The Executive of Lincolnshire Council met on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, to discuss and approve several key items, including the council's budget for 2026/27, the North Hykeham Relief Road project, the capital repairs and maintenance programme, and the Adult Social Care Strategy. A significant decision was made to approve the initial proposals for the 2026/27 council budget, which includes an assumed 4.99% council tax increase, subject to further consultation and scrutiny. The Executive also approved the progression of the North Hykeham Relief Road to construction, pending final confirmation from the Department for Transport.

Council Budget 2026/27

The council's budget for 2026/27 was presented for consultation, highlighting a challenging financial year due to government funding reforms and increasing cost pressures. Despite an estimated £85 million in funding gains by 2028/29 through the fair funding review, this is not sufficient to offset the scale of cost pressures. The proposals assume a 4.99% council tax increase, though other options are under consideration. The budget also includes adjustments to the capital programme, with £54.1 million allocated to address cost pressures on existing schemes and £11.4 million for new investment opportunities. The Executive approved these initial proposals, which will now undergo further consultation and scrutiny.

North Hykeham Relief Road (NHRR) - Proceed to Construction

The Executive approved the issuance of a contractual instruction to Balfour Beatty to proceed with the construction of the North Hykeham Relief Road, subject to final confirmation from the Department for Transport regarding the Full Business Case. This decision allows for the project to move forward, with enabling works already underway. The estimated cost of the scheme remains £207.9 million, funded through a combination of Department for Transport grants, council contributions, and developer contributions. The construction is projected to take approximately three years, starting in March 2026 and concluding around May 2029. The Executive also delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place to negotiate minor contract changes.

2026/27 Capital Repairs and Maintenance Programme Schools and Non-Schools

The Executive approved the Capital Repairs and Maintenance Programmes for both schools and non-schools for 2026/27. The non-schools programme has a budget of £3.5 million, with allocations for accessibility, asbestos management, and county farms. The schools' programme, funded by the Department for Education's Schools Condition Allocation, also has a £3.5 million budget. The report detailed a structured approach to identifying works based on condition surveys, with a risk-mitigation approach to prioritisation. The Executive also approved the delivery approach and delegated authority for contract management.

Special Guardianship Order - Financial Procedure

A revised Special Guardianship Order (SGO) – Financial Procedure was approved by the Executive. This procedure details how the council assesses applications for Special Guardianship Allowances, which provide financial support to individuals with SGOs for the care of a child. The revised procedure aims to ensure legal compliance, transparency, and consistency in financial assessments, taking into account government guidance and feedback from carers. The procedure clarifies the means-testing process, outlines what income and expenditure are considered, and provides example calculations.

Adult Social Care Strategy 2026 - 28

The Executive endorsed and approved the revised Adult Social Care Strategy for 2026-28. This two-year strategy sets out the vision, commitments, priorities, and strategic goals for transforming adult social care services in Lincolnshire. Key themes include co-production, personalisation, prevention and early action, the use of digital technologies, partnership working, professional practice, strategic commissioning, workforce development, accommodation, adult safeguarding, hospital discharge planning, support for carers, and preparing young people for adulthood. The strategy aims to empower individuals to lead healthier, more independent lives and ensure the financial sustainability of services. The Executive also delegated authority to the Executive Director of Adult Care & Community Wellbeing to make minor textual amendments to the strategy during its final design stage.