This week in Lincolnshire:

Council Secures Gas Supply Amidst Financial Pressures and Performance Reviews

Lincolnshire County Council's Executive met on Tuesday 1 September 2026, to approve the re-procurement of the council's gas framework contract, ensuring a stable and cost-effective energy supply for its corporate properties for the next four years. This decision, valued between £3 million and £3.5 million, continues a long-standing arrangement with the ESPO Energy Framework, which has served the council for over 25 years. The framework offers value for money through aggregated purchasing power and specialist expertise, mitigating risks associated with market volatility.

However, the meeting also revealed significant financial pressures. A review of the first quarter's financial performance for 2026/27 showed an underspend of £0.1 million on general fund budgets, but a concerning overspend of £51.8 million on schools' revenue budgets. This is largely attributed to pressures within the High Needs Block for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. The council is proposing to reallocate £5.348 million from its Contingency budget to address specific pressures, including high-cost secure placements and SEND workforce stabilisation.

Performance against the Council Plan for the first quarter also showed mixed results. While 32 out of 35 activities were on track, and adult care services reported positive outcomes, challenges remain in timely social care assessments and ensuring 16- and 17-year-old children in care are participating in learning.

The Executive also noted a change in the council's appointment to the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, with Councillor Paul Timothy Lock replacing Councillor Robert Antony Gibson as a substitute for Councillor Sean Matthews, the Leader of the Council.

You can find more details in the Executive meeting agenda.

Children's and Culture Services Show Progress, but Learning Gaps Persist for Young People in Care

The Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee met on Friday 4 September 2026, to review performance for the first quarter of 2026-27. The committee noted positive outcomes in adoption and library services, but identified a persistent challenge in ensuring 16- and 17-year-old children in care are engaged in learning. Only 81% of this vulnerable group are participating in education, falling short of the 90% target, although the overall number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) has reduced.

In Children's Services, the average time to move a child from care to an adoptive family was 476 days, exceeding the target of 520 days. However, the number of children in care and those subject to a child protection plan remain above target, though within agreed tolerances and below national averages. For care leavers, 94.56% are in suitable accommodation, a slight improvement but still below the 95% target.

Culture Services reported strong performance, with high visitor enjoyment of heritage services and robust engagement with libraries, both physical and digital. However, contact with the heritage service fell short of its ambitious target, primarily due to ongoing issues with the archive online catalogue.

The committee also received an update on the successful Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme for 2025-26, which provided activities and meals to eligible children. The programme received £2,841,580 in funding and supported 72,666 places. Plans are underway to refocus the HAF programme to align with the school-age childcare agenda, including procuring a new booking system and reviewing eligibility criteria.

You can find more details in the Children's and Culture Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.

NHS Trusts Propose Formal Merger to Streamline Care and Improve Patient Pathways

The Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire met on Wednesday 2 September 2026, to discuss the proposed formal merger of Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) and United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (ULTH). This merger, planned for April 2027, aims to build upon the existing group arrangement by creating a single NHS Trust. The stated goals are to remove duplication in governance, develop a joined-up digital system, and simplify patient pathways, ultimately shifting more care closer to people's homes.

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding the potential impact on staff training, the need for increased budgets for this, and whether the merger was primarily driven by cost-saving rather than patient benefit. Daren Fradgley, Deputy CEO of Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group, assured the committee that streamlining systems and improving patient experience are key objectives, and that the merger could offer greater career progression opportunities for staff.

The committee resolved to note the proposed merger and establish a working group to prepare a response to the upcoming 12-week public engagement exercise. This exercise is crucial for gathering views on the proposed organisational model and the shift towards community-based care, ensuring that residents, patients, and staff have a voice in shaping future services.

You can find more details in the Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire meeting agenda.

Other Matters

The Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Fire Pension Scheme Board met on Thursday 3 September 2026. While no detailed summary is available, the meeting was scheduled to discuss performance data from the West Yorkshire Pension Fund, current issues affecting scheme members, and updates from oversight bodies.

You can find more details in the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Fire Pension Scheme Board meeting agenda.

This week in Lincolnshire:

Children's Services Under Pressure: Waiting Lists Grow as Demand Outstrips Resources

Lincolnshire County Council's Overview and Scrutiny Management Board met on Thursday 27 August 2026, to review the council's performance in the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year. A significant concern highlighted was the growing waiting list for assessments in Children's Services, with PI 7 (Waiting list for assessments) failing to meet its target. 176 people per 100,000 are on waiting lists, a stark increase from the target of 105. This directly impacts vulnerable individuals who need timely support and assessments for their care needs.

The Board heard that while the service is prioritising based on risk and urgency, and has strengthened staffing, improvements are not expected until the end of Quarter 2. This delay could mean longer waits for crucial support, potentially exacerbating existing issues for those in need.

