Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal

Question 1

Introduction

Accepted Answer

1. Greater Lincolnshire holds an important place in the past and future of the UK. Comprising the traditional communities of Lindsey, Holland and Kesteven, it has been at the heart of major events throughout our history including the roman occupation, the English Civil War, the founding of America, scientific discovery and invention. Known as ‘Bomber County’ during the Second World War, Greater Lincolnshire is proud of its RAF heritage.

2. The area’s great natural assets and habitats, including miles of coast stretching from the Humber to the Wash and vast areas of productive agricultural land provides the opportunity for the area to make a significant contribution to the UK’s future. From the world-leading offshore wind energy sector and manufacturers in the north to the centre of the UK’s agricultural heartland in the south, Greater Lincolnshire has a unique place in the future success of our nation as a source of clean energy, carbon capture opportunities, and food security.

3. The government has set itself a mission that, by 2030, every part of England that wants a devolution deal will have a devolution deal with powers at, or approaching, the highest level of devolution, with a simplified, long-term funding settlement. The 2022 Levelling Up White Paper makes clear the case for devolution as the engine room of improved productivity and reduced regional disparities. Devolution will be critical to delivering our twelve headline levelling up missions by strengthening local leadership to act more flexibly and innovatively to respond to local need, whether on transport, skills or regeneration.

4. In the Levelling Up White Paper, the government published for the first time a devolution framework, which set out a clear menu of options for places in England that wish to unlock the benefits of devolution. This framework places a strong emphasis on the importance of high profile, directly elected local leadership, strong local governance, and joint working across sensible and coherent economic geographies. The most comprehensive package is a Level 3 deal, for areas with a single institution over a sensible geography, with the strongest and most accountable leadership, such as a Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) or a Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) covering a functional economic area or the whole county geography with a directly elected mayor. The Level 2 offer is for devolution to single local government institutions without a directly elected mayor, such as a combined authority or combined county authority covering a functional economic area or the whole county geography. The Level 1 offer is for local authorities with looser joint working arrangements, such as a joint committee model.

5. This document sets out the terms of an agreement for a Level 3 devolution deal between the government and the local authorities of Lincolnshire County Council, North East Lincolnshire Council, and North Lincolnshire Council (hereafter “the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA” or “the MCCA”), subject to the coming into force of any relevant provisions in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 (where necessary) (“the Act”), ratification of the deal by the Councils and the statutory requirements for making the secondary legislation implementing the deal. This document describes both the offer of functions and funding from the government, and the reforms and measures that Greater Lincolnshire will need to deliver. Central to this is the election of a directly elected mayor across Greater Lincolnshire, to champion the area’s interests, deliver on local priorities, and be accountable to local people. The statutory requirements for implementing the deal include public consultation, the councils consenting to the secondary legislation implementing aspects of the deal, and Parliament approving it. Once this legislation is approved and made, the devolution deal will be confirmed.

6. Across Greater Lincolnshire, local councils have a shared vision of the future for Greater Lincolnshire’s 1.1 million residents where they have good lives, with independence, wealth and good health. Where communities are connected and working together make a vital contribution to the nation’s food security, supply chains and provide clean energy to power the UK’s homes and economy.

7. Greater Lincolnshire has a unique place in the future success of the UK as a source of clean energy, carbon capture opportunities, and food security. It has a vital role in global trade, securing the nation’s supply chains in key industries:

Food, fish, seafood and food manufacturing: Greater Lincolnshire is home to the UK Food Valley. It supplies 70% of seafood consumed in the UK, 30% of the nation’s vegetables, and 18% of poultry. It has a total agricultural output of over £2 billion in 2019, with a seafood processing and trading cluster worth over £1.5 billion to the economy. Greater Lincolnshire will become a world leading food cluster. It has the potential to help the UK become a science superpower through its focus on new food chain automation and digital technology and innovation.
Energy, decarbonisation and net zero: Greater Lincolnshire is at the heart of the UK’s offshore renewable energy generation, and with at least 25% of the UK’s energy production it plays a crucial role in enabling the nation to become a net energy exporter by 2040. The low carbon economy and green energy production across Greater Lincolnshire are pivotal to the UK achieving net zero. They are already worth £1.2 billion per annum to the economy, employing over 12,000 people. Greater Lincolnshire has a fundamental role leveraging investment in the North Sea expanding renewable capacity and innovate in carbon capture.
Ports, logistics and supply chains: Greater Lincolnshire is the UK gateway to Europe for the Midlands Engine and Northern Powerhouse. Benefiting from prime deep water locations, its ports and connectivity advantages have supported the growth of a UK-leading logistics cluster, serving industry sectors including renewables, advanced manufacturing, food manufacturing and energy. The UK economy is highly dependent on the maritime sector, with 95% of goods exports and imports moved by sea, including nearly half of the country’s food supplies and a quarter of its energy supply. Greater Lincolnshire is supporting the next phase in the evolution of its ports and the competitiveness of its logistic sector that underpin trade and national supply chains.

8. Growth is fundamental to levelling up Greater Lincolnshire and delivering future prosperity. The public and private sectors in Greater Lincolnshire have a strong history of working together and are already collaborating to tackle common challenges that until now have held back growth. Further powers, funding and flexibility from government will accelerate progress to address:

the need to capitalise on economic opportunity through better alignment of skills, employment, and career opportunities;
low business productivity affecting investment and earning potential which can be addressed by raising skills level;
pockets of unemployment and economic inactivity;
the need to manage water as an asset, to mitigate the threat of coastal erosion and flooding, and meet the area’s unique demands for water to support growth in agriculture and innovations in manufacturing and carbon capture;
a population ageing above the national average which will lead to disproportionate demand for care and health services, and a reduced labour market;
the attraction and retention of younger workers to maintain a viable workforce for future growth;
the costs of rurality and the need to improve connectivity through road, rail, digital and energy distribution infrastructure.

9. The constituent councils of the proposed Greater Lincolnshire MCCA and government are hereby minded to agree a historic mayoral devolution deal which will provide powers and funding to enable the Greater Lincolnshire area to unleash its full economic potential and in doing so level up, raise living standards for its communities and make a full contribution to the UK economy. The Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal shows how levelling up can be done in practice – with clear alignment to the headline Levelling Up missions and long-term, devolved funding underpinning it.

10. The Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal will unlock significant long-term funding and give local leaders greater freedom to decide how best to meet local needs and create new opportunities for the people who live and work there. The government recognises that devolution is a journey, not a one-off event. This agreement is the first step in a process of further devolution. As institutions mature, they can gain greater responsibility, and the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will be able to deepen their devolution arrangements over time on the same basis as existing Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs), subject to government agreement.

11. The government commits to using the platform of this deal to work with the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA in addressing key local challenges and opportunities, including the delivery of infrastructure and investment to boost growth and create high skill high wage jobs, tackling productivity and skills gaps to spread opportunity, unlocking transformative regeneration and housing opportunities, and working together to tackle climate change.

12. As an MCCA, Greater Lincolnshire will be a key partner of central government to drive regional growth and productivity, joining the existing MCAs in engagement with the government from the date of this deal.

Question 2

Summary of the Devolution Deal

Accepted Answer

Summary of the Devolution Deal between government and the local authorities of Lincolnshire County Council, North East Lincolnshire Council and North Lincolnshire Council.

The government and Greater Lincolnshire are minded to agree a devolution deal which will provide the area with new powers and funding to increase opportunities and living standards through inclusive growth and productivity improvements.

A devolution agreement is contingent upon Greater Lincolnshire proceeding through the steps necessary to meet the governance criteria required for a Level 3 devolution deal.

This devolution agreement includes:

The formation of the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA, and the election of a directly elected mayor to provide overall vision and leadership, seek the best value for taxpayer’s money, be directly accountable to the area’s electorate and to receive new powers on transport, housing and skills.
Control of a £24 million per year allocation of investment funding for 30 years, 50% capital and 50% revenue, to be invested by the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA to drive growth and take forward its priorities over the long term.
£20 million capital funding to drive place-based economic regeneration in Greater Lincolnshire, to be allocated over the current spending review period, subject to a business case process.
£2 million of Mayoral Capacity Funding to support the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA in the early stages of this deal.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) planning and delivery at a strategic level from 2025/26, subject to funding, policy and delivery considerations at the next Spending Review.
New powers to shape local skills provision to better meet the needs of the local economy and local people, including devolution of the core Adult Education Budget, as well as input into the new Local Skills Improvement Plans.
New powers to drive the regeneration of the area and to build more affordable homes including compulsory purchase powers and the ability to establish Mayoral Development Corporations subject to consent requirements.
£8.36 million for the building of new homes on brownfield land and £228,000 capacity funding to bring forward a pipeline of housing projects, both in 2024/25 subject to a business case process.
New powers to improve and better integrate local transport, including the ability to introduce bus franchising and control of appropriate local transport functions.
The mayor will be responsible for a consolidated local transport settlement for the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA, which government will provide Greater Lincolnshire MCCA at the next Spending Review.
Department for Transport will work in partnership with a new rural transport group to be established by the mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, to identify pilot projects to address rural connectivity and accessibility challenges.
Government will support Greater Lincolnshire in seeking a new rail partnership with Great British Railways, once established, so their priorities can be taken into consideration in future decisions regarding their local network.
Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero will provide observer representation on the Humber Energy Board, through which they will support the development of a Net Zero Strategy.
Relevant government departments and their arm’s length agencies will attend as full members of a new Coastal Partnership to ensure that the nature, culture and heritage of the Lincolnshire Coast are given a voice.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will consider the role of the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA in ensuring an appropriate balance between sustainable food production and climate and environment outcomes. They will meet annually with the UK Food Valley Programme Board and work with the MCCA to deepen engagement with SMEs in food and drink manufacturing.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will endorse the creation of an Enhanced Partnership to pilot the development of a forum for flood resilience, adaptation and management of the water system in a whole systems approach.
Greater Lincolnshire MCCA and a subset of Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s arm’s length bodies will establish a collaborative partnership to share expertise and insight across culture, heritage, sport, communities and the visitor economy.

