The Executive of Lincolnshire Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, to consider several key reports. These include proposals for the continuation of Project Groundwater, the replacement of Langrick Bridge, the adoption of a new strategy for the County Farms Estate, and the awarding of a contract for an integrated digital bedroom system at a secure children's home.

Project Groundwater Extension

A report is scheduled for discussion regarding the continuation of Project Groundwater, which aims to enhance the understanding and management of groundwater flood risk across Lincolnshire. The proposal seeks approval to reallocate £511,000 from the flood risk reserve to embed Project Groundwater within the Floods and Water team as a business-as-usual activity following the cessation of national grant funding in March 2027. This reallocation would secure the continuation of officer expertise and the development of further funding bids, supporting the Council's statutory obligations under the Flood and Water Management Act. The project has already attracted over £600,000 in additional external investment and has established Lincolnshire as a nationally recognised leader in groundwater resilience and flood innovation.

DfT Structures Fund Submission – Replacement of Langrick Bridge

The Executive is to consider a report concerning a bid to the Department for Transport (DfT) Structures Fund for the replacement of Langrick Bridge. The Council has submitted a bid for £24.73 million, with a proposed local contribution of £1.5 million from the Highways Maintenance Capital Budget. The existing Langrick Bridge, built in 1903, is described as having end-of-serviceable-life issues, operating under a permanent single-lane traffic signal control due to structural limitations, poor highway alignment, and increasing maintenance liabilities. If the bid is successful, a new three-span bridge on an improved alignment to the west of the existing structure is proposed. The report details the estimated costs, the Council's financial exposure, the condition of the existing bridge, and the implications if the replacement scheme does not proceed, which could include further restrictions or eventual closure of the bridge.

County Farms Estate – Strategy 2026-2036

A report is scheduled for discussion regarding the adoption of the County Farms Estate Strategy 2026-2036. This strategy outlines the Council's long-term approach to managing approximately 16,300 acres of agricultural land across 152 holdings, making it the second largest County Farms Estate in England. The strategy replaces the previous 2015 strategy and addresses significant changes within the agricultural sector, including shifts in agricultural support mechanisms, market volatility, infrastructure needs, and the requirement to support future generations of farmers. The strategy establishes four key outcomes: Sustainable and Thriving Tenancies, Resilient Farming Businesses, High Performing Estate Assets, and Financial Sustainability and Growth. It aims to maintain the estate as a strategic public asset while supporting the Council Plan objective of Keeping Lincolnshire Farming, promoting rural economic growth, supporting new entrants into farming, and ensuring the estate remains financially sustainable and resilient.

Decision to Award the Secure Children's Home Integrated Digital Bedroom System Contract

The Executive is to consider a report concerning the awarding of a contract for an integrated digital bedroom media and communication system for Millennium Lodge, a new Secure Children's Home being developed in Sleaford. The Council has secured Department for Education funding for the home, which will feature 28 bedrooms. The proposed system, known as CoWin Play, is designed to provide children with access to education, entertainment, communication tools, therapeutic content, and in-room controls through a single secure interface. The report seeks approval to authorise a direct award of a contract to Recornect, the manufacturer and intellectual property owner of the system, for specialist commissioning, proprietary system installation, software licensing, maintenance, and support. The proposed contract has an initial term of five years, extendable to a maximum of eight years, with annual licence and service costs amounting to £83,730.24. This cost will be funded through revenue generated by the Secure Children's Home. An exception to normal procurement rules is sought due to the proprietary nature of the system and the need for it to be fully compatible with the wider security and monitoring infrastructure being installed at Millennium Lodge.