During questions to the Department for Communities and Local Government, Martin called on the Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, to push ahead with the Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal along with an elected mayor. The deal, which was announced by the previous Chancellor, George Osborne, will give Greater Lincolnshire new powers over transport, planning and skills, and control of a £450 million investment fund to boost economic growth.
Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes)
One of the devolution deals that my right hon. Friend referred to a moment ago is the greater Lincolnshire deal, which is under consultation. May I urge my right hon. Friend, despite the comments of my hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough (Sir Edward Leigh), to push ahead with that deal with, as the two councils in my constituency want, an elected mayor as part of it?
Sajid Javid
As my hon. Friend knows, it is not right for central Government to impose deals on any area. We certainly will not be doing that. These are deals because they require an agreement to be reached, but we will certainly be working with all areas that are interested, including Lincolnshire, to see what we can do.
You can read the full debate here.