More detail on these commitments is given in the main body of the document below. Further powers may be agreed over time and included in future legislation.

Question 3

Governance

Accepted Answer

Introduction

13. Councils across Greater Lincolnshire have a long history of working together to tackle societal challenges and improve living standards and levels of prosperity. By working together, Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council, together with the seven district councils across Greater Lincolnshire, business and key stakeholders have developed options for a devolution deal for the economic geography of Greater Lincolnshire. This has been informed by:

a. Collaboration across all 10 councils in Greater Lincolnshire to develop a long-term vision for Greater Lincolnshire in order to deliver a better future for the communities, visitors, and businesses of Greater Lincolnshire.

b. Business Engagement through the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership to gauge the interest, understanding and desire for devolution from local business.

c. Involvement of all 10 councils in Greater Lincolnshire including discussions with council leaders and a series of meetings of chief executives to refine proposals for devolution to meet the needs of all parts of the historic county.

14. There is a strong partnership with all councils in Greater Lincolnshire who are clear that devolution will boost prosperity for people and businesses across the whole area.

Governance Model

15. As part of this deal Greater Lincolnshire intends to adopt the Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) model which is provided for by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 (the “Act”).

16. By pursuing an MCCA, Greater Lincolnshire unlocks the benefits of a level three devolution deal which brings a substantially greater level of additional powers, influence and funding to Greater Lincolnshire, to accelerate growth and improve prosperity.

17. A key advantage of a single institution, such as the MCCA model, across a functional economic geography is its joint governance arrangements for key growth levers such as transport, skills, economic development, and regeneration, which allow for strategic prioritisation across its area and integrated policy development. In addition, a directly elected mayor provides greater leadership, local accountability and decision-making power, working in partnership with the combined county authority itself, local councils and other key stakeholders.

18. It is intended that the first mayoral election for the MCCA will be held in May 2025. The new mayor will be elected by the local government electors for the areas of Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council and North East Lincolnshire Council (“the constituent councils”). Mayoral terms will last 4 years.

19. The MCCA institutional model includes upper tier authorities only as of right. Both the government and the constituent councils place high importance on the MCCA working collaboratively with the seven district and borough councils across Greater Lincolnshire (“the district and borough councils”) and ensuring that they have a voice in the MCCA.

20. This document indicates how this is expected to work in some critical respects, while the constituent councils continue to work with the district and borough councils in the area to develop the detail of the arrangements for appropriate district and borough council input to the MCCA as its detailed constitution is developed.

Membership of the MCCA

21. As the Act enables, the proposed Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will comprise the following members with voting rights conferred by the Act.

The elected mayor
6 constituent members, consisting of a Lead Member for each constituent council (expected to be the Leader or their nominee), and one further member appointed by each of the three constituent councils from its elected members

In addition, the MCCA will be able to appoint non-constituent and associate members. The maximum number of non-constituent or associate members will not exceed the number of constituent members. It is intended that the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will appoint up to six non-constituent and associate members, which could see:

4 non-constituent Members, who will be elected members from the district and borough councils to be appointed by the MCCA following nomination in accordance with paragraph 23 below.
1 non-constituent Member who will be one of the two Police and Crime Commissioners (“PCC”) for the area. They will be able to substitute for one another as appropriate.
1 further non-constituent/associate member, to be appointed by the MCCA

22. Each constituent member and each non-constituent member from the district and borough councils will be able to have up to 2 substitute members who will have the same rights, including voting rights, as the members for whom they are the substitute.

23. The district and borough councils within Lincolnshire have an important role to play in levelling up Greater Lincolnshire and delivering the shared vision for the area. It is expected that a joint committee of these councils will be formed and that this joint committee will be designated by the MCCA as a nominating body for the purposes of nominating four non-constituent Members of the MCCA. The term of office for non-constituent members would be a matter for the MCCA constitution, but it is expected that non-constituent Members would be appointed annually, with membership rotated among the district and borough councils. The same joint committee could be used to nominate other elected members from the district and borough councils to other places on forums of the MCCA, including Overview and Scrutiny and Audit Committees.

24. The Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) for Lincolnshire and Humberside have a valuable role to play in the operation of the MCCA and the future prosperity of Greater Lincolnshire. Safer communities are key to the government’s Levelling Up Missions, and so the MCCA will ensure that it engages appropriately with both PCCs as the leaders elected to represent public safety in Greater Lincolnshire. With that in mind, it is expected that one PCC will at any given time be a non-constituent Member of the MCCA. PCCs will be able to nominate each other as the substitute member as appropriate, and both PCCs would be able to attend and participate in MCCA meetings and have access to all meeting papers.

25. To retain and build upon the mature public and private sector partnership working already taking place across Greater Lincolnshire, it is proposed that the remaining non-constituent/associate Member could be appointed by the MCCA from a sector that has strategic relevance to the powers devolved to the area. The MCCA may invite representatives from other sectors to attend (and speak) at any Mayoral Combined Authority meeting.

Voting rights

26. Constituent Members of the MCCA and the mayor must have full voting rights. Non-constituent members are non-voting unless the MCCA resolves to give them a vote on any issue, within the restrictions set out in the Act. It is expected that the non-constituent members will be granted voting rights in accordance with paragraphs 27 and 28 below.

27. The MCCA constitution will specify a number of matters where voting will be reserved to constituent members and non-constituent members will not be granted a vote. Reserved matters are expected to include the mayoral budget and constitutional matters, matters relating to the current functions of the constituent councils and those transport functions that transfer to the MCCA. Other than on reserved matters it is expected that non-constituent members from the district and borough councils will be granted the right to vote where permissible.

28. Subject to appropriate constitutional arrangements, the PCC non-constituent member may be given a vote by the MCCA on non-reserved matters considered by the MCCA that relate to the PCC’s remit.

29. As well as the voting rights described above, it is expected that certain decisions of the MCCA will have consent requirements attached to them in which district and borough councils’ consent will be required as a condition of the decision. These expected consent requirements are described in paragraph 40 below.

Functions

30. Functions contained in the deal document will be devolved to the MCCA by the government, subject to Parliamentary approval. Some of these functions will be exercisable by the mayor and some by the MCCA.

31. No local authority functions are being removed from any local authority in the area, other than transport functions, as agreed with the constituent councils. Where other local authority functions are conferred on the MCCA they will be held concurrently with the local authorities in the area to ensure joined up decision making. Arrangements for the concurrent exercise of the functions will be a matter for agreement between the MCCA and the constituent councils as appropriate.

32. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will be given powers in relation to:

Economic development and regeneration functions, including the preparation of an economic assessment for the area; to embed a strong, independent, and diverse local business voice into local democratic institutions and to carry out strategic economic planning that clearly articulates the area’s economic priorities and sectoral strengths.
Adult education and skills functions;
Transport functions, including responsibility for an area-wide Local Transport Plan and to set up and coordinate a Key Route Network (KRN) on behalf of the mayor;
Housing supply, regeneration and place-making functions, along with provision of housing and land, land acquisition and disposal and the development and regeneration of land functions;
Power to borrow up to an agreed cap for all functions;
Data sharing with the constituent councils in areas relating to the MCCA functions
Power to establish joint arrangements
A functional power of competence

33. The directly elected mayor for the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will autonomously exercise the functions set out below with personal accountability to the electorate, devolved from central government and set out in legislation. These functions will be:

Functional power of competence
Power to establish mayoral joint committee(s)
Housing and regeneration:
- Power to designate a Mayoral Development Area leading to the setting up of a Mayoral Development Corporation (subject to consent requirements below);
- Housing and land acquisition powers (subject to consent requirements below) to support housing regeneration, infrastructure and community development and wellbeing, unlocking housing opportunities and accelerating business growth across Greater Lincolnshire.
Finance:
- Power for the mayor to set a precept on council tax to fund mayoral functions (resulting from the setting of the mayoral budget as set out below);
- Power to charge business rate supplement (subject to ballot);
Transport:
- To draw up a local transport plan and strategies (subject to the consent requirements – see paragraph 38 below);
- Bus franchising powers;
- Ability to pay grants to bus service operators;
- Power of direction over the KRN.

Arrangements for exercise of mayoral functions

34. The Act sets out how the mayor can exercise their functions.

35. The mayor must appoint a member of the MCCA as deputy mayor.

36. The mayor can arrange for the exercise of their functions by:

The deputy mayor
A constituent member of the MCCA
Where regulations allow, a committee of the MCCA consisting of persons appointed by the mayor whether or not members of the MCCA.

37. The mayor may also choose to establish Advisory Boards to advise them on matters relating to the exercise of their functions.

