This week in Lincolnshire:

Firefighters' Safety and Support for Domestic Abuse Victims Take Centre Stage

The Community Safety Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 13 October 2026, to review critical updates on the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service and the vital Sanctuary Scheme for domestic abuse victims.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service: A Positive Inspection Outcome

A significant positive development was the update on the His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service (LFR). Joe Haustead, Brigade Manager, presented findings that showed LFR achieving three 'Good' grades, six 'Adequate' grades, and only one 'Requires Improvement' grade. Crucially, for the first time since 2019, no cause of concern was identified, marking a substantial improvement. The inspection also highlighted innovative practices in caravan fire safety and the establishment of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs).

Despite the positive trajectory, nine Areas for Improvement (AFIs) were identified, including ensuring adequate resources for core protection functions and improving firefighters' access to up-to-date information. Joe Haustead assured the committee that action plans are in place to address these, acknowledging that areas like fairness and diversity are generational challenges that require ongoing work. The committee agreed to receive a further update in six months.

Sanctuary Scheme: Keeping Domestic Abuse Victims Safe at Home

Jade Thursby, Domestic Abuse Business Manager, presented the evaluation of the two-year Sanctuary Scheme project. This initiative, established under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, focuses on target hardening – enhancing the security of homes for domestic abuse victims to allow them to remain safely in their own properties. The project has seen a 36% increase in Sanctuary Visits in its second year, with highly positive feedback from victims regarding the professionalism and perceived safety benefits provided by the dedicated Domestic Abuse Crime Reduction Tactical Advisor (DACRTA).

The scheme is open to all genders, and while the council plans to increase communication around support for male victims, early feedback indicates a lower proportion of male victims seeking support. Remaining challenges include inconsistent data recording and the need to review capacity against increasing demand. The committee supported continued partnership oversight of the scheme, with a further update planned.

Committee Work Programme

The committee also reviewed its work programme. Future items include pre-decision scrutiny of grant funding for Citizens Advice Lincolnshire and updates on Trading Standards' animal health and welfare activities. Councillor Karen Elizabeth Lee requested an update on how the county has coped with flooding be included in the review of the Community Risk Management Plan.

You can find more details in the Community Safety Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.

Children's Services Faces Scrutiny on Complaints and SEND Pressures

The Children and Families Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to meet on Friday 16 October 2026, to review several key areas impacting young people and families in Lincolnshire.

Children's Services Annual Statutory Complaints Report

The committee was scheduled to examine the annual statutory complaints report for Children's Services, covering April 2025 to March 2026. The report details 104 contacts regarding Children's Social Care, with 42% of complaints being upheld or partly upheld. A significant learning theme identified was communication, with half of the upheld complaints relating to a lack of communication or failure to act. Social worker actions were cited as the cause in 38% of upheld or partly upheld complaints. This data underscores the critical need for clear, consistent, and timely communication in safeguarding and social care interventions, directly impacting the trust and effectiveness of services for vulnerable children and families.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Pressures

An annual update on SEND activity was scheduled, highlighting both successes and significant challenges. While Lincolnshire demonstrates strong performance in the timeliness of issuing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) – 86.8% issued within the 20-week statutory timescale – annual review amendment rates remain high. More concerningly, the High Needs Block funding faces significant financial pressure due to rising EHCP numbers and increasing complexity of need. This situation directly impacts the resources available for supporting children with SEND, potentially leading to difficult decisions about service provision and the ability to meet all identified needs effectively. The report also outlined preparations for national SEND reforms, including the development of SEND Hubs.

Digital Systems for Secure Children's Home

The committee was also scheduled to consider proposals for an integrated digital bedroom system, CoWin Play, at the new Millennium Lodge Secure Children's Home in Sleaford. The proposed direct award of a contract to the manufacturer, Recornect, raises questions about value for money and procurement processes, particularly for a proprietary system. While intended to provide children with access to education and communication tools, the reliance on a single supplier warrants careful consideration to ensure long-term affordability and accessibility.

You can find more details in the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.

Pensions Committee Tackles Fund Performance and Constitutional Changes

The Pensions Committee met on Thursday 15 October 2026, to review the Lincolnshire Pension Fund's performance, administration, and governance.

