The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss its role and remit, work programme, and the Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan. The committee reviewed and commented on its role and remit, and considered its work programme, highlighting areas for potential scrutiny. They also discussed the Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan, providing feedback on its development.

Role and Remit of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The committee reviewed and commented on a report outlining its role and remit. The report by Matthew Stickley, Statutory Scrutiny Officer, Lincolnshire County Council, emphasised that scrutiny is essential for ensuring local government remains transparent, accountable, and open, leading to improved public policies and services. The committee's role includes:

• Holding decision-makers to account.
• Challenging performance.
• Reviewing policies and identifying gaps.
• Providing a wider perspective from citizens and stakeholders.
• Examining broader issues affecting communities.
• Identifying areas for improvement.
• Making recommendations to improve services.

The committee's functions are to review or scrutinise any decision made in connection with any mayoral function or non-mayoral function of the combined county authority, and to make reports or recommendations to the Mayor or the Authority on any matter that affects the Authority's Area or the inhabitants of the Area.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed and agreed to the committee's work programme, as detailed in the report. The committee is encouraged to highlight items that could be included for consideration in the work programme.

The planned items for the next meeting on 5 November 2025 include pre-decision scrutiny of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan and the GLCCA Corporate Plan, prior to a decision by the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority on 10 December 2025.

Councillor K Wilson, North East Lincolnshire Council, suggested regular budget updates, possibly quarterly or every six weeks. Councillor K Wilson also asked if the skills strategy would come before the committee as a matter of course.

Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan

The committee reviewed and commented on the report on the Greater Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan, which had been presented to the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Transport Board on 16 July 2025.

The plan is required as part of the Greater Lincolnshire Devolution Deal¹. The three constituent authorities have been working together to produce a draft document providing an initial assessment of the key transport challenges to be addressed by the Greater Lincolnshire LTP.

The proposed vision for the Greater Lincolnshire LTP is to support the creation of a sustainable transport system that will connect communities to create good lives, with independence, wealth and good health.

The key themes for the Greater Lincolnshire LTP are:

• Economic Growth
• Safety, security and a healthy lifestyle
• Reduce transport related carbon dioxide emissions and protect and enhance the natural and built environment
• Connect people with homes, work, leisure and learning.

The report noted that since the initial work was undertaken, Lincolnshire County Council has seen a change in political leadership, and the first Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire has been elected. Both parties disagree with the focus on green transport and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, and seek an enhanced focus on improving connectivity, service quality, affordability and reliability of transport solutions.

Councillor T Mitchell, North Lincolnshire Council, noted that the plan is very ambitious for a key strand of policy and would like to see regular updates.