Conditions on the exercise of mayoral functions

38. The mayor will be required to consult the MCCA on their strategies and this will be subject to the following conditions:

The MCCA will be able to amend the mayor’s budget if 2/3rd of the constituent members (or substitute members) entitled to vote agree to do so or, if a 2/3 majority cannot be reached, if 3/6 constituent members (or substitute members), including 2 of the 3 Lead Members entitled to vote agree to do so.
The MCCA will be able to amend the mayor’s Transport Plan if 2/3rd of the constituent members (or substitute members) entitled to vote, agree to do so.

39. The following decisions will require the consent of the Lead Member (or a substitute member acting in their place), of any relevant constituent council, in whose area the decision will apply:

a. Designation by the mayor of any area of land as a Mayoral Development Area leading to the establishment (by Order) of a Corporation (the consent of the relevant planning authority in whose area the decision will apply is also required as included in paragraph 40).

b. Compulsory purchase of land or buildings by the mayor or the MCCA under any powers (the exercise of compulsory purchase powers will also require the consent of the relevant planning authority as included in paragraph 40).

c. Any decision by the mayor that could lead to a financial liability falling directly upon that constituent council.

d. Such other matters as may be contained in the MCCA constitution, including the adoption of policies and strategies.

40. As well as the requirement for lead member consent in accordance with paragraph 37 the following decisions will also require the consent of any local planning authority in whose area the decision will apply:

a. Designation by the mayor of any area of land as a Mayoral Development Area leading to the establishment (by Order) of a Corporation

b. the exercise of compulsory purchase powers

41. The mayor and the other MCCA members will be required to work together. Specifically:

a. The mayor will provide overall leadership and chair combined county authority meetings;

b. Members of the MCCA may also act to support and advise the mayor in the exercise of mayoral functions;

c. The MCCA may establish an independent remuneration panel to recommend allowances payable to the mayor.

Arrangements for exercise of MCCA functions

42. Unless and until delegated through the MCCA’s constitution all MCCA functions that are not mayoral functions will be exercised by the full MCCA and not by any board or committee on its behalf. This includes the adoption of all plans, policies and strategies other than those set out in paragraph 38.

Voting arrangements

43. The allocation of voting rights is dealt with in paragraphs 26 to 29 above. Proposals for decisions by the MCCA may be put forward by the mayor or any MCCA constituent member. The mayor will have one vote as will other voting members of the MCCA. Any questions that are to be decided by the MCCA are to be decided by simple majority of the members present, entitled to vote and voting, unless otherwise stated in this document or provided for in legislation and that majority must include the vote of the mayor.

44. In addition, for the following decisions the majority of members must include the Lead Member (or substitute member) from each constituent council:

a. Approving the MCCA’s budget (excluding decisions which relate to the mayor’s budget);

b. Setting a levy

45. For a decision to carry out a regeneration scheme in an area of a constituent council(s) (with appropriate consultation of a district or borough council where relevant) the majority of members must include the Lead Member (or substitute member) from the relevant constituent council(s).

Delegation

46. The delegation of decision-making within the MCCA will be a matter for the MCCA in approving its constitution. However, the upper tier councils recognise the value of widening involvement in the work of the MCCA and ensuring a range of voices are heard within the MCCA.

47. It is expected that the MCCA will establish a number of decision-making committees or boards aligned with different elements of the devolution deal. It is envisaged that the following committees or boards would be established:

Transport
Skills and Employment
Business and Infrastructure

48. These committees would contain constituent Members, non-constituent Members and Associate Members of the MCCA or their substitutes, together with a number of co-opted members which could include other elected members of non-constituent councils.

49. In addition to decision-making boards/committees the MCCA will have the power to establish advisory boards/committees. It is envisaged that a Greater Lincolnshire Economic Advisory Group/Panel could be established as one means of ensuring a strong voice for business.

Accountability

50. The MCCA must appoint at least one Overview and Scrutiny Committee and one Audit Committee in line with requirements set in regulations including on membership and voting. The MCCA’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee will have the power to scrutinise decisions of and hold to account both the mayor and the MCCA. The membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee(s) cannot include the mayor or a member of the MCCA.

51. For the Overview and Scrutiny Committee(s) it is expected that 2 members will be nominated from each constituent council. In addition, there are expected to be a total of 4 members nominated collectively by the district and borough councils on each Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Further detail on the approach to nomination of those representatives will be developed in consultation with the district and borough councils in the area. The constituent councils will also consider whether and how best to ensure that the business voice and other relevant stakeholders are represented effectively on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee(s).

52. The chair and vice-chair of each Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be appointed by the MCCA following a proposal put to them by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in question. The chair shall not be a member of a registered political party of which the mayor is also a member.

53. The MCCA must arrange for the appointment of an Audit Committee, at least one member of which must be an independent person. Membership of the Committee taken as a whole will be required to be proportional by reference to the balance of political parties prevailing among members of the constituent councils taken together at the time the MCCA appoints the members to the Committee or such other requirements as are required by the regulations.

54. For the Audit Committee it is expected that two members will be nominated from each constituent council. Further members will be appointed to the Audit Committee based on appropriate best practice guidance such as that issued by CIPFA on the composition of audit committees. Further detail on the approach to nomination of further representatives will be developed in consultation with the district and borough councils in the area and included in the proposal to be consulted.

55. As a local government institution with devolved powers, Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will be subject to the English Devolution Accountability Framework (‘the Framework’). The Framework applies to all English institutions with devolved powers. In line with the Framework, the government, Greater Lincolnshire MCCA and other areas with devolution deals will work together to put in place mechanisms to ensure that local leaders and institutions are transparent and accountable, work closely with local businesses, seek the best value for taxpayers’ money, and maintain strong ethical standards.

56. Greater Lincolnshire MCCA should also have regard for the government’s Scrutiny Protocol, which develops the standards and best practice to make sure that scrutiny committees in areas with devolution deals can meet this unique challenge. This is to empower local residents and provide them with the confidence that devolution is leading to improvements in their area.

Working with others

57. In order to fulfil its role in giving strategic direction to the Greater Lincolnshire area the mayor and the MCCA will work closely with stakeholders in the area including the constituent councils and borough and district councils. The mayor and MCCA will also have formal powers to delegate functions or exercise them formally with other local and public authorities.

58. Where existing functions or resources currently held by the constituent councils are to be exercised concurrently or jointly with the mayor or the MCCA the detail will be agreed between the mayor/MCCA and the constituent councils. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA may exercise functions in relation to its area and may exercise functions outside its area, subject to and in accordance with statutory provisions.

59. The MCCA will explore opportunities for further collaboration with its neighbouring councils, including and especially, any future Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (howsoever named) and pan-Humber working arrangements. The MCCA may invite representatives from other partner councils to attend (and speak) at any MCCA meeting.

Role of the LEP

60. The Levelling Up White Paper announced the government’s intention to support the integration of Local Enterprise Partnership functions and roles into local democratic institutions. On 4 August 2023 government confirmed its previous ‘minded to’ decision to withdraw central government support (core funding) for Local Enterprise Partnerships from April 2024 and transfer their functions to local and combined authorities. This deal confirms the integration of LEP functions into the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA, subject to agreement of an integration plan by the constituent local authorities and its subsequent endorsement by government.

61. Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will be supported to take on relevant functions and roles of the Local Enterprise Partnership in line with published guidance and any agreed interim arrangements. To date the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) has made a significant and valuable contribution to shaping the Greater Lincolnshire economy and the private sector which it represents. Building on these achievements and integrating these important functions into the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will create more integrated, better aligned and empowered local institutions with the tools they need to unlock economic growth and level up at a local level.

62. All parties will work together to ensure the strong, diverse and independent local business voice is maintained, with the business voice to be represented within the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA, and with advisory boards representative of the geographies and composition of their local communities. Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will ensure that any business advisory board or equivalent structure is meaningfully involved in local decision making, maintaining a culture of constructive challenge and scrutiny with the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA assurance framework, and is representative of local business communities.

63. Government funding for integrating LEP functions will be subject to future spending decisions by individual departments and business planning.

Growth Hub

64. The Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub in Greater Lincolnshire plays an important role working with local authorities in the area to provide access to a range of grants, expert advice and programmes to support SMEs to grow and boost the local economy. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will continue to provide Growth Hub Services working in collaboration with businesses, local partners, stakeholders and local authorities across the county, subject to future funding from government.

Implementation

65. In line with the process set out in the Act, the constituent councils will produce a devolution proposal based on the deal. They will publicly consult on that proposal with local communities and business and any other interested stakeholders. They will consider the outcomes of the consultation before deciding whether to revise and/or submit the proposal, alongside a summary of the consultation responses to the government, for consideration.

66. Implementation of the proposal is subject to the statutory requirements and process set out in the Act together with the Secretary of State being satisfied that the required statutory requirements have been met, the consent of each constituent council being provided, and parliamentary approval of the required secondary legislation.

67. As institutions mature, they can gain greater responsibility, and Greater Lincolnshire will be able to deepen its devolution arrangements over time, subject to government agreement and appropriate accountability arrangements. Councils in Greater Lincolnshire view these arrangements as a starting point for further devolution.

68. As part of deepening devolution, the trailblazer devolution deals recently concluded with Greater Manchester MCA and the West Midlands MCA include single funding settlements which give the flexibility and independence needed to deliver locally whilst providing assurance of MCA performance through a single outcomes-based accountability framework. The government’s ambition is to roll a single settlement funding model out to all areas in England with a devolution deal and a directly elected leader over time.

