A devolution deal for Greater Lincolnshire will go forward, following successful meetings between local authority leaders and the new government.

The three lead authorities – North East and North Lincolnshire unitary councils, and Lincolnshire County Council, will now complete the arrangements to form the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority with a mayoral election scheduled for May 2025.

Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, and Chair of EMC, Cllr Martin Hill OBE, said:

“This is great news and I’m pleased we are able to move forward with devolution to deliver growth in Greater Lincolnshire. We have always been clear that strengthening local decision-making with the needs and wants of our communities in mind, will give the best results for residents and businesses.

Following the agreement, the deal will now progress through its final parliamentary stage. The financial deal remains the same as finalised between the three lead authorities and the previous government with a total investment fund of £720m over the next 30 years. This will be for priority areas of jobs and skills, housing and highways, transport, the environment and nature, net zero, digital improvements, and innovation and trade.

There is also an initial capital funding pot of £28m, of which £20m is allocated to projects in the Lincolnshire County Council area.