The Executive of Lincolnshire Council met on Tuesday 6 October 2026, approving a retrospective bid for funding to replace Langrick Bridge, extending the Disabled Facilities Grant Works Framework, and implementing a revised duty system for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.

Replacement of Langrick Bridge

The Executive approved the retrospective submission of a bid to the Department for Transport (DfT) Structures Fund for £24.73 million towards the replacement of Langrick Bridge, located northwest of Boston. The bridge, built in 1903, is described as an ageing structure with existing limitations on traffic flow and weight, showing signs of deterioration and posing significant network impacts if further restrictions or closures occur. The report highlighted that without replacement, the bridge would require £2 million in repairs by 2027 to extend its life by 15 years.

However, the decision to allocate £1.5 million from the Highways Maintenance Capital Budget as a local contribution was deferred. This deferral was to allow for further consideration by the appropriate scrutiny committee, supported by a separate report containing additional detail. A further decision on this local contribution will be made by the Executive on 2 November 2026. Concerns were raised during the discussion regarding the lack of detailed costings for bridge removal, land acquisition, and the precise maintenance costs for the existing bridge if it were to be retained as a footbridge. Councillor Natalie Oliver, Executive Councillor for Children's Services, proposed the deferral, stating, I don't feel comfortable to agree to the council spend of one and a half million today without that further clarification. Councillor Sean Matthews, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL, seconded the proposal.

Disabled Facilities Grant Works Framework Extension

The Executive approved the extension of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) Works Framework for a period of 12 months, until 31 March 2028. This extension is intended to allow for the completion of work to plan and implement future delivery arrangements via a new Framework Agreement. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, in consultation with Councillor Steve Clegg, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health, to make all necessary decisions to deliver this modification.

Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) provide grants of up to £30,000 for adaptations to people's homes, such as level access showers and grab rails, to help them remain independent. The current framework, established in 2019 and managed by Lincolnshire County Council on behalf of the district councils, was due to expire on 31 March 2027. The extension was necessitated by the uncertainty surrounding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Lincolnshire and the subsequent pause in the LGR programme. Councillor Maggie Cullen, Vice Chair of the Adults and Public Health Scrutiny Committee, noted that her committee welcomed the proposal, recognising the important role these grants play in helping people stay safe, independent, and living in their own homes for longer.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Response Review

Approval was given to implement Option Three of the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Response Review, which includes the introduction of a 24-hour cover duty system at Grantham fire station and an amendment to the seven-day crewing model at all remaining seven wholetime fire stations: Boston, Gainsborough, Lincoln North, Louth, Skegness, Sleaford, and Spalding. Authority was delegated to the Chief Fire Officer, in consultation with Councillor Alex McGonigle, Executive Councillor for Community Safety, to take all necessary decisions for the implementation of this option.

The review identified that the existing Lincolnshire Crewing System (LCS) was becoming increasingly fragile and unsustainable, partly due to staff opting out of voluntary overnight cover following a 2018 judicial ruling that made close-proximity working unlawful. This was leading to slower emergency response times and a potential loss of specialist rescue capabilities overnight. The approved option will create 20 additional wholetime firefighter posts, increasing the overall establishment. Councillor McGonigle, whose statement was delivered by Councillor Sean Matthews due to his absence, stated, We are investing in our firefighters and investing in the resilience of our service. In fact, I believe we are one of, if not the only fire and rescue service in the country currently increasing our whole time firefighter numbers. The Community Safety Scrutiny Committee supported the report, acknowledging that changes were necessary to mitigate increasing response times.