Question 4

Finance and investment

Accepted Answer

69. The constituent councils will create a fully devolved funding programme covering all budgets for devolved functions (the “Greater Lincolnshire Investment Fund”), accountable to the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA.

70. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will use the Greater Lincolnshire Investment Fund to deliver a programme of transformational long-term investment. The government agrees to allocate £24 million per annum for 30 years, 50% capital and 50% revenue, which will form part of the Greater Lincolnshire Investment Fund. This will be subject to five-yearly gateway assessments to confirm that the investment has contributed to economic growth and levelling up. Once the Order is made conferring establishing the MCCA and the council has its Assurance Framework confirmed with the government, the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA may have access to the Investment Fund prior to the election of a directly elected mayor, subject to the agreement with the government of suitable caps.

71. In recognition of the economic opportunities presented by Greater Lincolnshire MCCA, government will make a further investment in Greater Lincolnshire to drive place-based economic regeneration through a £20 million capital funding pot to be allocated over the current spending review period, subject to a business case process. Priority schemes will cover highway and public transport improvements, green jobs, UK Food Valley, and water management.

72. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will have the flexibility to secure private and public sector leverage. As per local government guidance, the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will also be able to use capital receipts from asset sales as revenue funding for public service transformational initiatives.

73. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will be given powers to borrow for its new functions, which will allow it to invest in economically productive infrastructure, subject to an agreed cap with HM Treasury. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will agree overall debt limits with HM Treasury. These limits are subject to review as set out in the debt cap agreements. The MCCA will update HM Treasury about any deviation from its underlying borrowing plans in order to support HM Treasury in its duty to monitor and forecast changes in the fiscal aggregates. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will also provide information, explanation and assistance to support the Office for Budget Responsibility in its duty to produce economic and fiscal forecasts for the UK economy.

74. The costs of establishing the MCCA will be met from the overall resources of the MCCA. To support the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA in its early stages of this deal, the government will provide Mayoral Capacity Funding of £500,000 in 2024/25, £1 million in 2025/26, and £500,000 in 2026/27. This will be provided on the basis that the establishing legislation has been made and the Assurance Framework confirmed with the government. Any future capacity funding will be subject to Spending Review, in line with arrangements for other devolution deals. Additional activities or capital allocations from government will be supported by revenue allocated to the MCCA in line with practice for existing areas with a Level 3 devolution deal.

75. The elected mayor will have the power to issue a precept on local council tax bills to help pay for the mayor’s work. This precept can only be raised for mayoral functions.

76. The elected mayor will have the power to introduce a supplement on business rates for expenditure on a project or projects that will promote economic development in the area, subject to a ballot of affected businesses.

77. Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will be the lead local authority for the planning and delivery of the UKSPF (or ‘the Fund’) from 2025/26 if there is a continuation of the Fund and the delivery geographies remain the same. The Greater Lincolnshire area’s core UKSPF allocation will be subject to a future Spending Review and reconfirmation of overall UKSPF policy and delivery arrangements from 2025/26. If the delivery model remains the same as the previous Spending Review period, it is anticipated that the MCCA will have overall accountability for the funding and how the Fund operates in the area, with wide flexibility to invest and deliver according to local needs. In carrying out this role, it will need to engage constituent councils, district and borough councils and other local partners to ensure that the needs of residents can be effectively addressed.

78. The government understands that Greater Lincolnshire currently has, and will in the future have, interest in applying for funding and other opportunities made available. This includes but is not limited to the Levelling Up Fund. This deal does not preclude participation in these processes where the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA meet the relevant criteria.

UK Infrastructure Bank

79. The UK Infrastructure Bank (“the Bank”) will increase infrastructure investment across the UK by partnering with the private sector and local government to help tackle climate change and support regional and local economic growth. The Bank can offer advice and support to local actors, including the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA, to help deliver on their objectives, including driving investment into net zero infrastructure and innovative local projects. It can also act as a convenor, bringing together local actors for collaborative projects, and where appropriate identifying where projects can be aggregated to achieve greater impacts.

Question 5

Skills and employment

Accepted Answer

91. Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) will set out the current and future skills needs of the area and how local provision needs to change to help people develop the skills they need to get good jobs and increase their prospects. LSIPs will build a stronger and more dynamic partnership between employers and further education providers and allow provision to be more responsive to the skills needs of employers in local labour markets.

92. Working with the designated Employer Representative Body, and utilising and sharing the local labour market intelligence and analysis developed, Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will support and provide input into the LSIP for the area.

93. Greater Lincolnshire will work with the Department for Education to maximise the number of care leavers in employment. This will include encouraging local authorities and public bodies in Greater Lincolnshire to provide ring-fenced apprenticeships and work-experience opportunities for care leavers; working with DfE’s delivery partner for the care leaver covenant (Spectra) and working with local businesses to encourage them to offer employment opportunities to care leavers.

94. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will be considered alongside other areas with a Level 3 devolution deal at future Spending Reviews with regard to the devolution of skills funding.

Labour markets

95. The government recognises the challenges facing Greater Lincolnshire with a coastal and rural economy experiencing a complex range of issues relating to digital coverage, productivity, upskilling, in-work progression, and connectivity.

96. There is a need to develop and deliver targeted local programmes through devolved funding streams such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Adult Education Budget to address the unique and diverse challenges across the region. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will continue to be expected to work in partnership with local Department for Work and Pensions Jobcentre Plus and regional DWP Strategic Partnership Managers to develop local programmes that meet local needs and complement national employment provision.

97. The government and the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will also work together to better target employment support by understanding and utilising publicly available local labour market intelligence and analysis. As part of the development of the economic framework, the government is committed to working together on Greater Lincolnshire’s strategic priorities and supporting the development of the region’s economic framework.

98. The Department for Work and Pensions and the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will work together on Greater Lincolnshire MCCA’s strategic priorities for employment through:

enhanced engagement by way of membership of the joint Department for Work and Pensions and Department for Education Mayoral Combined Authority Advisory Group.
continuing regular engagement with DWP Strategic Partnership Managers, the regional Employer and Partnership team in Jobcentre Plus, and strategic labour market partnership teams.

99. The Department for Work and Pensions will also consider what role the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA could have in the design and delivery of future contracted employment programmes.

Career education and advice

100. The government recognises the significant unique opportunities that are developing across Greater Lincolnshire and that, to ensure maximum benefit of the AEB allocation and the area’s economic growth, a more place-based and industry led approach to careers education is developed for both adults and young people. Ensuring access to high quality careers, advice and guidance is a crucial element of the government’s long-term ambitions around social mobility, raising aspiration and securing the future workforce our economy needs.

101. In support of this objective, Greater Lincolnshire LEP and Local Authority partners have worked closely on the development of the Greater Lincolnshire’s Career Hub. With the folding in of relevant LEP functions as announced in August 2023, the government and partners within Greater Lincolnshire wish to ensure that there remains a shared focus on careers education and advice for young people. This is particularly crucial given the specific challenges faced in Greater Lincolnshire. This is particularly crucial given the ageing population of Greater Lincolnshire and the need to increase awareness of new high skill high wage career opportunities across the area and the pathways available to residents to achieve a good quality career. The Department for Education will therefore seek to work with the Department for Levelling Up, Greater Lincolnshire and other relevant partners to support the continuity of activity within the Careers Hub.

102. To ensure a more place-based and joined-up approach to careers education locally, the government supports Greater Lincolnshire to work with local stakeholders to align careers provision with devolved AEB activities.

Question 6

Housing and land

Accepted Answer

103. Delivering sustainable growth requires development sites to get the right infrastructure at the right time and housing to be delivered at a pace which supports economic growth. Recruiting and retaining a younger workforce to offset the ageing population and deliver future growth requires Greater Lincolnshire to have the right housing in the right locations and access to high quality housing is important to improving the health outcomes and life chances of residents across Greater Lincolnshire.

104. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will have broad powers to acquire and dispose of land to build houses, commercial space and infrastructure, for growth and regeneration. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will be able to invest to deliver housing for the area.

105. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will have land assembly and compulsory purchase powers, subject to the agreement of the constituent councils where the relevant land is located, and to the consent of the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

106. The directly elected mayor will have the power to designate a Mayoral Development Area and to create Mayoral Development Corporations, which will support delivery on strategic sites in Greater Lincolnshire. Where relevant, this power may be exercised only with the consent of the constituent member(s) who represent the area in which the Development Corporation is to be established, and the consent of the local planning authority, if relevant. All members of the Combined County Authority appointed by the constituent councils, or substitute members acting in place of those members, whose local government area contains any part to be designated as a Mayoral Development Area and the consent of the relevant planning authority, including any national park planning authority if their area contains any part to be designated as a Mayoral Development Area.

107. The government recognises the region’s priority to transform town centres and the need to unlock underutilised brownfield land to create vibrant, exciting and connected urban neighbourhoods to support regeneration and address non-viability of sites. Greater Lincolnshire will be awarded £8.36 million of capital funding in 2024/25 to support the building of new homes on brownfield land, subject to sufficient eligible projects for funding being identified.

108. To support Greater Lincolnshire to identify and bring forward a pipeline of housing projects, government will also provide £228,000 in capacity funding in 2024/25.

