1. Will the mayor wear chains like parish council mayors?
No, the Greater Lincolnshire Mayor is a political leader, not a ceremonial one. You won’t see chains, but you will see leadership on big issues like jobs, transport, and investment.
2. Does this mean the mayor can overrule councils?
No, the mayor works with councils, not over them. The role brings councils together to make decisions for the whole region, like attracting funding or improving services.
3. Will the mayor increase my council tax?
No. The mayor’s budget is separate from council tax, and any decisions about funding must be transparent and accountable. The aim is to save money by working smarter, not to charge more.
4. What’s the point of having a mayor?
A mayor gives Greater Lincolnshire a single, strong voice. Instead of competing for attention, the region can speak directly to government and attract funding and investment.
5. Will the mayor focus only on big towns?
No, the mayor’s job is to represent all of Greater Lincolnshire, from small villages to big towns. Rural communities and agriculture will be just as important as urban areas.
6. Does the mayor get to decide everything?
No, the mayor works with a council leaders and must collaborate. Major decisions will be voted on, not made unilaterally.
7. Will the mayor create jobs?
The mayor can’t create jobs directly but will work to attract businesses, invest in infrastructure, and improve skills so more opportunities are available.
8. Why should I care about voting for a mayor?
This is your chance to shape Greater Lincolnshire’s future. The mayor will influence decisions on transport, housing, jobs, and the environment that impact your daily life.
9. What’s the mayor’s salary?
The mayor’s salary will reflect the responsibility of managing millions of pounds and leading the region. It’s a role of accountability and public service, not perks.
10. Will the mayor improve public transport?
The mayor can secure funding for better transport and make sure buses, trains, and roads connect rural and urban areas more effectively.
11. Where’s the money for this mayor coming from?
The funding is coming from central government, not your council tax. Without a mayor, this money would stay in Whitehall, spent by people who don’t know or care about Greater Lincolnshire.
12. Isn’t this just more bureaucracy?
No, it’s the opposite. The mayor cuts through Whitehall red tape by making decisions locally. It’s about taking back control from unaccountable mandarins in London.
13. What happens if we don’t have a mayor?
Without a mayor, Greater Lincolnshire misses out on millions in government funding. That money goes to areas with mayors instead—do we want to be left behind?
14. Why should we trust a local mayor over Whitehall?
A local mayor knows Greater Lincolnshire and answers to you, not a distant civil servant in London. Decisions are made here, not in a Westminster bubble.
15. Will this mayor just waste money?
No, the mayor must prove every penny is spent wisely. Unlike Whitehall, the mayor is directly accountable to voters—you get to decide if they’ve done a good job.
16. Isn’t this just government money with strings attached?
The opposite! With a mayor, Greater Lincolnshire decides how to spend the money, not central government. It’s about local control, not top-down orders.
17. Why can’t councils just do this job?
Councils are great for local services, but a mayor unlocks extra powers and funding for the whole region—money and decisions councils can’t access alone.
18. Will the mayor help small businesses?
Yes! The mayor can channel funding to support local businesses, grow the economy, and create jobs—better than Whitehall guessing what we need.
19. Why is the government giving money for a mayor but not for traditional council services?
Because a mayor ensures the money is spent on what matters locally, not wasted on one-size-fits-all schemes cooked up in London.
20. How does this benefit rural areas?
A local mayor can direct investment into rural communities, ensuring our farms, villages, and market towns get the attention they never get from Whitehall.
21. How will the mayor stand up for rural communities?
The mayor will fight for fair funding for our farms, villages, and market towns—unlike city-based policymakers who don't understand Lincolnshire and always overlook rural needs.
22. Will the mayor tackle rural crime?
Yes, the mayor can work with local councils and police to prioritise rural crime, ensuring our communities are safe and not forgotten by city-focused strategies.
23. What about high taxes on farmers and rural businesses?
The mayor will push back against unfair policies that hit rural businesses hardest, standing up for local farmers and small enterprises.
24. How will the mayor help with rural transport?
The mayor can secure funding to improve rural bus services and road networks, making sure our villages stay connected and accessible.
25. Will the mayor protect our countryside?
Yes, the mayor will champion sustainable development that respects our natural environment and ensures rural areas aren’t sacrificed for city-centric policies.
26. How will the mayor make sure rural voices are heard?
The mayor will be your voice in government, ensuring policies are shaped by people who understand the challenges of living and working in rural areas.
27. Will the mayor support rural broadband?
Absolutely. The mayor will push for faster, more reliable broadband, so rural areas aren’t left behind in the digital economy.
28. How will the mayor help tackle high energy costs in rural homes?
The mayor can lobby for better energy deals and invest in local green energy projects, helping reduce bills and keep homes warm.
29. Doesn’t this just benefit cities?
No, the mayor’s role is to make sure rural areas get their fair share of investment and aren’t sidelined by urban-focused policies.
30. How will the mayor protect farming from bad policies?
The mayor will stand up to out-of-touch regulations, working to protect our farmers’ livelihoods and promote local produce over imports.