Pension Fund Performance and Investment Consultancy

Jo Kempton, Head of Lincolnshire Pension Fund, reported a healthy increase in the Fund's invested assets to £4,187.7 million, with the funding level improving to 119%. This positive financial position was largely attributed to investment gains. However, a breach was noted regarding the late administration of the McCloud Remedy, which has been reported to the Pensions Regulator (TPR). The committee considered a recommendation for the second extension of the investment consultancy contract for two years, acknowledging it as an interim measure until Border to Coast Pensions Partnership can fully assume its role. This highlights the ongoing efforts to manage investments effectively while navigating regulatory changes and ensuring long-term financial security for pensioners.

Administration and Control Environment Concerns

Matt Mott from West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF) presented the quarterly pensions administration report. While most Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were met, some targets were missed due to additional checks for McCloud remedy cases, staff vacancies, and delays in software provision. A control deficiency was noted regarding the segregation of duties for manual journal postings, attributed to the council's ERP system functionality, with compensating controls in place. This points to the ongoing challenges in maintaining robust administrative processes amidst system limitations and staffing pressures, which could impact the accuracy and efficiency of pension administration.

Constitutional Changes and Training

The committee discussed proposed changes to the Council's Constitution to reflect new legislation impacting the Local Government Pension Scheme. Councillor Jacqueline Brockway raised a query about the wording regarding responsibility for professional service providers, leading to an agreed amendment to responsibility for the appointment and oversight of. The committee also approved the annual training plan, subject to an amendment regarding the mandatory training log, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring committee members are adequately informed and equipped to fulfil their governance responsibilities.

You can find more details in the Pensions Committee meeting agenda.

Planning and Regulation Committee Approves Biogas Plant and Traffic Orders

The Planning and Regulation Committee met on Monday 12 October 2026, to consider a significant biogas plant application and several traffic regulation orders.

Biogas Plant Near Anwick: Conditional Approval Granted

The committee granted conditional planning permission for the erection and operation of a biogas plant by Stream Bioenergy UK Limited near Anwick. This decision followed extensive debate and consideration of objections from Anwick Parish Council and local residents concerning odour, noise, traffic, and landscape impacts. Supporters highlighted the benefits of renewable energy generation, waste management, and job creation. The approval is subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 obligation for highway safety improvements and landscape mitigation, alongside comprehensive planning conditions. This decision balances the need for renewable energy infrastructure with the concerns of local communities, demonstrating the complex trade-offs involved in planning decisions.

Traffic Regulation Orders Approved Across the County

Several proposed waiting and loading restrictions were approved across various locations in Lincolnshire. These included:

• Gipsey Bridge, Leask Road: Mandatory School Keep Clear and No Waiting at Any Time restrictions approved to improve safety near Gipsey Bridge Academy, despite concerns about parking displacement.
• Grantham, Chambers Street: No Waiting at Any Time restrictions approved at the junction with New Street to improve visibility and prevent obstruction.
• Lincoln, Carlton Boulevard: Mandatory School Keep Clear and part-time loading restrictions approved near the school to address inconsiderate parking and improve safety.
• Lincoln, Lucy Tower Street: Loading restrictions approved daily from 8 am to 8 pm to improve access to the car park and pedestrian safety.
• Long Bennington, Main Road (Junction): No Waiting at Any Time restrictions approved at the junction with Valley Lane and Costa Row to improve visibility for large vehicles.
• Long Bennington, Main Road (Near School): No Waiting at Any Time restrictions approved near the school and at the junction of Church Street to prioritise pedestrian safety.
• Moulton, Broad Lane: Waiting restrictions, including a bus stand and taxi bay, approved outside the school to deter cars from using the lay-by and improve safety.
• Spalding, Lime Court: No Waiting at Any Time restrictions approved on the narrow section of Lime Court to maintain unobstructed access for residents and emergency vehicles.
• Sutton on Sea, Station Road: No Waiting at Any Time restrictions approved at the junction of Station Road and Queens Road to improve visibility and safety.

These traffic regulation orders demonstrate the council's ongoing efforts to manage traffic flow, improve road safety, and address local concerns about parking and access across the county.

You can find more details in the Planning and Regulation Committee meeting agenda.

