The Growth Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to review the council's performance framework for the first quarter of 2026-27, discuss progress on the capital repairs and maintenance programme, and consider the committee's work programme. Key discussions included the performance of business support services, broadband rollout, visitor economy engagement, and the management of the council's property portfolio.

Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework 2026-27 Quarter 1

The committee reviewed the performance framework for the first quarter of 2026-27, with a particular focus on economic development indicators. Samantha Harrison, Head of Economic Development, presented the findings.

• Businesses Supported: The number of businesses receiving direct support and advice through the council's commissioned services exceeded the target, with 909 businesses supported against a target of 667. This success was attributed to revised programmes under the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub, including new academy areas for start-ups and high-growth businesses, and the securing of additional funding for the Made Smarter digitalisation programme. The Inward Investment Service also reported positive engagement, and the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub held events to showcase local career pathways.
• Broadband Connectivity: The percentage of premises with access to broadband speeds greater than 100Mb/s reached 83.1%, exceeding the target of 82.4%. This progress is largely due to the Project Gigabit programme, with Quickline rolling out services across the county. However, it was noted that uptake of these services by residents and businesses is crucial for realising the full benefits.
• Visitor Economy: The Visit Lincolnshire website achieved a click-through rate of 17.2% to accommodation and leisure providers, significantly outperforming the industry benchmark of 5%. A BBC Countryfile feature on the Viking Way led to a substantial increase in website traffic. Discussions also touched upon the need for more detailed data on increased footfall, bed stays, and hospitality sales resulting from events like the Tour of Britain.

Councillor Matthew David Boles raised questions about the outcomes of the Defence and Security Cluster and requested more detailed metrics on visitor economy impact. Councillor Raymond Balfor Condell asked for clarity on the data sources for visitor economy figures and requested training on the council's Business Intelligence (BI) setup. Councillor Baxter inquired about the geographical distribution of business support and the detailed impact of business support programmes, as well as how to assess performance if broadband targets were not met.

Samantha Harrison and Steve Brooks, Broadband Programme Manager, provided responses. Mr. Brooks explained that while the council influences broadband infrastructure, commercial providers play a significant role in deployment. He assured members that the council actively managed relationships with these providers and had influence over rural premises where broadband is a greater concern.

Councillor Thomas James George Dyer raised concerns about the definition of small business tenant and the overall number of tenants within the council's portfolio. Marie Marriott, Director of Corporate Property, clarified that the definition was generally based on the size of the premises and that the figures presented were for total tenants across the portfolio.

Councillor Corry sought further detail on the support landscape and the geographical disparity in council support, noting that Lincoln received a significant share. Ms. Marriott stated that the council had requested information from district councils but had not yet received it.

Councillor Ashley John Baxter queried the meaning of WEF in the report and found the graphs difficult to interpret, requesting historical data for context. He also asked about the council's influence over broadband deployment and the significance of a 1% difference in targets. Steve Brooks explained the council's collaborative approach with Project Gigabit and BDUK, highlighting their influence on rural premises and the contractual milestones with suppliers. He also noted that both Openreach and Virgin Media were ahead of their targets in the county.

Councillor Baxter also raised concerns about the lack of churn in office spaces and the naming conventions for appendices. Michelle Owens, Head of Facilities and Workspace Management, explained that stability in occupancy was positive in the current economic climate and that churn was natural in a portfolio of short-term leases. She also acknowledged the issue with appendix naming.

Councillor Barry Robert Andrew Daish inquired about the timeline for mothballed properties to be sold or reused and whether there were properties not listed for sale. Marie Marriott explained that the timeline depended on individual properties and that some vacant properties were not yet on the market due to ongoing assessments or service delivery needs.

Councillor Doy asked about the capacity of Orchard House A and the implications of its disposal on future working arrangements. Michelle Owens confirmed that any decision regarding Orchard House A would require a key decision and would go through scrutiny. Councillor Dyer proposed that a scrutiny lock be placed on Orchard House A, requiring any disposal decision to come before members for scrutiny due to its potential long-term consequences. Councillor Corry supported this, expressing concern about decisions impacting future authorities in the context of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Councillor Baxter requested an opportunity for members to visit Orchard House A.

Capital Repairs and Maintenance 2026/27 Progress Update

Michelle Owens, Head of Facilities and Workspace Management, presented the first quarterly update on the Capital Repairs and Maintenance programme.

• Schools Programme: The £3.5 million budget for the schools programme was currently underspent due to the removal of some programmes and the reallocation of funds to the reserve list. The council covers works over £10,000 for maintained schools.
• Non-Schools Programme: The £4.6 million budget for the non-schools estate was also forecast to be underspent. This programme includes a greater allowance for reactive works due to the larger estate.
• Specific Projects: Works at the Usher Gallery, including boiler replacement and air handling unit maintenance, were progressing, with asbestos removal accelerated. Refurbishment works were also underway at the Lincoln Museum.

Councillor Corry expressed gratitude for the planned works at the Usher Gallery, highlighting its importance to the council's cultural offer. Councillor Condell sought clarification on the £10,000 threshold for school works, and Councillor Robinson asked about the long-term cost implications of deferred projects. Ms. Owens explained that deferrals were often to allow for more cost-effective inclusion in larger packages of work.

Growth Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Kiara Chatziioannou, Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme for the coming year.

• Proposed Additions: Councillor Corry suggested holding a future meeting at the Lincoln Museum to familiarise members with the cultural sector. Councillor Dyer proposed several additions, including an update on the Grantham High Street audit report, an impact assessment of the Tour of Britain investment, a summer outturn report on cultural assets in Lincoln, an agenda item on the long-term vision for the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, and an item on town centre development and investment. Councillor Baxter seconded the proposal to include Grantham High Street.
• Remit Changes: It was noted that the capital repairs and maintenance programme and the windmills strategy would likely move to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board (OSMB) following a potential change in committee remits. Councillor Baxter expressed concern that this would leave the committee with a limited agenda.

The committee received the report and agreed to incorporate the additional items identified during the discussion into the existing work programme, including a visit to the Lincoln Museum, an update on the Grantham High Street audit, an impact assessment of the Tour of Britain investment, a culture summer outturn report, and an item on town centre development and investment.