The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, to discuss the Housing Strategy and Pipeline Update, the GLCCA Pay Policy, and developments in rural and local transport. Key decisions included endorsing the first part of the Housing Strategy and recommending the Pay Policy Statement for approval, while also supporting the development of the Rural Transport Group, the Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan, and the Greater Lincolnshire Enhanced Partnership and Bus Service Improvement Plan. The committee also began planning its work programme for 2026-27.

Housing Strategy and Pipeline Update

The committee reviewed the Greater Lincolnshire Housing Strategy and Pipeline Update, which had previously been presented to the GLCCA Business and Infrastructure Board. The strategy aims to ensure all residents have access to attainable, well-placed, and appropriate homes, aligning with the GLCCA's Corporate Plan. It acknowledges the need for diverse housing tenures, specialist housing for an ageing population, and addresses environmental challenges like flood risk and water scarcity. The strategy also highlights the importance of infrastructure, including transport and utilities, to support new housing development.

Key points discussed included:

• Brownfield Sites and Funding: Councillor Mitchell inquired about specific funding for brownfield sites. Officers confirmed that £34 million had been awarded to Greater Lincolnshire as part of a brownfield land fund, with criteria still being formalised by the government. A process for local authorities, developers, and partners to apply for this funding is being developed.
• Private Rented Housing Stock: Councillor Mitchell also asked about plans to improve the private rented housing stock. Officers acknowledged national turmoil in this sector and stated that a future part of the strategy, to be brought forward in the summer, would look at specific programmes including market housing, with a percentage allocated depending on local needs.
• Delivery and Affordability: Councillor Wold raised concerns about the delivery of homes within timescales and the affordability of housing, particularly for younger people and those on lower incomes. Officers admitted that meeting government-expected numbers might be unrealistic in the current climate but assured that they would work with local authorities to establish realistic targets. They also confirmed that an evidence base is being used to identify where affordable housing is needed and why, and that a proportion of pipeline schemes already include substantial affordable housing.
• Infrastructure: Councillor Wold highlighted the critical need for infrastructure to go hand-in-hand with housing development, citing traffic congestion in Gainsborough as an example. Officers acknowledged this as a tricky one and stated they were working with transport colleagues and utilities providers to identify and address these issues on a site-by-site basis.
• Governance and Scrutiny: Councillor Wold also sought confirmation on ongoing scrutiny processes for the housing plan. It was confirmed that the committee would continue to receive regular updates, similar to the transport plan, as the strategy evolves.
• Specialist and Supported Housing: Councillor Davison raised concerns about the financial risk of affordable housing provision and whether it was being considered for specific community needs. Officers stated that while in-depth analysis was ongoing, strategic priority sites might include affordable housing. They also mentioned a separate three-year government funding programme for homelessness and rough sleeping. Councillor Davison also raised the issue of Section 106 agreements and the need for a clear policy on dealing with developers. Alina responded that a national planning policy framework review was underway, and the combined authority had submitted detailed responses. Councillor Davison also highlighted the lack of specialist and supported housing, particularly for veterans. Officers confirmed this was recognised and would be considered as part of future programmes, with discussions underway regarding a veteran housing scheme.
• Veterans' Village: Councillor Smith expressed interest in the evidence supporting a Veterans' Village and how it would be administered. Officers explained that due to commercial confidentiality, details were limited, but the concept was being explored in a broader context of support, including health and counselling. They clarified that it would likely be a pilot project, and more details would be shared when possible. Councillor Wilson questioned the rationale and evidence for a Veterans' Village, suggesting it might be a distraction. Officers explained that the government's agenda included exploring new towns and large-scale settlements, and that the authority was responding to this by exploring the evidence base for such developments in Greater Lincolnshire.
• Empty Homes: Councillor Wilson also raised the issue of empty homes and potential government funding. Officers stated that while there was no direct funding for the combined authority to lead on empty homes, they would work with local authorities to support initiatives. They acknowledged that this was a significant national problem and a potential area for future delegation.
• Co-funding: Councillor Wilson questioned the principle of encouraging co-funding, asking why it was prioritised over need or specific housing types. Officers explained that the combined authority had limited funding pots, and co-funding was a criterion to unlock schemes and leverage wider investment, indicating the commerciality and deliverability of a project.
• One-Bedroom Properties and Older People's Housing: Councillor Collier highlighted the shortage of one-bedroom properties and the need for affordable housing for families and older people. Officers confirmed this was being considered, with discussions held with housing associations on specific schemes.
• Diagnostic Centre Transport: Councillor Collier also raised concerns about the lack of transport to a new diagnostic centre in Lincoln, particularly for residents in deprived areas. Officers acknowledged the issue and stated that the county council was in conversations with bus providers to find a solution.
• Rural Transport and Infrastructure: Councillor Brooks raised concerns about the removal of the 56A Stagecoach service in Barrow Marsh and its impact on residents needing to access doctors. Lana Meddings, Interim Strategic Transport Lead, explained that this was a role for Transport for Greater Lincolnshire and the combined authority's local transport plan, while the Rural Transport Group was a national platform. Councillor Bowles questioned the resourcing of the Rural Transport Group, and it was clarified that costs were minimal, primarily officer travel time. Councillor Wilson asked if the group had a wider remit than public transport, and it was confirmed it did, including road infrastructure. He also inquired about the group's influence on rail services, with officers stating it provided a platform to influence Great British Railways and the Department for Transport. Councillor Wilson also raised the issue of national cycling routes and the need for active travel to be a priority.
• Bypass Safety: A question was raised about the dangerous section of bypass between Skellingthorpe Road and Doddington Road, where accidents, including fatalities, had occurred. Officers confirmed that as the transport authority from April 1st, they would be working with Lincolnshire County Council to identify accident black spots and potential measures.