Health Scrutiny Committee Focuses on Winter Preparedness and Hospital Services

The Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire met on Wednesday 14 October 2026, to address crucial issues concerning winter planning, hospital services, and the committee's work programme.

Winter Planning for 2026/27: A Coordinated Approach

The committee received a detailed update on the Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire (DLN) cluster's Winter Plan for 2026/27. Presented by Natalie Liddle, Head of Health Protection, and Gemma Whysall, Director of Commissioning, the plan emphasizes preventing avoidable admissions, facilitating effective discharge, and maximising community alternatives. Key strategies include proactive care, infection control, and robust escalation arrangements. The plan has been stress-tested against various demand scenarios, and daily system coordination centres are in place.

However, concerns were raised about the impact of poor broadband connectivity on the effectiveness of virtual wards in rural Lincolnshire, with Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders highlighting potential safety issues. The committee also sought assurances on workforce resilience and data on staff vaccination uptake. The plan's focus on vaccination programmes, including accelerated delivery for school children, is a proactive measure to mitigate the impact of seasonal illnesses.

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust: Improvements and Future Plans

Joel Harrison, Chief Finance Officer, and Sonia Gardiner, Chief Operating Officer, provided an update on North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAFT). They highlighted the successful opening of the new Stanford Day Treatment Unit, which has increased procedure capacity by 19% and seen a 23% increase in Lincolnshire patients treated. Improvements to the phlebotomy service at Stanford Hospital have led to shorter queues and quicker turnaround times.

Discussions also covered the future of the Fever Tree wards at Stanford Hospital, with a condition review commissioned to assess their potential for repurposing, acknowledging that clinical activity is unlikely to return to these older facilities. The trust is exploring commercial options while also looking to preserve historical artefacts. Significant progress has been made in reducing corridor care, particularly at Peterborough City Hospital, with a 65% reduction reported. Councillor Kelham Cooke praised the Day Treatment Centre but raised concerns about parking challenges at Stamford Hospital and the reinvestment of funds from site sales. The trust confirmed its commitment to the Stamford site and its ambition to increase car parking capacity.

Health Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme, with upcoming items including a thematic meeting on GP Services and Primary Care Services, a Transport and Travel Review, and an update on Non-Emergency Patient Transport. A dedicated item on vaccination uptake will also be introduced, and discussions are ongoing with partners to schedule other requested items, including broadband and digital inclusion.

You can find more details in the Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire meeting agenda.

This week in Lincolnshire:

Schools Face Funding Squeeze as High Needs Deficit Soars

Lincolnshire's schools are grappling with significant financial pressures, with the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) facing a substantial deficit, particularly in the High Needs Block. The Lincolnshire Schools' Forum met on Thursday 8 October 2026, to confront a projected overall DSG overspend of £53.4 million for the 2026/27 academic year. This escalating deficit, largely driven by increasing demand and complexity in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, is forcing difficult decisions about funding allocation.

The forum approved a controversial 0.5% transfer from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block for 2027/28, despite 64.5% of respondents to the consultation not supporting it. This transfer is intended to fund initiatives aimed at improving inclusion and managing demand within the High Needs Block, but it means less money is available for mainstream school budgets.

Concerns were raised about the sustainability of school budgets, with one headteacher highlighting a potential £62,000 reduction in their school's budget for the next financial year. The forum acknowledged the difficulty this poses for budgeting and the potential need for redundancies.

In response to the financial strain, the forum agreed to maintain the Minimum Funding Guarantee at +0.0%, ensuring no school experiences a reduction in per-pupil funding. They also agreed to continue the primary rents factor, supporting primary schools with rental costs.

The forum also discussed the de-delegation of maintained schools budgets for 2027/28. Due to the overall DSG deficit, the De-Delegation Reserve had to be used to contribute to the deficit, meaning costs previously covered by reserves now need to be reflected in annual funding rates. Maintained primary school representatives voted to continue funding for schools in financial difficulties and for the Ethnic Minority and Traveller Education Team (EMTET). All maintained school representatives agreed to funding for locality lead support, intervention support, and internal audit services.

