Chamber chief speaks out against Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority

Dr Ian Kelly, chief executive of Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce says the business community does not believe the Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority is in the best interests of Grimsby and Scunthorpe’s economies, jobs or investment and he understands that this is a view shared by the two Northern Lincolnshire MPs, Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) and Melanie Onn (Great Grimsby).

Dr Kelly also criticised the local authorities in North and North East Lincolnshire in their consultation surveys for not offering those taking part any chance to express support for alternative ideas to those which the Councils themselves prefer – ie the Greater Lincolnshire option, which means it falls short of a meaningful consultation.

In his dialogue with the two Northern Lincolnshire Council Leaders (latest letter enclosed) the Chamber leader has previously indicated that “many businesses are horrified that local politicians are breaking up the Humber sub region which is a globally recognised functional economic unit which in turn will damage the economies of Northern Lincolnshire.”

In light of the changes in Central Government such as the appointment of a new Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and the differences the two Councils have with their own Members of Parliament and the business community, Dr Kelly urges North and North East Lincolnshire Councils to “pause and think again before turning their backs on the industries around the Energy Estuary as part of the Northern Powerhouse, in favour of a rural/agricultural approach with the rest of Lincolnshire which offers much more limited economic opportunities for the future.”