This week in Lincolnshire:

Children in Care Strategy and Special School Funding Under Scrutiny

The Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee met on Friday, 05 June 2026, to discuss crucial issues affecting the county's young people. A major focus was the proposed updated Children in Care and Care Leavers Strategy 2026-2029. This strategy is vital for ensuring that the council, acting as a corporate parent, provides safety, stability, and support to children in its care and those who have left it. The strategy aims to ensure these young people have access to education, good health, and are prepared for independence. The committee's views were to be reported to the Executive before a decision on 9 June 2026.

The committee also considered proposals for the Special Schools Funding Formula for 2026/27. This review aims to simplify funding, account for rising costs, and support special schools in meeting the needs of more complex pupils. This is particularly important as Lincolnshire's High Needs block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) has moved into a structural deficit, a trend seen nationally. The proposed formula includes three pupil band need categories: Core School Delivery (Moderate Needs), All-complex Needs (Severe/Complex Needs), and Enhanced (Profound Needs). The committee's comments were to be reported to the Executive Councillor for Children's Services, who was due to make a decision between 15 and 19 June 2026.

Other key discussions included:

• Lincolnshire's Best Start in Life Strategy and Local Plan 2026-31 (Conception to Reception): The committee was to consider this strategy, which focuses on early years development.
• Donington Cowley Academy - Single Classroom Extension: Proposals to address an increase in the school's Published Admissions Number (PAN) were reviewed. This project aims to meet local demand for secondary school places and reduce travel times for pupils.
• Lloyds Tour of Britain: The committee considered Lincolnshire County Council hosting Stage 1 of the 2026 Tour of Britain. This event could bring significant national visibility and economic benefits, estimated in the millions of pounds, but also requires a commitment of up to £450,000 for operational costs.
• Attendance in School, Elective Home Education and Children Missing Education Annual Report 2024/25: This report highlighted improvements in overall school attendance, though attendance in special schools remained below the national average.

You can find more details in the Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.

Combined Authority Appoints Key Leaders and Confirms Meeting Schedule

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority met on Wednesday, 03 June 2026, to confirm appointments to various boards and committees, and to solidify its operational structure. This meeting was crucial for ensuring the authority's governance is robust and representative.

Key appointments included:

• Councillor Sean Matthews reappointed as Chair of the Transport Board.
• Councillor Rob Waltham MBE appointed Chair of the Employment and Skills Board.
• Councillor Oliver Freeston appointed Chair of the Business and Infrastructure Board.
• Alison Hands appointed Chair of the Economic Advisory Panel.
• Mr Andrew Dyson reappointed as Chair of the Audit Committee.
• Mr Andy Quarmby reappointed as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Ashley Baxter suggested that the chairs of the Transport, Business, and Employment boards should ensure meetings are held across the county to promote wider representation.

The Authority also approved the appointment of Simon Burrows as the Director of Resources and designated him as the Section 73 Officer. Janet Fasan was appointed as the interim Monitoring Officer. Councillor Baxter raised questions about the recruitment process and transparency, particularly regarding the interim Monitoring Officer's cost, which was clarified as a commercially sensitive agency fee. The vote on these appointments was ten in favour, none against, and one abstention.

The proposed calendar of meetings for June 2026 to June 2027 was also approved.

You can find more details in the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority meeting agenda.

Housing Support and Winter Lessons Reviewed by Adult Care Committee

The Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 03 June 2026, to discuss the future of Housing Related Support (HRS) services and review lessons learned from the previous winter period.

The committee was scheduled to consider a report on the Housing Related Support (HRS) Service. This service supports adults with mental health and/or substance use needs who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The proposal was to approve an exception to the Council's Contract Regulations to extend the current contract by four months, until 31 July 2027, at a cost of £734,000. This extension is intended to allow for discussions with the seven District Councils regarding potential joint funding options for the service. Without this extension, there would not be enough time to explore these options, potentially leading to operational disruption for vulnerable individuals.

The committee also reviewed a report on Lessons from Winter 2025/26. Despite an early rise in influenza-related pressures, Adult Social Care Hospital Teams maintained resilience, supporting over 5,500 safe and timely discharges. The post-winter review identified areas for improvement, including strengthening partnerships with the Integrated Care Board and addressing resourcing for new provisions. The Home-Based Reablement Service (HBRS) exceeded its forecasted hours, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting individuals to regain independence.

