South Kesteven Council leader urges rethink on Lincolnshire council restructure
Leaders are calling for compromise and reconsideration of government plans
South Kesteven District Council leader Ashley Baxter has urged the government to reconsider its decision to restructure councils in Lincolnshire, proposing a compromise to the controversial plans.
In a letter to Angela Rayner, the secretary of state for housing, communities, and local government, Councillor Baxter criticised the creation of an extended Lincoln Council combined with a single unitary authority for the rest of the county.
Describing the government's approach as a "poor decision," Baxter stated that it could be reviewed and improved relatively easily.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Baxter highlighted the council's collective concern that the current plan would not be suitable for Lincolnshire.
He argued that the horseshoe-shaped unitary authority surrounding Lincoln is impractical and urged a dialogue with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to explore better alternatives.
Baxter suggested splitting the rural authority, Lincolnshire County, into two, using a north-south divide or a line from the edge of the new Lincoln council border along Boston's southern border.
This compromise, he said, would result in three more manageable authorities in terms of population and geography.
Expressing concern about similar restructures affecting other rural areas across the country, Baxter pointed to Devon, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire as examples that also require review.
The government has defended its decision, stating that it was made after considering various factors, including growth potential and sustainability.
A spokesperson said that the reorganisation is expected to expedite the construction of new homes and infrastructure, improve public services, and increase financial benefits for locals.