Consultation gives mixed views on an elected Mayor

The results of the consultation on a Mayoral Combined Authority for Greater Lincolnshire have now been collated.

While residents are generally positive about the powers and responsibilities that councils in the area are pursuing from the government, no definitive view has been put forward by the public as to whether an elected Mayor should be put in place

Around 47 per cent of people ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that a Mayoral Combined Authority should be set up for Greater Lincolnshire compared with around 49 per cent who ‘disagreed’ or ‘strongly disagreed’.

Greater Lincolnshire residents are broadly in favour of devolution, with 59 per cent agreeing that councils should pursue devolved powers for the Greater Lincolnshire area, 73 per cent agreeing that councils should prioritise economic growth, infrastructure and housing and 77 per cent agreeing that councils should pursue further devolved powers in these areas.

In total 4,432 completed surveys were received during the consultation period, both in hard copy and online.

Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Councillor Jeff Summers, thanked everyone who took part in the consultation.

He said: “Our results in West Lindsey were slightly different to the average across Lincolnshire with 96 per cent of responders being residents. 53 per cent of those were in favour of pursuing extra powers.

“Residents were less positive about the possibility of combining the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) role with that of an elected mayor. 38 per cent agreed with this idea, whilst 56 per cent disagreed.

“It has always been my view, an Elected Mayor was not necessary.”

The devolution agenda will receive further consideration by West Lindsey District Council at a meeting on October 10.