The Environment Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Friday 31 July 2026 to discuss a range of environmental matters, including a proposed new reservoir, the reprocurement of waste management contracts, and the council's work programme. Key decisions were not made at this meeting as the information status was SCHEDULED_ONLY.

Lincolnshire Reservoir - Anglian Water Update

Anglian Water provided an update on their proposals for a new reservoir in Lincolnshire, a nationally significant infrastructure project aimed at securing future water supply for the region. The reservoir, proposed to be located southeast of Sleaford, is intended to store water during wetter periods for use in drier summers, thereby reducing reliance on groundwater sources and protecting precious chalk streams. The project also aims to deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits, including recreational opportunities and habitat creation. Anglian Water outlined their ongoing consultation process, with phases one and two completed and phase three planned for autumn 2026. Councillors raised concerns regarding the proportion of water to be exported from Lincolnshire, the impact on local agriculture, the potential for increased flood risk, and the specifics of habitat creation and biodiversity net gain. Questions were also raised about the ownership of the reservoir and water, the use of agricultural land for solar panels, and the rerouting of electricity lines. Anglian Water representatives explained that detailed answers to many questions would emerge through further consultation and the development of the project's environmental statement. The committee noted the information provided and requested that Anglian Water take into account the considerations highlighted during the discussion.

Reprocurement of the Mixed Dry Recycling Services Contract for Lincolnshire

The committee considered a report on the proposed reprocurement of the mixed dry recycling services contract. The current contract expires in June 2027, and a replacement is needed to ensure continuity of service and compliance with statutory duties. The report highlighted significant changes in the waste sector, including national reforms and local government reorganisation, necessitating a flexible approach. The recommendation was to procure a new contract for an initial term of four years, with options to extend for up to two further years. The proposed procurement route is the competitive flexible procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, which allows for direct engagement with bidders and the provision of sample loads of recycling material to improve competition and ensure suppliers understand the quality of Lincolnshire's recycling. Councillors questioned the lotted structure of the contract, the difference in procurement approach compared to gas procurement, and how the contract would accommodate future local government reorganisation. The officers explained that the lotted structure would be geographical (North, South, and Central) and that the contract would be flexible enough to adapt to the two new unitary authorities.

Household Waste Recycling Centres Management Contract Procurement

A report on the reprocurement of the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) management contract was presented. The current contract expires in March 2027, and a replacement is required to ensure continued service delivery. Lincolnshire operates 11 HWRCs, with 10 managed through contractual arrangements and one, Tattershall, managed in-house. The network is performing well, achieving a recycling rate of 69.1%, above the UK average. The report recommended procuring a replacement contract using the open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, structured into individual site lots to encourage competition and SME participation. The recommended contract term is two years, with the option to extend annually for up to a further two years, providing flexibility during a period of significant change. The new contract will place a greater emphasis on reuse initiatives and seek to maximise social value. Councillors raised concerns about the potential for in-housing all HWRC operations, the efficiency of the current outsourced model, and the effectiveness of the proposed booking system for HWRCs. They also questioned the performance targets and the potential for profit sharing from recycling. Officers explained that bringing all sites in-house would be significantly more expensive due to the need for additional management and support structures, and that the current contract structure with lotting and a two-year initial term with extension options provided the necessary flexibility. The proposed booking system for HWRCs was discussed in detail, with councillors expressing concerns about its necessity, potential impact on accessibility, and the evidence base supporting its introduction.

Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the coming year. Items scheduled for the next meeting on 11 September 2026 included an update on flood risk management authorities, the quarter one screening committee performance report, the environment policy action plan, and a pre-decision item on groundwater proposals. Councillors suggested adding items on the council's drought action plans, more frequent updates on Section 19 flood investigations and capital programme updates, and a specific report on solar panels on council-owned buildings. The committee agreed to approve the planned work programme, subject to the consideration of these additional items.