The annual meeting of Lincolnshire County Council saw the election of Councillor Mike Beecham as the new Chairman and Councillor Jimmy Brooks as Vice-Chairman. Key discussions included the council's budget for the upcoming year, with several amendments proposed and rejected, and a significant motion was passed to embed corporate parenting considerations into all council decision-making processes.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Councillor Mike Beecham was elected as the new Chairman of Lincolnshire County Council for the civic year 2026-27, with Councillor Jimmy Brooks appointed as Vice-Chairman. Both expressed their honour and commitment to serving the council and the residents of Lincolnshire.

Council Budget 2026/27

The council debated and ultimately approved its budget for the 2026/27 municipal year. Several amendments were proposed by various groups, including the Liberal Democrats, Labour, Independent Group, and Conservative Group, aiming to reallocate funds for specific services such as pothole repairs, flood emergency funds, and the Summer Reading Scheme, as well as proposing a council tax freeze or a higher increase. All amendments were ultimately defeated, and the original budget, which included a 2.90% council tax increase, was approved. A significant amendment to suspend the proposed closures of Long Sutton and Mablethorpe Community Centres, pending further consultation, was carried unanimously.

Motion on Notice: Embedding Corporate Parenting

A motion proposed by Councillor Stephen Roe and seconded by Councillor Natalie Oliver was passed, aiming to embed corporate parenting responsibilities into the council's decision-making processes. The motion calls for all relevant reports presented to council committees and scrutiny to include a standard section assessing the impact on children in care and care leavers, and identifying opportunities to improve their outcomes. It also calls for a review of job descriptions to include appropriate corporate parenting statements. The motion was met with widespread support, with councillors highlighting the importance of ensuring the council acts as a responsible corporate parent for all children in its care.

Appointments to Outside Bodies

The council reviewed and approved its appointments to various outside bodies for the 2026/27 municipal year. This included nominations to the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel, the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) Board and committees, and various other regional and local organisations. Amendments were made to the nominations for the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel, with Councillor Phil Dilks being appointed to the panel, and Councillor Lindsay Corrie nominated as a co-opted member if required.

Audit Committee Annual Report 2025

The Audit Committee's Annual Report for 2025 was presented and approved. The report detailed the committee's work in overseeing the council's governance, risk management, and internal and external audit functions. It highlighted the committee's satisfaction with the council's financial sustainability, governance, and value for money arrangements, noting an unqualified opinion on the financial statements from the external auditors, KPMG.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26

The Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/26 was presented and approved. The report detailed the significant work undertaken by the council's eight scrutiny committees throughout the year, including pre-decision scrutiny, policy reviews, and performance monitoring. Key achievements highlighted included contributions to the budget setting process, recommendations on the Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Strategy, and the Adult Social Care Strategy. The report also noted high levels of councillor engagement and attendance at scrutiny meetings.

Chairman's Announcements

The outgoing Chairman, Councillor Stephen Bunney, reflected on his year in office, thanking councillors and officers for their support. He also announced the sad passing of former county councillors Howard Johnson and Burt Keimach, and a minute's silence was observed in their memory. The new Chairman, Councillor Mike Beecham, was then elected.

Statements by the Leader and Members of the Executive

Councillor Sean Matthews, Leader of the Council, presented a statement outlining the administration's achievements in its first year, focusing on the Council Plan's ambitions for children, communities, the environment, and the economy. He highlighted progress on road improvements, support for the Lincolnshire Show, and opposition to the Springwell Solar Farm. He also emphasised the commitment to cutting waste and spending wisely, noting the council's low council tax rate.

Councillor Rob Gibson, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Community Engagement, provided an update on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), detailing the progress of the 'Your Lincolnshire' proposal and stakeholder engagement. He also reported on community engagement activities, highlighting the success of the 'Let's talk Lincolnshire' platform and the County Views survey.

Executive Councillor for Environment, Councillor Danny Brookes, reported on progress in waste management, including preparations for food waste collections and improvements to recycling services. He also detailed work in development management and planning services, including the new Better Streets for Lincolnshire website and the progression of the Minerals and Waste Local Plan.

Executive Councillor for Resources, Councillor Tom Catton, reported on the council's financial performance, noting the successful completion of the external audit and the positive staff survey results.

Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health, Councillor Steve Clegg, provided updates on adult social care services, including CQC inspections and the development of mental health services. He also welcomed the new Director of Public Health, Professor Trudi Grant, and highlighted work on the Neighbourhood Health Framework.

