Two regions have hopes of establishing shadow combined authorities by the year’s end. Meanwhile, one area has already crossed the finish line.

Inquiries by LGC this month revealed that several councils engaged in active discussions regarding devolution deals are making strides towards solidifying their arrangements.

Among them is the Greater Lincolnshire deal, which entails Lincolnshire CC, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire banding together to establish a new mayoral combined authority. This authority would wield authority over a £720 million investment fund spanning three decades. Following a public consultation earlier this year, the councils anticipate reaching a final agreement come summer.

Robert Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire (Con), expressed optimism about the deal, labelling it a “good deal.” He stressed the councils’ eagerness to expedite the process, stating, “We are working on the basis that it could be agreed in July so that we can have a shadow authority set up in September.”

In April, Communities Secretary Michael Gove provided an update on the deal’s progress in response to a question posed by MP Karl McCartney (Con) during departmental questions in Parliament.

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