The Growth Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to discuss the re-procurement of the gas framework contract, the state of the Lincolnshire economy, performance frameworks, and property rationalisation. Key decisions included the deferral of the gas framework contract re-procurement pending further information and the endorsement of the Property Rationalisation Programme's progress.

Gas Framework Contract Re-Procurement

The committee considered the report on the re-procurement of the gas framework contract, which is due to be presented to the Executive on 14 July 2026. After extensive discussion, the committee voted unanimously to defer the item. This decision was made to allow for the inclusion of more detailed information regarding benchmarking, social value, and other financial aspects of the contract. The committee requested that the report be brought back with this additional detail, potentially as a confidential paper, to enable a more informed scrutiny.

State of the County - The Lincolnshire Economy 2026

Justin Brown, Assistant Director – Growth, presented the 'State of the County' dashboard, providing an overview of Lincolnshire's economic performance. The report highlighted challenges such as an ageing population, widening productivity and wage gaps compared to the national average, and connectivity issues, particularly in rural and coastal areas. Positively, housing supply and affordability were noted as strengths. The committee was invited to comment on the analysis, receive annual updates, and advise if a member workshop focusing on specific data interests was required. Councillor Corey raised questions about support for the growing demographic of older residents and ensuring they remain economically engaged. Councillor Bowles inquired about addressing the triple geography challenge of urban, coastal, and rural deprivation. Councillor Baxter found the report refreshing and asked about the dovetailing of the Council's work with the mayoral authority to avoid duplication. Councillor Darwish questioned the reasons for qualified individuals leaving the county and the attractiveness of working in Lincolnshire. The committee resolved to receive the report, thank the officers, and agreed to a member workshop for further data interpretation, with comments to be cascaded to relevant officers and the executive member.

Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework 2026/27

The committee reviewed the proposed Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework for 2026/27. Samantha Harrison, Head of Economic Development, and Laura Shepherd, Head of Corporate Commercial & Procurement Service, presented new performance indicators, including those focused on Lincolnshire businesses, SMEs, market engagement, and social value. Councillor Dyer raised points about defining small businesses and the washing face metric for business centres, and requested a breakdown of occupancy per business centre. Councillor Bowles inquired about monitoring social value at the subcontractor level. Councillor Corry asked about the responsiveness of quarterly reporting and the difference between output and outcome. The committee agreed to support the recommendations to the executive councillors.

Service Level Performance Reporting against the Performance Framework 2025-26 Quarter 4

Samantha Harrison, Head of Economic Development, presented the final quarter's performance report for 2025-26. She reported that the number of businesses supported by the council significantly exceeded the target, largely due to additional funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The target for qualifications achieved by adults was also met and exceeded. However, the target for external funding attracted to Lincolnshire was not met, primarily due to delays in a Skills Bootcamps contract. Councillor Bowles found the breakdown of support by district and business type useful and highlighted a positive case study. Councillor Baxter raised questions about the definition and auditing of small businesses and the washing face metric. Councillor Robinson inquired about the geographical breakdown of Visit Lincolnshire statistics. The committee resolved to receive the report and ensure comments were cascaded to relevant teams.

Property Rationalisation Annual Report 2025/26

Karen Cassar, Interim Assistant Director - Corporate Property, and Mark Eyre, Head of Strategic Asset Management & Estates, presented the annual report on the Property Rationalisation Programme. The report detailed achievements in capital receipts (£3.151 million) and revenue savings (£0.401 million) for the 2025/26 financial year. Key successes included the sale of Crown House and the leasehold transfer of Holbeach Minerva House. Councillor Bowles praised the improved inclusion of local members in decisions and inquired about the process for ensuring social and community benefits were considered alongside financial savings. Councillor Baxter raised questions about the Deepings Leisure Centre and the former libraries at Bracebridge Heath and Bourne. Councillor Dyer asked about the status of the Deepings Leisure Centre if the academy proposal did not proceed and sought clarification on the Gainsborough Marshalls Yard site. Councillor Daish questioned the criteria for mothballing properties, and Councillor Bowles expressed concerns about the security and maintenance of mothballed properties, referencing Longwood House in Gainsborough. The committee resolved to receive the report and endorse the progress and future direction of the programme.

Growth Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Kiara Chatziioannou, Health Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme. Updates included the deferral of the Sleaford County Offices Demolition report, the removal of the Traveller Sites Strategy, and the addition of a new item on the Tidal Water and Wastewater Contract Transition. Councillor Dyer questioned why the Traveller Strategy had been removed, and Councillor Corry inquired if this also applied to the County Farms Strategy and Windmills Strategy. The committee agreed to receive the report and approve the existing work programme, including amendments and removals discussed.

The meeting concluded with the committee agreeing to receive the reports and endorse the recommendations and progress made. The next meeting was scheduled for 28 July 2026.