The Growth Scrutiny Committee reviewed the 2026/27 Capital Repairs and Maintenance Funding, noting that £8.5 million in additional investment would be required to address all essential repairs across non-school assets. The committee also examined the annual performance of the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub, highlighting its success in supporting businesses and the ongoing challenge of securing future grant funding.

Capital Repairs and Maintenance Funding

The committee considered the proposed 2026/27 Capital Repairs and Maintenance Programme, which aims to ensure legal compliance and maintain the fabric integrity of council properties. A total of £3.5 million is allocated for both corporate properties and schools. Within the corporate properties budget, there is a ring-fenced allocation for county farms, accessibility, and asbestos management, as well as for urgent and emergent works. The school's funding comes from the Department for Education's Schools Condition Allocation.

During the discussion, Councillor Lindsey Cawrey inquired about the removal of a heating duct from Gallery 2 at the Usher Gallery, and it was confirmed that this work would be included to achieve efficiencies. Concerns were raised about the repairs to Leviton Fire Station and how they fit with plans for a new build, with officers explaining that the current repairs are for safe access and egress and surface water drainage. Councillor Cawrey also questioned the responsiveness of the facilities management contract for minor repairs at fire stations, and it was noted that a new contract implemented on 1 April had aimed to improve response times.

Councillor Cawrey also asked about measures to prevent graffiti at the Usher Gallery, and it was confirmed that CCTV is in place and that the council responds to issues within its demise. A request was made for a specific condition report on the built assets within the culture services portfolio, including Lincoln Castle, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitors Centre, and the Lincoln Museum, which officers agreed to arrange.

Councillor Raymond Balfor Condell asked if increasing the budget now could save costs in the long term, and this was noted for future planning. Councillor Thomas James Dyer requested a breakdown of spend by subcontractors, particularly those based in Lincolnshire, and was informed this could be provided. Dyer also sought confidence in completing the £8.5 million worth of urgent works, and it was explained that the list is dynamic and reprioritised based on urgency and potential asset disposal. A request was made for a breakdown of schemes and financial values for categories two, three, and four of the condition survey, which officers agreed to provide.

Regarding Lincoln Castle, Councillor Dyer asked about fall arrest eye bolts and if there were plans for work on the castle walls. It was clarified that the eye bolts are a safety system for contractors and that a separate paper on the castle's maintenance requirements would be presented. The committee also discussed the council's windmill strategy, with an update expected in early spring next year. A request was made for a quarterly report on the ongoing property schemes, which officers agreed to schedule. Councillor David East inquired about the significant budget for fire doors, and it was explained that they require frequent inspections due to regulations and wear and tear. Councillor Alan Christopher Woodruff asked for reasons for using contractors outside of Lincolnshire, which would be provided.

The committee supported the recommendations to the executive regarding the Capital Repairs and Maintenance Funding.

Business Lincolnshire Annual Performance and Future Business Support Landscape

The committee reviewed the annual performance of the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub. Angela Driver, Enterprise Growth Manager, reported that the hub had assisted almost 1,300 businesses with one-to-one advisory support, equating to nearly 5,000 hours of advice. The hub's manufacturing conference on 28 November brought together over 100 manufacturers, and a case study of Mowbray Foam was highlighted as a success story.

Looking ahead, three procurement-focused events are planned for February, and a conference for high-growth businesses is scheduled for March. The Business Lincolnshire website has seen significant engagement gains, with 9,000 unique users in November, and an AI growth bot has been integrated. The main challenge identified by businesses is access to grant funding.

The report also addressed the future funding landscape, noting that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund ends in March 2026. While future funding is uncertain, the team is developing a tiered model and is in conversation with combined authority colleagues about the new local growth fund.

Councillor Thomas James Dyer praised the work of the growth hub and requested a breakdown of funding sources and the total cost to run the hub. He also inquired about the new funding models and their distribution. Angela Driver explained that UK SPF funding was allocated at both district and county levels, and that the cost to deliver the growth hub this year is around £1.5 million, with a flexible delivery model. She confirmed that discussions about the local growth fund are ongoing and that guidance is expected later.

Councillor Ashley John Baxter questioned the interaction with district councils and potential overlap in services and funding, particularly in light of potential county council abolition. It was clarified that the growth hub offers generalist advisors in districts without local provision and specialist support across the whole area, avoiding duplication. Baxter also sought clarification on the difference between digital/marketing and digital sector growth specialist advisors, which was explained as supporting any business with digital needs versus championing and growing the digital sector itself.