Executive Councillor for Highways and Transport, Councillor David East, detailed investments in road maintenance, drainage, and major infrastructure schemes, including the North Hykeham Relief Road and the Grantham Southern Relief Road. He also reported on improvements to public transport and the development of a new Local Transport Plan.

Executive Councillor for Growth, Councillor Liam Kelly, reported on efforts to strengthen the county's economic position through business support, skills development, and investment attraction. He highlighted the success of adult learning programmes and initiatives to support veterans.

Executive Councillor for Community Safety, Councillor Alex McGonigle, provided updates on community safety initiatives, trading standards work, and the coroner's service. He also reported on the progress of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, including recruitment and the development of new cadet units.

Executive Councillor for Children's Services, Councillor Natalie Oliver, highlighted the council's commitment to ensuring children have the best start in life, detailing work on the Best Start Lincolnshire Strategy, the Youth Strategy, and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Questions to the Leader and Executive Councillors

A session of questions to the Chairman, Leader, Executive Councillors, and Committee Chairmen took place, covering a range of topics including:

• Grantham High Street Funding: Councillor Richard Litchfield questioned Councillor Sean Matthews about an update on funding for Grantham High Street. Councillor Matthews confirmed that an outlet centre developer was interested in investing in the High Street and that £2 million would be invested once the Grantham relief road was completed.
• Corporate Parenting Badges: Councillor Rowe asked Councillor Oliver to encourage councillors to wear their corporate parent badges to remind them of their responsibilities towards young people. Councillor Oliver agreed to support this initiative.
• Mayoral Authority Appointments Panel: Councillor Ashley Baxter questioned Councillor Sean Matthews, represented by Councillor Rob Gibson, about his attendance at the Mayoral Authority Appointments Panel. Councillor Gibson confirmed he had attended all meetings in the Leader's place.
• Market Rasen Pavements: Councillor Stephen Bunney raised concerns about the condition of pavements in Market Rasen with Councillor David East, who assured that the area would be included in forward planning for pavement repairs.
• Y-H Lines Costing: Councillor Kevin Clarke asked Councillor Danny Brookes about the cost of repainting existing Y-H lines. Councillor Brookes stated that repainting would be at no cost if the road was mended.
• Short Break Service Improvements: Councillor Christopher Reeve inquired about proposed improvements to the short break service. Councillor Steve Clegg reassured that no decisions had been made and that families would be consulted.
• Council Tax and Reform Party: Councillor Richard Davies questioned Councillor Sean Matthews on whether the Reform party had misled the electorate. Councillor Matthews defended the council's actions, stating they were fixing a broken council and had saved £35.5 million.
• Road and Pathway Repairs: Councillor Kenneth Bamford raised concerns about the inconsistent quality of road and pathway repairs and the visibility of work crews. Councillor David East acknowledged the need for improvement and outlined plans for a new Power BI dashboard for transparency.
• Scrutiny Committee Questions: Councillor Neil Carey questioned Councillor Sean Matthews on whether elected members could ask robust political questions in scrutiny committees. Councillor Matthews responded that the council had faced significant scrutiny and that the opposition had previously accepted the status quo.
• Respite Care Centres: Councillor Mrs Jacqueline Brockway raised concerns about the handling of the potential closure of respite care centres at Swallow Lodge and Cedar House. Councillor Steve Clegg apologised for the handling of the situation and assured that families would be consulted.
• Outer Circle Road Crossing: Councillor Martin Christopher highlighted concerns about a crossing on Outer Circle Road following an incident involving a child and presented a petition for investment in the crossing. Councillor Alex McGonigle and Councillor Natalie Oliver expressed their willingness to support the investigation.
• Dangerous Junctions: Councillor James Bean urged a proactive approach to dangerous junctions, requesting the replacement of the junction at Case to Top with a roundabout before a serious accident occurred. Councillor David East agreed to look into the matter.
• Springwell Solar Park Judicial Review: Councillor Ian Carrington supported the council's judicial review into the Springwell Solar Park decision and questioned Councillor Sean Matthews about the cost and consultation process. Councillor Matthews defended the decision, stating that discussions were held with officers and that taxpayer money was well considered.
• Recycling Schemes: Councillor Brenda Collier inquired about the rollout of a wood recycling scheme to Lincoln. Councillor Danny Brookes stated that the scheme was on trial and would be rolled out to all household waste recycling centres if data supported its success.
• Grantham High Street Funding: Councillor Cain Parkinson pressed Councillor Sean Matthews for a commitment to reinstate £2 million for Grantham High Street improvements. Councillor Matthews stated that an audit was taking place to determine who spent the money and when.
• SEND Process and Caseworkers: Councillor Stuart Grantham raised concerns about the SEND process and caseworkers, leading to children missing out on education. Councillor Natalie Oliver acknowledged the national issue and outlined efforts to improve capacity and support.
• Mid-UK Incidents: Councillor Raymond Whitaker asked Councillor Alex McGonigle about measures being taken regarding incidents at Mid-UK. Councillor McGonigle confirmed that investigations were ongoing and that preventative measures were being increased.
• Trading Standards Service: Councillor Natasha Chapman questioned Councillor Alex McGonigle about measures to ensure trading standards operations targeting age-restricted sales were not compromised during evenings and weekends. Councillor McGonigle assured that there had been no change to business as usual, with overtime replaced by time off in lieu.
• Pothole Pro Trial: Councillor Alan Wright questioned Councillor Sean Matthews about the Pothole Pro trial and its connection to party sponsorship. Councillor Matthews defended the trial, stating it was owned by Balfour Beatty and that the council was focused on improving roads.
• Summer Reading Challenge: Councillor Philip Dilks asked Councillor Natalie Oliver about plans to restore consistency in the Summer Reading Challenge offer across the county. Councillor Oliver acknowledged the issue and outlined plans for proactive measures and discussions with the culture team.
• Fire Service Facilities: Councillor Robbie Woods questioned Councillor Alex McGonigle about steps being taken to improve and maintain fire stations across the county. Councillor McGonigle confirmed a strategic asset management plan was in place to identify areas for improvement.
• Fire Authority Obligations: Councillor Thomas Dyer questioned Councillor Sean Matthews about the council's role as a fire authority and the sacking of an executive councillor. Councillor Matthews stated that the question was not a valid one about fire.