109. The devolution of locally-led brownfield funding to areas with a Level 3 deal is a part of the devolution framework. Subject to the agreement of appropriate Brownfield funding with HMT in the next SR, Greater Lincolnshire could expect devolution of locally-led brownfield funding into future years, in line with the position outlined in the devolution framework.

Working with Homes England

110. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA and Homes England are committed, with the support of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), to working collaboratively – combining their skills and capacity – to unlock the barriers to affordable housing delivery, regeneration and wider housing growth through the development of a pipeline for the region. This will be underpinned by a clear Action Plan setting out workstreams, timescales and milestones, as well as respective roles and responsibilities.

111. Homes England and the government will explore the potential for investing in the delivery of this pipeline through current and future funding streams, including the Affordable Housing Programme.

112. Homes England, DLUHC, and Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will also collectively explore how wider measures – including viability assessments and the planning system – could better support Greater Lincolnshire MCCA’s plans to increase much needed rural affordable housing supply, and in partnership test how Homes England through its strategic plan could assist in this.

113. Homes England will continue working in partnership with local planning authorities, including North East Lincolnshire Council, where Homes England and DLUHC will use the tools available to support the regeneration of and reuse of Brownfield land in Grimsby, through a place based approach focusing on housing delivery in the town centre and adjacent Alexandra Dock.

Question 7

Transport

Accepted Answer

114. Greater Lincolnshire is a large geography combining urban, rural and coastal areas. Whilst constituent councils have made significant investment in local infrastructure, the area has few motorways or dual carriageways and limited public transport networks. This reduces the opportunity to travel to work, learning and leisure, contributing to greater inequality.

115. As an area vital to supply chains and specialising in logistics, investment in strategic infrastructure is critical to drive business confidence and to support residents to travel to new high skilled, high wage jobs.

116. Despite its geographical challenges, Greater Lincolnshire has been at the forefront of demand-responsive transport, developing innovative services that it intends to expand further to create a transport network which breaks the link between poor transport connectivity and the skills gap.

117. The government and constituent councils recognise the vital role of rail across Greater Lincolnshire, especially for passengers to access work and skills, and for visitors to Greater Lincolnshire. Passenger services coexist with significant freight movements on the networks. Strong road and rail networks are essential enablers for business growth. The A1 and the Trans Midlands Trade Corridor alongside East-West movements by rail are recognised as vital connections for the growth of ports, in particular the Humber and East Midlands freeports.

Network North

118. As set out in the recent Network North announcement:

The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will receive a proportion of the £4.7 billion announced as part of Network North to transform local transport in areas in the North and Midlands outside of the big city regions.
The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will receive a proportion of the £1 billion funding for Bus Service Improvement Plans in the North and Midlands.
The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will receive a proportion of the £5.5 billion funding to fix potholes in the North and Midlands announced as part of Network North.

Powers of the Local Transport Authority and Local Transport Plans

119. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will become the Local Transport Authority for the new combined county authority area and take on the associated responsibilities and local public transport powers.

120. As part of becoming the LTA, responsibility for an area-wide Local Transport Plan (LTP) will be conferred on Greater Lincolnshire MCCA and exercised by the mayor. The Greater Lincolnshire MCA will develop a provisional area-wide LTP by March 2025 to be finalised by the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA once established. Spending Review is expected in 2024; in developing its case for local transport investment DfT will be engaging the local transport sector. As such, we will look to draw on any emerging evidence base and strategy Greater Lincolnshire is able to make available by that time. Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will be expected to ensure its LTP aligns with best practice in transport planning including any revised LTP guidance, and to update their LTP as necessary.

Local and regional partnership working

121. Greater Lincolnshire’s geography falls into two Sub-national Transport body areas – Transport for the North and Midlands Connect – the membership of which brings important benefits to the region. Greater Lincolnshire is seeking full membership of both Midlands Connect and Transport for the North. The government is committed to working with Greater Lincolnshire MCCA to explore membership options for both STBs by 2025, when the MCCA is established.

122. The government recognises that local and regional level organisations are often best placed to make practical changes required to meet shared strategic objectives on local economic growth and decarbonisation, ensuring that local communities and businesses are engaged. Transport for the North and Midlands Connect will develop their Regional Centres of Excellence, which will offer bespoke capability support to all Local Transport Authorities in their STB areas. This provides the opportunity for Greater Lincolnshire MCCA to work with Midlands Connect and Transport for the North to establish if Greater Lincolnshire would benefit from capability support.

123. As set out in the National Electric Vehicle Strategy, the government recognises the aspirations of Greater Lincolnshire to improve public electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which would increase the uptake of electric vehicles and reduce carbon emissions by supporting all motorists in making the switch. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA may also access support from STBs in the region, which have received government funding to develop a regional Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure strategy. These EVCI strategies will provide a robust plan of charging needs in Greater Lincolnshire and can be used to underpin any public sector funding proposals including applications for the LEVI Capital Fund. They will also help local authorities in Greater Lincolnshire to develop their own strategies to scale up the rollout of public charge-points in their areas. The constituent councils within Greater Lincolnshire have also received £7,976 million in capital funding from government’s Local EV Infrastructure Fund and a further £1,288 million revenue funding to increase their capability to plan and deliver public, on-street EV infrastructure. Through the LEVI Fund, Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will be able to utilise the LEVI support body for further assistance and upskilling of EV officers.

124. For Greater Lincolnshire, other alternative low carbon fuels, such as hydrogen, will play an important role, particularly for large vehicles that require longer ranges and faster refuelling. The constituent authorities will work with the Sub-national Transport Boards and the mayoral rural transport group to explore this.

Consolidated local transport settlement

125. The directly elected mayor will be responsible for a multi-year consolidated local transport settlement for Greater Lincolnshire MCCA which government will provide following the next Spending Review. Local transport funding will be consolidated in line with the principles set out in the Levelling Up White Paper and Funding Simplification Doctrine. The quantum of funding and the number/remit of individual funding lines will be agreed through the next Spending Review Process, however we anticipate this will build on the current Level 3 offer of consolidating highways maintenance funding and integrated transport block.

Local highways networks

126. Greater Lincolnshire will set up and coordinate a Key Route Network (KRN) on behalf of the mayor. This will allow the most important local roads to be managed in a strategic way to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and introduce traffic management measures to, for example, improve public transport, cycling and walking infrastructure across Greater Lincolnshire. The constituent councils will remain the highway authority for their area responsible for the management and operation of the local highway network. The mayor will hold a power of direction allowing them to direct member highway authorities in the exercise of their highway powers with regard to the KRN.

127. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will be able to enter into agreements with government, other Local Authorities and National Highways, including to determine shared priorities for its strategic route network roads and KRN.

128. The government supports the aim for Greater Lincolnshire MCCA to work with National Highways and Midlands Connect on identifying priority interventions on the A1 and the western A46 around Lincoln:

a. The A1 corridor is a nationally significant freight artery linking the North and Scotland with London and the South East. The route is particularly vital for connections to major ports on the East Coast, including Felixstowe, Grimsby, Immingham and then Dover (via the M25). The A1 corridor also has a key economic role within the East Midlands, particularly for agri-food, logistics, manufacturing, and tourism, with very significant levels of proposed housing (up to 100,000 units) and employment growth – in addition to the potential ‘Step Fusion’ Facility at the West Burton Power Station site in Nottinghamshire. The A1 through the East Midlands is a dual carriageway ‘A’ road characterised by sub-standard junctions and right turn movements, accident blackspots and a lack of resilience or alternative routes during closures.

b. The circulatory road around Lincoln is a recognised priority to serve the Humber Ports and East Coast visitor attractions. Significant local investment has been placed on resolving key areas on the eastern side of the city through the construction of the Lincoln Eastern Bypass and the emerging North Hykeham Relief Road. Strategic improvement works are required on the western side of the city between North Hykeham Roundabout and Carholme Road Roundabout. These required improvements consist of both capacity increases and Active Travel provisions to safely cross the A46 to connect outlying communities.

c. The Trans Midland Trade Corridor (A15/A46) north of Lincoln is of national significance as a strategic north-south transport and economic corridor connecting the Humber ports in the north to the wider network in the south via the A46 and A1 at Newark. The current performance of this corridor holds back productivity and is also a barrier to future growth. Delivery of upgrades and improvements to this key arterial route will enable faster, safer, reliable and resilient connectivity to regional, national and international markets.

129. Unless otherwise agreed locally, all operational responsibility for highways will remain with the constituent councils. However, where practical we would expect the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA to work towards streamlining contractual and delivery arrangements across the region. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA should consider how highways across the region are managed, which may include developing a single strategic assessment plan for local highways in the area, in partnership with constituent councils.

Rural bus services

130. The mayor of Greater Lincolnshire will establish and chair a rural transport group alongside existing Level 3 combined authorities, that will lead the national debate on transport in mayoral rural areas. The group will champion innovation and work in partnership with the Department for Transport to identify pilot projects to address rural connectivity and accessibility challenges.

131. DfT and Greater Lincolnshire recognise the challenges that rural areas face in the delivery of high quality, sustainable bus services. Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will develop a strategy and spending plan proposal to DfT in relation to future funding opportunities to develop a rural bus pilot that is intended to act as a policy test bed for other rural areas.

Bus Enhanced Partnerships

132. As the Local Transport Authority, the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will be responsible for:

Bus Service Improvement Plans
Enhanced Partnerships
Subsidised bus services
Concessionary fare schemes

And will, where practical, streamline engagement with bus operators and seek efficiencies in their future contractual and delivery arrangements across the combined area.

