The Growth Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, to consider budget proposals for the upcoming financial year and review the management of car parks at the Queen Elizabeth II Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park. The committee will also discuss its work programme for the coming year.

Budget Proposals 2026/2027

The committee is set to review the budget proposals for 2026/2027, focusing on their implications for the Council's Growth, Property, and Commercial Services. This review is part of a consultation process, with the committee's comments to be considered by the Executive on 3 February 2026. The report indicates that the Council is projected to balance its budget across the medium term, with a revised funding share from the government expected to increase the Council's allocation.

The proposed revenue budget for Growth Services is approximately £3.5 million, with income derived from government grants for business advice and training, and rental income from the economic portfolio. The report notes that while the gross revenue budget is considered sufficient, reductions in service delivery lines have been made to meet the council's budget requirements. This tightening of budgets may limit the council's ability to respond to new opportunities. There is also a noted risk of equipment failure within the economic portfolio, which could lead to significant losses in reputation and income. The report also highlights the fragile nature of grant funding, particularly for business support services, with priorities now resting with organisations other than Lincolnshire County Council.

For Corporate Property, the proposed budget includes £1.5 million in cost pressures, such as additional funding for facilities management to address backlog maintenance, building condition surveys, and vacant property management. It also accounts for inflationary pressures on the facilities management contract and business rates. Savings are planned through rationalising the property estate and a reduction in energy costs due to global energy price stabilisation.

The report also details changes to the Capital Programme, including an increase of £1.1 million to the repairs and maintenance programme for corporate property. However, it proposes the withdrawal of the Economic Investment Fund budget (£20.0 million) and the Grantham High Street Highway Improvement (£2.0 million) to pursue a different model for economic infrastructure facilitation, which may involve shared investment with the commercial sector.

Queen Elizabeth II Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park - Car Park Review

A review of the car parking charges and management at the six coastal access sites within the Queen Elizabeth II Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park (QEII LCCP) is scheduled for discussion. The report covers the implementation of charges in 2022, which aimed to address issues of congestion, obstruction, and wild camping. The current charges are in place between 10 am and 5 pm daily, from Good Friday to the end of October, with fees ranging from £1.00 for up to one hour to £4.00 for over two hours.

The report notes that initial feedback highlighted issues with the limited payment methods, leading to the installation of cashless payment machines at Huttoft Car Terrace and Anderby Creek. Subsequent improvements have included a single site code for all six car parks and the introduction of a seasonal pass. The report indicates that the scheme has largely worked successfully, with income generated being used for improvements and maintenance within the QEII LCCP area.

Future opportunities to be reviewed include a modest increase in fees for the next season, with proposed charges of £1.50 for up to one hour, £3.00 for up to three hours, and £5.00 for over three hours. This increase is intended to absorb inflationary costs and align with charges at other public car parks in the coastal area. The report also considers the possibility of introducing winter charging, noting that analysis suggests this could be viable at sites like Huttoft Car Terrace and Anderby Creek, but would require consultation with local parish councils. The report also touches on motorhome usage and the potential implementation of the emerging National Parking Platform, which would allow users to pay via various phone-based apps.

Scrutiny of Property Matters

The committee is scheduled to receive a report on the scrutiny of property matters, submitted in accordance with Rule 7a of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules.

Growth Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee will review its work programme for the coming year, aiming to ensure that scrutiny activity is focused on areas where it can provide the greatest benefit. The report outlines planned items for future meetings, including performance reporting, updates on agricultural and manufacturing sector support, and a review of the Sleaford County Offices demolition. The committee will also consider additional topics for inclusion in its work programme, such as a quarterly Capital Repairs and Maintenance monitoring report, a Windmills Strategy update, and a condition report for key cultural assets. A request has also been made to include proposed changes to tenant lease arrangements, rents, or energy re-charging in council-managed workspaces as a specific agenda item.