Another area of concern was PI 15 (Children in care in a family environment), which also fell short of its target. Only 77.79% of children in care are living in a family environment, below the 82% target. This is attributed to an increasing number of older adolescents requiring residential settings and young people opting for supported accommodation at 16-17 years old. This trend raises questions about the availability and suitability of family-based care options for all children in the system.

The financial implications are also substantial. The council's schools' budgets are forecasting a significant overspend of £51.8 million, primarily driven by the High Needs Block for SEND provision. Children's Services alone is forecasting an overspend of £9.012 million, largely due to increased demand and complexity in independent placements for children in care. This pressure is being offset by contingency funding, which has been significantly depleted, raising concerns about the council's ability to manage unforeseen pressures later in the year.

You can find more details in the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board meeting agenda.

Financial Strain: Overspends in Key Services Threaten Council Reserves

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board also delved into the council's financial performance for the first quarter of 2026/27, revealing significant overspends in critical service areas. While the General Fund is forecasting a small underspend, the overall picture is concerning due to substantial pressures in Children's Services and schools.

The High Needs Block for SEND provision is forecasting a staggering £51.958 million overspend, contributing to a projected increase in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit to £54.3 million by March 2027. This puts immense pressure on resources intended for children with special educational needs and disabilities, potentially impacting the quality and availability of essential support.

The Place Directorate is also facing an overspend of £3.769 million, primarily driven by Home to School Transport pressures. Increased demand, SEND complexity, and rising transport costs are all contributing factors. This could mean increased financial burdens for families needing to arrange transport for their children, particularly those with SEND.

Furthermore, of the £6 million core contingency fund, £5.348 million is already forecast to be committed to specific pressures, including high-cost secure placements in Children's Social Care and SEND workforce stabilisation. This depletion of the contingency fund raises serious questions about the council's ability to respond to unexpected financial challenges throughout the remainder of the year.

You can find more details in the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board meeting agenda.

Workforce Metrics: Stable Turnover but Rising Sickness Absence

An update on workforce metrics for the first quarter of 2026-27 was presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board. While staff turnover remains stable at 7.81%, below the national average, sickness absence has seen a gradual increase to 8.30 days per FTE. This rise is predominantly attributed to mental health issues, musculoskeletal problems, and other health reasons, with Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, and Children's Services showing the highest absence rates.

The increase in agency spend by 26% (£481k) in the quarter, reaching £2.33 million, is also a point of concern. Children's Services and Resources have the highest spend, linked to difficulties in recruiting specialist staff in areas such as educational psychology, social work, legal, and finance. This reliance on agency staff can be costly and may indicate underlying issues with recruitment and retention in critical service areas.

You can find more details in the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board meeting agenda.

Other Matters

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority met on Wednesday 26 August 2026. While no detailed minutes or transcripts are available for this meeting, it is noted that Councillor Sean Matthews (Reform UK), Leader of the Council, was in attendance.

You can find more details in the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority meeting agenda.

This week in Lincolnshire:

Skills Funding Boost: Council Explores New Initiatives for Construction and Adult Education

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority - Employment and Skills Board met on Wednesday 5 August 2026, to discuss significant funding opportunities aimed at boosting adult skills and post-16 education. The board considered accepting up to £416,972.73 for a FE Teacher Industry Exchange - Construction Skills programme, designed to address skills shortages in the construction sector. This initiative would create a brokerage function connecting employers with further education providers and facilitate industry placements for teaching staff.

The board also reviewed the delivery route for the Post-16 Capacity Fund, which totals £9.97 million. This fund is intended to increase capacity within statutory 16-19 education providers to meet projected growth in learner numbers. The allocation methodology will be based on projected demographic growth, aiming for a fair distribution.

Additionally, the board noted progress on the Adult Skills Fund, Free Course for Jobs, and Skills Bootcamps. New engineering funding is being incorporated into the Skills Bootcamp budget, and an Expression of Interest for £429,000 in new funding for Construction Skills Bootcamps has been submitted. The board also acknowledged the adoption of national rules for adult education eligibility, which are expected to align with existing Greater Lincolnshire Funding Rules without a material impact on the overall budget.

These funding initiatives are crucial for equipping residents with in-demand skills, supporting economic growth, and ensuring that educational provision meets the evolving needs of the workforce.

You can find more details in the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority - Employment and Skills Board meeting agenda.

Other Matters

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority - Employment and Skills Board meeting also included updates on the budget management of in-year adult skills funding and the adoption of national adult skills funding rules. These discussions are part of the ongoing effort to ensure efficient and effective delivery of skills and education programmes across the region.

You can find more details in the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority - Employment and Skills Board meeting agenda.

