The Growth Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to discuss budget proposals for 2026/2027, review car park charges at the Queen Elizabeth II Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park, and consider the committee's work programme. The committee also reviewed minutes from previous meetings and received updates on various council initiatives.

Budget Proposals 2026/2027

The committee considered the budget proposals for 2026/2027, which included implications for the Council's Growth, Property, and Commercial Services. Pam Clipson, Head of Financial Services, presented a report indicating that the council projected a balanced budget across all years of the 2026-2030 medium-term financial plan. The proposals included adjustments to the cost base and spending power following the provisional local government finance settlement.

For Growth Services, the net revenue budget was projected at approximately £3.5 million. This budget is supported by government grant funding for business advice and training, as well as rental income from the economic portfolio. However, the report highlighted that tightening budgets might reduce the capacity to respond to new opportunities. Inflationary costs could also impact income from the economic infrastructure portfolio, with a risk of equipment failure leading to reputational and income loss. The fragility of grant funding, particularly for business support services, was also noted, with some grants being routed through central government departments or the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, posing a risk to Lincolnshire County Council's ability to attract them. A cost reduction of £0.343 million was anticipated in 2026/2027 following a review of roles and responsibilities across the portfolio after the establishment of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority.

The Corporate Property service proposed a budget incorporating £1.5 million in cost pressures, including £0.8 million for increased facilities management capacity to address backlog maintenance, conduct building condition surveys, manage vacant properties, and improve building standards. Inflationary pressures on the facilities management contract and business rates were estimated at £0.4 million, with an additional £0.3 million for holding costs of surplus assets and renegotiated library leases. Savings of £1.8 million were planned, including £0.5 million from rationalising the property estate and £1 million from global energy price stabilisation.

Procurement and Contract Management Services reported no changes. The committee was asked to consider these proposals and provide comments to the Executive for its meeting on 3 February 2026.

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 report detailed the implementation of an off-street parking order in September 2021 to address issues of poor and inappropriate parking, congestion, and wild camping.

The current charges, in effect from Good Friday to the end of October between 10 am and 5 pm, are £1.00 for up to 1 hour, £2.00 for up to 2 hours, and £4.00 for over 2 hours. The report noted that initial payment methods, primarily pay-by-phone, had received negative feedback due to app issues. This led to the installation of two cashless payment machines at Huttoft Car Terrace and Anderby Creek, which have operated successfully. A seasonal pass was also introduced for frequent users.

The report indicated that the scheme had generally worked successfully, with fees remaining consistent and a drop in income from Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) due to better compliance. Surplus funds generated have been allocated to improvements and maintenance within the QEII LCCP area.

For the upcoming season, a modest increase in fees was proposed: £1.50 for up to 1 hour, £3.00 for up to 3 hours, and £5.00 for over 3 hours. This increase aims to absorb inflationary costs and maintain consistency with other local car parks. The report estimated this could generate approximately £19,500 in additional revenue per annum, though this is subject to visitor numbers, weather, and potential vandalism.

The possibility of winter charging was also considered, with analysis suggesting that reduced rates, similar to those in other East Lindsey District Council car parks, could be implemented. However, insufficient data was available to determine income levels at the more remote QEII LCCP car parks, and consultation with local parish councils was recommended before implementing such charges.

The report also discussed motorhome usage, noting previous concerns about anti-social behaviour and the unsustainable burden on the Environment Service for site cleansing. A previous working group had reviewed options for motorhome accommodation. The report highlighted concerns about policing remote sites, the need for facilities at Huttoft, and the costs involved. Local communities have traditionally been averse to such schemes, believing they do not benefit the local economy due to the self-contained nature of motorhomes and the availability of private sites nearby.

The council is also considering the use of the emerging National Parking Platform, which would allow users to pay via various phone-based apps, enhancing user experience and payment accuracy. The committee was asked to review and comment on these potential revisions.

Growth Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Kiara Chatziioannou, Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme for the coming year. The aim was to ensure that scrutiny activity remained focused on areas where it could deliver the most impact for the council and its partners. The programme would be reviewed at each meeting to maintain relevance.

The report outlined scheduled items for the year, including budget scrutiny, reviews of the Queen Elizabeth II Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park car park charges, scrutiny of property matters, and proposed charging and contract changes in the economic infrastructure property portfolio. Future items included performance reporting, updates on the Lincolnshire Forum for Agriculture and Horticulture, manufacturing sector support, the Sleaford County Offices Demolition, and a visitor economy update.

