The Growth Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to discuss budget proposals for 2026/2027, review car park management at the Queen Elizabeth II Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park, and consider its work programme. The committee also received an update on the scrutiny of property matters.

Budget Proposals 2026/2027

The committee reviewed the budget proposals for 2026/2027, which aim to balance the council's budget over the next four years. Pam Clipson, Head of Financial Services, presented a report outlining the implications for the council's Growth, Property, and Commercial Services. The overall revenue budget for Growth Services is projected to be approximately £3.5 million, with income derived from government grants and rental income from the economic portfolio. However, reductions in service delivery lines have been made to meet budget requirements, potentially limiting the council's ability to respond to new opportunities. The report highlighted that inflationary costs could impact income from the economic infrastructure portfolio, and there is a risk of equipment failure. Grant funding for business support services remains fragile, with priorities shifting to other organisations.

For Corporate Property, the proposed budget includes £1.5 million in cost pressures, such as increased facilities management capacity and addressing backlog maintenance. Savings of £1.8 million are planned through rationalising the property estate and a reduction in energy costs due to global energy price stabilisation. Procurement and Contract Management Services reported no changes.

The committee was informed that a new capital strategy will be presented to the Executive in February 2026. For Growth Services, there is an increase of £1.1 million to the repairs and maintenance programme. However, the Economic Investment Fund budget (£20.0 million) and Grantham High Street Highway Improvement (£2.0 million) are proposed for withdrawal to pursue a different model for economic infrastructure facilitation, involving shared investment with the commercial sector.

The committee resolved to support the recommendations to the Executive and share its comments for consideration.

Queen Elizabeth II Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park - Car Park Review

Chris Miller, Head of Environment, presented a review of the car parking charges and management at the six coastal access sites within the Queen Elizabeth II Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park (QEII LCCP). The current charges, implemented in 2022, apply between 10 am and 5 pm daily from Good Friday to the end of October, with fees ranging from £1.00 for up to an hour to £4.00 for over two hours. The report noted that the scheme has largely worked successfully, with income from parking fees contributing to improvements and maintenance in the QEII LCCP area.

For the upcoming season, it is proposed to increase the fees modestly to £1.50 for up to an hour, £3.00 for up to three hours, and £5.00 for over three hours, which is considered to be in line with other coastal car parks. The report also considered the possibility of winter charging, noting that insufficient data is currently available to determine the economic impact, and consultation with local parish councils would be recommended before implementation. The report also discussed the challenges and concerns surrounding motorhome usage at the remote sites, including anti-social behaviour and the cost of providing adequate facilities. The council is also considering the use of the emerging National Parking Platform to enhance the payment experience for visitors.

The committee was asked to review and comment on the report, with their comments to be shared with the Chief Officer.

Scrutiny of Property Matters

Councillor T J G Dyer submitted a report for the committee's review and comment on the scrutiny of property matters. The report was submitted in accordance with Rule 7a of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules. The details of this report were not publicly available as it was marked To Follow and potentially contained exempt information.

Growth Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Kiara Chatziioannou, Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme for the coming year, aiming to ensure that scrutiny activity is focused where it can deliver the greatest impact. The programme includes regular monitoring of the Capital Repairs and Maintenance Programme, updates on the Windmills Strategy, and a Lincoln Castle maintenance programme pre-decision paper. A condition report for key cultural assets, including Lincoln Castle, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, and the Lincoln Museum, was also suggested.

A member requested that any proposed changes to tenant lease arrangements, rents, or energy re-charging in Lincolnshire County Council's managed workspaces be brought to the committee for scrutiny as a specific agenda item, ahead of or alongside any budget setting process. The Scrutiny Officer noted this request and would liaise with officers to incorporate it into the programme where feasible.

The committee resolved to receive the report and approve the existing work programme, along with the identified additional topics.