The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority met on Wednesday 25 February 2026 to discuss and approve key financial plans, strategies, and operational arrangements. Decisions made included the approval of the draft Medium Term Financial Plan for 2026/27, the adoption of a revised Risk Management Strategy, and the approval of the Treasury Management Strategy and Practices. The Authority also agreed to changes to its Constitution, including the establishment of the Mayoral Humber Growth Board, and approved the delegation of transport functions to constituent authorities. Furthermore, the meeting addressed the devolution of the Adult Skills Fund, with new funding rules approved, and the endorsement of the Humber Economic Strategy.

Medium Term Financial Plan and Budget

The Authority considered and approved the draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2026/27, alongside the Quarter 2 results and anticipated outturn for 2025/26. Debbie Simpson, Interim Section 73 Officer, presented the report, highlighting that final government funding allocations were still awaited. The budget was adjusted to reflect an additional £52 million investment for Greater Lincolnshire between 2026 and 2030. Members welcomed the prudent budget against ambitious programmes, while emphasising the need for clarity on contributions from constituent authorities. A recorded vote saw the plan approved by 7 votes to 0, with 0 abstentions.

Risk Management Strategy

A revised Risk Management Strategy was reviewed and approved, following consideration by the Audit Committee. Debbie Simpson, Interim S73 Officer, explained that the strategy aimed to strengthen the Authority's approach to risk management by adjusting the risk matrix to a 5x5 format for more sensitive measurement and including three options to measure the impact of risk across operating budgets, annual investment funds, and large strategic programmes. The strategy also outlined a tiered risk register system, from operational to strategic levels, with 8 key strategic risks identified: lack of funds, governance and assurance failure, failure in partnership, programme and project delivery failure, failure to achieve economic growth, lack of workforce capacity, digital and cyber security risks, and policy, legislative, and political uncertainty.

Treasury Management Strategy and Practices

The Authority approved GLCCA's Treasury Management Strategy for 2026/27, presented by Debbie Simpson, Interim Section 73 Officer, and Gary Bennett, Credit and Investment Manager for North East Lincolnshire Council. The strategy prioritises capital protection over returns, adhering to Security, Liquidity, Yield (SLY) principles. No borrowing is planned for 2026/27, with all capital plans being grant-funded. Investments will be made with highly rated counterparties, with robust credit criteria and diversified limits, maintaining a minimum liquidity of £5 million. The Authority also adopted the Treasury Management Practices, which outline the organisation's approach to managing borrowing, investments, and cash flows, including updated bank details, treasury advisor information, and additional brokers. Future minor amendments to these practices will be delegated to the S73 Officer.

Adult Skills Funding Rules

The Authority approved new funding rules for the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) in preparation for devolution. Clare Hughes, Interim Strategic Lead for Employment and Skills, presented the report, which included feedback from a public consultation. Key decisions included:

• Residency Rules: Reintroducing a 3-year residency requirement for eligibility for ASF training, with exemptions for specific groups including refugees, individuals under Ukraine and Afghan schemes, and those with Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa status.
• ESOL Funding: Ending funding for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) qualifications and teaching through the ASF from 1 August 2027, with funding redirected to literacy training.
• Literacy Qualification: Working with the training sector to develop a new formal literacy qualification.
• Care Leaver Support: Enhancing support for care leavers aged 19-25 with a fund of up to £1,500 per learner.
• HGV/LGV Training: Funding the first attempt at HGV/LGV licences and medicals for eligible unemployed residents.
• Award in Education and Training: Fully funding the Level 3 Award in Education and Training for a two-year trial period.

The consultation revealed significant opposition to the residency rule changes and the cessation of ESOL funding, with concerns raised about impacts on community cohesion, integration, training providers' financial viability, and workforce supply. Mitigations include delaying ESOL funding changes until August 2027, developing a new literacy qualification, and adding exemptions to residency rules.

Transport Functions Delegation

The Authority approved the delegation of transport functions to constituent authorities as part of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Authority Transition Programme. Lana Meddings, Interim Strategic Transport Lead, explained that GLCCA would become the Local Transport Authority on 1 April 2026, taking on responsibilities for Transport Leadership, Strategy, and Investment Planning. Constituent authorities would retain responsibility for Transport Scheme Delivery and Operations and Maintenance during an interim period, governed by a Section 101 agreement. Funding would follow the functions, with GLCCA retaining a portion for strategy development and assurance.

Humber Governance Arrangements

The Authority agreed to amend its Constitution to establish a Mayoral-led joint committee, the Mayoral Humber Growth Board, to support collaboration across the Humber region. Lee Sirdifield, Chief Executive, presented the report, outlining that the Board would oversee joint strategies, programmes, and investment propositions, with representation from the Mayors of Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire, and leaders from the four Humber local authorities. A Humber Business Forum will also be established through an open recruitment process to ensure private sector input.

Humber Economic Strategy

The Authority considered and endorsed the Humber Economic Strategy 2025-2035. Ruth Carver, Interim Deputy Director, highlighted that the strategy, developed through extensive stakeholder engagement, aims to drive economic growth, jobs, and prosperity across the Humber by attracting private sector investment. It focuses on three strategic opportunities: Energy Security and Resilience, Freeport, Ports and Logistics, and Environment and Natural Capital. The strategy aligns with the Greater Lincolnshire Plan's Bolder Ambitions priority.

Appointment of Director of Strategy and Operations

The Authority approved the permanent appointment of Joelle Davies to the post of Director of Strategy and Operations, following a recommendation from the Appointments Panel. Alison Miller, LCC Resourcing Manager, confirmed that the recruitment process was transparent and compliant with the Authority's Constitution, and that no objections were received from members regarding the proposed appointment.

Proposed Changes to the Constitution

Catherine Whitehead, Interim Monitoring Officer, presented proposed minor amendments to the Authority's Constitution. These changes included typographical corrections, updates to terminology, the insertion of the Innovation Panel's Terms of Reference, and arrangements for the delegation of transport functions. The Constitution will also be updated to reflect the establishment of the Mayoral Humber Growth Board and the new staffing structure, with these changes taking effect from 1 April 2026.

Appointment of Members to the Economic Advisory Panel

The Authority agreed to appoint Julian Free CBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, as a private sector member to the Economic Advisory Panel. Caroline Illingworth, Interim Strategic Lead for Community & Business Engagement, reported that Mr. Free brings significant expertise in the defence and security sector. Authority was also given to the Chair of the Economic Advisory Panel to seek two further members with expertise in UKIFS/STEP and international focus.