The Growth Scrutiny Committee met to discuss procurement reforms, broadband progress, regional energy planning, and the Connect to Work programme. The committee endorsed reports on procurement, broadband and the Connect to Work programme, and provided feedback to officers. Members also discussed and approved the committee's work programme for the coming year.

Procurement Reforms

The committee received an update on the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023, which came into effect on 24 February 2025. Victoria Eaton, Assistant Director, Commercial, explained that the new legislation aims to simplify tendering and contracts, reduce barriers for small to medium enterprises (SMEs), and increase transparency.

Key points discussed:

• Training: 125 officers have received training on the new regulations, with 10 senior officers completing the 'Expert' level course.
• Documentation: The council has simplified and standardised its contract documents, using plain English to reduce barriers for SMEs.
• SME Support: The council is focusing on the most advantageous tender, considering value beyond just price, with a focus on Lincolnshire-based organisations.
• E-tendering System: A new, user-friendly electronic tendering system is being rolled out, starting with home-to-school transport.
• Engagement: Samantha Harrison, Head of Economic Development, outlined efforts to engage with SMEs through the Business Lincolnshire website, newsletters, webinars, and partnerships with organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses¹ and the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce².

Councillors raised questions about how the council measures the success of SME support measures and ensures that Lincolnshire businesses benefit from contracts. Councillor Condal suggested working with businesses to identify gaps in the market and develop local supply chains. Councillor East asked if the tender matrix includes a Lincolnshire-first model. Victoria Eaton responded that they are exploring how to support local businesses within the constraints of procurement rules.

Councillor Dyer questioned the amount of work going through frameworks such as the Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO), suggesting that 19% was not a small amount. He also asked for a definition of SME for the report's purposes and raised concerns about supply chains, questioning whether a contract with a Derbyshire business with a Lincolnshire supply chain might be better for the local economy than one awarded to a Lincolnshire business using suppliers from Asia.

Victoria Eaton clarified that the definition of an SME is defined in the Procurement Act, linked to assets and size, and that she would circulate the details. She agreed on the importance of understanding supply chains and indicated that supply chain mapping would be part of their programme.

The committee endorsed the report, recognising the successful implementation of the new procurement regulations and the positive steps taken to support SME engagement.

Broadband Programme

Stephen Brookes, the broadband programme manager, provided an update on broadband provision in Lincolnshire. He highlighted the council's role in extending provision beyond what the private sector would have delivered, as well as the complexities of working with multiple partners.

Key points:

• Superfast Coverage: Over 96% of premises in the county have superfast broadband (download speeds greater than 30Mb/s).
• Ultrafast Broadband: A fixed wireless broadband contract with Quickline Communications has increased ultrafast broadband coverage to rural areas, with speeds exceeding 400Mb/s in many areas.
• Project Gigabit: The government-funded Project Gigabit aims to provide gigabit-capable broadband to areas not covered by commercial operators. Lincolnshire is divided into four lots under this project.
• Rural Gigabit Voucher Scheme: This scheme, which provides vouchers for eligible premises to upgrade to gigabit capability, is currently on hold.
• Mobile Coverage: Vodafone and Elon Musk's Starlink are working on technology to provide mobile coverage via satellite, which could benefit areas with poor coverage.

Councillor Dyer asked for a definition of coverage in the context of mobile coverage targets. Stephen Brookes explained that coverage is based on having one provider available in an area.

Councillor East questioned the accuracy of Quickline's delivery statistics, citing a village where only half the community had received the upgrade. Stephen Brookes said that BDUK conducts open market reviews every six months, where providers share information on their current and planned deployments. He offered to investigate specific cases.

Councillor Kelly added that the council has written to BDUK on several occasions to address concerns about the programme.

The committee approved the report and its recommendations.

Regional Energy Planning Submissions

Mandy Ramm, funding and investment manager, presented a report outlining the complexity of energy provision in Lincolnshire and the council's approach to regional energy planning submissions. Vanessa Strange, head of infrastructure investment, was also present.

Key points:

• Complexity: Energy provision involves large-scale infrastructure planning, technical planning for supply to end-users, and multiple players at central, regional, and local levels.
• Regional Energy Strategic Plan (RESP): A new national approach to support investment decisions based on regional needs. The Transitional Regional Energy Strategic Plan (TRESP) is designed to be bottom-up, based on engagement with local areas.
• Energy Capacity: Current data suggests that power demand is forecast to far outstrip capacity by around 2032 in certain places.
• Engagement: Officers have been engaging throughout the TRESP process to influence future energy provision in Lincolnshire.

Councillor Corey asked about the status of geothermal energy in Lincolnshire. Vanessa Strange responded that Riseholme College³ is using geothermal technology in its new glasshouse, and the council is showcasing this to agri-food and defence businesses.

Councillor Dilks emphasised the need for cheaper energy to achieve growth in Lincolnshire's economy and supported the council's engagement with realistic proposals.

Councillor Dyer expressed concern that being part of this organisation and taking an active role in this, are we, in effect, allowing this net zero agenda to move forward? Mandy Ramm responded that the council is not a member of the organisation but is responding to it to ensure local needs and priorities are considered.

The committee approved the report and its recommendations.

Connect to Work Programme

Jenny Eaton, Partnership Manager of Connect to Work, and Jenny Ryden, Principal Officer for Learning and Skills, presented a report outlining the national Connect to Work pilot programme, for which Lincolnshire County Council is the accountable body for Greater Lincolnshire. Samantha Harrison, Head of Economic Development, was also present.

Key points:

• Programme Overview: Connect to Work is a five-year supported employment pilot programme aimed at supporting people with health conditions, disabilities, or other barriers to employment.
• Local Delivery: The programme will provide tailored business solutions and work in partnership with local organisations to support individuals in finding and retaining employment.
• Target Groups: The programme will target economically inactive individuals, including those with disabilities, long-term health conditions, carers, students, and early retirees.
• Procurement Strategy: The council will use an open framework to procure delivery partners, with a focus on supporting local providers and SMEs.

Councillor Dilks questioned the accuracy of statistics on economic inactivity, particularly the high figures for South Kesteven. Councillor East requested more transparency on how the budget is broken down.

Councillor Condor asked if information about the fund is given to military personnel coming to the end of their service and prisoners coming to the end of their sentences.

Councillor Kelly shared an experience of a company called World Wide Fruits that had successfully employed prisoners. He suggested that the scheme should be opened up to provide support to businesses that can use the services of prisoners.

The committee approved the report and its recommendations.

Growth Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Kiara Chatziioannou, the scrutiny officer, presented the committee's work programme. She noted several changes since the publication of the agenda pack:

• The defence sector incubator space is now published on the forward plan for a decision.
• The Coastal Car Park Strategy Review has been moved to the Environment Scrutiny Committee.
• The County Farms Estate Strategy item has been deferred from October to December.
• The 2026-2027 Capital Repairs and Maintenance Funding item will now be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board.

Councillor Dyer raised concerns about the removal of the capital repairs and maintenance funding item and the coastal car park review strategy. He requested that the windmill strategy and traveller site strategy also come to this committee.

Councillor Robinson asked for an update on the Stedlethorpe Geological Disposable Facility Update Report.

The committee approved the work programme, subject to the concerns raised by Councillor Dyer.