The report on alternative provision arrangements showed a decrease in permanent exclusions in Lincolnshire for 2024/25, though rates remain higher than national and regional averages. Suspensions rose in 2025/26, with persistent disruptive behaviour being the main reason.

The Early Years Annual Report for 2025-26 highlighted achievements in expanded childcare entitlements and workforce development, with over 3,700 bookings for training courses. However, the demand for SEND support continued to grow, with a 54% increase in Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) requests between 2021 and 2025.

The ongoing financial pressures on the High Needs Block are a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the council in meeting the needs of all children and young people within budget constraints.

You can find more details in the Lincolnshire Schools' Forum meeting agenda.

Bridge Replacement Project Faces Scrutiny Over Costs and Timelines

The replacement of Langrick Bridge, a vital crossing northwest of Boston, is moving forward, but not without significant scrutiny. The Executive met on Tuesday 6 October 2026, to discuss a retrospective bid for £24.73 million from the Department for Transport (DfT) Structures Fund. The bridge, built in 1903, is showing signs of deterioration and poses significant network impacts if further restrictions or closures occur.

However, the decision on the council's £1.5 million contribution from the Highways Maintenance Capital Budget was deferred. This deferral came after concerns were raised about the lack of detailed costings for bridge removal, land acquisition, and the precise maintenance costs for the existing bridge if it were to be retained as a footbridge. Councillor Natalie Oliver, Executive Councillor for Children's Services, stated, I don't feel comfortable to agree to the council spend of one and a half million today without that further clarification. This highlights the council's commitment to ensuring taxpayer money is spent wisely and with full transparency, even when facing urgent infrastructure needs.

The Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee had previously raised concerns about the potential for costs to exceed £1.5 million and the need for further investigation into the maintenance of the existing bridge. The committee also noted the importance of improved crossing facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, and the potential for the existing bridge to be retained as a cycle and footpath.

The decision on the council's contribution will be revisited on 2 November 2026, after further details are provided. This process underscores how local government balances the need for essential infrastructure upgrades with the responsibility to manage public funds effectively and transparently.

You can find more details in the Executive meeting agenda.

Fire and Rescue Service Strengthens Response Capabilities with New Firefighter Posts

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue (LFR) is set to enhance its emergency response capabilities with the implementation of a revised duty system. The Executive met on Tuesday 6 October 2026, approving the introduction of a 24-hour cover duty system at Grantham fire station and an amendment to the seven-day crewing model at all remaining seven wholetime fire stations. This significant investment in whole-time firefighter numbers aims to address the increasing fragility and unsustainability of the existing crewing system, which has been impacted by staff opting out of voluntary overnight cover following a 2018 judicial ruling.

The approved option will create 20 additional whole-time firefighter posts, increasing the overall establishment. Councillor Alex McGonigle, Executive Councillor for Community Safety, stated, We are investing in our firefighters and investing in the resilience of our service. In fact, I believe we are one of, if not the only fire and rescue service in the country currently increasing our whole time firefighter numbers. This move is crucial for ensuring faster emergency response times and maintaining specialist rescue capabilities, particularly overnight.

The Community Safety Scrutiny Committee supported the report, acknowledging that these changes are necessary to mitigate increasing response times and welcoming the foreseen positive impacts on the workforce. This investment demonstrates the council's commitment to public safety and the well-being of its emergency service personnel.

You can find more details in the Executive meeting agenda.

Other Matters

The Lincolnshire Waste Partnership was scheduled to meet on Thursday 8 October 2026.

You can find more details in the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership meeting agenda.

This week in Lincolnshire:

Chief Executive Appointment Hangs in the Balance as Police and Crime Panel Deliberates

The Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel convened on Friday 25 September 2026, for a crucial confirmation hearing for Joanne Davison's permanent appointment as Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC). Ms Davison, who has served in an interim capacity since November 2025, faced extensive questioning on her suitability for the role, her grasp of statutory responsibilities, and her preparedness for future challenges, including the transition of OPCC functions to a mayoralty by May 2028.

The panel delved into Ms Davison's eight years of experience within the OPCC, her strategic background in the health sector, and her understanding of Lincolnshire's partnership landscape. She outlined her responsibilities, including leading the police and crime plan delivery and budget setting, and emphasised her commitment to ensuring the PCC operates within legal and ethical boundaries. Ms Davison detailed a tiered approach to addressing concerns, starting with informal conversations and escalating to seeking advice from the Chief Finance Officer and legal counsel if a decision was deemed unlawful.

