The Growth Scrutiny Committee met to discuss property rationalisation, adult skills programmes, economic investment, infrastructure performance, and the visitor economy in Lincolnshire. The committee agreed to recommend that the executive allow call-ins on any disposals of council properties.

Property Rationalisation Programme

The committee discussed the proposed three-year Property Rationalisation Programme, which aims to increase revenue savings, generate capital receipts, and reduce underutilised property and land. The plan earmarks 76 properties for potential disposal, which could generate £16.6 million in receipts and £1.6 million in annual revenue savings.

Several councillors raised concerns about the lack of detail in the report, particularly regarding how decisions were made about which properties to dispose of, and the impact of local government reorganisation (LGR) ¹ on future property needs. Councillor Thomas Charles Catton said he was concerned that a property in his ward, Longwood House in Gainsborough, was on the disposal list despite being in absolute rack and ruin .

Councillor T J G Dyer proposed an amendment to allow for call-ins on any of the disposals, due to the limited information provided and concerns about future needs post-LGR. This was seconded by Councillor L Cawrey. Councillor Liam Mark Kelly said he had no issue with being held responsible for his decision-making, but also cautioned against adding more red tape that might hinder growth.

The committee voted to support the recommendations to the executive, with a caveat to allow for call-ins on any of the disposals. They also requested that officers provide future updates on individual projects.

Adult Skills and Family Learning Programme

The committee acknowledged the achievements and successes of the Adult Skills and Family Learning Programme for the 2024/25 academic year. The programme aims to support adults in developing skills to overcome barriers, improve qualification levels, and secure employment.

Jenny Riordan, Principal Officer for Learning and Skills, noted that the programme was meeting or exceeding most of its targets, with the majority of learners progressing into further learning. She also highlighted the success of the first Grow Your Skills event in Sleaford, and plans for future events in Skegness and Spalding.

Councillor T J G Dyer asked about ensuring the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) ² is aware of available training courses. Councillor M D Boles noted that Gainsborough Trinity Foundation is a provider within the programme, and said he was amazed at how few people know about what's going on.

Councillor C R Robinson asked how progression data is used to refine the curriculum and delivery methods, and how the programme intends to address economically inactive residents.

The committee approved the continued development of a new Employment and Skills Open Framework to replace the current Adult Skills and Family Learning Open Framework, to commission programmes from the 2026/27 academic year onwards.

Economic Investment Programme

The committee reviewed the Economic Investment Programme, which focuses on creating new spaces for businesses to grow, particularly in the defence and food manufacturing sectors, and in priority areas such as East Lindsay and West Lindsay.

Justin Brown, Assistant Director for Growth, said that the programme was designed to help businesses in Lincolnshire grow, offer jobs and investment, and fill gaps where the market was failing. He noted that a proposal for a defence sector business centre would be brought to the November or December meeting, and a plan to extend the Holbeach Food Enterprise Zone to the September meeting.

Councillor L Cawrey asked what proactive strategies are being employed to identify underutilised assets earlier in their lifecycle to maximise potential savings and benefits.

The committee endorsed the report and the Economic Investment Programme.

LCC Economic Infrastructure Commercial Portfolio - Performance Report

The committee reviewed the Lincolnshire County Council Economic Infrastructure Commercial Portfolio Performance Report, which provides an overview of the council's network of business sites and premises that support local economic growth.

Simon Wright, Regeneration and Portfolio Manager, said that the council offers tenants easy in, easy out lease terms, with a rolling break clause. He also noted that 95.5% of tenants said they would recommend the council's business premises to fellow businesses.

Councillor R B Condell asked how the council measures its return on investment for these businesses, given the rolling contract terms. Councillor L Cawrey suggested overlaying a heat map of tenant satisfaction with indices of deprivation to build a picture of why there may be some dissatisfaction or empty units.

The committee endorsed the report and requested that officers present the Economic Infrastructure Letting Strategy and Economic Infrastructure Development Land Sales Strategy for discussion in autumn 2025.

Visitor Economy: Strategy for Promoting Lincolnshire to Visitors Update

The committee reviewed the Visitor Economy: Strategy for Promoting Lincolnshire to Visitors Update, which summarises the current state of Lincolnshire's tourism sector.

Mary Powell, Place & Investment Manager, noted that the sector has faced five consecutive years of trading difficulties, and the recent closure of Destination Lincolnshire has further weakened sector coordination. She highlighted the importance of Visitlincolnshire.com in promoting the county, and the goal of keeping the click-through to booking rate high.

Councillor T J G Dyer asked about work with the National Trust, and promoting local attractions. Councillor M D Boles asked about monitoring the impact of sport on the visitor economy. Councillor C R Robinson asked about using external apps to advertise events and walks.

Councillor C R Robinson also asked whether there had been consideration into using sponsored videos of creators on TikTok or YouTube Shorts to attract potentially young people.

Councillor Mrs Marianne Jane Overton MBE asked how the key selling points of Lincolnshire are impacted by solar developments on farmland.

The committee formally noted the council's ongoing strategic role in supporting Lincolnshire's visitor economy, and encouraged all members to actively support the council's summer tourism marketing campaign.

Growth Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed the work programme and noted that the procurement reforms update and proposed commercial strategy item for the next meeting on 9 September 2025 has been revisited, and will now be a scrutiny report on procurement reforms update. The element of the commercial strategy has been pushed back a little bit.

The committee approved the existing work program as detailed in the Growth Scrutiny Committee Work Programme.