The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) Board met on 10 December 2025, and approved the content of the Greater Lincolnshire Plan, priorities and funding rules for the Adult Skills Fund, the draft 2026/27 budget and Medium Term Financial Plan, proposed amendments to the Authority's Constitution, and the appointment of an Interim Monitoring Officer and Interim Statutory Scrutiny Officer. The board also agreed to write to the government to request assistance with election costs for the Mayoral election.

Adult Skills Fund Devolution

The GLCCA approved the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) Strategic Skills Plan, strategic priorities, commissioning approach, and funding rule changes, paving the way for devolution of the fund. The ASF is used to equip adults, aged 19 and above, with the skills needed to progress into employment, progress within employment, or progress into further learning.

The plan sets out the GLCCA's ambitions for the ASF, including:

• Creating a high-quality programme that is accessible and aligned to local business needs
• Providing adults with the confidence and support to participate in learning
• Funding qualifications that are business-led and contribute to the long-term prosperity of Greater Lincolnshire
• Increasing the capacity of the local provider base

The GLCCA intends to make several changes to the national funding rules, including re-introducing a three-year residency requirement and meeting the needs of non-English speaking residents through other provision, rather than dedicated ESOL courses. These proposed changes will be subject to a formal consultation process with key stakeholders.

GLCCA Corporate Plan

The board agreed to adopt the content of the Greater Lincolnshire Plan, which will provide the overarching strategic direction for the authority. The plan is outcome-focused, linking identified challenges and opportunities to strategic priorities, and will be reviewed and updated annually. The plan is based on three core themes:

• Bolder Ambitions
• Better Connected Communities
• Brighter Futures

The board delegated authority to the Chief Operating Officer to approve the design of the Greater Lincolnshire Plan.

Medium Term Financial Plan

The GLCCA considered the draft 2026/27 Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP). The MTFP provides a forward-looking framework for the GLCCA's finances, setting out projected income and expenditure over the next three years. The 26/27 budget supports the GLCCA's commitment to sustainable regional development and reflects the previously approved changes to the delivery structure.

The board noted that the MTFP would be fully developed once allocations are confirmed, with the final budget presented to the GLCCA Board for approval in February 2026.

The board also approved a recommendation to write to the government to request assistance with election costs for the Mayoral election.

Review of the Authority's Constitution

The board approved proposed amendments and additions to the Authority's Constitution, including the establishment of the Transport for Greater Lincolnshire Advisory Group. The constitution is a document that sets out how the authority works, makes decisions, and the procedures followed to ensure that its work is efficient and effective, and it is transparent and accountable to residents.

The board also noted the proposed plan for the ongoing review of the constitution. Councillor Ashley Baxter voted against the approval of the amendments and additions to the Authority's Constitution.

Appointment of Statutory Officers

The board approved the appointment of Catherine Whitehead as the Interim Monitoring Officer and Michael Carr as the Interim Statutory Scrutiny Officer. These appointments will allow the authority to meet its statutory obligations until permanent recruitment and appointment can take place.