The Environment Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Friday, 16 January 2026, to discuss a range of environmental matters. Key decisions included the endorsement of budget proposals for 2026/27, support for updates to the Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Development Scheme and Statement of Community Involvement, and approval for the construction of the Toynton St Peter Surface Water Scheme. The committee also reviewed the current flood risk and water management capital programme and its future pipeline.

Flood Risk Management Authorities Update

The committee received updates from various Flood Risk Management Authorities (FRMAs) across Lincolnshire. Representatives from the Environment Agency (EA), South Holland Internal Drainage Board (IDB), and Lincolnshire County Council's Flood and Water Team provided presentations. The EA detailed their asset maintenance activities, including the Flood Risk Management System (FMRS) and geographic zoning for funding allocations. Concerns were raised by members regarding funding disparities and the sufficiency of national funding for vulnerable areas. The Area Manager for South Holland IDB highlighted increased pressure on IDBs due to reduced EA maintenance budgets and rising energy costs, noting that long-term funding plans needed review and that assistance from the County Council would be beneficial. Members agreed with the concerns raised and proposed future discussions on alternative funding mechanisms for IDBs, noting that a DEFRA-commissioned independent review was expected in Summer 2026.

RESOLVED:

• That the presenters be thanked for attending the Committee and sharing information on their flood-risk management activities.
• That the Committee's satisfaction be recorded on the progress being made by the local flood risk management authorities in improving and developing flood resilience.
• That the next report from the flood-risk partners be received on 27 March 2026.

Budget Proposals for 2026/27

The committee considered the budget proposals for 2026/27 concerning services within its remit. The Head of Financial Services introduced the report, outlining updated budget and capital proposals, including key changes and funding areas for environmental services. It was noted that a partnership with the Woodland Trust had been extended to 2028, and inflationary adjustments had been made to provisions for highways, public rights of way, and the coastal erosion and flood defence levy. The Assistant Director – Communities highlighted that waste services were volatile and demand-led. Details were provided on the County Council's move towards disposing of food waste via anaerobic digestion (AD), noting that while the council entered the market at a favourable time, saturation had reduced financial rebates. Additional costs incurred from the shutdown of incineration plants and the purchase of new haulage equipment were noted, but officers assured these were offset by savings elsewhere. The delay of the Skegness Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) project was attributed to poor land availability. Officers confirmed that further revenues were expected from planning application fees, and the budget programme could proceed without further borrowing.

RESOLVED:

• That the Committee supports the proposed budget to the Executive as detailed in the report.
• That a summary of the Committee's comments be passed to the Executive for its consideration ahead of their decision.

Updates to the Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Development Scheme and Statement of Community Involvement

A report was presented detailing updates to the Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Development Scheme (MWDS) and the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), ahead of an Executive decision on 3 February 2026. The Policy Manager explained the County Council's statutory obligation to provide a plan for future minerals supply and waste management until 2042. The MWDS and SCI support the implementation of this plan by providing a timetable and defining public consultation involvement. It was noted that the MWDS would be reviewed annually, with additional reviews triggered by significant timescale changes. A review of the Minerals and Waste Local Plan (MWLP) in 2021 concluded the plan needed a full update, approved by the Council. Staffing issues had delayed the implementation of the timetable approved in 2024. The Policy Manager highlighted that the County Council's input would cease upon submission of the plan to the Secretary of State. The introduction of a new plan-making system in England, requiring MWLPs to be adopted within 30 months, was discussed, with a transitional period allowing progression under current legislation until 31 December 2026. Due to the extensive work already completed, the LMWP would be submitted under the current system. The SCI requires a five-year review. Members raised concerns about delays, potential environmental impacts, and public communication. Officers assured that the proposed timetable would be met and that reserves of sand and gravel were ahead of target, though crushed rock reserves were slightly below.

RESOLVED:

• That the Committee supports the recommendation to the Executive as detailed in the report.
• That a summary of the Committee's comments be passed to the Executive for its consideration ahead of their decision.

Toynton St Peter Surface Water Scheme

The committee considered a report recommending approval for the construction of the Toynton St Peter Surface Water Scheme, with a decision to be made by the Executive Councillor for Resources and the Executive Councillor for Environment between 26 and 30 January 2026. The Flood Risk Programme Co-ordinator informed the committee of multiple reported surface water flooding incidents in the area and identified long-standing insufficiencies in the pre-existing drainage network through Section 19 (S19) investigations. The report recommended renovating the existing system through a six-phase scheme over 19 weeks. Technical services would assist, with an anticipated capital works cost of £946,400, including minor works to address a nearby surface water issue. Members questioned the sufficiency of the 12% tender contingency, but officers assured it was a commonly used figure expected to cover all necessary works. Measures to support vulnerable residents during Phase 4 of the scheme were confirmed, including resident engagement and contractor accommodation. The use of modern, synthetic pipe culverts was explained as a measure to prevent future maintenance issues.

RESOLVED:

• That the Committee supports the proposed budget to the Executive as detailed in the report.
• That a summary of the Committee's comments be passed to the Executive for its consideration ahead of their decision.

Flood Risk and Water Management Capital Programme

A report was presented reviewing the Flood Management Capital Programme. The Flood Risk Programme Co-ordinator provided an overview of flood prevention schemes undertaken with devolution and capital funding, as well as potential capital schemes in development. It was noted that several properties were managed through DEFRA grants for flood-related damage repairs. The County Council had developed a tool to optimise funding allocation to communities impacted by flooding, following recent storm events. Members queried measures to ensure IDBs complied with funding deadlines, with officers stating they would visit IDBs in person to offer support and did not currently anticipate delays. The effectiveness of resident consultation on grants was discussed, with plans for a 'lessons-learned' paper. Concerns were raised about the expediting of funds and whether areas would have to wait for higher-ranked areas to receive funding. Officers noted engagement with at-risk areas and the release of some funding when appropriate, with further optioneering work required for specific assets. The provision of support for residents affected by flooding was discussed, with details on two schemes and the County Council's survey not requiring a survey. Members praised flood resilience works and queried the suitability of current funding for the long term.

RESOLVED:

• That the Environment Scrutiny Committee acknowledges the current programme and pipeline works.
• That the Committee recommends that the Executive Councillor for the Environment and Executive Director for Place continue to work with the Floods and Water Team, and relevant partner organisations to continue to develop and deliver flood risk and water management schemes.

Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme, with no changes noted at that time, although suggestions for future discussions had been made during earlier agenda items. Members requested a future briefing from the EA on the regulation of water companies and requested that representatives from Anglian Water attend an upcoming meeting.

RESOLVED:

• That the work programme be agreed and the comments be noted.