New water partnership set to unlock jobs, homes and growth across Greater Lincolnshire

Greater Lincolnshire County Combined Authority has today launched a new Enhanced Water Partnership (EWP) – a co-ordinated effort designed to remove long standing water related barriers that are holding back business growth, housing delivery and investment across the area. 

Chaired by the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, the Partnership brings together all the organisations responsible for water supply, management, infrastructure and planning, working alongside local authorities to create a joined up, proactive approach that tackles challenges earlier and speeds up development.  

The partnership will provide clear leadership, shared priorities and practical action across Lincolnshire, so water becomes a driver of growth, environmental resilience and long-term prosperity.  

Mayor Dame Andrea said: 

“It’s time to shift the national mindset — water should be seen as a catalyst for rural growth, not a constraint. 

“For too long, decisions have favoured cities, leaving Greater Lincolnshire — which provides the food, energy and essential industries the country relies on — to work around barriers rather than being supported to remove them. 

“This partnership changes that. It brings together the people who understand our land, our coastline and our industries, turning coordination into action and ambition into investment. 

“When rural economies can grow, the whole country grows.” 

The partnership will work closely with the Environment Agency and water partnerships to align flood protection plans with new development, ensuring that growth happens in suitable locations with the right safeguards in place. The University of Lincoln and University of Hull will support the EWP with research and technical expertise in water management and flood resilience protection plans with new development, ensuring that growth happens in suitable locations with the right safeguards in place.