Agenda item

(A report by James Gilbert, Assistant Director – Corporate)

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Dale Broughton, presented a report by the Assistant Director – Corporate which sought Cabinet’s agreement for Boston Borough Council to become a formal partner in the development of a proposal for local government reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Lincolnshire. Details of the LGR – interim plan was attached as Appendix A, a copy of the letter from the Minister for Local Governance was attached as Appendix B and details of the initial feedback to the LGR was attached as Appendix C within the report.

Cabinet was advised that Greater Lincolnshire had been invited by the Minister for Local Government to submit a proposal for reorganisation. East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council had submitted a joint interim proposal to government in March 2025. At that time, Boston Borough Council had opted not to submit an interim proposal, instead choosing to review all options before determining its preferred course of action.

On 10^th July 2025, East Lindsey and South Holland Councils announced their intention to proceed with the development of a final proposal, entitled A Greater Lincolnshire for All. The proposal set out the creation of two new unitary councils: a northern unitary comprising the City of Lincoln, West Lindsey, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire; and a southern unitary comprising Boston Borough, East Lindsey, South Holland, South Kesteven and North Kesteven.

Cabinet was informed that the leaders of East Lindsey and South Holland had invited Boston Borough Council to become a partner in the development of the final proposal. The report recommended that the Council accept this invitation, recognising the strong and positive working relationship already established through the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

It was noted that the final proposal must be submitted to government by 28^th November 2025, with implementation of new arrangements anticipated in April 2028. To support the Council’s involvement in the development of the proposal, Cabinet was asked to approve the allocation of up to £42,000 from the Funding Volatility Reserve.

During discussion, Cabinet expressed broad support for the proposal. It was acknowledged that while local government reorganisation was being driven by central government, the Council had an opportunity to influence the outcome by actively participating in the development of a model that best served the interests of Boston’s residents and businesses.

Members noted that the proposed southern unitary offered a balanced and viable structure, avoiding the creation of economically unequal areas. The importance of maintaining local identity and ensuring service delivery in rural areas was emphasised. Cabinet also welcomed the commitment to consultation and transparency throughout the process.

It was recognised that the Council’s involvement would ensure that the voice of Boston was heard and that the borough’s priorities were reflected in the final submission.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Dale Broughton and seconded by Councillor Sarah Sharpe.

Resolved:

1.    That Boston Borough Council become a partner in the ‘A Greater Lincolnshire For All’ proposal for Local Government reorganisation; and

2.    That a sum of up to £42,000 be available to support the development of the proposal.