South Kesteven District Councillors have criticised the proposed Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal, expressing regret over the lack of a full local referendum and arguing that the level of investment it promises is simply not enough.

During an Extraordinary Council meeting on Thursday, local representatives endorsed a motion put forward by Councillor Leader Richard Cleaver (Independent), expressing reservations regarding the devolution deal that had been approved by Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council, and North East Lincolnshire Council.

The deal is expected to bring £50 million per year to the region. Its key features include a £24 million yearly Mayoral Investment Fund for 30 years, the introduction of an elected Mayor from 2025, a one-time £28.4 million capital investment, and the transfer of control over the adult education budget starting in 2026.

In his motion, Cllr Cleaver expressed regret over the ongoing consultation, noting that it does not directly inquire whether residents support the introduction of a county mayor.

The representative for Stamford St Johns ward further asserted that the financial allocation proposed for the combined authority is both insufficient to address the county's requirements and inadequate to warrant the introduction of an additional layer of local government.

"The sums of money on offer are not enough to do the job described in the proposal," said Cllr Cleaver.

The Independent councillor later suggested that the funds allocated in the Mayoral Investment Fund amounted to no more than a "drop in the ocean" when considering the "noble aspirations" of the deal.

Councillor Phil Dilks (Independent) seconded the leader's motion, insisting that the deal did not embody what he considered to be "real devolution."

"I deeply regret that our residents have not been given a democratic vote to say whether they support or reject a proposal to change the way we are governed," said the representative for Deeping St James.

"I support real devolution, who wouldn't? But this is not real devolution in my book."

Councillor Dilks later reiterated his stance, asserting that residents were feeling as though the deal was being imposed upon them. He further pointed out that the South Kesteven District Council had been excluded from negotiations between central government and the three upper-tier councils.

He added: "We've been given briefings but we are not even guaranteed a permanent seat at the table."

The Independent councillor also expressed concerns that the additional investment might not benefit his district. He voiced apprehensions that the mayoral authority could prioritise investment in areas like the south bank of the Humber, where the government is actively promoting a freeport, or in the "deprived" coastal resorts along the east coast, such as Skegness and Mablethorpe.

"We will be seen as the rich relative as we always have been," Councillor Dilks continued.

Councillor Tim Harrison (Independent) also pointed out that the consultation form for the deal contained what he referred to as "leading questions" posed by the upper-tier authorities.

"I think it's disgusting. I see no benefit for us whatsoever," he remarked.

Councillor Phillip Knowles (Independent) echoed similar sentiments, describing the process as "very anti-democratic." Regarding the questions posed in the consultation, he commented: "If you don't ask the question, they won't get a rejection."

Councillor Rosemary Trollope-Bellew (Conservative) added: "We have to remember that Lincolnshire is a very rural county. The mayors that currently do well are in urban areas so I'm unsure about whether this is a good idea for South Kesteven."

Labour Councillor Lee Steptoe expressed similar reservations about the additional investment, remarking: "I am afraid that, in line with national government policy over the last few years, it seems to me that this is crumbs from the table."

The representative for Grantham Earlesfield ward also painted a sombre picture of the potential consequences if the deal were to proceed, noting that it could lead to significant changes in the structure of district councils.

He voiced his deep concern, saying: "My great personal worry is that this will be the first step in major reorganisaton of local government in Greater Lincolnshire."

Meanwhile, Councillor Paul Wood (South Kesteven Coalition Group) argued for acceptance of the deal, highlighting the potential for additional investments in the region down the line.

"I've never been in favour of a mayor, but you have to look at the deal in its entirety," he said. "A better deal is not on offer."