The Council met to discuss a range of important issues, including the review of the constitution, financial performance, and executive portfolios. Key decisions were made regarding the allocation of executive portfolios and consequential amendments to scrutiny committee remits, as well as the permanent designation of the Chief Finance Officer.

Executive Portfolios and Delegations

The Council approved changes to executive portfolios and consequential amendments to scrutiny committee remits. These changes included moving functions relating to culture from the Children and Culture Scrutiny Committee to the Growth Scrutiny Committee, renaming the committee to Children and Families Scrutiny Committee. Functions relating to Procurement and Contract Management, and Property, were moved from the Growth Scrutiny Committee to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board. The Growth Scrutiny Committee was renamed the Economy and Investment Scrutiny Committee. These adjustments were made to improve the alignment of scrutiny functions with enabling services and economic investment.

Statements and Announcements by the Leader and Members of the Executive

Councillor Danny Brookes, Executive Councillor for Environment, provided an update on waste management, highlighting the success of weekly food waste collections and the introduction of a countywide booking system for Household Waste Recycling Centres, which is due to go live in November. He also reported on the positive outcomes of Environment Day 2026, which engaged primary school pupils in environmental education.

Councillor Rob Gibson, Deputy Leader of the Council, announced that the government had paused its plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Lincolnshire. He reassured residents that there would be no immediate changes to council services. He also reported on the continued success of the Let's talk Lincolnshire platform for resident engagement and the Councillor Community Grant Fund, which has supported over 40 projects.

Councillor Sean Matthews, Leader of the Council, presented a statement on the Growth portfolio, detailing support for local businesses through initiatives like Made Smarter East Midlands and the Growth Hub. He highlighted the positive impact of the visitor economy, citing increased page views for Visit Lincolnshire and the economic boost from the Tour of Britain. He also noted that 40% of the council's suppliers are registered in Lincolnshire, with SMEs playing a central role in the supply chain.

Councillor Tom Catton, Executive Councillor for Resources, reported on the Council's financial performance for 2025/26, noting an overall underspend of £0.499m. He also presented proposals for the treatment of remaining balances and sought approval to include costs associated with future Local Government Reorganisation within the Financial Volatility Reserve.

Councillor Steve Clegg, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health, discussed improvements in Adult Social Care, referencing a peer review of safeguarding functions and the Care Quality Commission's report on adult care services. He also detailed the transfer of mental health social care staff from the NHS and ongoing winter planning.

Councillor David East, Executive Councillor for Highways and Transport, provided an update on the maintenance and improvement of the county's roads, including progress on major infrastructure projects like the North Hykeham and Grantham Southern Relief Roads. He also highlighted work on walking and cycling plans and improvements to public transport services.

Councillor Alex McGonigle, Executive Councillor for Community Safety, reported on the work of Trading Standards, including court orders for criminal prosecutions and seizures of illicit goods. He also provided an update on support for Ukrainian residents in Lincolnshire and the ongoing work of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, noting improvements in their latest HMICFRS inspection report.

Councillor Natalie Oliver, Executive Councillor for Children's Services and Culture, spoke about the opening of new Best Start Family Hubs in Lincoln and the continued support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). She also highlighted strong outcomes in school admissions and attendance, and the development of a new Youth Strategy. In relation to culture, she reported on a successful summer for the county's attractions, including the Live at Lincoln Castle concert series and acquisitions for Lincolnshire Archives.

Questions to the Chairman, Leader, Executive Councillors, Chairmen of Committees and Sub-Committees

Councillor James Bean raised a concern about the tragic death of a young person in North Hykeham involving an illegal e-scooter. He asked the Executive Council for Child Services to write to all headteachers in the county, reminding them that these e-scooters are illegal and should be banned from school property. Councillor Natalie Oliver, Executive Councillor for Children's Services, agreed to write to headteachers and confirmed that the issue would also be raised at headteachers' briefings. She emphasised the need for collaboration with Lincolnshire Police and the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, and called for greater government action on the sale of illegal e-scooters.

Councillor Thomas James Dyer asked the Chairman of the Audit Committee to confirm the opportunities provided for all 70 members of the Council to contribute to the development of proposed constitutional amendments before they were presented for approval to the Audit Committee.

Review of the Constitution

The Council considered and approved several amendments to the Council's Constitution. These included changes to Council Procedure Rules regarding the submission and consideration of motions and amendments, the provision for electronic voting, and member speaking rights. Amendments were also made to the Policy Framework to remove reference to the Local Transport Plan, reflecting its transfer to the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA). Consequential amendments were approved to reflect the ending of the transition period for concurrent functions with the GLCCA and the entering into of a joint agreement for residual transport functions. Further amendments were made to align with the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and associated regulations, and changes were approved for the Health and Wellbeing Board membership following a review.

Permanent Designation of Chief Finance Officer (Section 151)

The Council approved the permanent designation of Michelle Grady, Assistant Director – Finance, as the Council's Chief Finance Officer (Section 151). This followed her interim appointment and the subsequent permanent recruitment to the Executive Director – Resources post.

Review of Financial Performance 2025/26

The Council reviewed the financial performance for the 2025/26 financial year. It noted the performance against Prudential Indicators and approved proposals for the treatment of the remaining balance of £5.833m after carry forwards and transfers to reserves. The Council also approved the inclusion of funding for Local Government Reorganisation costs within the purpose of the Financial Volatility Reserve. The report indicated that general reserves remained adequate at £24.2m.