The Executive of Lincolnshire Council met on Tuesday 3 March 2026 to discuss and approve several key financial and policy matters. Significant decisions included the approval of new usual cost rates for residential and nursing care, the adoption of a new Environment Policy, and the establishment of a Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Residential Care and Residential with Nursing Care Usual Costs

The Executive approved new usual cost rates for residential, nursing, and community care services for the financial year 2026/27, effective from 1 April 2026. These rates aim to support the sustainability of care providers and ensure the Council can meet its statutory obligations to provide care for residents. The decision also included a three-month extension to the current Residential Framework Agreement and the establishment of an interim agreement until March 2028, to allow time for a new long-term contract to be procured. A new Hardship Process was also approved to support providers facing financial difficulties. Councillor Alex McGonigle declared an interest in this item as an employee and shareholder of a company with contracts with the council and left the chamber during the debate.

Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Executive agreed to the outline approach for the delivery of the new government-funded Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which will replace the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments from April 2026 to March 2029. The fund, with a provisional allocation of £9.9 million per year, aims to provide a safety net for low-income households facing financial shocks and to build long-term financial resilience. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, to develop the delivery plan. Councillor Robert Gibson, Deputy Leader of the Council, will be requested to approve the delivery plan by 1 July 2026. The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board supported the proposed approach but raised concerns about the cash-first requirement, eligibility criteria, and the tight timescales.

Review of the Mental Health Section 75 National Health Service Act 2006 Agreement

The Executive approved the termination of the Section 75 Agreement with Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) for the delivery of adult mental health social care services. The agreement will end as soon as lawfully and safely possible, no later than 31 March 2027, with the service reverting to direct Council delivery. This decision follows independent reviews highlighting escalating financial pressures, limitations in data and reporting, and the need for stronger governance. Subject to due diligence, the Council will directly provide the adult mental health social care service for individuals aged 18 to 64. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health, to manage the transition. The Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee had previously considered the report and raised points regarding engagement with service users, the transfer of staff, and the measurement of outcomes.

Environment Policy

The Executive adopted a new Environment Policy, which supersedes the previous Green Masterplan. The new policy reflects the administration's priorities, focusing on practical, cost-effective, and locally driven actions to protect the environment and natural landscapes, rather than pursuing a target of carbon neutrality by 2050. The policy emphasizes efficiency in council operations, waste reduction, and collaboration with residents and businesses. It also affirms the Council's commitment to protecting Lincolnshire's landscapes from industrialisation, managing water resources, and enhancing biodiversity. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Environment, to develop an Action Plan for the policy's delivery. The Environment Scrutiny Committee supported the recommendations, noting the focus on achievable targets and the avoidance of financial burdens on taxpayers.

Review of Financial Performance (2025/26 Quarter 3)

The Executive noted the Council's forecast financial performance for 2025/26 at quarter three. The general fund is forecasting an underspend of £6.0 million, while schools' revenue budgets are forecasting an overspend of £29.9 million, primarily within the High Needs block. The capital programme is forecasting an underspend of £21.3 million for the current year, but an overspend of £38.7 million across the full programme, largely due to variances in major road schemes. The Executive approved the reallocation of £1.517 million from the Public Health Grant reserve to fund eligible grant spend within the Children's Services revenue budget. The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board had previously considered the report and highlighted concerns regarding the sustainability of the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit and the delays in capital spending on new schools.

Appointment to Outside Bodies

The Executive approved amendments to the Council's representation on two outside bodies. Councillor David East will replace Councillor Michael Cheyne as a named substitute for Councillor Sean Matthews on the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority. Additionally, Councillors M Hume and P Locke were appointed to the Secure Accommodation Review Panel, filling a vacancy and two substitute positions.