The Executive of Lincolnshire County Council met to discuss a range of issues, including approving the Lincolnshire Youth Justice Plan 2025-28, and the North Highcombe Relief Road scheme. They also agreed to launch a public consultation on the Integrated Lifestyle Service.

North Hykeham Relief Road

The Executive approved the submission of the full business case to the Department for Transport for the North Hykeham Relief Road (NHRR) scheme, but delegated authority to Councillor S Matthews, Leader of the Council, to seek further information regarding increased costs from Anglian Water and bat mitigation measures before confirming the council's additional financial contribution of £13.98m.

Sam Edwards, Head of Highways Infrastructure, explained that costs had increased by approximately £14 million, but the benefit cost ratio had also increased to over four. He noted that Natural England was acting as a static consultee.

Councillor D Brookes questioned the need for extra money for bat mitigation, asking if Natural England could contribute. Edwards clarified that the cost increases were being presented for the first time, based on market pricing from companies.

Councillor L M Kelly sought clarity on why costs had increased if the scope of work remained unchanged. Councillor N R Oliver suggested deferring the decision until further inquiries could be made.

Councillor P J Roberts, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board (OSMB), said that the proposed bat mitigation measures were the main focus of the board's discussion, and that the board was not happy about the extra cost. He recommended that an independent review should be undertaken before the council proceeds.

Councillor S Matthews said that he was vexed with the idea of spending £4.2 million on a bat tunnel and a bat bridge, and that he would ask Karl McCartney, the member of parliament for Boston and Skegness, to bring this up in parliament and write to the environment secretary to seek clarification.

Integrated Lifestyle Service Consultation and Contract Extension

The Executive approved a 12-week public consultation to explore how community needs can best be met to support healthier lifestyles, and agreed to extend the existing contracts for the Integrated Lifestyle Service (ILS) and Smoke Free Generation (SFG) for 12 months, until 30 September 2026, while the consultation is carried out. They also delegated authority to the Executive Director for Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health, to progress a compliant Provider Selection Regime¹ process to award the ILS and SFG contracts to Thrive Tribe Limited.

Councillor P J Roberts said that the OSMB emphasised that everyone should take responsibility for their own lifestyle and health and well-being, and that where individuals themselves pay for a service they are more likely to make use of it.

Councillor A McGonigle asked if Martin Samuels, Executive Director for Adult Care & Community Wellbeing, could share his perspective on the amount that the NHS contribute towards the ILS. Councillor S W Clegg said that he was a little bit offended by the skeptical suggestion made last week that the consultation process is effectively a foregone conclusion.

Property Rationalisation Programme

The Executive approved the council's three-year Property Rationalisation Programme, which aims to increase revenue savings, generate capital receipts, and reduce underutilised internal areas and land. They delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director – Resources, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Growth, to take all decisions necessary to dispose of properties identified as 'disposal planned'. A separate strategy will be developed for Travellers’ sites and windmills.

Councillor N R Oliver congratulated Councillor L M Kelly for bringing such a forward-looking document to scrutiny. Councillor R A Gibson urged officers to ensure that local members are consulted in each individual case where a property is recommended for disposal or rationalisation. Councillor D Brookes asked if there are robust covenants in place for the farms and farmlands being sold that they won't be allowed to put solar farms or wind farms on those lands. Councillor N R Oliver said that it was important to make sure we've got robust covenants in place to protect us from properties being used for houses in multiple occupation.

Guidance for Developers on Biodiversity Net Gain Requirements and Monitoring Fees

The Executive approved the recommended approach to monitoring Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and charging associated monitoring fees, as well as the Lincolnshire County Council: Biodiversity Net Gain Planning Guide. They also delegated authority to the Executive Director – Place, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Environment, to make amendments to the guide and increase monitoring fees annually in line with inflation. The executive amended the wording on the local planning authority BNG comparison from £20,000 to bespoke for major or large sites.

Councillor N R Oliver questioned why the BNG monitoring fees were constrained to a range, rather than leaving it open with a bespoke consultation for larger sites. Councillor D Brookes seconded Councillor N R Oliver's proposal. Councillor L M Kelly asked if the developers would be provided with a breakdown of the cost mechanism.

Lincolnshire Youth Justice Plan 2025-28

The Executive approved the Lincolnshire Youth Justice Plan 2025-28 and recommended it to the County Council for formal approval.

Councillor N R Oliver paid homage to the partners involved in the report, and Councillor R A Gibson thanked Heather Sandy, Executive Director - Children's Services, and the team for keeping one of these important services in the excellent bracket.

Review of Financial Performance (2025/26 Quarter 1)

The Executive noted the forecast outturn position for revenue and capital, the mitigations being progressed, the update on the 2026/27 financial planning process, and the updated reserve statement and development fund forecast. They also noted the changes to the revenue budget and capital programme made under delegated powers.

Councillor L M Kelly asked what was being done to manage the overspend in children's services. Heather Sandy clarified that the overspend was within the high needs block, and that Lincolnshire has fared very well in this area. She said that the cost for children in care placements has risen steeply nationally, and that Lincolnshire has strengthened its fostering capacity.

Councillor R A Gibson noted that highways has got a slight underspend at the moment, and asked about the fire and rescue underspend.

Appointments to Outside Bodies

The Executive approved changes to the named substitutes to the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA):

• Councillor M S Cheyne to replace Councillor L M Kelly as substitute for Councillor S Matthews
• Councillor L M Kelly to replace Councillor M S Cheyne as substitute for Councillor I Sheard

Re-procurement of the LCC Wide Area Network (WAN) and future of East Midlands Public Service Network (emPSN)

The Executive approved the recommendations as set out in the exempt report.