The Council is scheduled to convene on Friday, 18 September 2026, with a key focus on reviewing and potentially amending the Council's Constitution. The meeting will also address the financial performance of the council for the 2025/26 period and discuss the permanent designation of the Chief Finance Officer.

Review of the Constitution

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to a comprehensive review of the Council's Constitution. This review includes proposed amendments to the Council Procedure Rules, which could alter how motions and amendments are submitted and considered, potentially introducing electronic voting and refining member speaking rights. Changes are also anticipated for the Policy Framework, specifically to remove references to the Local Transport Plan, as this responsibility now lies with the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA). Further amendments are planned to reflect the conclusion of the transition period for concurrent functions with the GLCCA and to formalise a joint agreement for the delegation and delivery of residual transport functions. Consequential changes are also proposed following the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which aims to streamline planning processes. Finally, the membership of the Health and Wellbeing Board is set to be reviewed and potentially amended.

Financial Performance 2025/26

The Council will examine its financial performance for the 2025/26 fiscal year. The report details the revenue budget outturn, indicating a net underspend of £0.499m for the council excluding schools, but a significant overspend of £13.406m on school budgets, primarily within the High Needs block. The capital investment programme for the year saw expenditure of £194.764m, which was £50.201m less than planned. The meeting will consider proposals for the carry-forward of over and underspends, and the treatment of the remaining balance after these adjustments. A key recommendation is to approve the inclusion of costs associated with any future Local Government Reorganisation within the purpose of the Financial Volatility Reserve. The report also includes a review of Prudential and Financial Performance Indicators for 2025/26.

Permanent Designation of Chief Finance Officer

The Council is invited to consider and approve the permanent designation of Michelle Grady, currently Assistant Director – Finance, as the Council's Chief Finance Officer (Section 151). This follows her interim designation and the permanent appointment to the Executive Director – Resources post. The permanent designation aims to provide certainty and continuity regarding the officer responsible for the proper administration of the Council's financial affairs.

Executive Portfolios and Delegations

The meeting will also address Executive Portfolios and Delegations, along with consequential amendments to Scrutiny Committee remits. This includes noting the Leader's Executive Members and their portfolios, approving the record of delegation within the Council's Scheme of Responsibility, and agreeing to consequential changes to the remits of Scrutiny Committees. These changes are intended to align scrutiny functions more effectively with areas such as economy and investment, and enabling services.

Statements and Questions

As is customary, there will be an opportunity for statements and announcements by the Leader and Members of the Executive. This will be followed by a session for questions to the Chairman, the Leader, Executive Councillors, and Chairmen of Committees and Sub-Committees.

Political Proportionality and Committee Appointments

The Council is scheduled to discuss political proportionality, the allocation of seats to committees and sub-committees, and appointments to these bodies for the upcoming year. This process ensures that the representation on committees reflects the overall political balance of the Council.

Motions on Notice

The meeting will consider any motions on notice submitted in accordance with the Council's Constitution. These are formal proposals put forward by councillors for debate and decision.