The committee expressed support for the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub and noted the potential funding gap from April 2026.

Service Level Performance Reporting

Samantha Harrison, Head of Economic Development, presented the service level performance reporting for 2025-26 as at Quarter 2. The committee was informed that the target for businesses supported had been exceeded, with 1,769 businesses assisted against a target of 1,469. However, the number of qualifications achieved by adults was behind target, with 574 achieved against a target of 942. This was attributed to a time lag in enrollment and the procurement of new providers. The amount of external funding attracted was also behind target, with £3.38 million secured against a target of £5.3 million, primarily due to delays in government payments.

Councillor Lindsey Cawrey requested a short report on how the targets for qualifications achieved would be met by the end of the year. Councillor Thomas James Dyer expressed concern about the quality and scope of performance data presented to the committee, suggesting the formation of a member working group to agree on appropriate performance measures. This proposal was put to a vote and did not pass.

Councillor Dyer also requested that future reports include performance data on economic development buildings, such as tenant percentages and income, and on Team Lincolnshire, including member events and attendance. He also reiterated concerns about the lack of detail in property performance data.

Councillor Raymond Balfor Condell asked for clarification on the targets for qualifications achieved and the impact of factors like lack of uptake or dropouts. Samantha Harrison confirmed that the numbers were improving and that work was ongoing with providers to address marketing and learner engagement. She also explained that the shortfall in external funding was due to timing issues with government payments.

Councillor Ashley John Baxter questioned the distinction between external funding and inward investment and whether the Mayor could be blamed for not meeting targets. He also raised concerns about the depth of the current performance measures and their ability to reflect the impact of officers' work.

The committee moved the proposal to accept the performance report as presented.

Government Budget Presentation

Justin Brown, Assistant Director – Growth, provided a verbal update on the implications of the government budget for Lincolnshire's growth programme. He highlighted the estimated national growth of 1.5%, which is lower than previous targets for Lincolnshire. The budget includes a Youth Guarantee, offering a six-month paid work placement after alternative support, and full funding for SME apprenticeships. Brown noted that long-term youth unemployment in Lincolnshire is significantly above national levels.

The report also mentioned the Local Growth Fund, with £52 million allocated for Greater Lincolnshire over four years, covering infrastructure, business, and skills. The committee was encouraged to develop a pipeline of projects to bid for this funding. Other points discussed included a visitor levy on overnight accommodation, which could generate revenue but also create cost pressures, and the potential for industrial strategy zones, which could attract business investment.

Councillor Ashley John Baxter raised concerns about the apostrophe in the presentation title and questioned the visitor levy, asking if it would be applied across Lincolnshire and if it could be specific to certain areas like Skegness. He also sought clarification on industrial strategy zones and their relationship to freeports. Regarding the local growth fund, he asked about the bidding process. Justin Brown explained that information on the visitor levy was still awaited and that industrial strategy zones were a priority for the government, warranting exploration for Lincolnshire. He also confirmed that the local growth fund process was still being clarified.

Councillor Raymond Balfor Condell asked about the possibility of a body and loaned model for young people to businesses, similar to an apprenticeship training agency, to mitigate employer risk. Justin Brown acknowledged this as a potential area for exploration. Councillor Thomas James Dyer inquired about whether Lincolnshire County Council tracks funding that could be bid for but is not accepted, and was informed that this is not currently monitored. Councillor East expressed support for free zones, citing personal experience of their benefits.

The committee expressed satisfaction with the update on the government budget's implications for Lincolnshire's growth programme.

Growth Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Kiara Chatziioannou, Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme. The committee was invited to review and comment on the programme and highlight any additional issues or items of community interest for inclusion. Suggestions made during the meeting included reports on quarterly capital repairs and maintenance monitoring, a windmill strategy update, a castle maintenance programme, and a condition report for cultural assets. These items would be discussed with officers for potential inclusion in future agendas.

Councillor Thomas James Dyer formally requested an agenda item regarding any changes to tenant lease agreements, rents, or how energy costs are passed on in respect to economic development capital programmes and the economic development side of things. This was seconded and will be considered.

The committee approved the existing work programme and agreed to include the additional items highlighted in discussions. The minutes of the previous meeting were also formally approved.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the work programme and the minutes of the previous meeting.