The Environment Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday, 31 July 2026, to discuss a significant new reservoir project proposed by Anglian Water, alongside the reprocurement of contracts for mixed dry recycling services and household waste recycling centres. The committee will also review its work programme.

Lincolnshire Reservoir - Anglian Water Update

A key item on the agenda is an update on the proposed Lincolnshire Reservoir, a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) put forward by Anglian Water. The reservoir, planned southeast of Sleaford near Billingborough, Swaton, Scredington, and Helpringham, aims to secure future water supply for the East of England, a region facing challenges from climate change and population growth. The report details Anglian Water's consultation phases and the feedback received, highlighting community concerns about environmental impacts, traffic, and visual effects, as well as the potential for wider benefits such as recreation and environmental enhancement. The committee is invited to discuss considerations Anglian Water should take into account during the development of these proposals, focusing on ensuring the project delivers benefits beyond just water supply.

Reprocurement of the Mixed Dry Recycling Services Contract for Lincolnshire

The committee is asked to consider the reprocurement of the Mixed Dry Recycling Services Contract for Lincolnshire. This contract is crucial for the council's statutory duty to arrange for the disposal and treatment of waste collected by local authorities. The current contract expires in June 2027, and a replacement is needed to ensure service continuity. The report highlights significant changes in the waste and recycling sector, including national reforms like Simpler Recycling and Extended Producer Responsibility, which create a challenging procurement environment. The recommendation is to procure a new contract for an initial four-year period, with options to extend, using the Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023. This approach aims to balance service stability with flexibility and encourage market participation.

Household Waste Recycling Centres Management Contract Procurement

Another significant item concerns the reprocurement of the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) Management Contract. Lincolnshire County Council has a statutory duty to provide these facilities, and the current network meets policy requirements for accessibility. The proposed procurement aims to largely replicate the current service while introducing enhancements, particularly a greater emphasis on reuse through initiatives like expanding Re-Use Shops. The contract will be structured into individual site lots to encourage competition and allow small and medium-sized enterprises to bid. A shorter-term contract of two years, with two optional one-year extensions, is recommended to maintain flexibility in light of potential impacts from Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The preferred procurement route is the open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023.

Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Finally, the committee will review its work programme for the coming year. This agenda item provides an opportunity for members to comment on the existing programme and suggest any additional scrutiny activities that could be included, ensuring the committee's focus remains on areas where it can provide the greatest benefit. This includes reviewing planned updates on the Lincolnshire Reservoir, the reprocurement of recycling contracts, and other environmental matters.