The Growth Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 12 May 2026 to discuss the visitor economy, youth unemployment, and proposals for investment zones. The committee also reviewed the council's performance indicators and discussed the strategy for managing the county's historic windmills.

Visitor Economy Update

Mary Powell, Place and Investment Manager, presented an update on the visitor economy, highlighting the success of the visitlincolnshire.com website in 2025. The website saw over 1.6 million page views and nearly a million sessions, with over 169,000 clicks to booking information. The report noted that while the visitor economy had grown by 2.7% in monetary terms, this represented a 1.8% real-terms decline after adjusting for inflation. Total visitor numbers also saw a slight decrease. The committee supported the council's continued strategic role in facilitating a collaborative approach to the visitor economy and tasked officers with producing a cross-council visitor economy strategy focusing on product development, business support, and promotion.

Youth Unemployment in Lincolnshire

Alex Nightingale, Skills Delivery Manager, presented a report on youth unemployment in Lincolnshire, highlighting that the issue is complex and driven by structural barriers, geographic factors, and programme fragmentation rather than a lack of provision. Key barriers identified include transport limitations, the county's SME-dominated economy, and mental health challenges among young people. The committee recognised youth unemployment as a cross-cutting priority and supported the development of a coordinated, Lincolnshire-wide approach. Officers were tasked with producing an action plan to improve coordination, strengthen employer engagement, address transport barriers, and maximise the use of social value and procurement for apprenticeships and employment opportunities. They will also work with the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority to address transport barriers.

Overview of Investment Zones, Enterprise Zones, and Business Rates Retention Schemes

Simon Wright, Regeneration and Portfolio Manager, presented an overview of government initiatives designed to attract investment. The committee agreed that a designated zone in Lincolnshire would be beneficial to the economy and tasked officers with carrying out further work to determine the most suitable location and sector focus for such a zone, with a full recommendation to be presented on 28 July 2026. The proposed methodology for site selection was also discussed.

Scrutiny Committee Performance Indicator Review

Tony Kavanagh, Assistant Director for Human Resources and Organisational Support, outlined a revised approach to performance indicator scrutiny, allowing the committee to review and comment on draft KPIs before final decisions are made by Executive Councillors. The committee acknowledged this change and agreed to receive a future report for detailed review.

Councillor Request: LCC Windmill Strategy

Councillor Thomas Dyer presented a report requesting an update on the emerging Windmill Strategy for the four council-owned windmills: Ellis Mill in Lincoln, Heckington Windmill, Alford Windmill, and Dobson's Mill in Burgh le Marsh. Mark Eyre, Head of Strategic Asset Management, provided an overview of the strategy, noting that the windmills are in poor condition and require substantial restoration. The council is exploring third-party ownership or management arrangements to ensure their long-term future. The strategy is still under development, with a report expected to be presented to Executive Councillors in the autumn.

Growth Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Kiara Chatziioannou, Health Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme. Updates were provided on various items, including the rescheduling of the Sleaford Demolition report and the addition of a new item on Water and Wastewater Contract Transition. The committee approved the existing work programme.