The Council of Lincolnshire met on Friday 18 September 2026, discussing a range of important issues including proposed changes to the Council's constitution, the financial performance of the council, and the permanent designation of the Chief Finance Officer. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a debate and vote on proposed amendments to the Council's constitution.

Review of the Constitution

The Council debated proposed amendments to its Constitution. An amendment proposed by Councillor Dyer, seconded by Councillor Davies, which sought to defer the decision for further member engagement, was lost by 24 votes to 37. Subsequently, a further amendment proposed by Councillor Dilks, seconded by Councillor Cleaver, to alter the deadline for submitting amendments, was also lost. The substantive motion to approve the constitutional changes was carried by 38 votes to 23.

The approved changes to the Council Procedure Rules include:

• Motions to be submitted ten clear working days before a meeting, with a statement from the Chief Finance Officer on financial implications.
• Amendments to motions to be submitted by noon on the third working day before a meeting, also requiring a Chief Finance Officer's statement.
• The Chairman may propose consolidation of amendments from the same political group.
• Councillors will be limited to moving one amendment per motion or agenda item.
• Provision for electronic voting systems.
• Changes to Access to Information Procedure Rules requiring written notice by noon on the preceding working day for councillors wishing to speak at committees (other than those with rights to speak on divisional matters), with a three-minute speaking limit per item.

Amendments were also made to the Policy Framework to remove references to the Local Transport Plan, reflecting its transfer to the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA). Consequential amendments were made to reflect the ending of the transition period for concurrent functions with the GLCCA and the entering into of a joint agreement. Changes were also made to reflect the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and associated regulations, and to the Health and Wellbeing Board's membership following a review.

Permanent Designation of Chief Finance Officer (Section 151)

The Council approved the permanent designation of Michelle Grady, Assistant Director – Finance, as the Council's Chief Finance Officer (Section 151). This followed a recommendation from the Appointments Committee, ensuring continuity and clarity in the council's financial administration.

Review of Financial Performance 2025/26

The Council reviewed its financial performance for the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated an overall underspend of £0.499m on council budgets, excluding schools, but an overspend of £13.406m on school budgets, primarily within the High Needs block. The council's capital investment for the year was £194.764m, which was £49.656m less than planned.

Key recommendations approved included:

• Noting the performance against Prudential Indicators, which showed no breaches of limits.
• Noting the carry forwards of over- and underspends, consistent with Financial Regulations.
• Approving the treatment of the remaining balance of £5.833m, which included writing off a net service overspend of £5.334m and allocating £0.499m to the anti-social behaviour project and contingency.
• Noting the transfers to and from reserves and the position of earmarked reserves.
• Approving the inclusion of costs associated with any future Local Government Reorganisation within the purpose of the Financial Volatility Reserve.
• Noting the position of General Reserves, which remain within the Council's policy range.
• Noting the key financial performance measures for 2025/26.

Motion on Notice: Support for Lifeboat and Life-Saving Services

A motion, moved by Councillor Mrs Marianne Jane Overton MBE and seconded by Councillor Richard James Cleaver, affirming the Council's support for all those involved in providing lifeboat and life-saving services on the coast of Lincolnshire, was carried. The motion expressed thanks to these volunteers for their dedication and courage in protecting lives. Several councillors spoke in support, sharing personal experiences and highlighting the vital role these services play in the community.

Other Discussions

The meeting also included statements from Executive Councillors on various portfolio areas:

• Councillor Sean Matthews (Leader) reported on Growth, highlighting support for local businesses, economic activity, the visitor economy boosted by events like the Tour of Britain, and procurement practices. He also touched upon Adult Learning initiatives and IT improvements.
• Councillor Rob Gibson (Deputy Leader) provided an update on Local Government Reorganisation, noting its pause by the government, and discussed Community Engagement initiatives and Customer Services improvements.
• Councillor Danny Brookes (Environment) reported on Waste Management, including the introduction of food waste collections and a new booking system for Household Waste Recycling Centres. He also mentioned Environment Day and ongoing Planning and Environmental projects.
• Councillor Tom Catton (Resources) presented the financial performance for 2025/26, covering revenue and capital spending, reserves, and key financial health indicators.
• Councillor Steve Clegg (Adult Care and Health) discussed improvements in Adult Social Care, the impact of the CQC report, and the Neighbourhood Health Transformation Programme.
• Councillor David East (Highways and Transport) detailed ongoing investment in road maintenance, major infrastructure projects like the North Hykeham and Grantham Southern Relief Roads, and improvements to walking, cycling, and public transport.
• Councillor Alex McGonigle (Community Safety) reported on Trading Standards successes, work on domestic abuse, support for Ukrainian refugees, and improvements in Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue's HMICFRS inspection.
• Councillor Natalie Oliver (Children's Services and Culture) highlighted the opening of new Family Hubs, support for SEND provision, school admissions, attendance strategies, and cultural attractions, including the success of the Live at Lincoln Castle concert series and the acquisition of historical artefacts.

During the question session, a range of issues were raised by councillors, including concerns about household waste recycling centres, constitutional amendments, water resilience, SEND policies, the cost of local government review, highway issues, the future of Ellis Mill, water leakage, adult social care services, and street lighting.

The Council also agreed to the permanent designation of Michelle Grady as the Chief Finance Officer (Section 151).

The meeting concluded with a vote of support for lifeboat and life-saving services along the Lincolnshire coast.