The discussion also touched upon her commitment to continuous professional development and horizon scanning, particularly in light of the evolving policing landscape and the impending transfer of PCC functions to a mayoralty. She highlighted her active membership in the Association of Police and Crime Chief Executives (APACE) and participation in a Cabinet Office executive leadership programme.

When questioned about the transition to a mayoralty, Ms Davison confirmed that planning had commenced, involving collaboration with the Mayoral Combined Authority. She acknowledged the lack of detailed government information but stressed the importance of maintaining current service delivery while preparing for future changes. The panel also explored her experience in delivering major organisational change, citing an example from the health sector where she merged two teams, emphasising the importance of addressing cultural aspects alongside procedural changes.

Following the public questioning, the panel moved into a private session to deliberate and make its decision on Ms Davison's appointment. The outcome of this decision will have a direct impact on the leadership and strategic direction of the OPCC as it navigates significant upcoming changes.

You can find more details in the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel meeting agenda.

Adult Social Care Rated Requires Improvement as Council Disputes CQC Findings

The Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026, to scrutinise the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) assessment of Lincolnshire County Council's adult social care services, which rated the council as Requires Improvement. Martin Samuels, Executive Director for Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, presented an update on the assessment, published on 13 August 2026, which gave the council an overall score of 62%, just shy of the 63% threshold for a Good rating.

Mr. Samuels detailed the council's submission of 120 pages of factual accuracy comments and the subsequent receipt of a revised report. However, the council identified further issues and formally requested a review from the CQC. The CQC responded on 7 September 2026, stating they would not undertake a review, despite acknowledging administrative errors. The council has since taken legal advice and sent a formal legal letter to the CQC.

Mr. Samuels emphasised that the CQC assessment did not conclude that frontline practitioners were delivering poor practice. Instead, the report highlighted strengths in safeguarding, positive staff culture, and leadership. Areas for improvement primarily related to consistency, accessibility, pathway clarity, market capacity, transitions, co-production feedback loops, governance, and evidence of impact. Many of these areas are already being addressed through the Adults Improvement Programme (AIP).

Councillor Maggie Cullen expressed disappointment with the CQC's lack of progress and the perceived contradiction in their statements. Councillor Christopher John Reeve questioned the practical changes visible to service users regarding safeguarding and sought clarification on improvements. Councillor Mrs Marianne Jane Overton MBE inquired about similar situations in other councils and the cost implications of the ongoing dispute. Mr. Samuels confirmed that while other councils have raised concerns and some have initiated legal action, Lincolnshire's situation is not unique. He also noted that the CQC report is complimentary about the council's adult improvement programme, indicating that the council is doing the right things.

The committee resolved to note the published CQC outcome, the impact of the factual accuracy process, the identified strengths and areas for improvement, and the CQC's response to the review request. This situation highlights the critical importance of accurate and fair assessments by regulatory bodies, especially when they directly impact the provision of vital services for vulnerable adults.

You can find more details in the Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.

Council's IT Infrastructure Under Scrutiny: Balancing Innovation with Security and Savings

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board met on Thursday 24 September 2026, to review the Information Management and Technology (IMT) Performance Report. Tom Baker, the Chief Information Officer, presented a comprehensive overview of the council's IT services, highlighting high levels of availability for critical digital services and customer satisfaction remaining above target. Significant progress has been made on the new wide area network (WAN) deployment, which is on track to deliver substantial savings and improve connectivity. The managed wind-up of the East Midlands Public Services Teckle Company (emPSN) was also noted as a crucial risk mitigation exercise, ensuring schools can transition to alternative broadband providers.

Mr. Baker detailed advancements in cyber security, including a structured improvement programme aligned with industry standards and continuous 24x7 security monitoring. The council is also cautiously adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI), with pilots in areas like transcription services for Adult Social Care showing promise in reducing administrative burdens.

However, the report also brought to light areas requiring further attention. Councillor Richard Graham Davies questioned the IT financial savings, noting they were lower than initially projected in the business case. Mr. Baker explained that savings are realised through various avenues, including contract efficiencies and capital funding optimisation, and committed to providing a more detailed financial synopsis offline.