Bus franchising

133. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will be empowered to exercise franchising powers in the Transport Act 2000, including the power to consult on franchising without seeking permission from the Secretary of State.

Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs)

134. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will receive a proportion of the £1 billion funding for Bus Service Improvement Plans in the North and Midlands.

135. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will work with constituent councils to deliver against the existing Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP). Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will work towards integrating the existing BSIPs in the area.

Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG)

136. In line with the commitment in the National Bus Strategy, the government is working on the reform of BSOG. The government will devolve powers for the payment of BSOG to the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA.

137. As the Local Transport Authority Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will have powers to run travel concession schemes. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will explore enhanced concessionary fares schemes, including elements for rail and young persons.

Rail

138. Rail services provide vital connectivity for passengers with services connecting communities and growing economic opportunities. Rail freight is nationally significant, with a quarter of the UK’s freight passing through Greater Lincolnshire. The government will support Greater Lincolnshire in seeking a new rail partnership with Great British Railways, once established, so that their priorities can be taken into consideration in future decisions regarding their local network. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA, alongside existing Level 3 combined authorities, will be considered a priority for these agreements which will provide the ability to influence the local rail offer. Local priorities will need to be coordinated and compatible with surrounding areas and the needs of the national network. Priorities locally include:

a. Cleethorpes to Manchester (South Pennine Corridor) line speed improvements are a priority for Greater Lincolnshire. Transport for the North is supportive of the ambition. Further work involving Northern Rail and Trans-Pennine Express is required to develop the business case.

b. Cleethorpes to London service is a priority for Greater Lincolnshire, providing access to opportunities and supporting a growing economy. The Department for Transport is considering the case for direct London North East Railways services to and from both Cleethorpes and Grimsby to London, with an opportunity to implement them should the business case be value for money, and funding be available to address timetabling, infrastructure and operational factors.

c. DfT are aware that Midlands Connect have developed a business case for line speed improvements between Lincoln and Nottingham, which may realise the potential for journey time savings on the route.

139. The government recognises the importance of rail freight across Greater Lincolnshire, enabling access to the ports and as part of the national network.

Active Travel

140. To ensure consistency in the quality and safety of schemes, Active Travel England (ATE) will provide support to ensure walking and cycling schemes are designed and delivered to high standards, including compliance with Local Transport Note 1/20 (LTN 1/20). The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will work with ATE to improve the design quality of all active travel schemes funded by government and those that are locally funded. All cycling and walking schemes funded by government must be approved by ATE as complying with LTN 1/20.

Question 8

Net Zero and climate change

Accepted Answer

141. As part of its Net Zero Strategy and Net Zero Growth Plan, the government recognises that devolved and local government can play an essential role in meeting national net zero ambitions. Local leaders in the Greater Lincolnshire area and elsewhere are well placed to engage with all parts of their communities and to understand local policy, political, social, and economic nuances relevant to climate action. This is why the devolution framework grants places the opportunity to adopt innovative local proposals to deliver action on climate change and the UK’s net zero targets.

142. The Local Net Zero Forum, chaired by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Local Government Association, is cross-government and brings together national and local government senior officials. Through representative organisations on the forum such as the Local Government Association (LGA), Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), Core Cities and the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) – Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will get the opportunity to discuss local net zero policy and delivery issues in the round.

143. Greater Lincolnshire is at the forefront of the UK’s offshore energy production, hydrogen innovation and the development of decarbonisation for heavy industry but there is a need to ensure that this is supported by infrastructure such as the energy grid capacity and pipelines that are required to deliver growth. In the delivery of new infrastructure, Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will balance environmental, social and economic considerations.

144. The UK Hydrogen Strategy (2021) set out a comprehensive approach to scaling up the hydrogen economy, and in the British Energy Security Strategy (2022) government doubled its ambition to up to 10GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030. Greater Lincolnshire is committed to establishing one of the UK’s first net zero carbon industrial clusters by 2040, which aims to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions as well as developing blue and green hydrogen infrastructure and production.

Energy networks

145. The government recognises the need to increase Greater Lincolnshire’s electricity network capacity to meet future electricity demand. We are committed to ensuring that local bodies such as combined authorities, including the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA, have a meaningful role in planning our future energy system for net zero, alongside other local areas as appropriate.

146. The government is considering the role of local energy plans, including their role in supporting strategic network investment, working closely with Ofgem as part of its ongoing governance review into local energy institutions and its proposals on regional energy system planning.

Heat networks

147. The government has confirmed its intention to establish heat network zoning in England. Under the zoning proposals, Zoning Coordinators within local government will be able to designate areas as heat network zones where heat networks are going to be the most cost-effective way to decarbonise heating and hot water within the zone. Local authorities will have powers to require certain buildings to connect to heat networks within the zones. This will enable the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA to assume the role of heat network Zoning Coordinator for its locality and play a key role in the delivery of heat decarbonisation infrastructure. The government is committed to have heat network zoning in place by 2025.

148. The government will support the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA alongside other local authorities across England to take forward heat network zoning, including collaboration with the private sector on developing heat networks within zones and to help capitalise on unique local opportunities to utilise all available low carbon heat sources, including geothermal energy.

Buildings

149. The government commits to explore the potential benefits of and design options for a place-based approach to delivering retrofit measures, as part of the government’s commitment in the Net Zero Strategy to explore how we could simplify and consolidate funds which target net zero initiatives at the local level where this provides the best approach to tackling climate change.

150. This work will involve inviting the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA to work with the government through the relevant representative organisations to consider if such an approach could accelerate the meeting of net zero goals and provide better value for money.

Green Jobs

151. Through the Green Jobs Delivery Group, we are working to ensure that workers, businesses and local areas, including Greater Lincolnshire, are supported through the net zero transition. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA now has the opportunity to deliver green skills interventions at a local level through having a greater role in delivering the Adult Education Budget and UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

152. Greater Lincolnshire either incorporates or adjoins some of the greatest opportunities or threats to energy and natural resources this country possesses. It witnesses the largest polluting estuary in the UK (CO2), one of the most stretched natural water systems in the UK and possesses a portfolio of carbon-based power generation plants. However, it is also home to some of the most innovative thinking on carbon capture, nuclear fusion, water management and energy distribution.

153. Greater Lincolnshire offers opportunity to contribute to UK PLC explicitly through Carbon Capture Storage and Usage and potentially hosting a geological disposal facility; ensuring security of energy supply; reducing costs of energy creation and distribution; Creating Competitive Advantage for its indigenous businesses through new product development and business models.

154. The government is aiming to reach a policy decision in 2023 on whether to support blending of up to 20% hydrogen by volume into the GB gas distribution networks. If the decision to proceed with blending is positive, government will look to start the legislative and regulatory process to enable blending, as well as the process to make any physical changes to gas networks that are required. Given timelines, government does not anticipate blending at a commercial scale to commence before 2025-2026 at the earliest.

155. To further contribute to government’s ambition of capturing and storing 20-30 MtCO₂ per year, government will continue to develop the Track-1 and Track 2 clusters to increase the benefits they can deliver. Government will launch a process this year to begin further expansion of Track-1 clusters, beyond the initial deployment, identifying and selecting projects to fill the available storage and network capacity anticipated to be available in and around 2030. Additionally, government has concluded that Viking transport and storage (T&S) system, based in Humber, along with the Acorn T&S based in Scotland, due to their maturity, remain best placed to deliver government’s objectives for Track-2, at this stage, subject to final decisions, due diligence, consenting, subsidy control, affordability, and value for money assessments. government will set out the process by which capture projects for Track-2 will be selected in due course.

156. The government is committed to the commissioning of studies to determine the infrastructure improvements that would be needed if a geological disposal facility were to be sited in Greater Lincolnshire, including flood defences and transport links.

Humber

157. The Humber is one of the UK’s most significant industrial areas with several distinctive assets which play an important role for the UK economy. The economy has great potential built around clean energy generation, manufacturing, and globally strategic ports which play on the vital role of the Estuary as an international trading gateway and which benefit from Freeport status and the incentives that brings in supporting trading businesses, attracting inward investment and jobs, as well as wider economic activity to the area.

158. The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero will provide observer representation on the Humber Energy Board, through which they will support the development of a Net Zero Strategy to accelerate the green energy transition across the Humber industrial cluster. This Net Zero Strategy will inform a detailed investment plan for the region, underpinned by strong collaboration between public and private sector partners across the Humber.

Question 9

Environment, food, water and climate change

Accepted Answer

159. Greater Lincolnshire is the second largest county area in England, with a largely rural, low-lying landscape including nationally important natural treasures such as lime woods, chalk streams, saltmarsh, high grade farmland and the only AONB in the East Midlands covering the Lincolnshire Wolds. It is home to the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park and the new Lincolnshire Coronation Coast National Nature Reserve.

160. With coastal and low-lying regions, water management is a crucial aspect of climate resilience, and Greater Lincolnshire has ambitions to become a rural innovation testbed for energy and water management. Managing water as an asset, is important to the area’s communities to mitigate the threat of coastal erosion and flooding across a low land area and also to meet unique demands for water that support growth in agriculture and innovations in manufacturing and carbon capture.

161. Food production, processing and logistics account for a significant proportion of employment, and the location for two of the environmental land management schemes provides the area with a head start in the transition towards a successful nature recovery network.

