The Community Safety Scrutiny Committee reviewed the annual report of HM Senior Coroner for Greater Lincolnshire, noting a reduction in referrals but an increase in case complexity. The committee also received Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue's Statement of Assurance for 2025/26, which indicated that its financial, governance, and operational matters were fit for purpose. Finally, an update on Trading Standards' food standards activity for 2025-26 was presented, highlighting challenges in meeting intervention frequencies due to resource constraints.

HM Senior Coroner Annual Report

The committee received the annual report from HM Senior Coroner for Greater Lincolnshire, Paul Smith, covering the calendar year to 31 December 2025. Mr. Smith highlighted that while the number of referrals to the coroner's service had decreased by 26% following death certification reforms, the complexity of cases had increased. Despite this, the service concluded an unprecedented 932 inquests in 2025, reducing the backlog of open cases to below 500. The report noted that road traffic collision conclusions remained high, with 51 cases recorded in 2025, the highest in England and Wales. Looking ahead, the introduction of Hillsborough Law in early 2027 is expected to significantly increase the complexity and length of inquests due to the extension of non-means-tested legal aid for families. The committee reviewed the progress and performance of the coroner's service up to 31 December 2025 and agreed to receive a further report in 12 months.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Statement of Assurance 2025/26

The committee reviewed Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue's Statement of Assurance for 2025/26. The report indicated that the authority was satisfied that its systems and measures for financial, governance, and operational matters were fit for purpose and effective. It was confirmed that business was conducted in accordance with the law and proper standards, with public money used economically, efficiently, and effectively. The report detailed a revenue expenditure budget of £29.4 million, which was fully utilised, with variances noted in organisational support, professional development, and response costs. The committee noted the contents of the report.

Food Standards Activity 2025-26

The committee reviewed the annual overview of Trading Standards' food standards enforcement activity for 2025-26. The report highlighted a growing food sector with 7,636 registered food businesses, an increase of over 600 during the year. Despite this growth, the service undertook 312 interventions, including inspections and sampling, and responded to 123 food-related complaints, with labelling and allergens being the most common concerns. The implementation of the Food Standards Delivery Model (FSDM) has increased the demand for high-frequency interventions, particularly for non-compliant businesses. However, the service currently operates with approximately 2.8 full-time equivalent competent officers, significantly below the estimated requirement of 7 FTE to meet Code intervention frequencies. The report candidly acknowledged ongoing risks related to non-compliance with intervention frequencies, capacity constraints impacting proactive activity, and continued consumer risk from allergen non-compliance. The committee noted the report and the ongoing efforts to address these challenges.

Community Safety Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee considered its work programme for the coming year. The next meeting, scheduled for 8 September 2026, was set to include a performance report for Quarter 1 of 2026-27, Trading Standards' metrology activity for 2025-2026, and an update from the Stay Safe Partnership. The committee agreed to the proposed work programme, with adjustments made following a request to defer the Waddington Training Centre Business Case and a request for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue to provide comment on its future in relation to Local Government Reorganisation.

Lincolnshire County Council Section 17 Crime and Disorder Delivery Plan

The committee received an overview of Lincolnshire County Council's Section 17 Crime and Disorder Strategy 2025–2028 and its accompanying Delivery Plan. The strategy outlines how the Council will fulfil its statutory responsibilities by embedding crime prevention and community safety across all its functions. The Delivery Plan details 21 organisational actions across all directorates, focusing on areas such as workforce development, commissioning, fraud prevention, and partnership working. The committee noted the plan and its governance arrangements, acknowledging that implementation would be undertaken within existing resources and budgets. The proposed oversight arrangements, including quarterly Working Group meetings and annual reporting, were noted.