The Environment Scrutiny Committee met on Friday 13 February 2026 to discuss the Humber 2100+ flood risk management strategy, a new Environment Policy, and performance reporting for waste and flooding services. The committee acknowledged the progress on the Humber 2100+ programme and recommended continued support for the initiative. They also supported the proposed new Environment Policy, with a summary of their comments to be passed to the Executive. Performance in waste management was noted as below target for recycling rates, though household waste collected per household was below target, which was viewed positively. Flood investigation reports were all completed within the six-month target.

Humber 2100+ Programme

The committee received an update on the Humber 2100+ programme, a tidal flood risk management strategy for the Humber estuary and surrounding areas. Matt Harrison, Flood Risk and Water Manager, introduced the report, and Sue Manson, Project Director for the Environment Agency, provided a detailed presentation. Councillor T Ashton of East Lindsey District Council emphasised the importance of projecting economic growth and ensuring commonality across projects for public assurance. Members noted the necessity of involving different jurisdictions and expressed the view that the County Council should invest in flood defences. Concerns were raised about the source of funding and the potential deprioritisation of the Lincolnshire County Council area compared to the former South Humberside area. The Environment Agency representative acknowledged the need for joint presentations and indicated that information would be available within the next 12 months, also expressing support for private sector assistance as a funding stream. The potential for tidal energy as a benefit was explored, with officers noting that while pilots had been conducted, challenges arose due to incompatibility with local port industries. Members sought a balance between community, environmental, and economic interests, with a consultation planned but no date set.

The committee resolved to acknowledge the work undertaken across the Humber 2100+ programme and recommended that the Executive Councillor for Environment continues to support the programme.

Environment Policy

Consideration was given to a report on the adoption of the County Council's new Environment Policy. Danny Brookes, the Executive Councillor for Environment, highlighted the removal of the obligatory 2050 carbon neutrality target and the prioritisation of agriculture and food security in Lincolnshire. Chris Miller, Head of Environment, stated that the principles of the previous environmental policy would largely remain, with modifications to align with new environmental legislation. Individual action plans outlining strategies were noted to be developed over the next three months.

During the discussion, members expressed concern about the abandonment of net zero targets and the increase in housebuilding, viewing the former as largely irrelevant to local affairs and the latter as posing risks. Questions were raised about which projects were being scrapped under the new policy. The Executive Councillor clarified that the administration still intended to work towards net zero goals but without an obligatory target to avoid financial burdens on taxpayers. Officers confirmed that no projects had been scrapped and that growth was inevitable but would be managed with cautious planning to protect biodiversity. Members expressed disappointment with the new policy's lack of targets and vaguely defined policies, citing conflicts with prior statements. Queries were made about the stance on solar panels on County Council properties and the adoption of battery storage. The Executive Councillor stated that the lack of targets did not signify a lack of activity and praised the prior programme for cost savings. Officers noted that commuting was factored into carbon reduction plans and hybrid working would continue. They also mentioned identifying the least energy-efficient buildings and using income from the Salix scheme for improvements. Battery storage was noted to be restricted only on farmland, with no opposition in principle. Concerns were raised about the scrapping of the Green Masterplan and a lack of transparency due to the absence of targets. Members desired the new policy to be discussed at the next Council meeting. Officers stated that targets would be included in individual action plans and that the Monitoring Officer could be contacted regarding scrutiny by the full Council. Clarification was sought on the administration's commitment to abolishing hybrid work practices, with the Executive Councillor confirming no intention to abandon the current policy. Members thanked officers for the report and expressed satisfaction with the clear display of cost savings and efficiencies.

The committee resolved to support the recommendation to the Executive and to pass a summary of their comments to the Executive for consideration. Councillor Baxter requested that his vote against be recorded.

Service Level Performance Reporting Against the Performance Framework 2025-26 as at Quarter 3

The committee reviewed two reports detailing the 2025-26 Quarter 3 performance for Flooding and Waste.

Waste Performance: Chris Yorston, Head of Waste, presented the performance data. Members disagreed with government targets, considering them unrealistic and arguing that waste-to-energy constitutes recycling. Clarity was sought on new requirements for plastic wrapping. Officers noted that soft plastic and food wrapping were now a focus, and the service was investigating the expansion of technology for mixed waste. Queries were raised about unmet KPI targets for certain waste types, with officers explaining that waste volume fluctuates seasonally and that a lack of moisture in summer reduced residual waste. While members complimented recycling performance, they expressed frustration with poor service at recycling plants and criticised the proliferation of waste disposal bins. Officers stated that the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership was implementing a strategic communication campaign. Concerns were raised about delays in the food waste collection rollout in three districts due to a lack of vehicles, and officers could not comment on vehicle prices. Criticism was directed at the government's handling of the vehicular rollout, with officers confirming the remaining districts would participate between October and November 2026. Further clarification was sought on incentives and interventions for performance improvement, with officers reiterating that recycling performance decreases in winter and that the service was exploring more extensive reuse policies.

Flooding Performance: Chris Miller, Head of Environment, reported that 100% of Section 19 reports had been met. Members queried any issues causing delays in implementing Section 19 report recommendations, with officers stating there were no particular issues and that some recommendations involved public engagement. Targets and measures for ensuring actions were undertaken were questioned, with officers noting that Quarter 4 reports would be available for comment. Members praised officers for building better relationships with partners to improve flood defences. Clarification was sought on whether feedback was collected from residents receiving flood defence grants, with officers confirming this and stating the grants aimed to assist those flooded in their homes. Members inquired about measures to assist Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) with funding constraints, and officers acknowledged the issue but noted limited direct influence. The amount of flood resilience grant spent was clarified as £400,000, with the programme moving to phases 3 and 4, anticipating all funds to be spent by March 2027.

The committee resolved to note the report.

Lincolnshire Archaeology Handbook

Grahame Appleby, Senior Historic Environment Officer Advice, presented a report on the revised Lincolnshire Archaeology Handbook. The handbook, now digital and hosted on the County Council website, aims to ensure the appropriate recording of the county's archaeological heritage through the planning process. Members queried enforcement mechanisms for archaeological contractors failing to meet standards, with officers outlining two routes: involving the County Council's enforcement or reporting to the contractor's overseeing institution if they were a registered organisation. The protocol for discovering archaeological items was discussed, with officers stating the preference was to leave items in place and apply protective covering, with the handbook providing guidance. Concerns were raised about potential financial costs for developers needing to reorient planning, and officers acknowledged the need for balance, with processes determined by significance and proportionate responses. Clarification was sought on process timings, with officers noting the County Council contracted the service externally and that full excavations and more timely processes would require items of significance. Members questioned the resourcing of County Council museums for long-term storage of archaeological items, with officers noting revisions to the handbook would address this and that collections and exhibitions could be improved.

The committee resolved to note the report.

Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme. Members sought clarification on the conclusion of the Salix Scheme and a similar solar panel installation scheme for a fire station, with officers clarifying this related to a member's request for an additional report. Interest was expressed in a future item on active transport, particularly in Grantham, and a report was agreed. Officers offered to produce a report on a carbon capture pipeline development when more substantial progress had been made. A request was made for a miniature report on streetlighting, and officers noted they would lodge the request with relevant colleagues. A District Councillor for East Lindsey provided information on main water drainage and funding. Members expressed frustration with Anglian Water and requested future discussions also address domestic water infrastructure, agreeing that a separate item could be scheduled.

The committee resolved to agree the work programme subject to the suggested changes.