The Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel met on Friday 19 September 2025 to discuss the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan, the ongoing funding challenges faced by Lincolnshire Police, and proposals for improving the Panel's scrutiny functions. Key decisions included the approval of a new independent co-opted member for the Panel and the establishment of two new sub-committees: a Complaints Sub-Committee and a combined Budget Scrutiny and Police and Crime Plan Scrutiny Group.

Funding Challenges for Lincolnshire Police

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the precarious financial situation of Lincolnshire Police. Commissioner Marc Jones provided an update on the ongoing dialogue with the government regarding the force's funding formula, which he described as inadequate for a large, rural county like Lincolnshire. He highlighted that the uncertainty surrounding funding was leading to increased vacancy rates among police staff and officers, making it harder to maintain service levels. The Commissioner expressed frustration over a recent ministerial reshuffle, which had disrupted constructive conversations with government officials.

Councillor Philip Dilks questioned the likelihood of a review of the funding formula, noting that political parties had previously promised reform but failed to deliver. He suggested that the only way to avoid winners and losers in any formula change would be for the government to increase overall funding, which he deemed unlikely in the current economic climate. The discussion also touched upon the potential for restructuring forces, with the Commissioner stating that this would not solve the underlying funding issue.

The impact of county lines and organised crime was also raised, with concerns that underfunding Lincolnshire Police meant the county was becoming an importer of crime from areas with more resources. The length of the county's road network and seasonal population increases in areas like Skegness were cited as factors not adequately reflected in the current funding formula.

The Panel discussed the possibility of emergency funding and the timeline for any potential financial relief. The Commissioner explained that while recruitment could be accelerated once funding was secured, there would still be a period of decline in operational deployable officers before numbers could be rebuilt. He stressed the need for certainty from the government to allow for long-term planning and to retain experienced staff.

Delivery of the Police and Crime Plan

The Panel received an update on the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan 2025-2029. The Commissioner highlighted various initiatives under the plan's key principles: Community Safety and Prevention in Partnership, Listening, responding and being accountable, Protecting and supporting victims and the vulnerable, and Policing that Works.

Under Community Safety and Prevention in Partnership, updates were provided on hotspot patrolling activities, the role of Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs), and the Prisoners Building Homes (PBH) programme, which aims to upskill prisoners and link them to employment opportunities. Funding from the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) was supporting initiatives like Being Dad courses in Lincoln Prison and the Mini Magnas diversionary programme for young people in Mablethorpe. The Serious Violence Duty grant was funding educational workshops in schools across Lincolnshire on issues such as sexual harassment and exploitation.

In terms of Listening, responding and being accountable, the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Sara Munton, had engaged with various groups, including youth groups, victims of domestic abuse, and parish councils. The Lincolnshire Show provided an opportunity to distribute fraud prevention packs and discuss crime and community safety with residents. Recruitment was underway for Safer Communities Leaders, young people aged 14-21, to lead a peer-to-peer engagement campaign on policing and community safety. Performance Review Meetings (PRMs) between the Commissioner and the Chief Constable were ongoing to hold the force accountable.

Under Protecting and supporting victims and the vulnerable, the Commissioner's Victims Strategy had been reviewed, and the annual Victim and Survivor Services Impact Report had been published. Research into the experiences of victims of sexual violence was being shared with partners, and an action plan would be developed. Victim Support had been announced as the successful applicant for the nationally commissioned Witness Service, which would enhance referral pathways. An Honour Based Abuse working group had been formed, and a campaign to raise awareness was underway. Funding had also been secured for the Drive domestic abuse perpetrator programme.

Regarding Policing that Works, the Commissioner reiterated the ongoing dialogue with the government about funding. An independent review by CIPFA concluded that Lincolnshire's current funding settlement was insufficient for a sustainable policing model. The force was continuing to work with HMICFRS on its improvement plan. Successes were noted in answering 999 calls quickly and reducing burglary. However, improvements were needed in how investigations were managed, understanding demand, managing risks posed by registered sex offenders, and efficiently deploying officers and staff.

Complaints Position Statement

The Panel received an update on complaints made against the Police and Crime Commissioner. Malcolm Burch, Chief Executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, reported that one complaint had been received between 17 May and 31 August 2025. The two complaints from the previous reporting period were being handled through the Informal Resolution Procedure.

Recruitment to the Police and Crime Panel

The Panel was advised on the outcomes of the recruitment process for additional Co-opted Independent Members. A recruitment exercise had identified a recommended candidate, whose details were circulated under exempt cover. The Panel was asked to approve the appointment, subject to ratification by the Secretary of State, and to include the new member in a future skills audit.

National Association of Police, Fire and Crime Panels

Councillor Chris Burke provided an update on the work of the National Association of Police, Fire and Crime Panels. He noted that other panels were interested in Lincolnshire's approach to scrutiny and the challenges faced by the force regarding funding.

Work Programme and Scrutiny Framework

The Panel reviewed its work programme and considered proposals for an outline scrutiny framework. It was agreed that the Complaints Sub-Committee would meet in October. Following discussion, the Panel decided to establish two sub-committees: a Complaints Sub-Committee and a combined Budget Scrutiny and Police and Crime Plan Scrutiny Group. Councillor David Williams offered to lead the establishment of these groups. The Panel also noted the importance of public trust and confidence, with discussions on how this could be integrated into the work of the sub-committees and the annual report.

The next meeting of the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel was scheduled for 12 December 2025.