Local Government Reorganisation
In December 2024, the Government published the English Devolution White Paper that invited two-tier authorities, such as those here in Greater Lincolnshire with District, Borough or City Councils and a County Council to submit plans for creating one or more Unitary Councils. Greater Lincolnshire includes the Unitary Councils of North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire. A Unitary Council delivers all of the services of both the District and County combined.
During 2025 and early 2026, Councils worked on proposals, there were around 16 different proposals that were discussed in Greater Linclonshire, eventually these were whittled down to four.
The Greater Lincolnshire Local Government Reorganisation Hub contains details of the four proposals that were put out to public consultation in February and March 2026. Toft Newton Parish Council's response to this consultation can be read here.
On the 16th of July 2026, the Sectretay of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government set out which proposals the government has accepted.
Greater Lincolnshire Local Government Reorganisation
The proposal as submitted by the City of Lincoln Council was accepted. This proposal will keep, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire as separate Unitary Councils, it will expand the City of Lincoln Council taking in 12 wards from the current North Kesteven District Council area and seven wards from the West Lindsey District Council area - including the Dunholme and Welton Ward which is the District Council ward that the parish of Toft Newton is based in. The remaining wards of West Lindsey and North Kesteven will be merged with the rest of the District and Borough Councils to form a new Lincolnshire Unitary Council.
The new Councils will have a lot of work today, including agreeing on names, I suspect that the City of Lincoln Council will still use the same name, but it will include a much larger area. the parish of Toft Newton is located 11 miles from Lincoln, yet we will come under their control firstly as a shadow authority following elections to the new Council in May 2027, and then fully when the new Councils are launched on what is known as vesting day - the 1st of April 2028.
There will be changes that affect residents of our parish, however, it should make it easier to work out which Council to contact as the City of Lincoln Council will be responsible for Council Tax, Bins, Roads, Parking, Schools, Social Care and Public Health Commissoning, as well as Democracy and Elections. All of the current functions of West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire County Council will be the responsibility of the City of Lincoln Council.
Toft Newton Parish Council is not expected to change, as this reorganisation does not impact Town or Parish Councils.
We shall continue to share future updates on this page.
Documents and Links
The City of Lincoln Council full proposal.
The Sectary of State's announcement.
The Government's Press Release.
The Decision Letter to Council Leaders.
Guidance Documents; Sector support, Staffing issues, Adult social care, Public health and Children's services, Ofsted and the CQC shared principles.
Responses from Greater Lincolnshire Councils
West Lindsey District Council
City of Lincoln Council
Lincolnshire County Council
As well as sharing future updates, we will try and cut through the confusion and legal jargon.
West Lindsey District Council have created a page for specific Local Government Reorganisation consultations, this page will be updated over the coming weeks and months.