The Business and Infrastructure Board of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority met on Wednesday 1 July 2026, approving recommendations on the defence sector and the Greater Lincolnshire Growth Development Fund, and endorsing the draft delivery plan for the Housing Strategy.

Defence Sector

The Board noted the progress made in Greater Lincolnshire's defence and security portfolio since the endorsement of the Strategic Vision for the Defence and Security Sector in April 2026. Ruth Carver, Deputy Director (Growth and Investment), presented an update on various initiatives.

Lincoln College has been designated a Defence Technical College (DTEC), a status that signifies its role as a hub for technical pathways into the defence sector and provides access to additional government funding for capital and revenue to enhance its learning environment. The University of Lincoln has also secured national funding to increase engineering skills in the region, with plans to launch a BEng (Hons) Aeromechanical Engineering degree from September 2026.

Greater Lincolnshire has progressed to an advanced stage in securing up to £20 million from the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF), with a focus on dual use opportunities that bridge the defence and food sectors. Proposals are being developed for a new physical centre called Decision Works, intended to be a dedicated defence innovation and experimentation centre, with a formal business case nearing completion. Additionally, partners are developing proposals for a Greater Lincolnshire Defence Innovation Zone, a concept in its early stages that aims to attract targeted investment and support for the defence and dual-use technology sector.

The former RAF Scampton site remains a significant asset for defence and innovation investment. Discussions with potential buyers are nearing completion, with an announcement expected soon. The Greater Lincolnshire Regional Defence and Security Cluster has secured a presence at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2027 exhibition, providing an opportunity to promote the region's defence offer to a global audience.

Councillor Ashley John Baxter raised concerns about the report's focus on Lincoln and RAF-related activities, suggesting future updates should encompass a broader range of defence sector activities across Lincolnshire. He also inquired about how the mayoral authority would support defence industry businesses and access funding. Officers clarified that the report was an update on agreed actions and that the Local Innovation Partnership Fund (LIPF) would be a primary mechanism for business support, offering innovation assistance, facilities, and funding.

Councillor Baxter also questioned international engagement, asking about conversations with potential overseas partners and export markets. Officers confirmed that discussions had progressed with Taiwan and Qatar, and that work was ongoing to promote Lincolnshire's defence sector and Freeport investment benefits. The Mayor indicated that progress was being made with an international partner, with further announcements anticipated. Councillor Baxter also expressed concerns regarding Qatar's human rights record, stating that opportunities should be used to promote improved human rights standards.

The Board unanimously voted to note the progress made across Greater Lincolnshire's defence and security portfolio.

Greater Lincolnshire Growth Development Fund

The Board noted nine funding awards totalling £559,400 from the Greater Lincolnshire Growth Development Fund. Ruth Carver presented the report, explaining that the fund, established for a three-year period with a total of £1.5 million, aims to support local authorities and private sector projects in accelerating development and piloting new initiatives.

Eighteen applications were received, and following assessment, nine projects were approved under delegated authority. These projects span various activities, including innovation and technology pilot studies, rail studies, work on a food enterprise zone, an advanced manufacturing park project, agri-tech activities, building repurposing, and an assessment of commercial workspace needs.

The report also outlined the monitoring and evaluation arrangements for the funded projects. Officers confirmed that feedback was being provided to unsuccessful applicants, and some were encouraged to refine their proposals for future rounds. A further funding round was expected to launch within the next few months.

Councillor Ashley John Baxter inquired about the Technical Officers Group mentioned in the report. Officers explained that this group is part of the Combined Authority's Local Assurance Framework and comprises core staff members, supplemented by subject matter experts as needed. Information on the group's membership and the experts involved in the assessment process would be made available to the Board.

The Board unanimously approved the recommendations to note the nine funding awards, delegate authority to the Chief Executive for grant agreements, and note the financial profile and phased expenditure.

Housing Strategy

The Board endorsed the draft delivery plan for the Greater Lincolnshire Housing Strategy, with a recommendation that the final strategy be submitted to the Combined Authority for approval on 2nd September 2026. Jessie Shorrock, Strategic Housing Officer, presented the report, outlining the progress made in developing the strategy and seeking strategic direction on the proposed action plan.

Key actions highlighted included developing and prioritising a strategic housing pipeline, establishing a Strategic Place Partnership with Homes England, implementing the Brownfield Housing Fund programme, strengthening homelessness and rough sleeping coordination, initiating the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), advancing a veterans' housing programme, undertaking early-stage work on a potential new settlement, aligning Local Growth Fund investment with housing priorities, and embedding programme monitoring and governance.

Members welcomed the focus on brownfield development and veterans' housing, and thanked officers for their engagement with partners. In response to questions, officers confirmed that while the Authority had limited direct influence over accommodation placement for prison leavers, they could support representations on the issue. The Mayor also highlighted ongoing work to support prison leavers into employment and training.

Concerns were raised about differing housing markets across Greater Lincolnshire and the links between housing, health, education, and wider social outcomes. A query was made regarding engagement with housebuilders and developers to understand barriers to housing delivery. Officers confirmed that discussions had taken place regarding skills shortages and commercial viability, and the Mayor noted that work on a proposed trades and advanced manufacturing college was underway. Members also pointed out that challenges extended beyond skills shortages to include constraints in the supply of construction materials.

Clarification was sought on the consultant appointed for the options appraisal of a potential new settlement. Officers advised that Aspinall Verdi had been appointed for location analysis and evidence gathering, and that all local authorities would be engaged through workshops. They also stated that the work would assess where housing growth could be accommodated to meet government targets, with options broader than a new town, potentially including urban extensions.

Concerns were raised about infrastructure constraints in the Stamford area, particularly regarding water and electricity capacity. Officers and the Mayor indicated that the Authority was working with government, utility providers, and infrastructure partners to address these issues, including through the Mayoral Enhanced Water Partnership.

Members welcomed proposals relating to rough sleeping and homelessness, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health, drug, and alcohol dependency alongside housing provision. In response to a question, the Mayor confirmed that sites had been identified and negotiations were underway for a new Veterans Village, acknowledging that progress had been slower than anticipated but reiterating the commitment to deliver it.

The Board voted by a majority of nine to endorse the draft delivery plan and recommend the final Housing Strategy for approval. Councillor Ashley John Baxter abstained from the vote.