Environment

162. Lincolnshire County Council has been appointed by Defra SoS as the authority responsible for preparing the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for the Greater Lincolnshire area. LNRSs will agree priorities for nature’s recovery, map the most valuable existing habitat for nature; and map proposals for creating or improving habitat for nature and wider environmental goals. Defra has confirmed total planned funding of £388,000 for financial years 23-24 and 24-25 to cover the costs of strategy preparation, including the required stakeholder engagement. The government will work closely with responsible authorities to ensure they are supported in preparing their LNRS, including by making available Defra group expertise and data and agrees to consider the role of Greater Lincolnshire MCCA in the LNRS process following establishment of the new body.

163. The government will ensure that over time locally identified environmental priorities are incorporated into new environmental land management schemes where appropriate.

164. Government encourages Greater Lincolnshire to play a leadership role in attracting private investment into nature’s recovery within its area. Greater Lincolnshire will be invited to join a natural capital investment Community of Practice, providing access to information, best practice and learning from the Local Investment in Natural Capital programme, and networking opportunities to support building of local capability.

165. Government welcomes Greater Lincolnshire’s ambitions in climate adaptation (in particular in developing (i) a Coastal partnership and (ii) a strategic approach to land use). Defra looks forward to further understanding Greater Lincolnshire’s ambitions.

Coastal Partnership

166. Government and partners in Greater Lincolnshire have held the ambition to form a strategic coastal partnership since the publication of a joint report in 2015. The MCCA will convene a Coastal Partnership which will ensure that the nature, culture and heritage of the Lincolnshire Coast are given a voice and consideration to ensure that tourism and economic development can take place in parallel with the restoration of the natural and historic environment. Relevant government departments and their arm’s length agencies will attend as full members. The Coastal Partnership will run from the Wash into the Humber.

167. The remit of the Coastal Partnership will be to explore and develop solutions around:

Using access to nature and cultural heritage as part of schemes to improve public health.
Climate Change Adaptation using the national Climate Change Risk Assessment to take a strategic approach to land use.
Interpretation, protection, enhancement and promotion of historic and archaeologically significant sites, structures, monuments, places, areas and both seascapes and landscapes, developing the local economic opportunities they provide, whilst maintaining their contribution to local identity and community.
Achieving local benefits for the key wildlife sites along the coast – maintaining their importance for tourism and the minimisation of the recreational disturbance of nature.
Monitoring and understanding national energy infrastructure along the Lincolnshire Coast (Hornsea 1 &2, Viking Link, Theddlethorpe, LOR, Humber Freeport, etc) and co-ordinating advice to mitigate environmental impacts.

168. This work will contribute towards developing Local Nature Recovery Strategies and growing the national Nature Recovery Network.

Food

169. The government recognises the nationally significant role that Greater Lincolnshire plays in maintaining food security. The region produces one eighth of England’s food and has nationally significant clusters in food production, food processing, fresh produce and seafood processing. Greater Lincolnshire is home to the UK Food Valley, an initiative which seeks to provide economic benefit to the area based on the food sector’s strength whilst also strengthening domestic food supply. Through this deal the government recognises the ambitions of the Food Valley and supports the benefits that it will bring.

170. Given the particular importance of food production from Greater Lincolnshire to UK food security, DEFRA agrees to consider the role of the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA in ensuring both sustainable food production and climate and environment outcomes, including considering possible place-based research.

171. Government will work with Greater Lincolnshire MCCA to deepen engagement with food and drink manufacturing SMEs in the region, to discuss growth opportunities for SMEs in the sector and share best practice.

UK Food Valley programme board

172. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will convene a UK Food Valley Programme Board with senior level representation from organisations including the MCCA, the major food manufacturing businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, and academia. The board will produce a clear and measurable strategy for UK Food Valley. Defra will meet annually with the board to discuss key topics of value to its members.

173. The remit of the board will be to deliver the UK Food Valley strategy by exploring, developing, and commissioning solutions around:

a. Giving domestic businesses and inward investors the confidence to invest, notably:

i. Identifying areas in which the UK is a big net importer of food where domestic production could be sustainably and competitively expanded.

ii. Taking R&D out of the lab into the field or onto the factory floor, by supporting the innovation to commercialisation journey, increasing skills to adopt innovative technology in industry and by prioritising higher level skills activity in the sector.

b. Ensuring that industry is supported to invest by addressing key enablers of business expansion, notably:

i. Supporting commercial investment in the industry to increase production volumes and modernisation through globally competitive investment incentives including agri-tech, food manufacture, and aquaculture.

ii. Supporting the industry with a positive planning framework and premises supply strategy to support businesses from start-ups looking for their first food grade unit, to multi-nationals investing in large scale sites. The MCCA will prepare and deliver an investment programme which provides the right combination of developable sites and ready-to-use business premises for the food sector in the area.

iii. Supporting food chain investment with modern infrastructure including access to sustainable energy and water supplies; high speed digital connectivity; and transport infrastructure. Defra will support the board in its aims by being an active champion of the sector across government.

iv. Provide specialist food chain innovation to accelerate technology innovation, commercialisation, and adoption. Defra will support this aim by providing updates and information around programmes and incentives for the agricultural sector to diversify into high value food production.

Water

174. Defra will endorse the creation of an Enhanced Partnership, utilising the existing Lincolnshire Flood and Water Management Partnership framework, to pilot the development of a forum for flood resilience, adaptation and management of the water system across all sectors and in a whole systems approach. The enhanced partnership will help Greater Lincolnshire become a testbed to explore and develop options for how flood risk management from all sources, including relevant adaptation activities linked to water sustainability, can best be addressed and accelerated at the local level. This could include:

Sharing of best practice approaches and learning on integrated water management to inform government reforms to local flood risk management planning.
Ensuring commitments within the Enhanced Partnership Plan are agreed and signed up to by all partners, to drive the development of Enhanced Partnership Schemes, within which obligations and delivery timescales on all partners will be agreed by the group, maximising the likelihood of successful delivery.
Creating the enabling environment needed to develop a place-based flood risk and water sustainability strategy, provide the influence required to develop investment plans to fulfil that strategy, and ensure implementation of those plans, at the required timescales. This will not change the role and responsibilities of existing Risk Management Authorities or existing statutory duties to produce Local Flood Risk Management Strategies.
Providing a single contact point for engagement with other groups such as agri-food, energy, manufacturing and transport, to facilitate a whole systems approach to utilities and infrastructure coordination and planning.

Question 10

Culture and tourism

Accepted Answer

175. Greater Lincolnshire has a high-quality and varied visitor economy offered across city, coast and countryside. Up to 50 miles of coastline, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and hundreds of visitor attractions contributed to the overall value of £2.62 billion in 2022, supporting over 28,000 jobs.

176. Home to the Red Arrows, Lincoln Castle and Cathedral, rural landscapes including the Isle of Axholme and the Lincolnshire Wolds dotted with market towns and limestone villages, as well as the vibrant coastal resorts of Cleethorpes, Mablethorpe and Skegness – the UK’s fourth most popular holiday resort – the area has a rich heritage, cultural and leisure offer. The growth of the visitor economy in Greater Lincolnshire has enormous potential to deliver local economic growth, create local jobs and help drive productivity.

177. Placemaking initiatives in locations like Grimsby, Lincoln, Boston and Grantham have shown the potential of ALBs to deliver transformative programmes in partnership with local authorities, businesses and the third sector. Grimsby’s industrial maritime heritage has significant potential for investment and reuse as a new economic focus and source of pride in place, with a Heritage Action Zone providing a legacy of cultural activity from which to develop new initiatives. Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter development, has also showcased the impact of High Street Heritage Action Zones spring-boarding regeneration in partnership with business.

Culture

178. Greater Lincolnshire MCCA and a subset of DCMS ALBs will establish a collaborative partnership, supported by DCMS, to share expertise and insight across (some or all of) culture, heritage, sport, communities and the visitor economy (as applicable), in order to maximise the impact of funding and policy decisions taken within Greater Lincolnshire by members of the partnership.

179. A key area of focus for the partnership will be for the MCCA and ALBs to share information on their priorities and plans across the relevant policy areas. This will facilitate a shared understanding among the partnership of potential opportunities for alignment, recognising that culture, heritage, sport and the visitor economy all play a strong role in supporting places and communities to thrive – and that this effect is maximised when individual decisions take into account the wider context of other plans and decisions being made for an area.

180. All partnership members will retain their autonomy for individual decision-making. The partnership does not prejudice ALB decisions around national grant funding processes or their national priorities. ALBs will also seek to use the partnership to deliver their national priorities, which will remain paramount. The scale of each ALB’s involvement in the partnership will be dependent on the specific context and degree of alignment identified between individual priorities. DCMS will be involved in discussions as appropriate.

181. The partnership will be reviewed annually, and subject to future capacity and appetite may be renewed up to a five-year period.

Tourism

182. VisitEngland and the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will work with the accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership for the region to help further develop the region’s visitor economy. This collaborative work, across those areas set out in the government’s Tourism Recovery Plan, could include harnessing the region’s potential to grow domestic and international visitor spend, encouraging visits throughout the year rather than just during the traditional tourist season, and engaging with the work of the proposed Strategic Coastal Partnership for Greater Lincolnshire given the links between this and tourism development.

