The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board was scheduled to discuss the Council's budget for the upcoming financial year, 2026/27, including proposals for service revenue and capital budgets. The Board was also set to review the draft Council Plan, which outlines the Council's priorities for the next five years, and receive an update on the transition of IT services. Additionally, the Board was to be informed of the work programmes of various scrutiny committees and its own work programme for the year ahead.

Council Budget 2026/27

The Board was scheduled to consider the Council's budget proposals for 2026/27, as detailed in the report by Adam Hopley, Strategic Finance Lead – Corporate. The report indicated that the Council's net budget requirement was projected to increase due to rising costs and unit price increases, influenced by government announcements in the Autumn Budget. However, the Council was also anticipating increased funding through higher planned council tax receipts and fair funding gains, which are expected to be phased in over three years. The fair funding review suggested that Lincolnshire was historically underfunded and would receive a greater share of national funding. The budget proposals were predicated on maximising council tax increases, with a 4.99% increase assumed, including a 2% adult social care precept. The report also outlined proposed adjustments to the capital programme due to cost pressures and new initiatives, requiring reprioritisation to remain within borrowing limits. The Board's views were to be reported to the Executive as part of its consideration of the final budget proposals.

Service Revenue and Capital Budget Proposals 2026/27

This report, also by Adam Hopley, focused on the budget proposals for 2026/27 specifically relating to Resources and Corporate Services. It highlighted that the Council's cost base had increased from previous planned levels due to demand pressures and unit price increases, alongside government announcements. However, increased funding from higher council tax and fair funding gains was expected to offset these pressures. The report detailed proposed adjustments to the capital programme, including cost pressures on existing schemes and new investments. The Board was invited to comment on these proposals before they were considered by the Executive.

Council Plan

Matthew Garrard, Head of Policy, presented the draft Council Plan, titled Family, Community, County, which sets out the Council's priorities for the next five years. The plan was developed through discussions with the Executive, Corporate Leadership Team, and Directorate Leadership Teams, informed by the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and other statistical evidence. The draft plan had been shared with Members and stakeholders for feedback. The Board's views were to be reported to the Executive, which would then finalise its proposals for submission to the full Council. The plan's overarching commitments included supporting and empowering residents, protecting the county's landscapes, connecting the county, growing its economy, and keeping communities safe.

Update on IT Services Transition

Tom Baker, Chief Information Officer, provided an update on the transition of IT services from Serco to Version 1. The report confirmed that the IT services had been successfully transitioned on 19 November 2025, as per the agreed plan, with no significant issues encountered. Implementation costs were in line with the approved funding. Key activities included the transfer of core IT services, staff TUPE transfers, deployment of a new online service catalogue, and the implementation of a Digital Experience Management tool. An Early Life Support period followed the transition to address any issues and identify service enhancements. The report also highlighted the official opening of the Digital Hub on 14 January 2026, which aims to provide faster IT support, smarter equipment management, and a space for staff to learn about digital technology.

Scrutiny Committee Work Programmes

The Board was presented with reports detailing the planned work programmes for each of the scrutiny committees: Adult Care and Public Health, Children's and Culture, Community Safety, Environment, Growth, Health Scrutiny for Lincolnshire, and Highways and Transport. The Board was asked to note these programmes and ensure they were content with the planned activities.

Overview and Scrutiny Management Board Work Programme

The Board was also scheduled to review its own work programme for the coming year. This report aimed to provide an overview of the Board's planned initiatives and tasks. The Executive Forward Plan of key decisions was also provided for background information to ensure all significant decisions were subject to relevant scrutiny.