The government has asked councils in Greater Lincolnshire to continue developing plans to improve how services are delivered.

The county council, along with North and North East Lincolnshire councils, has led a bid for more funding and powers for our local area from the government. It had been hoped that we would be included in the first wave of councils taking their ideas forward.

However, Lincolnshire has been urged to press ahead and develop proposals that can be considered by the Secretary of State in a future round.

Cllr Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: "For some time now, we've been looking at ways that councils can work together to simplify and streamline services. By doing this we can make better use of taxpayers money, as well as joining up services better."

Currently, Lincolnshire operates a 'two tier' system, which sees some high-budget services, such as education, highways and social care being delivered by Lincolnshire County Council right across the county.

More local services such as bin collections, street cleaning and household planning applications, are dealt with by seven district authorities.

North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire councils are both 'unitary' councils – providing the equivalent of the county and district services in their areas.

Consideration is being given to how local government could be restructured across the whole area to benefit residents and businesses, with the potential to see improved cost savings too. In return, it is hoped that the government will 'devolve' some of the funding it spends in Greater Lincolnshire to councils locally, with the powers to decide how it is best spent.

Cllr Hill, explained: "The government spends money in Lincolnshire on services like transport, housing, and skills training, but without always having the full local knowledge of what people here want and need. We'd like to see the money come directly to our area for local people to have a say."

"Although it's disappointing that we haven't been included in the first round of councils, I absolutely understand that central government has a lot on its plate in the current climate and needs to delay less pressing priorities. I'm pleased however that our district councils have also conceded that reform is needed in Lincolnshire and will seek out new ways of collaborating.

"Lincolnshire councils are in agreement that if additional powers and funding are being transferred from central government in the future, then we must ensure the very best deal for our residents. Therefore we will keep working hard to develop proposals with the hope of being invited to take them forward in the future."

The first authorities who have been invited to take their proposals forward are Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Somerset. The government is also due to publish further guidance to councils about local government reorganisation and devolution in the new year.