Question 11

Digital

Accepted Answer

183. The government is committed to supporting Greater Lincolnshire’s digital connectivity ambitions, including through the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, which was published in April 2023 and sets out a strategic framework for the development, deployment and adoption of 5G and future networks. This includes working closely with places to encourage investment in advanced wireless connectivity and increase its adoption across the local economy and public services.

184. As set out in the National Cyber Strategy 2022, the government is committed to strengthening the capability of local authorities such as Greater Lincolnshire to buy and use connected places technology securely. In May 2021, the National Cyber Security Centre published the Connected Places Cyber Security Principles, a foundational step in supporting the cyber security of the UK’s connected places. Since then, the government has continued to develop its support of local authorities deploying and managing connected places technologies and in 2022 the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology published the Secure Connected Places Playbook. The Playbook was designed in collaboration with local authorities and helps them to get their cyber security foundations right whilst setting a strong cyber security culture. The government hopes to continue to work with local authorities such as the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA to support the secure and sustainable adoption of connected places technologies. Bolstering the UK’s Cyber Ecosystems remains a high priority for the government.

185. The government recognises that high quality digital connectivity is crucial for future economic growth and productivity in the region. The private sector will continue to lead on the rollout of broadband and mobile infrastructure, with DSIT supporting delivery in less commercially viable areas. The government will engage with the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA on a regular basis, on delivery plans in the region, particularly where they involve hard to reach rural areas. The government is committed to achieving nationwide coverage of gigabit capable broadband by 2030 and to ensuring that rural areas are not left behind including in Greater Lincolnshire. Procurements covering Greater Lincolnshire are scheduled to launch in 2023, and regular Project Gigabit programme updates will be provided demonstrating progress in delivering for communities across the area.

Question 12

Innovation, trade and investment

Accepted Answer

186. The government is committed to supporting places to realise their entrepreneurial and innovation potential, underpinned by ambitious measures set out in the Levelling Up White Paper.

187. Greater Lincolnshire has a long history of innovation and is known for nationally significant sectors in food-tech and agri-tech, defence and low carbon energy. However, productivity and levels of innovation in Greater Lincolnshire remain one of the lowest in the UK.

188. Greater Lincolnshire MCCA intends to build on existing structures to develop a new place-based Innovation Board, which will bring together local leaders with representatives from research organisations and industry to develop a clear innovation strategy for the MCCA and provide a single voice to strengthen engagement with government and its delivery bodies.

189. In addition, The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will work with the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA to explore opportunities for closer long-term collaboration in strengthening their local innovation capacity.

190. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) will work closely with devolution deal areas, including Greater Lincolnshire, to make it easier for businesses to access the information, advice and support they need, drawing on DBT’s global and sector offer.

191. DBT recognises Greater Lincolnshire’s high ambition to leverage the opportunities presented by the food sector. Greater Lincolnshire will engage DBT early in the implementation of this devolution deal on matters that impact business growth.

Question 13

Public service reform

Accepted Answer

192. The government supports the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA in its ambition for public service reform, including a focus on creating safe, healthy, resilient communities. The government commits to working with the region and partners to explore initiatives to improve delivery of public services, such as how best to support residents with multiple complex needs. Where appropriate, and as part of its levelling up agenda, the government will also consider devolving further powers to the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA to support public service reform, in relation to the statutory duties held by its constituent councils.

Data

193. Good quality data is essential for understanding local need and the place-specific issues affecting people in an area. As set out in the Levelling Up White Paper and the Government Statistical Service’s Subnational Data Strategy, the government is working to improve the dissemination of subnational statistics to empower local decision makers, including in Greater Lincolnshire, to use data-led evidence to respond to local priorities.

194. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will work with the government to understand the existing barriers to data sharing and better use of data in their area, and explore where improvements to the quality of, or access to, data could support them in achieving Greater Lincolnshire’s local ambitions. As part of this, the Spatial Data Until (SDU) will work with Greater Lincolnshire MCCA to help support data capability, including in data science, and will engage with Greater Lincolnshire MCCA to further understand its needs and priorities.

Relocation of public bodies

195. The government is committed to relocating roles out of Greater London and closer to the policy issues they are addressing. Relocation will benefit communities across the UK, bringing more diversity of thought into policy making leading to better-informed policy, built on an understanding of the impacts across the UK and drawing on a more diverse range of experiences, skills and backgrounds. The government will continue to work with departments to consider the potential for any future relocations of Civil Service roles to the Greater Lincolnshire region as part of the Levelling Up agenda.

Question 14

Resilience and Public Safety

Accepted Answer

196. Government, the local area and the PCCs have agreed for the PCCs to be a non-constituent member of the MCCA to ensure close collaboration and productive joint working on public safety between the MCCA and the PCCs.

197. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA, in partnership with the government, will work with the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Authority, and Fire and Rescue Service to agree an appropriate arrangement to ensure close collaboration and productive joint working on public safety between the elected mayor of the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA and the FRAs. In addition, the MCCA will work with local partners, including the FRAs, PCCs and the Home Office to identify the appropriate long term governance model for fire and rescue services in its area, which meet the principles of good governance set out in the Fire Reform White Paper.

198. The UK government will work to significantly strengthen Local Resilience Forums by 2030, as described in the UK government Resilience Framework. This will include a clear role for Greater Lincolnshire MCCA and the mayor in local resilience and civil contingency planning, preparation and delivery.

199. This is subject to the conclusion and full consideration of the Stronger Local Resilience Forums pilot programme in 2025/26, and Greater Lincolnshire MCCA having a strong working relationship with the Greater Lincolnshire Local Resilience Forum.

Question 15

Commitments underpinning the Deal

Accepted Answer

200. The constituent councils will work with the government to develop a full implementation plan, covering each policy and commitment agreed in this deal, to be completed ahead of implementation. This plan must be approved by the government prior to delivery. Any issues of concern with the subsequent delivery of this deal will be escalated to ministers and leaders to resolve, in keeping with the letter and spirit of devolution.

201. Together with Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire councils to the north, government and Greater Lincolnshire recognise that optimising the Humber’s economic potential will require strong local leadership, and the public and private sector on both banks of the Estuary working together, with government acting as a supportive partner. In the period from the signing of this deal and before the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA is formally established, Greater Lincolnshire’s constituent authorities therefore commit to (i) reaching agreement with Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the government and appropriate local stakeholders on a strong and enduring approach for pan-Humber working, and (ii) ensuring that the levers in this deal, and more widely, support this. They also commit to working cross-Humber to produce a Humber Economic Plan and accompanying Investment Strategy, prior to the first inaugural election of the Greater Lincolnshire mayor. These strategies will establish a collective vision for the Humber economy and increased focus on specific priorities that will establish a new trajectory for growth. These priorities would include supporting the Green Energy Estuary transition, the establishment of a successful freeport, attracting greater private sector investment to the area, and ensuring communities across the Humber benefit from the proceeds of growth.

202. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA will be required to evaluate the impact of the Greater Lincolnshire Investment Fund. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA and the government will jointly commission an independent assessment of the economic benefits and economic impact of the investments made under the scheme, including whether the projects have been delivered on time and to budget. This assessment will be funded by the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA, but will be agreed at the outset with DLUHC and HM Treasury, and will take place every five years. The next five-year tranche of funding will be unlocked if the government is satisfied that the independent assessment shows the investment to have met the objectives and contributed to economic growth. The gateway assessment should be consistent with the HM Treasury Green Book, which sets out the framework for evaluation of all policies and programmes. The assessment should also take into account the latest developments in economic evaluation methodology. The government would expect the assessment to show that the activity funded through the scheme represents better value for money than comparable projects, defined in terms of a benefit-to-cost ratio and considered in the strategic context of local ambitions for inclusive growth across the whole geography.

203. As part of the implementation of the deal, the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA and government will agree a process to manage local financial risk relating to the deal provisions.

204. Prior to the implementation of the deal, government will work with the Greater Lincolnshire MCCA to give the public and stakeholders – including Parliament – a clear understanding of: the powers and funding that are being devolved to the combined authority, where accountability sits as a result of this deal; and how decisions are made.

205. The Greater Lincolnshire MCCA and its members will continue to adhere to their public sector equality duties, for both existing and newly devolved responsibilities.

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Introduction

Summary of the Devolution Deal

Governance

Introduction

Governance Model

Membership of the MCCA

Voting rights

Functions

Arrangements for exercise of mayoral functions

Conditions on the exercise of mayoral functions

Arrangements for exercise of MCCA functions

Voting arrangements

Delegation

Accountability

Working with others

Role of the LEP

Growth Hub

Implementation

Finance and investment

UK Infrastructure Bank

Skills and employment

Adult education

Skills and employment

Labour markets

Career education and advice

Housing and land

Working with Homes England

Transport

Network North

Powers of the Local Transport Authority and Local Transport Plans

Local and regional partnership working

Consolidated local transport settlement

Local highways networks

Rural bus services

Bus Enhanced Partnerships

Bus franchising

Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs)

Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG)

Rail

Active Travel

Net Zero and climate change

Energy networks

Heat networks

Buildings

Green Jobs

Humber

Environment, food, water and climate change

Environment

Coastal Partnership

Food

UK Food Valley programme board

Water

Culture and tourism

Culture

Tourism

Digital

Innovation, trade and investment

Public service reform

Data

Relocation of public bodies

Resilience and Public Safety

Commitments underpinning the Deal

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