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Executive - Tuesday, 8th July, 2025 10.30 am

July 8, 2025 View on council website  Watch video of meeting or read trancript
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Summary

At a meeting of the Lincolnshire County Council Executive, councillors reviewed the council's financial performance in 2024-25, approved the re-procurement of the occupational health contract, and agreed to move forward with one of two options for local government reorganisation. The executive voted to recommend option one, the continuity option, to the council.

Financial Performance Review

The Executive reviewed the council's financial performance for 2024-25. The report described underspends of £9.851 million on council budgets, and overspends of £2.420 million on schools budgets.

Michelle Grady, provided an overview of the year-end position, explaining variances in revenue and capital budgets, the reserves position, and prudential indicators1. Councillor Philip Roberts, presented comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, which endorsed the report and its recommendations. The board had raised questions about borrowing, capital investment, the use of reserves, and the accuracy of forecasting.

Councillor Steve Clegg, asked about overspending on mental health community support. Martin Samuels, responded, explaining that demand had grown, and that the rate of increase in Lincolnshire had been faster than elsewhere. He added:

We've been looking at this quite carefully over the last few months. We've identified there is some evidence that the service which is delivered on more care is generally bad for people.

The Executive approved the recommendations on pages 11 and 12 of the Review of Financial Performance 2024-25.

Occupational Health Contract Re-procurement

The Executive approved the re-procurement of the occupational health contract, which expires on 31 March 2026. They delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Resources, in consultation with Councillor T C Catton, to make all necessary decisions, including finalising the contract and approving its terms.

Tony Kavanagh, explained that the contract was needed to comply with legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Equality Act 2010. He noted that the council spent around £271,000 on occupational health in the last financial year, and that the new contract would seek more efficient ways of offering appointments.

Councillor Philip Roberts, presented the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, which had endorsed the report and its recommendations. The board had discussed the procurement strategy, service delivery, contingency planning, and equality and fairness.

In response to questions, officers confirmed that the Eastern Shire Purchasing Organization (ESPO) framework was identified as the most cost-effective and flexible route, while still allowing for subcontracting opportunities that could support Lincolnshire-based organisations. They also addressed concerns about past delays, particularly with medical checks for fire and rescue staff, and outlined plans to improve clinical facilities and introduce virtual consultations.

Local Government Reorganisation

The Executive discussed feedback from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on local government reorganisation proposals. They agreed to move forward with one of the two options previously submitted to the government.

Clare Rowley, summarised the local government reorganisation process to date, explaining that the MHCLG had invited councils to submit proposals for a single tier of local government for the area. The letter set out criteria against which proposals would be considered, including achieving efficiencies, improving capacity, prioritising high-quality public services, and supporting devolution arrangements.

Councillor Philip Roberts, presented the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, which supported adopting option one. The board had raised questions about the clarity of the options, governance, service delivery, financial efficiency, collaboration, and public engagement.

Councillor Steve Clegg, commented on the government's 10-year health plan and the importance of aligning integrated care board boundaries with strategic authorities. He expressed concern that the proposed clustering of Lincolnshire ICB with Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire would undermine this.

Councillor R A Gibson, supported option one, emphasising the importance of not splitting up adult services, children's services, and fire and rescue.

The Executive voted to support Councillor Gibson's recommendation to move forward with option one, known as the continuity option, which would maintain the existing boundaries of Lincolnshire County Council. Councillor S Matthews, said:

Why mess with something that's excellent, is what I would say.


  1. Prudential Indicators are tools used by local authorities to ensure that their capital investment plans are affordable, prudent and sustainable. 

Attendees

Profile image for Councillor Sean Matthews
Councillor Sean Matthews  LEADER OF THE COUNCIL •  Reform UK
Profile image for CouncillorRobert Antony Gibson
CouncillorRobert Antony Gibson  DEPUTY LEADER OF THE COUNCIL •  Reform UK
Andrew Crookham
Leanne Fotherby
Michelle Grady
Andy Gutherson
Alina Hackney
Tony Kavanagh
Carl Miller
Clare Rowley
Nigel West
Rachel West
Rachel Wilson

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

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