Concerns about the potential for cyber-attacks were raised by Councillor Jimmy William Brookes (VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL), referencing a recent incident in Australia. Mr. Baker assured members of the council's robust controls, including weekly vulnerability scanning and monitoring, and acknowledged the need for ongoing training in AI tools. Councillor Martin John Hill OBE questioned the resilience of the council's systems in the event of a cyber-attack or AI infiltration, asking about data retrievability and contingency plans. Mr. Baker detailed multiple safeguards, including layered defences, immutable backups, and operation across multiple data centres, stressing that this is a significant challenge for all organisations.

The Board also reviewed and approved its work programme for the coming year, incorporating new scrutiny activities related to procurement, contract management, and property, reflecting the council's ongoing efforts to ensure efficient governance and service delivery.

You can find more details in the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board meeting agenda.

Police and Crime Commissioner Faces Scrutiny on Recruitment, Response Times, and Road Safety

The Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel met on Friday 25 September 2026, to discuss current issues, receive an update on the Police and Crime Plan, and review the complaints position statement. Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Dr. Patricia Haggerty provided an overview of significant changes in policing and local government, highlighting opportunities for closer working across Lincolnshire to improve services. She expressed scepticism about the benefits of merging police forces, particularly for rural areas, and confirmed that the PCC role is set to transfer to the mayoralty in 2028.

Financially, Lincolnshire Police has stability with a three-year funding outlook, enabling record recruitment of 127 new warranted police officers. However, Councillor Sean Matthews, Leader of the Council, raised concerns about the cost and duplication associated with local government reorganisation, stating it had already cost the council £1.9 million.

The panel received an update on the Police and Crime Plan delivery, including the recruitment of 50 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to maintain community engagement and intelligence gathering. Dr. Haggerty acknowledged a decline in 999 response times, attributing it to increased calls and staff vacancies, but assured the panel that investments in technology, such as a rapid video response team, are expected to alleviate demand.

Concerns were raised about 999 calls being misrouted due to technical issues, with the Deputy Chief Constable investigating instances of misrouting. The introduction of new roles in digital forensics aims to improve efficiencies and reduce wait times for investigations, a crucial area given that most crimes now have a digital element.

Road safety was a key topic, with Dr. Haggerty highlighting the work of the road safety partnership in addressing speeding concerns, particularly in rural areas. She expressed concern about the high rate of killed and seriously injured casualties on Lincolnshire's roads and called for greater national investment in road safety initiatives. The use of e-bikes and e-scooters was also discussed, with efforts to remove illegal vehicles from the roads.

The Code programme, aimed at preventing young people from becoming involved in county lines, was discussed, with Dr. Haggerty expressing confidence in its effectiveness. The distribution of fraud prevention packs was also discussed, with Dr. Haggerty explaining that while 8,000 packs have been distributed, a blanket distribution to all households would be prohibitively expensive.

You can find more details in the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel meeting agenda.

This week in Lincolnshire:

Council Faces Tough Choices on H-Bar Markings and Bridge Repairs

Lincolnshire County Council's Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 14 September 2026, to discuss a range of crucial issues affecting residents' daily lives. A contentious proposal to introduce charges for H-bar markings, which are advisory road markings used to prevent parking outside driveways, sparked significant debate. Currently, the council foots the £25,000 annual bill for these markings. The proposed fees of £25 for application and £375 for installation aim for full cost recovery.

However, councillors voiced strong concerns about the affordability and fairness of these charges. Councillor Mrs Charlotte Louise Edwards Vernon argued that the policy could be discriminatory towards blue badge holders, proposing exemptions or significant reductions. Councillor Richard Andrew Wright warned that removing site visits could lead to inappropriate installations and neighbourly disputes, stating he would vote against the proposal if site visits were removed. The committee ultimately decided to defer the decision, requesting a more detailed report that addresses these concerns, particularly regarding affordability and the potential for discrimination.

