Public Survey Launched on Local Government Reorganisation
North and South Kesteven District Councils have launched a joint survey to gather public opinion on the ongoing process of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The survey is open to all residents and businesses in Lincolnshire and Rutland and will run until October 12, 2025.
Local Government Reorganisation is a government-mandated process that aims to replace the current two-tier system of local government—with its county and district councils—with a simplified structure of fewer, larger unitary councils. The Government expects final proposals to be submitted by the end of November 2025, with a final decision likely to be made by Summer 2026. The new councils are expected to be in place by April 2028.
The survey is a key part of the engagement process. While the Government has set the framework for reorganisation, it also expects councils to engage with their communities. North and South Kesteven District Councils are using this survey to understand what local people value most about their area and their council services. This feedback will help shape their final proposal.
One of the central concerns highlighted in the FAQ section of the councils' website is the potential for a single, large unitary council to become too remote and disconnected from local issues. The proposal from Lincolnshire County Council, for example, would create a single council serving over 780,000 people, a size which many, including North and South Kesteven councils, see as being too large for effective "local" government.
The survey is an opportunity for you to have your say on these significant changes. You can find more information and access the survey by visiting the North Kesteven District Council website. The council emphasises that this initial survey is not about commenting on specific proposals, but rather about gathering a sense of what is important to you as a resident or business owner. Your input will help ensure that the final proposal reflects the priorities and values of the community.