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

This week in Lincolnshire:

Council Plan Performance Framework Sparks Debate: Balancing Ambition with Reality

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board met on Thursday, 28 May 2026, to scrutinise the proposed Council Plan Performance Framework for 2026-2031. The framework, designed to guide the council's priorities and measure its success, sparked a robust discussion about the nature of targets, the impact of national benchmarks, and the council's commitment to its residents.

Shifting Targets: Sickness Absence and the National Average

A key point of contention was the proposed increase in the target for sickness absence from 7.5 to 8.8 days. Tony Kavanagh, Assistant Director for Human Resources and Organisational Support, explained that this adjustment was made to benchmark against national figures, providing a more realistic position for the council. Councillor Martin John Hill OBE expressed concern, arguing that an ambitious target should be maintained to drive improvement. Councillor T Catton, Executive Councillor for Resources, defended the change, stating that aligning with the national average makes Lincolnshire more attractive for recruitment and growth, while still performing better than the national average.

Capital Receipts and Debt Reduction: Where Are the Hard Targets?

Concerns were also raised about the absence of hard targets for capital receipt sales and the reduction of council debt, a stated ambition of the Leader. Andrew Hancy, Head of Business Support, clarified that a capital receipts budget of £5 million and revenue savings of £0.5 million are set within the council budget and will be reported on. Michelle Grady, Chief Finance Officer, confirmed that treasury updates are included in quarterly finance reports.

Protecting Homes from Flooding: A Call for Clearer Targets

While welcoming additional funding for flood defence, Councillor Hill noted the absence of specific targets for property protection. Andy Gutherson, an officer, stated that the council would investigate whether a clear target linking to property protection could be included. Councillor Ian Carrington also raised concerns about the continuation of externally funded groundwater flood risk work, with a business case being developed to secure its continuation.

Councillor Community Grant Fund: Empowering Local Initiatives

The Board considered the proposed Councillor Community Grant Fund (CCGF), allocating £500,000 to support local organisations. Christopher O'Rourke, Head of Communications and Engagement, and Daniel Larkin, Policy Advisor, presented the fund, which is split into Divisional Grants (£3,000 per division) and a Strategic Fund (£290,000). While welcomed by councillors, debates ensued regarding member involvement in the decision-making process for the Strategic Fund, with concerns raised about potential political bias. The Board ultimately agreed to acknowledge the report's recommendations to the Executive Councillor for Community Engagement, with a summary of the Board's comments to be shared.

Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations: Rising Demand and Complex Requests

Andrew Hancy, Head of Business Support, presented the FOI and EIR performance report, highlighting an 18.57% increase in requests received, reaching 1,992. The compliance rate within the statutory 20 working days decreased slightly to 83%. Councillor Philip Maurice Dilks questioned staffing levels and the impact of AI-generated requests, while Councillor Jimmy William Brookes requested more data on the website regarding the cost per FOI request. The Board ultimately expressed assurance regarding the performance of FOI and EIR requests and supported proposed improvements to the process.

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

This week in Lincolnshire:

Council Adopts Corporate Parenting Motion: A Commitment to Children in Care

Lincolnshire County Council held its annual meeting on Friday, 22 May 2026, a significant event that saw councillors elect new leadership and, crucially, adopt a motion to embed corporate parenting responsibilities across all council decision-making. This move signals a renewed commitment to the wellbeing and future of children in care and care leavers, ensuring their needs are considered in every decision made by the council.

Embedding Corporate Parenting: A Shared Responsibility

The motion, proposed by Councillor Stephen Roe and seconded by Councillor Natalie Oliver, calls for all relevant reports presented to council committees and scrutiny to include a standard section addressing the impact on children in care and care leavers. This section will identify opportunities to improve their outcomes and life chances. Furthermore, the motion urges the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Executive Director of Children's Services, to consider incorporating corporate parenting responsibilities into all council job descriptions, proportionate to the role.

This is a powerful step towards ensuring that the council acts as a true corporate parent, a responsibility that extends beyond the Children's Services department. As Councillor Davies eloquently stated during the debate, We are a corporate parent. We should be having the same conversations and exactly the same thoughts as those hundreds of children that we are responsible for. The motion was carried with broad support, demonstrating a unified commitment across political groups.

Councillor Ashley Baxter, while supporting the motion's intent, raised concerns about the council's decision to withdraw funding from the Safe Families organisation, a charity that supports families on the edge of care. He argued that this decision, alongside the adoption of the corporate parenting motion, presented a contradiction.

