Mike Gilbert, Deputy Leader, said that the report had been drawn up by people who know the area very closely, and that the broad spread of consultation had added another level of graininess to the report. Councillor Sandeep Ghosh noted that the council already had experience of working in partnership.

The decision was made because the council wished to submit its proposal for Local Government Re-organisation by the 28th November 2025 deadline, and the Greater Lincolnshire for All proposal was considered to provide the best opportunity for Greater Lincolnshire. The alternative option of not submitting a proposal was discounted.