The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) met on Wednesday 29 July 2026. The meeting focused on the Greater Lincolnshire Housing Strategy, the Transport Hubs Programme, and the Quarter 1 Finance and Performance Update. The committee also discussed the Procurement Strategy and Contract Procedure Rules, and reviewed the proposed Annual Work Programme for 2026-27.

Housing Strategy

The committee considered the draft Greater Lincolnshire Housing Strategy 2026-2031, which outlines the GLCCA's approach to accelerating housing delivery, unlocking stalled sites, and increasing affordable housing across the region. The strategy aims to ensure all residents have access to attainable, well-placed, and appropriate homes. Key actions include developing a strategic housing pipeline with Homes England, implementing the Brownfield Housing Fund, strengthening homelessness support, and initiating a Spatial Development Strategy. The committee was asked to provide observations on the proposed actions and delivery approach to help finalise the strategy before its approval by the Combined Authority on 2 September 2026.

Councillor Tim Mitchell raised questions about the definition of strategic and local in the context of the strategy, how housing targets align with government targets, and what happens if the GLCCA housing strategy conflicts with local plans. Lee Sirdifield, Deputy Director (Growth and Investment), explained that housing targets are set by the government, and the GLCCA works with local authorities on their targets. He also clarified that the Spatial Development Strategy will inform where strategic housing allocations may be needed to support future ambitions for Greater Lincolnshire, and that the strategy aims for alignment with existing local plans.

Transport Hubs and Local Assurance Framework

The committee received a report outlining the requirements of the GLCCA's Local Assurance Framework (LAF) and how it is being applied to the Transport Hubs Programme. The LAF ensures that all decisions and investments are transparent, legally compliant, evidence-based, and deliver value for money. The report highlighted the progress of pilot schemes in North Hykeham and Gainsborough, which aim to test how integrated transport hubs can improve connectivity, support economic growth, and encourage modal shift. A feasibility study is underway to develop a coordinated pipeline of hub locations across the county.

The committee was asked to note the process for progressing the Transport Hub programme through the LAF, provide observations on the pilot schemes, and offer feedback on the assessment criteria for future projects. Joelle Davies, Director of Strategy and Operations, explained that the LAF and Single Assurance Framework (SAF) provide a structured process for projects from concept to approval, ensuring public funds are invested responsibly.

Quarter 1 Finance and Performance Update

The committee received an update on the GLCCA's financial position at the end of Quarter 1 of the 2026/27 financial year. The report indicated a forecast balanced revenue position, with core budgets and grant-funded programmes aligning with expectations. The capital programme also remained in line with budget, with significant investment in transport infrastructure. Treasury management activities were carried out in line with the approved strategy, with no borrowing undertaken.

The performance update showed that the majority of the Authority's 12 Corporate Plan priorities were progressing well, with 9 rated Green and 3 rated Amber. Key achievements in the quarter included the first Humber Board meeting, approval of the Local Growth Fund delivery plan, and the launch of the Brownfield Housing Fund. Areas requiring attention included an underspend on the UKSPF Enabling Local Growth Programme and delivery continuity risks on brownfield funding workstreams. A Red rating was noted for the compliance on responding to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests within the statutory timeframe, with handling processes being amended to address this. The committee was asked to provide observations on the format and approach for future performance reporting.

Procurement Strategy and Contract Procedure Rules

The committee was asked to comment on the GLCCA's first Procurement Strategy and Contract Procedure Rules before they are considered for adoption by the Authority. The Procurement Strategy sets out the Authority's approach to procurement to ensure consistency, transparency, and value for money, while the Contract Procedure Rules provide the operational framework for procurement activities, including tendering thresholds and approval processes. The strategy aims to use procurement as a lever to support economic growth, social value, and environmental resilience.

Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its draft Annual Work Programme for 2026-27. The programme includes a mix of policy development, pre-decision scrutiny, policy and service reviews, and public accountability items. Key topics identified for scrutiny include the Housing Strategy Action Plan, the Procurement Strategy, Corporate Performance and Finance reports for Quarter 1, and the Local Growth Plan. The committee also noted potential in-depth scrutiny inquiries into Energy Security (Power and Water) and the GLCCA Budget Proposals for 2027-28. The committee was asked to agree the proposed work programme.

The meeting also included Chairman's Announcements, where members were informed of upcoming scrutiny training. Apologies were noted from several councillors, and Councillor Lee Sirdifield Steptoe declared an interest as Chair of the housing OSC on South Kesteven district council. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 10 June 2026 were approved.

The meeting was scheduled to be streamed live, and attendees were reminded to keep mobile devices on silent. The Chair also noted the current heatwave and encouraged members to take hydration breaks.

The meeting status was SCHEDULED_ONLY, meaning that while the agenda was published, it is not confirmed that the meeting was held or that decisions were made. Therefore, this summary is based on the information available in the agenda and reports pack.