The Economy and Investment Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire County Council met on Tuesday 20 October 2026 to discuss the draft Lincolnshire County Council Economic Strategy and the potential implications of the Trent Supercluster for the county. The committee also reviewed its work programme.

Lincolnshire County Council Economic Strategy

The committee received a report on the draft Lincolnshire County Council Economic Strategy, which aims to increase business investment, grow the business base, and foster higher value jobs, increased productivity, and greater prosperity across the county. The strategy is built around three pillars: increasing business investment and new businesses; stability and resilience through excellent support services; and raising productivity and skills levels.

During the discussion, Councillor Corey highlighted the need to focus on the value added that Lincolnshire can offer, rather than simply shouting louder to attract investment. He also raised concerns about the sustainability of perpetual growth, drawing parallels with physics. Justin Brown, Service Director for Growth, Infrastructure and Environment, acknowledged these points, explaining that policy choices would be brought back to the committee for debate. He also noted that while the strategy focuses on growth, it must balance this with addressing localized regeneration issues and tackling disadvantage.

Councillor Condell sought further detail on the proposed business loan fund, which aims to fill a £30,000 gap often faced by medium-sized businesses. He also questioned how to reattract foreign investment post-COVID. Mr. Brown explained that the loan fund is in its early stages, with plans to test assumptions with business banking leaders. He also stated that attracting foreign investment requires a more focused approach on specific locations and business sectors.

Councillor Dyer raised concerns about the clarity and readability of the draft strategy, noting its low readability score and the presence of jargon and lengthy sentences. He questioned the strategy's focus and its lack of specific mention of certain districts within Lincolnshire. Councillor Baxter echoed these concerns, criticising the document's writing quality and the lack of clear audience definition. Justin Brown acknowledged the feedback and assured the committee that comments would be passed to officers for improvement. Councillor Locke, the Executive Councillor for Economy and Investment, was present but did not speak during the debate on the strategy's content.

Councillor Daish inquired about the council's influence on education and vocational training for school leavers. Mr. Brown explained that the strategy focuses on the Careers Hub and aims to shift from simply informing about available careers to focusing on pathways to acquire the necessary skills. He also committed to exploring council grants for young people to engage with businesses.

The committee considered and commented on the objectives, proposed actions, and priorities within the draft strategy, requesting that members' comments be taken into account before the strategy is finalised.

The Trent Supercluster

The committee also discussed the Trent Supercluster, a major economic development programme centred around former power station sites in the lower Trent Valley, including STEP Fusion at West Burton, a green hydrogen hub at High Marnham, and energy and digital infrastructure developments at Cottam. Vanessa Strange, Head of Infrastructure Investment, presented the findings of research commissioned by the council to understand the implications of the Supercluster for Lincolnshire.

The report highlighted that Lincolnshire is a primary delivery geography for the Supercluster due to existing commuting patterns, business supply chains, and housing markets. The potential benefits for Lincolnshire include up to 15,500 jobs, significant economic value, and substantial public and private sector investment. The council's proposed focus areas are: ensuring Lincolnshire residents benefit from employment opportunities; positioning Lincolnshire businesses to secure supply chain opportunities; and securing infrastructure investment for the county.

Councillor Corey thanked Vanessa Strange for the informative presentation and supported the idea of co-hosting a stakeholder briefing event. Councillor Dyer questioned the funding for the commissioned report, which was stated to be £30,000 from the growth budget, and whether this was an underspend or core budget allocation. Vanessa Strange clarified that it was funded from the core budget, managed within the year.

Councillor Baxter raised concerns about the council's role in intervening in the free market to help businesses win contracts. Vanessa Strange explained that the council's role is to provide signposting, networking, and gap analysis, citing an example from the past where the council facilitated the creation of a testing cell for manufacturing businesses.

Councillor Bowles, representing Gainsborough, welcomed the report and stressed the importance of joined-up partnership working and infrastructure development to support the anticipated growth. She highlighted the positive community reception to the Supercluster project, largely due to the work of STEP.

Councillor Corey reiterated the importance of economic development as a fundamental function, not a nice to do, and stressed the need for stable, transparent funding for the economic development function.

The committee noted the opportunities and risks arising from the Trent Supercluster, supported the proposed focus on employment and skills, local supply chain benefit, and infrastructure investment, and agreed to co-host a wider stakeholder briefing event.

Economy and Investment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Finally, the committee reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year. Kiara Chatziioannou, Health Scrutiny Officer, presented the updated programme, noting that it included items suggested by members and that further items from today's meeting would be incorporated.

Councillor Dyer expressed concern that some previously requested items, such as the Grantham High Street Audit Report, were not included and suggested that reasons for items not being programmed should be provided. He also called for more firm dates to be set for future agenda items. Councillor Baxter echoed the sentiment for heavier agendas to allow for more scrutiny. Kiara Chatziioannou assured members that their suggestions would be taken on board, and that efforts would be made to firm up dates and provide reasons for items not being programmed.

The committee approved the existing work programme and any amendments or additional items identified during the discussion.