The committee reviewed and commented on the report, supporting Part 1 of the Housing Strategy and endorsing the subsequent development of Part 2.

GLCCA Pay Policy

The committee reviewed the GLCCA Pay Policy Statement, which sets out the authority's approach to remuneration, including senior management pay. The policy is a statutory requirement under the Localism Act 2011.

Key points of discussion included:

• Performance-Related Pay for Senior Roles: Councillor Collier questioned how performance for senior roles was measured. Ruth Carver clarified that it would be based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) linked to the corporate plan, which would be measurable and SMART.
• Bonus Scheme for Chief Executive and S73: Councillor Smith questioned the bonus scheme for the Chief Executive and Section 73 officer, asking for examples of what they might earn a bonus for and why it was not applicable to all staff. Officers explained that the Appointments Committee recommended adopting KPIs and a performance culture, with bonuses tied to meeting these KPIs. They acknowledged that this was a recent development as the authority transitioned to a permanent structure. Councillor Smith expressed disagreement with a policy that discriminated against employees.
• Rationale for Bonuses: Councillor Wilson stated he did not understand why a bonus was needed to motivate a Chief Executive or senior officers, suggesting that if they were not performing, they should be replaced.
• KPI Target Setting: Councillor Collier asked who set the KPI targets and if there was input. Officers explained that KPI targets were being developed through engagement with decision-making boards and would be approved in the summer.
• Policy Review: Councillor Davison stated he would like to see the policy before making a decision, drawing on his private contracting experience with performance-related pay.
• Endorsement of Policy: The committee agreed to endorse the majority of the policy, subject to a review of the section on performance-related pay. A vote was held, with 6 in favour, 1 against, and 5 abstentions.

Rural Transport Group

The committee reviewed the report on the Rural Transport Group, which was presented to the GLCCA Transport Board. The group, launched in Westminster, brings together councils, government departments, transport bodies, and MPs to discuss the unique transport challenges facing rural areas.

Key themes emerging from the first meeting included demand-responsive transport, bus franchising, data, and sharing best practice. The committee was asked to note the progress made and provide feedback on priorities for the group.