This week in Lincolnshire:

Council Tackles Future of Health and Wellbeing Services Amidst Major Reform

Lincolnshire's Health and Wellbeing Board met on Tuesday 28 July 2026, to discuss significant proposed changes to its terms of reference and the future governance of Neighbourhood Health. These discussions come as national legislative changes, potentially through the Health Bill 2026[^1], signal a shift in how local health and care services are planned and delivered.

The Board was asked to consider recommendations that would see Health and Wellbeing Boards taking on responsibility for developing Neighbourhood Health Plans, replacing the current requirement for a Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy. This move aims to streamline strategic planning and focus on local needs, with Neighbourhood Health Centres[^2] envisioned as key community hubs.

The implications for vulnerable groups are substantial. A shift towards Neighbourhood Health Plans could mean a more localised approach to care, potentially improving access for those in remote areas. However, the report also highlighted the ongoing work on the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy's priority areas, including Mental Health and Dementia, and Homes for Independence. Ensuring these vital services remain robust and accessible during this period of reform will be critical.

The Board also reviewed the Lincolnshire Better Care Fund plan for 2026-2027, which continues to focus on integrated delivery in areas like discharge, intermediate care, and reablement. This fund is crucial for supporting older residents to live independently at home for longer.

You can find more details in the Lincolnshire Health and Wellbeing Board meeting agenda.

Adult Social Care Faces Scrutiny: Performance, Funding, and Future Planning

Lincolnshire's Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 29 July 2026, to scrutinise the performance of adult social care and public health services. The committee reviewed the council's performance framework for 2026/27, highlighting areas of success and concern.

A key discussion point was the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) assurance process for adult social care. While the final CQC report is still awaited, an East Midlands Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (EM ADASS) peer review identified strengths in safeguarding, including a committed workforce and supportive leadership. However, areas for improvement were noted, such as complexity in referral routes and inconsistent understanding of thresholds. These are being addressed through the council's Adults Improvement Programme.

Performance indicators for 2026/27 revealed mixed results. While permanent admissions to residential and nursing care homes for those aged 65+ exceeded the target (1,046 admissions against a target of 950), this was attributed to an aging population and increasing complexity of need. Conversely, the percentage of adults receiving long-term support who have been reviewed fell short of its target (68.6% reviewed against a target of 85%). Officers explained this was a deliberate policy shift to prioritise timely assessments for new and higher-risk cases, as existing service users are regularly seen by carers.

Public health funding for substance use services also came under scrutiny. The committee considered the allocation of the £10.395 million protected public health grant for 2026/27. This funding will enhance treatment capacity, strengthen support for young people, expand outreach, and provide enhanced support for rough sleepers. Councillor Karen Elizabeth Lee raised concerns about the withdrawal of weight management as a performance indicator, arguing for its reintroduction due to its public health impact.

The committee's work programme for the coming year was also approved, with discussions on nicotine pouches and tobacco smoking cessation scheduled for future meetings. These discussions are vital for ensuring that adult social care and public health services are meeting the needs of Lincolnshire's residents, particularly the most vulnerable.

You can find more details in the Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.

Growth and Investment: Council Explores Potential Investment Zones and Skills Development

Lincolnshire's Growth Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 28 July 2026, to discuss strategies for economic development, including the identification of potential investment zones and the development of a modern work experience model.

Potential Investment Zones

The committee reviewed a methodology for assessing potential investment zone opportunities. A shortlist of four sites was recommended for submission to the government:

• Lincoln Defence Innovation Campus: Leveraging existing strengths in defence and innovation.
• A1 Corridor/Spitalgate Level (South Kesteven): Focusing on advanced manufacturing and connectivity.
• Agricultural Growth Zone (West Lindsey): Aligning with government priorities for higher education and agricultural innovation.
• Former RAF Scampton (West Lindsey): Capitalising on a significant site with potential for large-scale investment.

These proposals aim to attract significant investment and create jobs, but concerns were raised about ensuring a balanced approach that supports both market-led growth and regeneration in more challenging areas, such as Boston. The selection process prioritised sites with strong economic opportunity, pace of delivery, and potential for institutional investment, while acknowledging the need for flexibility should government priorities shift.

Modern Work Experience and Early Careers

The committee also discussed the development of a modern work experience and early careers model for Lincolnshire. This includes piloting a county-wide web platform, Futures for All, to streamline employer engagement and increase access to opportunities for young people. An Aspiring Pathways programme will also provide internship-style opportunities for learners in alternative provision, who are at higher risk of becoming Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).

These initiatives are crucial for equipping young people with the skills and experience needed for future employment, helping to retain talent within the county and address skills shortages in key sectors. The focus on supporting small businesses with administrative burdens and reaching hard-to-reach students demonstrates a commitment to inclusive economic growth.

The committee also reviewed the performance of the Economic Infrastructure Commercial Portfolio, noting high tenant satisfaction rates and the contribution of these assets to local economic activity.

You can find more details in the Growth Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.