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Residents say ‘No’ to mega council that could strip £50m from vital services – councillors unanimously back plan to protect North Lincolnshire

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More than 12,000 residents – the highest response the council has ever recorded – shared their views on potential models for local government, a new report reveals.

Most respondents favoured North Lincolnshire remaining a separate unitary authority, citing local identity, accountability and the value of existing arrangements.

North Lincolnshire Council will now formally submit its proposal to Government on the future structure of local government in Greater Lincolnshire, after councillors unanimously approved the recommendation at a Special Meeting on 25 November 2025.

An independent study included within the submission concluded that merging North Lincolnshire with North East Lincolnshire would require up to £49m in one-off transition costs, take several years to implement and risk disrupting established partnerships in health, social care, policing and the wider Humber system.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “More than 12,000 residents took the time to share their views, and the message is clear – the majority want to keep North Lincolnshire as it is. Our job is to take that evidence seriously.

“Not only that, merging with our neighbours could cost as much as £49m and take years to implement – that is money that should be used to deliver for communities across North Lincolnshire, not be spent on unnecessary upheaval.

“At a time when families need stability, this is a measured, evidence-based case that puts residents first. We will continue to work constructively with Government and our partners across Greater Lincolnshire and the Humber to get the best outcomes for residents.”

The council’s submission brings together public feedback, service performance data, financial assessments and the views of statutory partners including NHS Humber & North Yorkshire, Humberside Police and Humberside Fire & Rescue.

It sits alongside the separate proposals submitted by North East Lincolnshire Council and Lincolnshire County Council, forming the complete Greater Lincolnshire response required under the Government’s process.

The proposal will be submitted on Friday, 28 November.

Cllr Len Foster, leader of the opposition, whose group backed the submission, said: “I welcome this comprehensive report, which clearly sets out the strengths of our communities and the need to protect effective local services across North Lincolnshire.

“It provides a well-evidenced case for safeguarding our local identity and ensuring that any future reorganisation works for residents rather than disrupting what already works well.

“As Labour Group Leader, I am committed to working constructively to ensure that the voices of our communities are heard and that the best interests of local people remain at the heart of every decision.”

The post Residents say ‘No’ to mega council that could strip £50m from vital services – councillors unanimously back plan to protect North Lincolnshire appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

November 25, 2025 |

Could you give the gift of home in 2026 for a local child in North Lincolnshire?

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The fostering team at North Lincolnshire Council are launching their heartfelt Christmas campaign, Give the Gift of Home, celebrating the power of family, care and belonging. 

The campaign shines a light on what truly matters during the festive season: the presence of a safe and loving home, encouraging local people to consider whether they could make a difference. 

To launch the campaign, the fostering team hosted a special Fostering Film Showcase with fostering friendly members, social workers, foster carers and members of the Children & Families workforce at The Ropewalk in Barton upon Humber.  

The showcase unveiled a powerful short film created in collaboration with Know Film, one of North Lincolnshire’s fostering friendly members, and is a project that was brought together by professionals, carers and young people.  

The film is a result of months of creative collaboration that captures real stories and emotions, showing experiences of local foster carers and young people sharing their voices and perspectives throughout the process. A heartfelt glimpse into the lives of children in care and the transformative impact of fostering; a film that celebrates resilience, love and community spirit.  

A big thank you to all involved, particularly fostering friendly members, DN Colleges and Aeroschool for helping create a beautiful backdrop for our film and allowing our young people to feel a part of something special.  

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and communities, said: “The showcase was a heart-warming celebration of everything fostering represents, love, compassion and community. The film is a reminder of how vital our foster carers are and how every single one of them helps to change lives. It’s wonderful to see our partners, carers and young people working together on something so special. 

 “As we head into the festive season, Give the Gift of Home is a beautiful message. It reminds us that the greatest gift any of us can offer is time, care and a safe place to belong; not just for Christmas, but all year round. 

“By involving foster carers and young people in shaping the film, North Lincolnshire Council aimed to ensure authenticity at every stage. Their stories and insights helped to guide the creative vision, ensuring that the final piece reflects the reality and rewards of fostering in North Lincolnshire.” 

Pete, co-owner of Know Film, had this to say about what being involved in the film has meant to him: “I know first-hand the impact foster carers can make to the young people they look after, especially as 25 years ago I spent some time in foster care myself.  

“Creating this film wasn’t a run of the mill project for us, we put our heart and soul into this project, and we hope it shows.” 

As part of the Give the Gift of Home campaign, the fostering team will be out and about in the community, spreading festive cheer and raising awareness. There will also be festive giveaways and activities for families to enjoy. 

You can find the team at a variety of events, including: 

  • Friday 5 December, Christmas Pantomime at Baths Hall, Scunthorpe, please note that this is a ticketed event, you can book through the Baths Hall website, 5pm to 7pm 
  • 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 December, Christmas Tree Festival with Rotary Club, Old Brumby United Church, Ashby Road Scunthorpe, Friday – 10am to 12.30pm, Saturday – 10.30am to 5pm, Sunday – 12noon to 4pm
  • Friday 12 December, John Leggott College Christmas Fair, John Leggott College, West Common Lane, Scunthorpe, 5pm to 7pm

Could you Give the Gift of Home this Christmas? 

To find out more about becoming a foster carer, visit the fostering webpage, email fostering@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297024. 

The post Could you give the gift of home in 2026 for a local child in North Lincolnshire? appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

November 25, 2025 |