The Community Safety Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, to discuss the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Replacement Appliance Project and review service level performance. The committee also received an update on the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-28 and agreed its work programme.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Replacement Appliance Project

The committee considered the first phase of procurement for new fire appliances and equipment for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue (LFR). Joe Haustead, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, presented the business case for replacing the aging fleet with 18 new Type B fire appliances over a four-year period, with the first nine to be procured in phase one. Members raised questions about the logistical feasibility of the 'Clean Cab' policy, which aims to reduce firefighter exposure to contaminants by storing breathing apparatus outside the crew cab. Officers explained that contaminated equipment would be stored outside the cab and replaced with clean personal protective equipment (PPE). Concerns were also raised about lead times for procurement and awareness of new highway parking rules. Officers confirmed that LFR was aware of the parking rules and was working to educate the public on emergency vehicle access. The committee supported the recommendation to the Executive for the procurement of the new appliances and agreed that a summary of their comments would be passed to the Executive for consideration.

Service Level Performance Reporting Against the Success Framework 2025-2026 – Quarter 3

The committee reviewed the Quarter 3 performance for Community Safety services. Joe Haustead, Assistant Fire Chief, presented the performance data for Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue. Members queried the level of malicious calls and whether prosecutions were being made, with officers noting limited prosecution powers but the ability to track phone numbers. Concerns were raised about a reporting integrity issue related to the implementation of a new control system, which officers stated had been resolved. Martyn Parker, Assistant Director - Public Protection, introduced the performance data for the Public Protection service. Members expressed concern that targets unfairly penalised the County Council due to the involvement of outside bodies, though officers clarified these were County Council targets measured against their own performance. Christopher O'Rourke, Head of Communications and Engagement, presented the performance data for the Communications & Engagement service. The committee resolved to note the report.

Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025/28 Update

Jade Thursby, Domestic Abuse Business Manager, provided an update on the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025–28. The strategy focuses on prevention, early intervention, responding to risk and harm, and supporting long-term recovery. Members enquired about the availability of safe accommodation units, with officers confirming provision had been increased and needs were continuously monitored. The cross-flagging of animal welfare reports with domestic abuse reports was confirmed as implemented. The existence of specialised units for male victims was also confirmed. Queries were raised about the number of children reporting abuse, with officers noting it as an emerging issue and the challenges in children knowing when to report. The adoption of a new definition for domestic abuse, suicide training for professionals, and the role of the SARC centre in Lincolnshire were discussed. The committee resolved to note the report.

Community Safety Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed and agreed its work programme. The current items included the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Replacement Appliance Project, Service Level Performance Reporting for Quarter 3, and an update on the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025/28. Planned items for future meetings included reports on illicit tobacco and vaping, the LFR Waddington Training Facility, the Prevent Annual Report, and various performance reports. The committee agreed the work programme and was encouraged to highlight any additional scrutiny activities for future consideration.