• Local Issues vs. National Platform: Councillor Brooks raised a specific local issue regarding the removal of the 56A Stagecoach service in Barrow Marsh. Lana Meddings clarified that while local issues could be escalated to the national group, specific local issues needed to be addressed by Transport for Greater Lincolnshire and the combined authority.
• Resourcing: Councillor Bowles questioned how the group was resourced if it had no financial implications. It was explained that the launch in Westminster was hosted by an MP, and the next meeting would be hosted by the Department for Transport (DfT), with costs limited to officer travel time and administration.
• Wider Remit: Councillor Wilson sought clarification on whether the group's remit extended beyond public transport. It was confirmed that it covered all transport issues impacting rural areas, including road infrastructure.
• Rail Services: Councillor Wilson also asked about the group's influence on rail services. Officers stated that the group provided a platform to influence Great British Railways and the DfT, and a rail-focused session could be organised.
• Cycling and Active Travel: Councillor Wilson raised the issue of national cycling routes in Lincolnshire and the need for active travel to be a priority. This was supported by other members who highlighted the importance of safe roads for cycling and the potential for tourism.
• Bypass Safety: A concern was raised about a dangerous section of bypass between Skellingthorpe Road and Doddington Road, where accidents had occurred. Officers confirmed that as the new transport authority, they would work with Lincolnshire County Council to address such issues.

The committee reviewed the report and unanimously supported the development of the Rural Transport Group, requesting that officers take into account the comments raised.

Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan - Programme Update

The committee reviewed the report on the Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan (LTP) programme update. The LTP is a requirement for the new local transport authority, and the report outlined the progress made and proposed next steps, including an engagement strategy.

• Engagement Strategy: The report detailed plans for early engagement activities, including stakeholder workshops, an online survey, and a public-facing transport roadshow, to gather views and inform the development of the LTP.
• Collaboration: Officers highlighted the work of constituent council planning teams and the value of partnership working.
• Infrastructure and Housing: The plan acknowledged the need to align transport strategies with housing development and other infrastructure needs.

The committee reviewed the report and supported the development of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan and the proposed engagement strategy, requesting that officers consider the feedback provided.

Greater Lincolnshire Enhanced Partnership (GLEP) and Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP)

The committee considered a report on the transition from three existing local enhanced partnerships for bus services to a single Greater Lincolnshire-wide model, and the development of a new unified Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

• Single Greater Lincolnshire Model: Councillor Bowles raised concerns about ensuring local differences and needs were not diluted in a single, overarching partnership. Officers explained that existing local forums would remain, and the new structure would ensure strategic partnership for bus service improvement while still capturing local issues.
• Funding Transition: Councillor Mitchell inquired about the transitionary arrangements for basic funding and any unspent funds. Officers confirmed that funding for 2026-27 had been passported, and future financial years were yet to be determined, requiring budgetary arrangements through the Combined Authority Board.
• Artificial Intelligence in Transport: A brief comment was made about a Dutch initiative using AI to harmonise transport systems.

The committee reviewed the report and unanimously supported the development of the Greater Lincolnshire Enhanced Partnership and the Bus Service Improvement Plan, with a request for officers to incorporate the feedback received.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Planning 2026-27

The committee discussed the approach to planning its work programme for 2026-27, including consulting with key stakeholders.

• Consultation Process: It was proposed that the Chair, supported by the Statutory Scrutiny Officer, would consult with chief officers, the Executive, the Mayor, and chairs of various boards and panels.
• Work Planning Session: An informal work planning session for committee members was proposed for June to consolidate topics and agree the work programme.
• Frequency of Meetings: Councillor Wilson raised concerns about the current meeting frequency and the limited time allocated to each item, suggesting that the frequency of meetings might need to be considered. Officers acknowledged this and proposed that if a topic was highly emotive or complex, a separate meeting could be arranged.
• Focus on Strategic Issues: It was noted that the committee should focus on Greater Lincolnshire-wide issues rather than individual ward problems, unless they were indicative of a broader problem.
• Work Programme: The committee reviewed the current work programme, noting planned items for future meetings, including performance reporting, the draft Medium Term Financial Plan, Treasury Management Strategy, and the Housing Strategy.

The committee agreed to the proposed approach to work planning and unanimously accepted the proposal for the work programme.

Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Forward Plan and Work Programme

The committee reviewed the forward plan and work programme for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2026-27.

• Key Items: The current work programme includes items such as the performance framework, key finance and treasury items, and regular reviews of transport and housing plans.
• Action Plans: A question was raised about whether action plans stemming from strategies should also be included for discussion. It was suggested that this could be considered as part of the work programme development.
• Recommendations: The committee proposed approving the work plan for 2026-27, subject to consideration of items highlighted in today's discussions and going forward. This was unanimously agreed.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the officers for their reports and contributions.