Motions on Notice

A motion by Councillor Stephen Roe, seconded by Councillor Natalie Oliver, was passed, calling for the council to embed corporate parenting considerations into all decision-making processes. The motion was widely supported, with councillors emphasising the shared responsibility of all councillors to act as corporate parents. Councillor Ashley Baxter raised concerns about the withdrawal of funding for the Safe Families organisation, arguing it contradicted the motion's intent. Councillor Richard Davies and Councillor Martin Hill OBE spoke in support of the motion, highlighting the importance of considering the needs of children in care. Councillor Trevor Bridgwood noted the relevance of the motion to planning authorities, and Councillor Mrs Jacqueline Brockway requested further information on the practicalities of being a corporate parent. Councillor Alex McGonigle, who has personal experience of the care system, also spoke in support of the motion. Councillor Philip Dilks shared his experiences of the council's approach to children in care and stressed the need for more action. Councillor Mrs Marianne Overton MBE questioned how the motion would be implemented in practice, particularly in relation to decisions like the proposed closure of respite care. Councillor Martin Christopher highlighted the importance of the motion for councillors with dual roles on district councils. Councillor Richard Cleaver drew attention to the needs of young carers, and Councillor Jimmy Brooks praised Councillor Roe's work as Chair of the Corporate Parenting Panel.

Appointments to Outside Bodies

The council approved its appointments to outside bodies for the 2026/27 municipal year. This included nominations to the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel, with Councillor Phil Dilks appointed and Councillor Lindsay Corrie nominated as a co-opted member if required. The council also confirmed appointments to the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) Board and committees, and various other organisations.

Audit Committee Annual Report 2025

The Audit Committee's Annual Report for 2025 was presented and approved. The report detailed the committee's work in overseeing the council's governance, risk management, and internal and external audit functions. It highlighted the committee's satisfaction with the council's financial sustainability, governance, and value for money arrangements, noting an unqualified opinion on the financial statements from the external auditors, KPMG.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26

The Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/26 was presented and approved. The report detailed the significant work undertaken by the council's eight scrutiny committees throughout the year, including pre-decision scrutiny, policy reviews, and performance monitoring. Key achievements highlighted included contributions to the budget setting process, recommendations on the Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Strategy, and the Adult Social Care Strategy. The report also noted high levels of councillor engagement and attendance at scrutiny meetings.

The meeting concluded with the Chairman thanking everyone for their attendance and contributions.