The Environment Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council is scheduled to meet on Friday, 19 June 2026, to discuss a range of environmental matters. Key topics include updates on flood risk management, proposed changes to household waste recycling centres, and the performance of waste and flood risk management services.

Flood Risk Management Authorities Update

The committee is scheduled to receive updates from various Flood Risk Management Authorities (FRMAs) operating in Lincolnshire. These updates will cover their recent activities and future plans aimed at enhancing local flood resilience. The FRMAs providing information are the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, the Witham & Humber Drainage Boards (representing all Lincolnshire Internal Drainage Boards), and Lincolnshire County Council's Flood and Water Team.

Contract for the Collection and Treatment of Street Cleansing Residues

A report is scheduled for discussion regarding the contract for the collection and treatment of street cleansing residues. This item is intended for pre-decision scrutiny by Councillor Danny Brookes, the Executive Councillor for Environment, who is expected to make a decision between 24 June and 1 July 2026. The committee's views will be forwarded to Councillor Brookes for his consideration. The report outlines the council's statutory duty to dispose of street cleansing residues and proposes an open tender for a two-year contract, with options for extension, estimated at £1.3 million. This aims to maintain recycling performance, minimise landfill use, and ensure a cost-effective service.

Household Waste Recycling Centres Operational Changes and Infrastructure Improvements

The committee is set to consider proposed operational changes and infrastructure improvements for the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). This report is scheduled for a decision by the Executive on 14 July 2026, and the committee's feedback will be passed on. The report highlights increasing operational pressures at HWRCs due to rising visitor numbers and waste tonnages, leading to significant queuing and congestion. It notes that neighbouring authorities have implemented stricter controls, increasing the likelihood of non-residents using Lincolnshire's sites. The proposed solution is the implementation of a booking system, which is expected to reduce queuing, improve safety, limit misuse, and potentially deliver significant revenue savings.

Greater Lincolnshire Groundwater Project

An update on the Greater Lincolnshire Groundwater Project is scheduled for discussion. This project is part of the £150 million Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme (FCRIP) funded by Defra. The project aims to understand groundwater as both a risk and a resource across Greater Lincolnshire, implement works to enhance community resilience, and protect and enhance the environment. The report details various projects undertaken, including the installation of telemetry equipment for hyper-local flood warnings, emergency planning initiatives, flood awareness campaigns, and investigations into the mental health impacts of flooding. Specific projects mentioned include natural flood management measures in Barrow and the development of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in areas like Heighington and Hillside Avenue, Lincoln. The report also highlights the creation of a children's book, Darcy's Tale, as part of educational outreach.

Service Level Performance Reporting Against the Performance Framework 2025-2026 Quarter 4: Environment (including Flood Risk Management and Waste)

This report will summarise the service level performance against the Environment Scrutiny Committee's Performance Framework for the 2025-26 financial year, as at Quarter 4. For waste management, the report indicates that household waste collected per household is below the annual target, which is positive as prevention is the highest priority in the waste hierarchy. However, the recycling rate is below target, though an improvement on the previous year. Recycling rates at Household Waste Recycling Centres are also below target, attributed to seasonal factors. The performance indicator for household waste sent to landfill is very low, which is noted as excellent news. In flood risk management, the report highlights that 100% of Section 19 investigations were completed within six months, exceeding the 90% target. It also notes that 101 properties were protected from flooding as a result of council investment during the financial year.

Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework 2026/27

The committee is invited to consider the proposed Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework for the Environment portfolio for the 2026/27 reporting period. This framework outlines the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will be reported on. The report details proposed KPIs for Waste, including recycling rates at HWRCs and overall recycling rates, and for Flooding, such as the percentage of Section 19 investigations completed within six months and the number of properties protected from flooding. The Executive Councillor for Environment will make a decision on these KPIs between 25 June and 1 July 2026, with the committee's comments being taken into account.

Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee will review its work programme, which outlines upcoming agenda items for future meetings. This includes scheduled updates on Flood Risk Management Authorities, contract re-procurements for Mixed Dry Recycling Services and HWRC Management, and performance reporting. The committee is invited to suggest any additional items that could be added to the work programme to ensure its scrutiny activity is focused effectively. Potential future topics for programming include Sustainable Drainage Systems, the Emissions Trading Scheme, and the National Planning Policy Framework.