City of Lincoln Council is inviting residents, businesses and communities to share their views on its proposal to reshape local government across Greater Lincolnshire.
Currently, Greater Lincolnshire has two unitary councils, a county council, six district councils, and a city council, each responsible for different services.
Earlier this year, the Government asked areas like Greater Lincolnshire to explore new models of local government through the creation of new unitary authorities.
Unitary authorities are councils that deliver all local services under a single organisation, from libraries and leisure centres to housing and waste collection, to simplify services and make them more efficient.
City of Lincoln Council proposes that there should be four unitary authorities with a transition to three over time. The three authorities would be:
- A combined North and North East Lincolnshire authority
- A rural and coastal county-wide authority
- A larger Lincoln authority
City of Lincoln Council has made this proposal with communities, public services and place priorities at the forefront of its decision making.
The proposed larger Lincoln authority would expand the city’s boundaries to include neighbouring towns and villages whose residents already identify with Lincoln as somewhere they work, shop, spend leisure time, or access services.
This expansion of the city aims to ensure these residents, who are directly impacted by decisions made in Lincoln, have their voices heard, while protecting the identity and green spaces of surrounding villages.
A separate authority would serve all rural villages, market towns, and coastal communities, ensuring residents are able to shape the services they receive, reflecting the different needs of rural and urban areas.
North and North East Lincolnshire could form a third authority, building on their experience as existing unitary councils.
Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, said:
“We strongly believe our proposal can provide the best outcome for the future of Greater Lincolnshire. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve local government and deliver long-term growth and sustainability for our communities now and in the future.
“Lincoln is a young city with a growing population, yet it has such historical significance and a unique identity. We want to preserve that while also supporting our rural and coastal areas and recognising the opportunities and challenges they face.
“We’re really keen to engage with as many people as possible and hear their views to help inform and shape our final proposals.”
Residents are encouraged to take part in the survey and share their thoughts, which will help shape the final proposals submitted to Government in late November 2025.
You can find out more about local government reorganisation and our proposal on our LGR Survey October 2025 page.