Press Release: A New Year message to residents of Greater Lincolnshire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

8th January 2026

With the Government shortly consulting on the future of local government in the area, 2026 will be a hugely important year for Greater Lincolnshire.

This is not some abstract process. It will decide what and how services are delivered locally for a generation to come – services that many depend upon. The year ahead, therefore, gives us a rare opportunity to shape how local government works for us — not in theory, but in our daily lives.

Right now, services are often split across too many councils, decisions can feel distant, and responsibility isn’t always clear. Many of you have told us it’s confusing, frustrating, and doesn’t always feel joined up. We agree — and that’s why change is needed.

The Greater Lincolnshire for All proposal replaces a complex, ten-council system with two clear, accountable unitary authorities — one for the north and one for the south of Greater Lincolnshire. It is a model designed around people and places, not bureaucracy. It keeps decision-making local, while giving our councils the strength and scale they need to deliver reliably and sustainably.

What this means for you and your community:

For residents, the benefits are practical and real. A simpler system means it’s clearer who is responsible for services you rely on — from waste and housing to roads, planning and adult social care. It means fewer delays, easier access to the local services and services that work together instead of in silos.

It also means stronger local leadership. Leaders who are visible, accountable and able to speak up for Greater Lincolnshire with a confident voice when dealing with government, investors and national partners. That stronger voice helps secure funding, protect local priorities and bring opportunities back into our towns, villages and neighbourhoods.

Importantly, this proposal is financially responsible. By reducing duplication and running costs, it generates long-term savings that can be reinvested directly into frontline services — the things that matter most to residents — while creating a more stable foundation for the future. This proposal will generate greater savings than any other proposal and will create financially sustainable councils that are able to meet future needs and withstand financial challenges that we will face.

Supporting local businesses and local jobs

A Greater Lincolnshire for All isn’t just about local services — it’s about creating the right conditions for local businesses to grow and thrive, which benefits every resident.

For businesses, a simpler local government structure means clearer planning processes, faster decisions and a single point of contact instead of navigating multiple councils. That makes it easier to invest, expand and create jobs locally.

Stronger unitary councils are also better placed to support skills development, improve transport and digital infrastructure, and attract inward investment. When businesses succeed, they create employment, strengthen high streets and help keep our communities vibrant and resilient — especially in rural and coastal areas.

This proposal recognises that thriving businesses and strong communities go hand in hand. Supporting one helps sustain the other.

Looking ahead — together

This New Year is about more than change — it’s about confidence in the future. Confidence that services will be easier to access, that decisions will be made closer to home, and that Greater Lincolnshire will have the strength to meet the challenges ahead.

We believe this proposal offers the best balance: local identity with strategic strength, efficiency with accountability, financial stability and ambition grounded in realism. Most of all, it offers a system that works for residents first.

As we move into the year ahead, we hope we can approach this moment with optimism and unity. Together, we have the chance to build a Greater Lincolnshire that is simpler, stronger and fairer — truly a Greater Lincolnshire for all.

Cllr Dale Broughton, Leader of Boston Borough Council

Cllr Craig Leyland, Leader of East Lindsey District Council

Cllr Nick Worth, Leader of South Holland District Council

END

Notes:

The Greater Lincolnshire for All business case sets out how the proposal would create:

Two balanced and financially sustainable councils listening to the needs and concerns of residents, parishes and businesses, providing clear accountability:

• Northern Lincolnshire - covering Lincoln, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, and West Lindsey with a population of 525,700.

  
  

• Southern Lincolnshire - covering Boston, East Lindsey, South Holland, North Kesteven, and South Kesteven with a population of 569,300.

All other proposals retain the existing two northern unitary authorities in their current form. This will leave structures that will struggle to meet future growing demands around complex service and care needs, existing high levels of deprivation and an ageing population.

The recently published Indices of Multiple Deprivation demonstrate that the north of Lincolnshire has one of the highest concentrations of deprived areas anywhere in the country.