Greater Lincolnshire residents support the idea of new devolved powers and responsibilities for the area, but they are less enthusiastic about having an elected mayor.

Those are the headline results of a survey published on Monday (22nd August) following a six-week consultation period.

Of the 4,432 people who took part, 59% agreed that councils should pursue devolved powers for the Greater Lincolnshire area, 73% agreed that councils should prioritise economic growth, infrastructure and housing and 77% agreed that councils should pursue further devolved powers in these areas.

However, support for the idea of a directly elected mayor for Greater Lincolnshire was not so strong: around 47% of people agreed or strongly agreed that a mayoral combined authority should be set up for Greater Lincolnshire, compared with around 49% who disagreed or strongly disagreed.

Respondents were still less enthusiastic about combining the roles of the mayor and the existing Police and Crime Commissioner – 38% agreed with this idea, while 56% disagreed.

Ursula Lidbetter MBE, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, commented: “We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to give us their views and we are taking careful note of what they’ve told us.

“It’s pleasing that there is support for what we are trying to achieve. By working together and making more decisions locally we want to encourage economic growth and improve infrastructure across the whole area.”