Decision

1. That the draft Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Strategy 2026 – 2029 as attached as Appendix A to the report, be approved subject to the following amendments to wording:

On Page 57 & 58 of the HIAMS. Replace all text after Local Government Reorganisation with:

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is currently anticipated to take effect from 2028; however, the final outcome and organisational structures resulting from LGR remain uncertain at this stage. It is anticipated that LGR will result in the formation of a new authority or authorities, and any resulting changes in governance and responsibilities will require careful consideration as part of future asset management planning.

At present, the seven district councils within Lincolnshire act as Highway Lighting Authorities. Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) currently provides maintenance services for the street lighting stock of four of these district councils through shared service arrangements. Pending the outcome of LGR, responsibility for all street lighting assets may transfer to a successor organisation or organisations.

A full review of the condition, age, and specification of all street lighting assets across the County will be required. It is known that although some LED lantern replacement has taken place, a proportion of the stock remains non?LED. In addition, historic investment in column replacement and systematic structural testing has varied. This creates uncertainty regarding the long?term structural condition, safety, and remaining service life of parts of the lighting network.

There is therefore a potential risk that additional liabilities may arise in relation to asset condition, compliance, and ongoing maintenance requirements. Addressing these risks may necessitate increased levels of inspection, testing, renewal, or replacement to ensure that street lighting assets remain safe, serviceable, and aligned with current standards and asset management principles.

This potential risk will need to be considered as part of future asset management strategies and investment planning, once the outcomes of LGR and associated governance arrangements are clearer.

On Page 58 of the HIAMS. At 16.6 Investment Requirements, third paragraph. Replace the text with:

Ongoing volatility in Energy markets will likely lead to an increase in electricity price paid by the authority, despite the most recent energy price increase being relatively modest at 3-5%. Further annual increases in electricity prices are anticipated over the term of this strategy. For context, a 10% increase on the current rate would equate to around £225,000 per annum.

Following the implementation of LGR it is anticipated that a full review of the condition, age, and specification of all street lighting assets across the County will be required by the new authority. As a result of this, it is anticipated that additional budget will be needed to bring the assets up to a consistent standard within the new authority / authorities. Whilst the exact amount is unknown it is anticipated that, an additional investment of £1million will be required whilst the stock is standardised.

Text to be removed on Page 44:

Unmetalling of carriageways where appropriate

In some cases, reverting certain low-traffic routes to unsealed surfaces may be a cost-effective solution. However, this approach requires careful assessment of community needs, environmental impacts, and long-term maintenance implications.

1. That the new Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Strategy 2026 – 2029 be published on www.lincolnshire.gov.uk