The Campaign for Historic Counties has formally submitted its response to the Government’s consultation on the future structure of local government across Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.
The consultation, launched by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, seeks views on four alternative proposals for unitary local government covering what is often described administratively as “Greater Lincolnshire”.
No Position on Administrative Boundaries
In our submission, the Campaign makes clear that we do not take a position on the number, size or configuration of any proposed unitary authorities. Whether the outcome is two, three or four councils is a matter for Government and local representatives to determine according to their chosen criteria.
Local government structures are administrative tools. They can and do change over time.
Historic counties do not.
Respect for Lincolnshire – and Its Neighbours
The consultation area includes most of historic and geographic Lincolnshire, along with small parts of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Yorkshire.
Our response urges that, whatever administrative model is adopted, the outcome must clearly recognise and respect these historic county identities.
Reorganisation must not result in:
1. The misdescription of places as being in newly created “counties”;
2. The implication that historic counties have been merged, abolished or redefined; or
3. The conflation of administrative areas with the nation’s enduring geographical counties.
ONS Confirms Historic Counties Are the Enduring Geography
Our submission highlights the clear national position set out by the Office for National Statistics in its Index of Place Names User Guide (2024 – p13).
The guide explicitly recognises that the historic counties exist, describes them as the “enduring geography” of the nation, and confirms that they should be used as such — distinct from administrative, ceremonial or statistical areas.
This authoritative statement reinforces a fundamental principle long advanced by the Campaign: administrative reform does not and cannot alter the historic counties.
A Simple and Constructive Request
Across all four proposals under consideration, our position is consistent and constructive.
We ask that:
1. New unitary authorities are clearly described as administrative bodies;
2. Official communications and mapping distinguish them from the historic counties; and
3. The historic counties within the consultation area continue to be correctly acknowledged in public life.
Local government reorganisation concerns governance. County identity concerns history, geography and community. The two should not be confused.
The Campaign will continue to engage positively with decision-makers to ensure that, whatever changes are made to administrative structures, the true counties of Britain remain properly recognised and respected.
For further information, visit RealCounties.com.
Britain's Historic Counties 