The Environment Scrutiny Committee met on Friday, 27 March 2026, to discuss updates on flood risk management, progress on the Better Streets for Lincolnshire initiative, and the future of the Salix Fund. The committee also reviewed its work programme.

Flood Risk Management Authorities Update

The committee received verbal updates from various Flood Risk Management Authorities and partner organisations regarding their ongoing work. While specific details of these updates were not included in the provided documentation, the agenda indicated that this was a standing item to receive information on the activities of these bodies.

Streets Design Code - Progress Update and Next Steps

The committee was presented with an update on the Streets Design Code project, now known as Better Streets for Lincolnshire. This initiative aims to establish clear design parameters for street design and drainage in new developments across the county. The project has progressed to a first draft, which is structured to align with national guidance and incorporates Lincolnshire-specific requirements. The code will serve as a single reference point for developers, covering aspects such as street types, movement, drainage, landscaping, parking, and long-term maintenance. A key feature will be a simple online checklist to guide applicants. The next stage involves testing the code with various stakeholders, including district councils, developers, and consultants, with an adoption draft expected in June 2026. The committee was invited to endorse the progression to the testing phase, the working title Better Streets for Lincolnshire, and the use of an online checklist.

The Better Streets for Lincolnshire initiative is a locally-driven approach designed to improve the quality, safety, and resilience of new developments. It aligns with the government's emerging Design & Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance, which emphasises measurable, visual, and place-specific design codes. The code consolidates existing guidance into a single, accessible online resource, aiming to provide clarity, predictability, and value for money by managing design debates and appeals, leading to quicker decisions and the adoption of maintainable and flood-resilient infrastructure. The project has also benefited from reusing the structure of a similar code developed by Surrey County Council, saving time and public money.

Salix Fund Options

The committee reviewed the future of the Salix Fund scheme, which was established in 2008 as a self-sustaining energy efficiency fund. Lincolnshire County Council invested £497,500, matched by Salix Finance with a 0% interest loan. Over its operational period, the fund facilitated over £3 million in energy efficiency projects. Salix Finance announced the closure of the scheme in March 2025, requiring the repayment of the original loan. While the loan has been fully repaid, the council will continue to receive savings from the scheme until its original £497,500 investment is recouped, which is anticipated by the 2029/30 financial year. The report highlighted the opportunity to reinvest these remaining funds into further energy efficiency projects across the council's estate, focusing on those with the greatest revenue savings and shortest payback periods, in line with the newly adopted Environment Policy. The committee was asked to note this potential and recommend that the Executive Directors for Environment and Resources develop a programme for these investments.

The Salix Fund operates on a revolving basis, meaning that financial savings generated from energy efficiency projects are reinvested into new projects, thus recycling the funds. The initial payback period requirement for projects was less than five years, later extended to seven years. Projects funded included lighting upgrades to LED lamps in schools and council buildings, as well as a significant streetlighting upgrade. The closure of the national Salix Fund means that the interest-free loans must be repaid, and the council has been in the process of returning these funds since 2024/25. The remaining repayments will recover the council's match funding by 2030. A review of the highest consuming non-school sites operated by Lincolnshire County Council has identified potential energy-saving measures, which will inform the new three-year programme.

Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee considered its work programme for the upcoming months. The agenda for the 27 March meeting included the Flood Risk Management Authorities Update, the Streets Design Code progress, and Salix Fund Options. Future items scheduled for 15 May 2026 included updates on the Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Programme, the adoption of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, the Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan, and the Anglian Water Lincolnshire Reservoir. The committee also noted upcoming items for 19 June 2026, such as a Flood Risk Management Authorities Update, the reprocurement of the Mixed Dry Recycling Services Contract, the Greater Lincolnshire Groundwater Project, and Service Level Performance Reporting. The committee was invited to review the programme and suggest any additional items for inclusion. The work programme also listed several topics for future consideration in 2026-27, including Sustainable Drainage Systems, the Emissions Trading Scheme, the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, alterations to the National Planning Policy Framework, and the Horncastle Flooding Report. Additionally, the Fens 2100+ Outline Business Case and Baseline Report was noted. The report also outlined proposed decisions within the committee's remit, including the adoption of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the procurement of the Mixed Dry Recycling Services Contract.