The Environment Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council is scheduled to convene on Friday, 19 June 2026, to review several key environmental and waste management matters. The meeting's agenda includes updates on flood risk management, proposed changes to household waste recycling centres, and performance reporting for the past year.

Flood Risk Management Authorities Update

The committee is set to receive updates from various Flood Risk Management Authorities (FRMAs) operating within Lincolnshire. These updates are expected to cover their recent activities and future plans aimed at enhancing local flood resilience. The FRMAs scheduled to provide information include the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, the Witham & Humber Drainage Boards (representing all Lincolnshire Internal Drainage Boards), and Lincolnshire County Council's Flood and Water Team.

Contract for the Collection and Treatment of Street Cleansing Residues

A report concerning the contract for the collection and treatment of street cleansing residues is scheduled for consideration. This item is being presented to the committee prior to a decision by the Executive Councillor for Environment, Councillor Danny Brookes¹, who is expected to make a decision between 24 June and 1 July 2026. The committee's views will be relayed to the Executive Councillor for their consideration. The report outlines the council's statutory duty under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to dispose of street cleansing residues and proposes an open tender for a new contract. The current contract with Invixon Ltd is ending in September 2026 due to operational reasons. The proposed new contract, estimated at £1.3 million, aims to maintain recycling performance, minimise landfill use, and ensure a cost-effective and compliant service.

Household Waste Recycling Centres Operational Changes and Infrastructure Improvements

The committee is invited to review proposed operational changes and infrastructure improvements for Lincolnshire's Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). This report is intended for the Executive's decision on 14 July 2026, and the committee's feedback will be passed on. The report highlights increasing operational pressures at HWRCs, including rising visitor numbers, growing waste tonnages, and significant queuing issues. The current operating model is struggling to maintain customer satisfaction and efficient recycling performance. The report suggests that a booking system, already implemented by neighbouring authorities, could address these challenges, potentially leading to recycling improvements and cost savings. The proposed infrastructure improvements aim to standardise provision across all HWRC sites.

Greater Lincolnshire Groundwater Project

An update on the Greater Lincolnshire Groundwater Project is on the agenda. This project is part of the national Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme (FCRIP) and aims to enhance community resilience and protect the environment by better understanding and managing groundwater. The project has undertaken various workstreams, including installing telemetry equipment for hyper-local flood warnings, developing emergency planning hubs, raising flood awareness, and investigating the mental health impacts of flooding. Several specific projects have been implemented across Lincolnshire, such as natural flood management measures in Barrow upon Humber and Kingston Gardens, and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)² in Heighington and Hillside Avenue, Lincoln. The report suggests seeking opportunities to further develop the project and secure funding for its continuation.

Service Level Performance Reporting Against the Performance Framework 2025-2026 Quarter 4: Environment (including Flood Risk Management and Waste)

This report provides a summary of the service level performance against the Environment Scrutiny Committee's Performance Framework for the fourth quarter of 2025-2026. For waste management, the report indicates that household waste collected per household is below the annual target, which is positive as prevention is the highest priority in the waste hierarchy. However, the overall recycling rate is below target, though it has improved compared to the previous year. Recycling rates at Household Waste Recycling Centres are also below target but are expected to improve. The amount of household waste sent to landfill is very low, well below the target. In flood risk management, 100% of Section 19 investigations were completed within six months, exceeding the target. The report also details the number of properties protected from flooding as a result of council investment.

Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework 2026/27

The committee is invited to consider the proposed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)³ for the Environment Scrutiny Committee for the 2026/27 reporting period. This framework is being presented to the Executive Councillor for Environment for a decision between 25 June and 1 July 2026. The proposed KPIs cover areas such as recycling rates at Household Waste Recycling Centres, the overall recycling rate, household waste collected per household, household waste to landfill, the quality of kerbside dry recycling streams, the percentage of Section 19 investigations completed within six months, and the number of properties protected from flooding.

Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee will review its work programme, which outlines upcoming items for discussion. This includes scheduled updates on Flood Risk Management Authorities, contract re-procurements for Mixed Dry Recycling Services and HWRC Management, and performance reporting. The committee is invited to consider and comment on its work programme and highlight any additional items that could be added to ensure its scrutiny activity is focused effectively. The report also lists proposed decisions within the remit of the Environment Scrutiny Committee, including those related to the re-procurement of recycling services and the Groundwater Project.