The meeting also saw the election of Councillor Mike Beecham as the new Chairman of Lincolnshire County Council and Councillor Jimmy Brooks as Vice-Chairman. Outgoing Chairman Councillor Stephen Bunney reflected on his year in office, paying tribute to former councillor Pauline Watson and the retiring Head of Democratic Services, Nigel West.

You can find more details in the Council meeting agenda.

Audit Committee Reviews Financial Health and Constitutional Changes

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Audit Committee met on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, to review the authority's financial standing and proposed changes to its constitution. The committee received an adequate assurance opinion on the authority's governance, risk management, and control frameworks, alongside a provisional financial outturn showing a significant surplus.

Financial Outturn and Reserves: A Strong Start

The provisional outturn for the financial year 2025/26 revealed a surplus of £13.1 million. This surplus is to be allocated to specific earmarked reserves (£10.1 million) and general reserves (£2.97 million). The additional funding was attributed to capacity funding and unanticipated grant allocations. Much of the expenditure during this establishment phase related to setting up the authority, with significant funds being passported out to local authorities. The committee was asked to approve accounting policies and delegate the sign-off of the draft accounts.

Forvis Mazars, the external auditors, confirmed their audit planning was well underway and anticipated presenting their completion report before Christmas.

Constitutional Amendments: Streamlining Governance

Proposed amendments to the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority's Constitution were also endorsed. These changes, driven by statutory updates, the transfer of transport functions, and staffing structure adjustments, include a revised scheme of delegation. This scheme aims to delegate powers to the management team while reserving specific functions for members and officers, ensuring clarity and accountability. References to the Transition Period, which concluded on 31 March 2026, have been removed.

Councillor Mrs Marianne Jane Overton MBE raised questions about the implications of these changes, particularly regarding uninsured claims and the delegation of powers to officers. Catherine Whitehead, Interim Monitoring Officer, clarified that the proposed changes aim to ensure transparency and that any emergency decisions would be reported back to the council.

You can find more details in the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority - Audit Committee meeting agenda.

Other Matters

• The Lincolnshire Schools' Forum met on Thursday, 21 May 2026. While no summary is available, this forum is crucial for discussing funding and policy matters affecting schools across the county. See the meeting details here.

This week in Lincolnshire:

Urgent Action Needed: Council Grapples with Future of Key Environmental Strategies

Lincolnshire County Council's Environment Scrutiny Committee met on Friday, 15 May 2026, facing critical decisions on the county's environmental future. The committee was set to discuss strategies for flood risk management, nature recovery, and the long-term plan for minerals and waste, with potential impacts on communities and the natural landscape.

Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Programme: Protecting Communities from Rising Seas

A key focus was the Lincolnshire Coast 2100+ Programme, a vital initiative involving Lincolnshire County Council, the Environment Agency, and other local bodies. This programme is developing a new tidal flood risk management strategy for the Lincolnshire Coast. The stakes are incredibly high, as this strategy will determine how communities and infrastructure are protected from the increasing threat of coastal erosion and flooding. The initiative is working towards a government submission for investment in long-term flood resilience, a decision that will shape the future of coastal living in Lincolnshire for decades to come. The committee was expected to receive an update on the programme's progress, including challenges, partnership arrangements, and potential future scenarios.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy: A Blueprint for Biodiversity

The committee was also scheduled to review the proposed Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). Mandated by the Environment Act 2021, this strategy is Lincolnshire's plan to identify and prioritise actions for nature's recovery. For residents, this means a potential increase in wildlife habitats, improved biodiversity, and a more resilient natural environment. The strategy aims to create more, bigger, better, and joined-up sites for wildlife, which can also bring benefits for flood resilience and climate change mitigation. The committee's views were to be passed to the Executive, which was due to make a decision on the strategy on 9 June 2026.

Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan: Balancing Development and Environment

The Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan was also on the agenda. This plan sets out policies for how minerals will be extracted and waste managed in the county until 2042. For residents, this means understanding where future development might occur, the potential impacts on local landscapes, and how waste will be handled. The plan allocates sites for sand, gravel, and Lincolnshire Limestone extraction, and includes policies for waste management facilities. The proposed submission draft was to be subject to further public consultation.

