The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority met on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, to discuss and endorse a new housing strategy, approve an approach to the Local Growth Fund, and review a strategic vision for the defence and security sector. Decisions were also made regarding the Authority's pay policy, proposed changes to its constitution, and membership appointments to various committees.

Housing Strategy and Pipeline Update

The Authority was asked to note progress on the housing pipeline, endorse Part One of the Housing Strategy, and agree to the development of Part Two. The Housing Strategy, developed in collaboration with local authorities, outlines national housing policy, government funding, and a profile of the housing market across Greater Lincolnshire. Part Two will focus on the Combined Authority's housing ambitions and investment priorities. Concerns were raised by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the realism of national housing targets, the need for clearer mechanisms to ensure the right housing mix, and the importance of aligning infrastructure delivery with housing growth. The committee also expressed reservations about the premature inclusion of references to new towns and sought clarification on the Veterans Village concept, noting that it would consist of smaller housing clusters rather than a traditional village. The Authority was informed that the strategy is only Part One, with Part Two to follow, providing more detailed information. The proposed recommendations were moved and seconded, and after discussion, the Authority voted to endorse Part One of the Housing Strategy and agree to the development of Part Two.

Approach to the Local Growth Fund

The Authority was presented with a report outlining the proposed approach to administering the £52 million devolved Local Growth Funding settlement. The fund, allocated over four years, comprises £23 million in revenue and £29 million in capital funding. The proposed approach involves a programme-based strategy with six indicative programmes: a Sites Acceleration Programme, an Innovation Accelerator Programme, an SME Start-up Fund, an Investment and Trade Programme, a Skills Programme with a digital focus, and a Workforce Development Programme. These programmes aim to align with the Corporate Plan and the emerging Local Growth Plan, addressing identified gaps in existing funding. The Authority was asked to approve the acceptance of the settlement, the high-level approach, and to delegate authority to the Chief Executive to agree final arrangements with the government, including the Outcomes Framework. A future report will detail the Local Growth Fund Delivery Plan. The recommendations were moved and seconded, and after discussion, the Authority voted to approve the recommendations.

Strategic Vision for Defence and Security Sector

The Authority was asked to consider and endorse the Strategic Vision for the Defence and Security Sector for Greater Lincolnshire. This vision, developed in partnership with key stakeholders including local authorities and the Regional Defence and Security Cluster, aims to position the area as a leading national and global hub for defence, security, and advanced technologies. The vision highlights Lincolnshire's strengths, including its RAF bases, veteran community, and existing defence companies, and outlines growth opportunities in cyber electromagnetic (CyberEM), advanced manufacturing, logistics, and dual-use technologies. The report noted that Lincoln College had successfully bid for Defence Technical Excellence College status and that the Combined Authority had secured funding from the Local Innovation Partnership Fund for defence and ag tech dual-use technologies. The Authority was asked to endorse the vision and delegate the final wording to the Chief Executive. The recommendations were moved and seconded, and after discussion, the Authority voted to endorse the vision.

GLCCA Pay Policy

The Authority was presented with the GLCCA Pay Policy for approval. The policy sets out the principles governing pay decisions to ensure consistency, transparency, and accountability. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee had raised concerns regarding performance-related pay for senior officers, the lack of detail on how Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would be set and measured, the perceived inequity of a bonus scheme applying only to senior roles, and the appropriateness of bonus payments in the public sector. The committee recommended endorsing the pay policy in principle, subject to a review of performance-related pay and bonus arrangements, and that these arrangements be brought back to the committee once developed. The recommendations were moved and seconded. A debate ensued regarding the appropriateness of senior officers remaining in the room during discussions about their pay and performance, and the interpretation of the Constitution regarding the process for approving the pay policy. Ultimately, the Authority voted on the recommendations.

Proposed Changes to the Constitution

The Authority was asked to approve proposed changes to its Constitution. These changes included amendments to reflect the new staffing structure, the removal of references to the Transition Period, and updates to the scheme of officer delegation and proper officer appointments. A debate arose regarding the constitutional process for approving these changes, specifically whether the Audit Committee should have reviewed them first. The Interim Monitoring Officer presented a case for the current process being within the Constitution's parameters, while some members argued for deferral. Concerns were also raised about potential errors and inconsistencies in the proposed changes. The Chief Executive offered to take the paper back for further work if members were unhappy. Following a point of order regarding voting procedures, a vote was taken on the proposed changes.

Membership of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority and Committees

The Authority was notified of changes to appointments made by Constituent Authorities to the GLCCA and was asked to approve nominations for the Audit Committee. Lincolnshire County Council had made a change to their named substitute for the Lead Member on the GLCCA, and new nominations were presented for the Audit Committee, adhering to political balance rules. The recommendations were moved and seconded, and after a brief discussion regarding the date of a decision made by Lincolnshire County Council, the Authority voted to approve the nominations.

Appointment of Chair and Members to the Innovation Panel

The Authority was asked to appoint a Chair and Members to the new Innovation Panel, which will support the delivery of the Authority's innovation strategy. The panel is designed on a triple helix model, comprising members from public, private, and academic sectors. Recommendations were made to appoint Russell Schofield-Bezer as Chair, along with six private sector members, four academia/research members, and representatives from the British Business Bank and Innovate UK. The recommendations were moved and seconded, and after a brief comment acknowledging the work done to assemble the panel, the Authority voted to approve the appointments.

The meeting concluded at 3:33 pm.