During the discussion, 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 Growth Scrutiny Committee as a specific agenda item, ahead of or alongside any budget-setting process. This was considered appropriate for scrutiny as policy matters. The Scrutiny Officer noted this request and would liaise with officers to incorporate it into the programme where feasible. The committee received the report and noted the existing work programme.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The committee reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting held on 27 January 2026. Members raised several points regarding accuracy and clarity, including a wording error that altered the context of a recorded discussion and a request for clarification on the procedural rule relating to the removal of a Councillor from the Chamber. Officers stated that the Constitution would be reviewed to insert the relevant procedural reference. Concerns were also raised about amended minutes not being circulated in advance, though officers confirmed they were circulated with the agenda papers within the required timescales. Despite some members expressing concern that the minutes could not be approved in their current form due to outstanding issues, a recorded vote was held, and the motion to approve the minutes was carried.

The minutes from the meeting held on 24 March 2026 were also reviewed. A member raised a concern about wording stating meeting rooms were available to any group for a reasonable fee, seeking clarification. Officers stated that the word charitable would be inserted to accurately reflect the context of the discussion. The minutes were then approved with this amendment.

Announcements by the Chairman, Executive Councillors and Lead Officers

Councillor Sam French, Chairman of the committee, had no announcements. Councillor L Kelly, Executive Councillor – Growth, provided an update on final preparations for UKREiiF, the promotion of Greater Lincolnshire's investment offer, planned sector-focused sessions, and engagement with the Defence and Security Cluster. A member raised a point of order regarding the council's investment prospectus and whether multiple prospectuses were being promoted. The Executive Councillor – Growth confirmed the existence of an investment prospectus and collaboration with strategic stakeholders. A query was also raised about when the council's prospectus and any Mayoral Authority prospectus would be shared with the committee, with officers stating it would be loaded onto the Invest Lincolnshire website the following Thursday.

Visitor Economy Update

Mary Powell, Place and Investment Manager, presented an update on the visitor economy, highlighting the development of a new cross-council visitor economy strategy focused on three pillars: product development, marketing, and business support. Examples included the England Coast Path for content development and business toolkits. Members discussed the impact of recent events in Lincoln, the real-terms deficit in the visitor economy, and the importance of tracking website analytics and click-through activity. Concerns were raised about the timing of the report, as the most up-to-date STEAM data was not yet available. Officers agreed to provide a further update with the latest statistics when available. The report was received, and members' comments were to be reflected in the drafting of the Visitor Economy Strategy, with a draft to be brought back to the committee for further review.

Youth Unemployment in Lincolnshire

Alex Nightingale, Skills Delivery Manager, presented a report on youth unemployment in Lincolnshire, highlighting it as a cross-cutting priority. The report noted that youth unemployment in Lincolnshire was higher than the national average, influenced by rural geography, transport limitations, and the local economy's structure. Members requested more detailed statistics, comparisons to national averages, and breakdowns within the county, including claimant numbers by district. The report sought a steer to shape an action plan to improve coordination, including employer engagement, addressing transport barriers, and utilising social value and procurement. Officers agreed to provide additional data and explore models to reduce bureaucracy for SMEs. The report was received, and the actions required were supported.

Overview of Investment Zones, Enterprise Zones, Business Rates Retention Schemes and How These Designations May Support Economic Growth in Lincolnshire

Simon Wright, Regeneration and Portfolio Manager, presented a report on the potential benefits of designating zones in Lincolnshire to support economic growth. He explained that the County Council could not unilaterally designate zones, as this was a central government function. Subject to the committee's agreement in principle, officers would undertake further work to determine the most suitable location and bring back a full recommendation. Members requested broader consideration of sites across the county and queried the absence of an allocated budget, with officers stating that specialist advice would be sought if required and a case made for budget allocation. The relative benefits of different designation options would be explored in the next phase of work. The report was received, and the actions required were supported.

Scrutiny Committee Performance Indicator Review

Tony Kavanagh, Assistant Director – Human Resources and Organisational Support, presented a report responding to a request regarding the scrutiny and management of performance indicators. The new approach would allow scrutiny committees to review and suggest alternatives before Portfolio Holders made final decisions. KPIs would be presented as a standalone report in addition to the quarter four report in June 2026. Members welcomed the change and sought assurance that the process would commence earlier in future years, requesting early circulation of draft KPIs and mock-ups of their presentation. The report was noted, and the new approach was acknowledged.

Councillor Request: LCC Windmill Strategy (General Provision)

Councillor T J G Dyer requested a briefing and written update on the emerging windmill strategy. Officers stated that work was ongoing, including stakeholder engagement, community interest activity, and engagement with third-party funders. An additional two to three months had been allowed for further work. Once complete, outcomes would be reported to Executive Councillors. The historical lack of a clear strategy and the rationale behind historic lease arrangements were discussed. The Executive Councillor for Growth assured members that engagement was being undertaken directly with windmill-linked groups. The committee noted the report and acknowledged the planned approach.

Growth Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Kiara Chatziioannou, Health Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme, summarising forthcoming business, including updates arising from previous requests and items to be programmed. A member inquired about the coverage of work experience and industry placements linked to major infrastructure projects, which officers confirmed had been discussed earlier in the meeting in relation to youth employment. The committee received the report and noted the existing work programme.