The Lincolnshire Council Executive met on Tuesday to discuss active recovery beds, the adult social care strategy, the sufficiency strategy for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and alternative provision, and the rights of way improvement plan. Councillors voted to approve the recommissioning of active recovery beds, and the SEND strategy, and to adopt the rights of way improvement plan. However, they voted to reject the adult social care strategy, sending it back for further review and engagement.

Adult Social Care Strategy

The Executive voted to reject the Adult Social Care Strategy 2025-2028 and send it back for further engagement and scrutiny. Councillor Sean Matthews, Leader of the Council, suggested this course of action to allow for engagement with the new chief executive and chair of the Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB). Councillor S W Clegg, Executive for Adult Care and Health, seconded the recommendation.

Councillor Natalie Rebecca Oliver felt that the report was too long and not concise enough to be easily read by the public.

Councillor Clegg had said that the strategy marked a step change for the council, transforming it into a truly modern and prevention-first system with an emphasis on a strength based approach .

Councillor Cullen of the Scrutiny Committee noted that the committee's discussions had led to various sections of the draft strategy being reviewed and a new section being added, providing a definition for adult social care and amplifying the council's duties under the Care Act¹.

Better Belonging Lincolnshire - Sufficiency Strategy for SEND and Alternative Provision

The Executive voted to approve the Better Belonging Lincolnshire SEND and AP Sufficiency Strategy. The strategy outlines plans for 2025-2028 to support an inclusive agenda across Lincolnshire for young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). It introduces a three-tiered model of support: mainstream with enhancements, specialist support within mainstream buildings, and post-16 provisions.

Councillor Roberts, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, said that the board had endorsed the report and supported its recommendations, welcoming the ambition to strengthen inclusive practice across schools and expand local provision for children and young people with SEND.

Councillor Oliver said the strategy was forward-thinking, ensuring that the council is doing everything possible to deliver the support that children and families need across Lincolnshire. She also clarified that the Grantham project, specifically the planned expansion of Newton Bridge Academy, is progressing as expected, with £3.5 million released from the 2024-25 high-needs capital programme allocation to support delivery in 2025-26.

The strategy aims to reduce the reliance on education, health and care plans (EHCPs)² by improving early identification and support within mainstream settings.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan

The Executive voted to adopt the Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2025-2035. The plan is a statutory document concerning the management of public rights of way in the county, including maintenance, promotion, and mapping.

Councillor Bailey Robinson, Vice Chairman of the Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee, said that the committee had agreed to support the recommendations, commending officers for their comprehensive work to review the network and set out a clear direction for improvement.

Councillor Oliver asked how the policy supports the right to apply procedure, given that the national government has closed that service. She described a resident in Hemingby whose property has a footpath running inconveniently down the side of their house, with a superior alternative available.

Active Recovery Beds Recommissioning

The Executive voted to approve the recommissioning of a county-wide Active Recovery Bed service for an initial period of one year, with options to extend by up to a further two years, subject to future funding availability. The total value of the contract is £4,949,901.60.

The Active Recovery Beds provide a specialist environment to support individuals in regaining independence after hospital treatment. Martin, an officer of the council, said that they play a vital role in enabling people to recover from a crisis so that they are able to have the maximum level of interest and ability to look after themselves when they return home.

Carl, another officer of the council, said that the number of beds for the next contract is proposed to be reduced from 29 to 24, which will take the average occupancy from around 70% to over 90%.

Councillor Cullen said that the Scrutiny Committee recorded its strong support for renewing the Active Recovery Beds Initiative, noting that the new contract will plan for a higher bed occupancy rate to make better use of resources.

Councillor Oliver asked for clarification on the criteria for referrals, specifically regarding the meaning of usually resident in Lincolnshire . She also raised concerns about the percentage of individuals who do not return home after using the service, questioning whether the right people are being admitted to the Active Recovery Beds. She requested more detail as to why people went back into hospital, whether it was for the same condition or something else.