The Executive of Lincolnshire Council met on Tuesday 9 June 2026, approving key plans for minerals and waste, nature recovery, and children's services, alongside a contract extension for housing support and a new performance framework. Decisions made included the approval of the publication of the Proposed Submission Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan for consultation, the adoption of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and the approval of the Children in Care and Care Leavers Strategy 2026-29.

Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan Proposed Submission Draft

The Executive approved the publication of the Proposed Submission Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan (LMWLP) for a Regulation 19 consultation. This plan, which covers the period up to 2042, sets out policies for minerals supply and waste management and allocates sites for sand, gravel, and limestone extraction. The decision also delegated authority to the Head of Planning, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Environment, to make non-material modifications and determine any necessary modifications to the plan prior to its submission to the Secretary of State. The plan aims to ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals and sustainable waste management, while also considering environmental impacts and community needs. Councillor Natalie Oliver raised concerns about the protection of habitats, questioning how the plan balances ecological protection with development needs. Neil McBride, from the planning department, explained that each application would be assessed on its merits, with detailed environmental statements and biodiversity net gain considerations. Councillor Ray Whittaker, Vice-Chairman of the Environment Scrutiny Committee, presented the committee's findings, noting that the plan's purpose was land use rather than extraction, and that any future fracking applications would be judged against energy policy. Concerns were also raised about proposed sand and gravel sites, with assurances given that residents would have opportunities to comment during the consultation period.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The Executive adopted the Greater Lincolnshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), a requirement of the Environment Act 2021, and authorised its submission to the Secretary of State for publication. This strategy identifies priorities for nature recovery, maps valuable natural areas, and proposes actions for habitat creation and restoration across Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire. Councillor Danny Brookes, Executive Councillor for Environment, highlighted the collaborative development of the strategy with partners such as the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England. Councillor Natalie Oliver expressed strong support for the strategy's aims but voiced concerns about potential conflicts with national policies, such as the impact of energy infrastructure projects and inadequate funding for coastal defences. Councillor Thomas Catton echoed these concerns, describing the strategy as having no teeth and being potentially undermined by other government actions. Chris Miller, from the Environment department, explained that the LNRS is an advisory document intended to inform decision-making and guide work for biodiversity net gain, rather than dictating land management. The strategy received unanimous approval.

Children in Care and Care Leavers Strategy 2026-29

The Executive approved the refreshed Children in Care and Care Leavers Strategy 2026-29 . This strategy outlines how Lincolnshire County Council will continue to fulfil its role as a corporate parent to children in its care and care leavers up to the age of 25. Andy Gutherson, Executive Director for Children's Services, presented the strategy, emphasising its focus on improving outcomes through prevention, strengthening family support, developing local provision, and supporting young people's transition into adulthood. Councillor Maria Hume, Vice Chair of the Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee, welcomed the strategy but raised concerns about the lack of clear targets and measurable outcomes, which officers assured would be addressed. Councillor Steve Clegg, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health, highlighted the importance of clear pathways into adulthood, particularly for young people with additional needs, and Andy Gutherson provided reassurance on the progress made in preparing for adulthood pathways. The strategy was unanimously approved.

Housing Related Support Service Contract Extension

The Executive approved a four-month extension to the Housing Related Support (HRS) Service contract, from 1 April 2027 to 31 July 2027, at a value of £734,000. This extension is necessary to allow time for discussions with District Councils regarding potential joint funding options, following a letter from all seven District Council Leaders expressing receptiveness to exploring such arrangements. Martin Samuels, Executive Director for Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, explained that the HRS service supports vulnerable adults with substance misuse or mental health issues to maintain tenancies and prevent homelessness. Councillor Maggie Cullen, Vice Chair of the Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee, presented the committee's support for the extension, noting that it provided stability while future arrangements were developed. The extension aims to mitigate operational disruption and allow for a comprehensive consideration of future service provision.

Council Plan Performance Framework 2026

The Council Plan Performance Framework 2026 was approved. This framework outlines how performance against the commitments in the Council Plan 2026-2031 will be measured and reported. Tony Kavanagh, Interim Executive Director – Resources, explained that the framework combines performance indicators and key delivery activities, with reporting on a quarterly basis and an annual review. Councillor Philip Roberts, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, presented the board's comments, welcoming the transparency and accountability provided by the framework but raising concerns about the increased use of contextual measures and the shift towards benchmarking against national averages, which could potentially dilute ambition. Assurances were given that targets would remain ambitious and that areas lacking targets, such as capital receipt sales and flood protection, would be reviewed. Councillor Natalie Oliver highlighted new indicators within the framework related to children's services, including a youth strategy and a better belonging strategy, emphasising the administration's drive for inclusion. The framework was unanimously approved.

Appointment to Outside Bodies

The Executive approved appointments to various outside bodies for the forthcoming year, as listed in Appendix A of the report. Councillor Sean Matthews, Leader of the Council, noted that many of the appointments were to bodies he or other Executive members were already involved with. Councillor Danny Brookes raised a query about the Skegness Neighbourhood Board appointment and the Local Government Association General Assembly substitutes, receiving clarification on the process for confirming substitute names. The appointments were unanimously approved.