Greater Lincolnshire LEP powers transferred to local councils

The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has now passed on its responsibilities to local councils, who will continue the work started by the LEP.

The LEP’s strategic functions, such as economic planning, business support and employment and skills, will now be integrated into the Greater Lincolnshire County Combined Authority (GLCCA) as part of the Government’s devolution plans.

The LEP works with the government to improve the economic climate across Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.

Key initiatives like the Careers Hub, Skills Bootcamps and the UK Food Valley Programme will now be managed by Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), with no change to its operations or contacts.

Professor Neal Juster, chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP said: “We are immensely proud of what we have achieved working in collaboration with our public and private sector partners, and we believe that Greater Lincolnshire is well placed to become an even stronger force in the UK economy, particularly as a global leader in ports and logistics, defence, clean growth and food.

“The LEP has created a strong and lasting legacy and is exceptionally well placed to move into new opportunities. We have built a superb team, and as we transition we look forward to local authorities building on those achievements and going even further to deliver for our economy, business and sectors.”

Over its 13-year existence, the LEP has unlocked significant investment, delivered numerous growth projects, and supported thousands of businesses and jobs.

Some of its major achievements include supporting more than 1,500 new businesses, creating almost 5,000 jobs and apprenticeships, and helping more than 13,000 learners.

The LEP also played a major role in the creation of the UK Food Valley and strengthening sectors such as defence and security.

Key projects, like the Lincoln Medical School and South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone, are part of its lasting legacy.

Cllr Colin Davie said: “Local Enterprise Partnerships have shown the value of collaboration and the benefit of having direct input from local businesses and organisations into ‘bigger picture’ thinking across the whole area. The successes speak for themselves – driving economic growth and providing investment where it’s most needed. Going forward, our commitment remains the same: to have a strong business voice in Lincolnshire and to continue to attract the investment Greater Lincolnshire deserves.”

The transition is being managed to ensure the continuity of services and to maintain the LEP’s impact across the region.