Cherry Willingham Surface Water Scheme: Addressing Local Flooding Concerns

A report on the Cherry Willingham, Fiskerton Road & Waterford Lane Surface Water Scheme was expected to address long-standing surface water flooding issues that have affected properties and the highway in Cherry Willingham. The proposed works aim to protect homes and reduce standing water, directly impacting the safety and quality of life for residents in the area. A decision on the procurement and award of a contract for these works was anticipated from the Executive Councillor for Environment and the Executive Councillor for Resources.

Carbon Capture Technology: Examining Safety and Environmental Impacts

The committee was also scheduled to receive a briefing on carbon capture technology, its safety, and environmental impacts. This is particularly relevant given the potential for such technology to be implemented in Lincolnshire, impacting local air quality and the environment. The presentation was expected to cover how the technology works, government ambitions, and key safety considerations for proposed pipeline and storage infrastructure within the county.

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

Planning Decisions: Biogas Plants, Energy Projects, and Traffic Management

Lincolnshire's Planning and Regulation Committee met on Monday, 11 May 2026, making decisions on a range of planning applications and traffic orders that will shape local development and daily life.

Biogas Plant Refused in Anwick: Landscape and Heritage Concerns Prevail

The committee refused planning permission for a proposed biogas plant by Stream Bioenergy UK Ltd in Anwick. The primary reasons for refusal were significant adverse impacts on the landscape character and historic environment, which could not be adequately mitigated. Concerns were also raised about potential odour impacts and the cumulative effect of industrial development in the area. This decision highlights the council's commitment to protecting the visual amenity and heritage of the county, even when faced with proposals for renewable energy generation.

Anaerobic Digester Plant Approved Near Spalding: Balancing Green Energy with Local Impact

Conditional planning permission was granted to Naylor Farms for an anaerobic digester plant near Spalding. This project aims to contribute to renewable energy generation and waste management. However, the approval was subject to strict conditions, including a Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan and routing agreements for HGV traffic. This demonstrates a careful balancing act between supporting green energy initiatives and mitigating potential impacts on traffic, noise, and biodiversity for nearby residents.

Objection to National Grid's Overhead Line Works: Prolonged Disruption and Environmental Concerns

The committee resolved to object to National Grid Electricity Transmission plc's proposed overhead line works near Spalding. The objections centred on the prolonged disruption to local communities due to the timing of the works and insufficient information to assess environmental impacts. The committee recommended a public inquiry, signalling a strong stance against developments that could cause significant and extended disruption without adequate environmental consideration.

Traffic Regulation Orders Approved Across the County

Several traffic regulation orders were approved, including waiting restrictions in Crowland, Hundleby, Lincoln, and Stamford. These decisions, while seemingly minor, directly impact residents' daily lives by aiming to improve safety, traffic flow, and access to essential services. For example, restrictions in Crowland were approved to improve safety around the primary school, and in Hundleby to improve bus access. The committee also withdrew a proposed restriction in Pinchbeck for further consideration, indicating a willingness to refine plans based on local feedback and potential unintended consequences.

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

Maternity Services Focus: Addressing Inequalities and Improving Care

The Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire met on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, to examine critical aspects of maternity and neonatal care across the county. The discussions highlighted a strong commitment to addressing inequalities and improving the experiences of all expectant mothers and their babies.

Maternity and Neonatal Programme: A Drive for Equity and Equality

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to Lincolnshire's Maternity and Neonatal Equity and Equality Programme. This programme is actively working to reduce avoidable disparities in outcomes, experiences, and access to care, with a particular focus on Black, Asian, and deprived communities. Projects like the What Matters To You Roadshow have directly gathered feedback from families, identifying barriers such as appointment delays and a lack of translation services.

The committee heard about targeted initiatives, including a successful pilot for Military Family Support that has become a permanent part of the maternity offer and is being considered for national adoption. Efforts to reduce Smoking in Pregnancy are also showing positive results, with rates improving faster than the national trend. The establishment of the ULTH Black and Asian Maternal Health Group demonstrates a commitment to understanding and addressing the specific needs of these communities. Future work will focus on areas of high deprivation, such as Skegness, to improve early identification and support.

Quality Accounts Update: Monitoring NHS Performance

The committee also received an update on the Quality Accounts for 2025/2026. These accounts are vital documents where NHS providers report on their performance and quality of services. A working group has been established to review these accounts, ensuring that NHS providers in Lincolnshire are meeting their commitments to high-quality care. The committee agreed to include the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust's Quality Account in their review, demonstrating a commitment to scrutinising services that residents rely on.

