The Growth Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, to discuss the visitor economy, youth unemployment, and the potential for establishing designated zones to boost economic growth. The committee reviewed the performance of the visitlincolnshire.com website, heard about strategies to tackle youth unemployment, and considered proposals for Investment Zones, Enterprise Zones, and Business Rates Retention Schemes.

Visitor Economy Update

The committee received an update on the visitor economy, with a focus on the performance of the visitlincolnshire.com website. Mary Powell, Place and Investment Manager, presented the report, highlighting that the website had a successful year in 2025, with 1,639,993 total page views and 982,777 total sessions. The report indicated that while the visitor economy rose by 2.7% in monetary terms, this represented a 1.8% real-terms decline after adjusting for inflation. Total visitor numbers also declined by 0.5%. The committee was asked to support the council's strategic role in facilitating a collaborative approach to the visitor economy and to endorse officers' tasking with producing a cross-council visitor economy strategy focused on product development, business support, and promotion.

Youth Unemployment in Lincolnshire

Alex Nightingale, Skills Delivery Manager and Careers Hub Lead, presented a report on youth unemployment in Lincolnshire. The report highlighted that youth unemployment remains a significant challenge, with young people aged 16-24 being over-represented among Universal Credit claimants and at higher risk of long-term unemployment. The committee was informed that the issue is not a lack of provision but rather a complex interplay of structural barriers, rural geography, transport limitations, and the county's economy being dominated by small and micro-businesses. The committee was asked to recognise youth unemployment as a cross-cutting priority, support a coordinated Lincolnshire-wide approach, and request officers to produce an action plan to improve coordination, strengthen employer engagement, address transport barriers, and maximise the use of social value and procurement for employment opportunities. They were also asked to request officers work with the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority to address transport barriers.

Overview of Investment Zones, Enterprise Zones, Business Rates Retention Schemes

Simon Wright, Regeneration and Portfolio Manager, presented a report on government-led initiatives designed to boost economic growth: Investment Zones (IZ), Enterprise Zones (EZ), and Business Rates Retention Schemes (BRRS). The report outlined the benefits of these designations, including tax reliefs, capital allowances, and incentives to attract investment. Successful zones typically share characteristics such as clearly defined economic areas, strong collaboration between industry and research institutions, robust local leadership, and a focus on priority sectors. The committee was asked to agree that a designated zone in Lincolnshire would be beneficial, task officers with further work to determine the most suitable location and sector focus, and comment on the proposed methodology for this assessment. The report noted that Lincolnshire's strengths in agri-food, manufacturing, ports and logistics, and the visitor economy align well with these initiatives.

Scrutiny Committee Performance Indicator Review

Tony Kavanagh, Assistant Director - Human Resources and Organisational Support, presented a report in response to a request from Councillor T J G Dyer to pre-scrutinise and comment on performance indicators before they are finalised. The report outlined a new approach that would allow scrutiny members to review, scrutinise, and suggest alternative Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) before final decisions are made by Executive Portfolio Holders. The committee was invited to acknowledge this change and to receive a future report for detailed review.

Councillor Request: LCC Windmill Strategy

Councillor T J G Dyer submitted a report requesting a formal written update on Lincolnshire County Council's emerging Windmill Strategy. The report highlighted the historic significance of the four council-owned windmills – Ellis Mill (Lincoln), Heckington Windmill, Alford Windmill, and Dobson's Mill (Burgh le Marsh) – and noted that they are in varying states of condition and operation, with most managed by volunteer groups. The report indicated that officers are considering how to secure their long-term future, with a preference for third-party ownership or management arrangements. The committee was asked to note the report and consider a formal briefing on the emerging strategy.

Growth Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Kiara Chatziioannou, Health Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme for the coming year. The programme included items such as the Visitor Economy Update, Youth Unemployment in Lincolnshire, the Overview of Investment Zones, and the LCC Windmill Strategy. Members were invited to review the programme and suggest any additional scrutiny activities for consideration. The work programme also detailed upcoming meetings and potential topics for future discussion.