The committee also reviewed a submission to the Department for Transport (DfT) Structures Fund for the replacement of Langrick Bridge. This 1903-built bridge, which carries the B1192 over the River Witham, is in poor structural condition and requires significant investment. The council is seeking retrospective approval for a bid submission of £1.5 million towards the estimated £26.23 million scheme cost. While the need for a new bridge is clear, councillors questioned the potential for cost overruns and the impact on local communities during construction. The potential for the bridge's closure and the resulting 15-mile diversion route through Boston were also discussed, highlighting the significant disruption this could cause.

The committee also considered the Aslackby Highway Drainage Improvement Scheme, aimed at addressing structural decline and improving flood resilience in the village. While the scheme is seen as necessary, concerns were raised about where the surface water would ultimately be drained to, given that the River Ave is the primary cause of property flooding. Officers clarified that while the highway system discharges into the river, the scheme would not exacerbate flooding and would manage runoff more effectively, particularly by diverting A15 runoff.

Finally, the committee received a Highways Performance Report for the first quarter of 2026-27. While overall performance was reported at 94.5%, a key issue was the backlog of reactive works due to high demand, though actions have been taken to address this. Concerns were also raised about rising inflation impacting service costs and an increase in complaints regarding behaviour and conduct, though officers noted that many of these complaints were not upheld and may be linked to the wider trend of increased complaints nationally.

You can find more details in the Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.

Council Reviews Capital Repairs and Growth Performance

The Growth Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026, to review progress on the 2026-27 Capital Repairs and Maintenance programme and examine the Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework for Quarter 1.

The committee received an update on the Capital Repairs and Maintenance programme, which has a budget of £3.5 million for schools and £4.6 million for non-schools properties. The report indicated that the schools programme was running under budget due to some works being removed or already completed. An allowance of £400,000 is allocated for reactive works in schools, covering works over £10,000, with schools responsible for funding works under that value. The non-schools programme also saw some elements removed and one addition following site checks and due diligence. This ongoing maintenance is vital for ensuring the safety and functionality of council buildings, particularly schools, where works are often completed during holidays to minimise disruption.

The committee also reviewed the Growth Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework for 2026-27. Key performance indicators showed positive results in supporting businesses, with 909 businesses receiving direct support through commissioned services, exceeding the target of 667. Progress was also made in broadband connectivity, with 83.1% of premises able to connect to speeds over 100Mb/s, surpassing the target of 82.4%. Other measures, such as the percentage of contracts awarded without challenge and property disposal savings, also met or exceeded their targets. The committee also noted the work programme for the coming year, with a request to add the Grantham High Street Audit for scrutiny.

You can find more details in the Growth Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.

Council Agrees Constitutional Changes and Executive Portfolio Adjustments

The Council met on Friday 18 September 2026, to approve significant changes to its constitution and executive portfolios. These adjustments aim to improve the alignment of scrutiny functions with council priorities and ensure efficient governance.

Key decisions included the reallocation of executive portfolios and consequential amendments to scrutiny committee remits. Functions relating to culture have moved from the Children and Culture Scrutiny Committee to the Growth Scrutiny Committee, which has been renamed the Economy and Investment Scrutiny Committee. This change reflects a strategic focus on economic growth and investment. Procurement and Contract Management, and Property functions have moved from the Growth Scrutiny Committee to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board. These changes are designed to streamline oversight and ensure that scrutiny committees are focused on the most impactful areas.

The Council also approved several amendments to its Constitution, including changes to Council Procedure Rules regarding motions, electronic voting, and member speaking rights. Amendments were also made to the Policy Framework to reflect the transfer of the Local Transport Plan to the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) and to align with new legislation.

In statements from the Leader and Executive Councillors, updates were provided on waste management, the pause in Local Government Reorganisation plans, support for local businesses, financial performance, adult social care improvements, highway maintenance, community safety initiatives, and children's services.

Councillor James Bean raised a serious concern about the tragic death of a young person involving an illegal e-scooter, urging the Executive Councillor for Children's Services to write to headteachers reminding them of the illegality of these devices on school property. Councillor Natalie Oliver agreed to this, emphasising the need for collaboration with police and road safety partners, and highlighting the national dimension of the issue.

The Council also approved the permanent designation of Michelle Grady as the Council's Chief Finance Officer (Section 151), a crucial role for financial governance.

You can find more details in the Council meeting agenda.