Work Programme: Shaping Future Scrutiny

The committee reviewed its work programme, confirming upcoming discussions on NHS planning for secondary care, neighbourhood health planning, and transport and travel reviews. New topics added for future consideration include a discussion on the King's Fund report on NHS administration, presentations from researchers on rural and coastal health, and a focus on cancer services. This forward-looking approach ensures that the committee remains responsive to the evolving health needs of Lincolnshire residents.

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

Supporting Our Young People: Addressing Youth Unemployment and Economic Growth

Lincolnshire's Growth Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, to tackle crucial issues impacting the county's future prosperity, including the visitor economy, youth unemployment, and strategies for economic growth.

Visitor Economy: Website Successes and Economic Realities

The committee received an update on the visitor economy, with a focus on the performance of the visitlincolnshire.com website. While the website saw strong engagement, with over 1.6 million page views, the overall visitor economy experienced a real-terms decline after inflation. This highlights the ongoing economic challenges facing the sector. The committee was asked to support a collaborative approach to developing a new visitor economy strategy, focusing on product development, business support, and promotion. This strategy is vital for ensuring Lincolnshire remains an attractive destination and supports local businesses.

Youth Unemployment: A Complex Challenge Requiring Coordinated Action

A significant discussion centred on youth unemployment in Lincolnshire. The committee heard that the issue is not a lack of provision but a complex interplay of barriers, including rural geography, transport limitations, and an economy dominated by small businesses. This means many young people face multiple challenges in finding work. The committee was urged to recognise youth unemployment as a cross-cutting priority and to support a coordinated, Lincolnshire-wide approach. This includes strengthening employer engagement, addressing transport barriers, and maximising opportunities for apprenticeships and employment. The need for collaboration with the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority on transport solutions was also emphasised.

Investment Zones and Enterprise Zones: Driving Economic Growth

The committee explored government initiatives like Investment Zones (IZ) and Enterprise Zones (EZ), which offer tax reliefs and incentives to attract investment. The report suggested that a designated zone in Lincolnshire could be beneficial, particularly given the county's strengths in agri-food, manufacturing, and ports and logistics. The committee was asked to agree that a zone would be advantageous and to task officers with further work to identify the most suitable location and sector focus. This could lead to significant job creation and economic development across the county.

Other Matters: Windmills and Performance Indicators

The committee also reviewed its work programme and considered a request for an update on the Lincolnshire County Council's emerging Windmill Strategy. This acknowledges the importance of preserving and managing the county's historic windmills, which are significant cultural assets. A new approach to pre-scrutinising performance indicators was also presented, allowing scrutiny members to provide input before KPIs are finalised, ensuring greater accountability and effectiveness.

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

Supporting Our Youngest Residents: Corporate Parenting Panel Reviews Key Services

The Corporate Parenting Panel met on Thursday, 14 May 2026, to review essential services that support children in the council's care. The panel examined annual reports on the Leaving Care Service, educational achievements, and independent reviews, all crucial for ensuring the wellbeing and future prospects of these young people.

Leaving Care Service: Ensuring a Smooth Transition to Adulthood

The panel reviewed the Leaving Care Annual Report, which details the support provided to young people aged 16-25 transitioning out of care. The report highlighted strengths in leadership and relationships between workers and young people, but also identified areas for development, such as strengthening pathway plans and case recording. This service is vital for ensuring that care leavers have the necessary support to live independently and successfully integrate into adulthood.

Virtual School: Championing Educational Success for Children in Care

The Lincolnshire Virtual School Annual Report showcased the efforts to improve the educational outcomes of children in care. This includes ensuring effective Personal Education Plans (PEPs) and allocating Pupil Premium Plus funding. The Virtual School plays a critical role in advocating for these children, helping them overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full academic potential.

Independent Reviewing Service and Independent Visitors: Upholding Standards of Care

The panel also examined the annual reports from the Independent Reviewing Service and the Regulation 44 Independent Visiting Service. Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) play a crucial role in ensuring that the care plans for children in care are appropriate and meet their needs. Independent Visitors provide an external perspective, inspecting children's homes against quality standards. These services are essential for maintaining high standards of care and safeguarding the welfare of children in the council's custody.

Sufficiency Strategy: Ensuring Adequate Care Provision

An update on the Sufficiency Strategy was presented, focusing on ensuring the council has enough suitable care placements for all children in its care. This includes efforts to increase in-house fostering capacity and improve the effectiveness of independent placements. This strategy is fundamental to providing a stable and nurturing environment for all children in care.

You can find more details in the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting agenda.