The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 29 January 2026, to consider the Council's budget for the upcoming financial year, 2026/27. The Board will also review the draft Council Plan, which outlines the authority's priorities for the next five years, and receive an update on the transition of IT services.

Council Budget 2026/27

The Board is invited to consider the Council's budget proposals for 2026/27, as detailed in the Council Budget 2026/27 report. This report, prepared by Adam Hopley, Strategic Finance Lead – Corporate, outlines the budget for the next financial year. The proposals have been developed following a comprehensive review of the Council's cost base, taking into account demand pressures, unit price increases, and key announcements from the Autumn Budget. The report indicates that the Council is projecting to have more funding than previously assumed in its medium-term financial plan, due to a combination of higher planned council tax and fair funding gains, which will be phased in over a three-year period. The Board's views will be reported to the Executive as part of its consideration of the final budget proposals.

Service Revenue and Capital Budget Proposals 2026/27

Adam Hopley, Strategic Finance Lead – Corporate, has also prepared a report on the service revenue and capital budget proposals for 2026/27, specifically relating to Resources and Corporate Services. The Board is invited to consider and comment on these proposals, with its views to be reported to the Executive. This report is being considered alongside the Council's overall budget proposal for 2026/27 and contains details of cost pressures, planned savings, and other changes, including non-recurrent investment in the IT managed service contract. The report also outlines the proposed gross capital programme for the Council's Resources directorate, focusing on IT infrastructure and refresh.

Council Plan

Matthew Garrard, Head of Policy, will present the draft Council Plan for consideration. This plan, titled Family, Community, County, is intended to set the Council's priorities for the next five years and will replace the current Corporate Plan. The draft plan has been shaped through discussions with the Executive, Corporate Leadership Team, and Directorate Leadership Teams, and has been informed by the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and other statistical evidence. The Board's views on the draft plan will be reported to the Executive, which will then finalise its proposals before submitting them to full Council for consideration.

Update on IT Services Transition

Tom Baker, Chief Information Officer, will provide an update on the transition of IT Services from Serco to Version 1. The report confirms that IT services were successfully transitioned on 19 November 2025, as per the agreed plan, with no significant issues encountered. The transition included the transfer of core IT services, staff TUPE transfers, the deployment of a new online service catalogue, and the implementation of IT estate-wide monitoring tools. Following the transition, a four-week Early Life Support period was undertaken to address any transition-related issues and identify opportunities for service enhancement. The report also highlights the official opening of the Digital Hub on 14 January 2026, which aims to provide faster access to IT support, smarter equipment management, and a dedicated space for staff learning and connection.

Scrutiny Committee Work Programmes

The Board will receive reports outlining the planned work programmes for each of the scrutiny committees: Adult Care and Public Health, Children's and Culture, Community Safety, Environment, Growth, Health Scrutiny for Lincolnshire, and Highways and Transport. The Board is asked to note the content of these work programmes and satisfy itself that it is content with each committee's planned activities.

Overview and Scrutiny Management Board Work Programme

Finally, the Board will receive a report detailing its own work programme for the coming year, enabling members to note its planned initiatives and tasks. The Executive Forward Plan of key decisions will also be presented for background information.

The meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at 10:00 am in the Council Chamber, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1YL.