The government has announced that local government reorganisation (LGR) in Lincolnshire - and elsewhere across the country - has been paused pending a review.
Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said the government had new legal advice, and they wanted to make sure that the reorganisation met the new administration's priorities.
Cllr Sean Matthews, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said:
"I’m very pleased that the government has put the brakes on their plans for local government reorganisation, and it shows that we were right to challenge them about the process.
"Angela Rayner set out the initial criteria for new councils, and seemingly they were ignored by her successor. Now she's back as Secretary of State, I'm glad she's reviewing those decisions.
"I'm not against the idea of reorganising local government, but it needs to be done right, and local opinion properly taken into account.
"I would now like some clarity from the government about how long this pause might last and what is next for reorganisation in Lincolnshire."
Background information
- The government announced a review of local government reorganisation on Monday 7 September.
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At the beginning of September, the council issued a Pre-action Protocol letter to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government regarding the Government's decision on LGR. The council wanted further information and clarification on aspects of the process.
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In July, the Government announced its preferred model for LGR in Lincolnshire which would see the creation of two new unitary councils – ‘Lincoln council’ and ‘Lincolnshire council’.