'Barmy' council shake-up could be challenged

The leader of South Kesteven District Council says he is considering a legal challenge over "barmy" plans to reorganise local government in Lincolnshire.

Under the proposal, two new unitary authorities will be created, with an expanded City of Lincoln Council and a Lincolnshire authority replacing seven existing district councils and the county council.

Ashley Baxter said he was "baffled, disappointed and outraged" by the situation and said his council would explore ways of overturning the decision.

Housing secretary Steve Reed said: "My selected option will support devolution most effectively, by creating distinct place-based authorities that are close to the needs of their populations."

Baxter described the announcement on Thursday as "barmy" and "the biggest hammer blow to local democracy that's happened in 50 years".

He said: "An authority where Grantham and Gainsborough are within the same administrative entity, but Lincoln isn't, just beggars belief.

"This is taking power away from people in Market Deeping, Grantham, Mablethorpe, wherever, and moving it a long way away."

Baxter also raised concerns about finding a suitable council chamber outside Lincoln, capable of holding meetings for about 90 councillors plus council officers.

Ministers previously said creating single, unitary authorities would create councils that match local economies and identities, as well as drive house-building and growth in these areas.

Reed said the move would give the city of Lincoln a "dedicated voice" and support the Greater Lincolnshire mayor to "drive economic growth".

He added: "It separates Lincoln from the wider rural county, creating a dedicated urban authority focused on growth and regeneration, and allows the 'Rural Lincolnshire', North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire councils to focus on their local priorities."

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