The Growth Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Tuesday 12 May 2026 to discuss the visitor economy, youth unemployment, and the potential for investment and enterprise zones within the county. Key decisions included supporting the development of a cross-council visitor economy strategy, recognising youth unemployment as a priority, and agreeing to further investigate the feasibility of establishing designated zones to attract investment.

Visitor Economy Update

The committee received an update on the visitor economy, with Mary Powell, Place and Investment Manager, highlighting the success of the visitlincolnshire.com website in 2025. The website experienced significant page views and sessions, with a strong click-through rate to booking information. The report outlined the three pillars of the visitor economy strategy: product development, business support, and promotion. While the overall visitor economy value rose to £3.01 billion in 2024, a real-terms decline of 1.8% was noted after adjusting for inflation, with total visitor numbers also declining by 0.5%.

The committee was asked to support the council's continued strategic role in facilitating a collaborative approach to the visitor economy and to task officers with producing a cross-council visitor economy strategy. Councillor Thomas James George Dyer proposed an amendment that the strategy and work programme should focus on the three pillars of product development, business, and promotion, which was agreed. The committee also requested a further update in June or July with the latest available visitor economy data.

Youth Unemployment in Lincolnshire

Alex Nightingale, Skills Delivery Manager and Careers Hub Lead, presented a report on youth unemployment in Lincolnshire. The report highlighted that while provision for employment and skills support exists, outcomes for young people are constrained by structural barriers, geographic factors, and programme fragmentation. Key challenges identified include Lincolnshire's rural geography, a predominantly small and micro-business economy, transport limitations, and an ageing population.

The committee was asked to recognise youth unemployment as a cross-cutting priority, support the development of a coordinated Lincolnshire-wide approach, and request officers to produce an action plan to improve coordination. This plan should include measures to strengthen employer engagement, address transport barriers, and maximise the use of social value and procurement. Additionally, officers were requested to work with the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority to address transport barriers affecting young people's access to employment, skills, and training. Councillor Ashley John Baxter raised concerns about the lack of specific data and comparisons within the report, while Councillor Lindsey Cawrey requested more visual data, similar to that found in the Director of Public Health's annual report. The committee agreed to the proposed actions.

Overview of Investment Zones, Enterprise Zones, Business Rates Retention Schemes

Simon Wright, Regeneration and Portfolio Manager, presented an overview of Investment Zones (IZ), Enterprise Zones (EZ), and Business Rates Retention Schemes (BRRS), and their potential to support economic growth in Lincolnshire. The report explained that these designations, driven by central government, offer a package of benefits including tax reliefs, capital allowances, and infrastructure support to attract investment to defined areas. Successful zones typically share characteristics such as clearly defined economic areas, strong collaboration between industry and research institutions, robust local leadership, and a focus on priority sectors.

The committee was asked to agree that a designated zone in Lincolnshire would be beneficial, task officers with further work to determine the most suitable location and sector focus, and to comment on the proposed methodology for this assessment. Councillor Ashley John Baxter questioned the limited focus on defence and agri-food sectors in the initial site considerations and expressed concern that potential sites were heavily concentrated around Lincoln, overlooking other areas of the county with strong agri-food sectors, such as South Holland. Mr Wright clarified that the list of potential sites was not exhaustive and that further detailed work would be undertaken. The committee agreed to task officers with carrying out further work and to bring back a full recommendation to the 28 July 2026 meeting.

Scrutiny Committee Performance Indicator Review

Tony Kavanagh, Assistant Director - Human Resources and Organisational Support, presented a report in response to a request from Councillor Thomas James George Dyer to pre-scrutinise performance indicators before they are finalised. The new approach agreed by the Corporate Leadership Team will allow scrutiny members to review and comment on draft KPIs and targets before they are presented to Executive Portfolio Holders. The committee was asked to acknowledge this change and to receive a future report for detailed review.

Councillor Request: LCC Windmill Strategy (General Provision)

Councillor Thomas James George Dyer submitted a report requesting a formal written update on Lincolnshire County Council's emerging Windmill Strategy. The report highlighted the historical significance of the four council-owned windmills – Ellis Mill (Lincoln), Heckington Windmill, Alford Windmill, and Dobson's Mill (Burgh le Marsh) – and noted that they are in generally poor condition, requiring significant restoration. The council does not have the capacity to operate them sustainably, and long-term sustainability is more likely to be achieved through third-party management. The committee was asked to note the report and consider a formal written briefing on the emerging strategy.

Growth Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Kiara Chatziioannou, Health Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme for the coming year. Members were invited to review the programme and suggest additional scrutiny activities. The programme included items such as the Visitor Economy Update, Youth Unemployment in Lincolnshire, and the Overview of Investment Zones. The committee discussed potential future items, including a review of town centre improvements and an update on the Traveller Site Strategy, which was deferred due to uncertainty surrounding Local Government Reorganisation. The committee approved the existing work programme.