Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A J Baxter, A G Hagues, G J Taylor, and Mrs J E Killey. It was reported that, under Regulation 13 of the Local Government Committee and Political Groups) Regulation 1990, Councillors R J Cleaver, Mrs J Brockway, T R Ashton, and K Clarke were replacing Councillors A J Baxter, A G Hagues, G J Taylor, and Mrs J E Killey respectively for this meeting only.

It was reported that, under Regulation 13 of the Local Government Committee and Political Groups) Regulation 1990, Councillor H Spratt was replacing Councillors A P Maughan until further notice.

No declarations of interest received.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2021 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Councillor Davie, Executive Councillor for Economic Development, Environment and Planning explained there were problems across all sectors resulting from the cost of materials, supply chains, and labour shortages. Some projects had become unviable or completion dates had increased considerably. The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy's (BEIS) ‘All Work’ material price index saw an increase of 20.1 per cent in the year to July 2021. National and local builders, contractors and developers were highlighting issues with Members including material availability and costs, which remained fluid with lack of certainty on cost or delivery. Some of these shortages and delivery delays could impact on the Council's work and officers were monitoring this carefully. Feedback from the Council's Growth Hub Advisers indicated businesses were challenged by supply chain delivery schedules, prices and recruitment. Officers continued to share business experience with the civil service. Vacancy rates remained high, particularly in transport, logistics, and warehouse sectors which currently had the highest level of vacancies; 329 per cent of the February 2020 average. The visitor economy businesses were reporting a hugely busy summer and positive booking levels going forward despite staff shortages. There had also been an increase in travel journalists wanting to visit the county. Requests had come through the new Visit Lincolnshire website and the efforts of the Council's PR consultant. The Tourism Commission delivery money enabled the Council to have a PR ground handling service with Visit Lincoln. The Net Zero agenda was being raised more frequently from businesses across sectors needing to make investments in order to meet targets. There was growing interest from businesses in the Council's Climate Change Summit on 13 October 2021 and COP26 in November 2021. Businesses could access one to one specialist support through the Growth Hub's Resource Efficiency Adviser and the Business Lincolnshire website. Numerous business focussed events were to be held through September, October and November, including a visit from the Carbon battle bus to Lincoln on 27 September 2021. 115 projects supported through the Rural Business Grant had received their first payments and a significant number had claimed and completed their projects. Work on the coast continued with the on-going delivery of the Coastal Communities Fund programme, the appointment of the National Coastal Tourism Academy and the launch of research into careers and business skills.

A series of investment propositions were being developed in partnership with the Council's local partners and stakeholders to encourage further investment into the region. The investment propositions included Logistics, Agrifood, Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing, and Low Carbon Energy and Industry.

Further propositions were in development for Visitor Economy and Defence in Health & Life sciences, Digital Technology and a Place brochure.

40 foreign and 13 domestic inward investment enquiries had been received since April 2021from a diverse range of sectors. A number of enquiries from food related automation and robotics companies had been received since the region's High Potential Opportunity for Automation in the Food Processing sector was displayed in May 2021.

(To receive a report from Justin Brown, Assistant Director – Growth which invites the Committee to consider an invitation from Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) to join a Working Group to explore further whether eastern Lincolnshire, and the former Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal site in particular, would be an appropriate location for a geological disposal facility. The views of the Committee will be reported to the Executive as part of its consideration of this item)

Consideration was given to a report from the Assistant Director – Growth on the invitation from Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) to LCC to join a working group to further explore whether the former Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal site was an appropriate location for a geological disposal facility (GDF). Joining the working group does not necessarily suggest that the Council necessarily supported or objected to the proposal, nor did the Working Group have the power to ultimately decide whether to locate the in Lincolnshire. The local community would undertake a test of support, to consider if they would like to host the facility. The geology of eastern Lincolnshire initially suggested suitability for this facility. The site of the terminal is owned by the National Grid and the Council has been advocating to them that it should continue to be used as an asset the Lincolnshire. Other commercial entities were interested in the site other than RWM. The aim of the project, led by RWM, is to dispose of the UK's nuclear waste underground safely and permanently. RWM has indicated that this facility could create over 1,000 construction jobs, then hundreds of further technical and skilled permanent jobs. In addition, the proposed facility is predicted to result in infrastructure investment in the area. The working group and if it is formed the subsequent community partnership is part of a defined Government process intent on establishing the facts of the scheme, advising on infrastructure, setting development grants and establishing a community vision. East Lindsey businesses would likely benefit from increased infrastructure. Youth unemployment in the area is high and employment opportunities outside of the tourism industry are limited. The Community Partnership, if formed, would be responsible for the right of withdrawal from the programme and for the process of undertaking a test of public support.

The Chairman invited Mr Ken Smith to address the Committee in his capacity as spokesperson for the campaign group in opposition to GDF. The uncertainty the project could generate was of concern to Mr Smith and the campaign group. Mr Smith said that the east of England geological survey revealed coal deposits below the site and that RWM's guidelines precluded GDFs to be established close to other sources of energy because of the danger to future generations. The campaign group is concerned that the GDF risked being drilled through if future generations sought access to the coal. Mr Smith continued that he had read government guidelines that indicated that GDFs should not be located in areas which had previously been used to drill for fossil fuels due to the change in water flow. The proposed site was believed by the campaign group to have been subject to fossil fuel drilling previously. These issues suggested that the site would be considered a final option if all alternative sites had been exhausted. If the Council were to join the working group, it was feared by the campaign group that it may appear indicative of the possibility of a GDF in Lincolnshire.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

(To receive a report from Samantha Harrison, Head of Economic Development, David Hickman, Head of Environment, and Mike Reed, Head of Waste which invites the Committee to consider the performance of the Tier 2 Service Level Performance measures for 2021/22 Quarter 1 for Economy, Flooding and Waste)

Consideration was given to a report from the Head of Economic Development, the Head of Environment and the Head of Waste updating the Committee on the Tier 2 Service Level Performance measures for 2021/22 Quarter 1 for Economy, Flooding and Waste.

The target for businesses support had been substantially exceeded, in large part, due to the Covid-19 business recovery grant which was currently delivering final payments. Some applicants were choosing not to accept the grant as a result of their material and supply costs increasing to the point that their business opportunities were no longer viable. The Council was currently behind on its target of approved funding bids due to delays in approvals from Government, for example, the Council had expected to receive a response from the Community Renewal Fund bid by the end of July 2021, but was still sat unresolved. However, the funding applications made by the Council remained in line with expected targets.

In the first quarter of the 2021/22 financial year, there were only three incidents of flooding that required a formal investigation. It was acknowledged the year had been particularly dry so far. Significant flooding issues in 2019/2020 resulted in a backlog of flooding investigations awaiting completion.

Booking systems had been introduced at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), resulting in less material being recycled. In addition, Covid-19 restrictions resulted in reduced separation rates. The overall recycling rate was consequently slightly lower than the expected target. While the expected target hadn't been met, it was felt that, with the current system, the target deficit could have been greater. As of 1 September 2021, the booking system had been removed; therefore, greater recycling take up was expected. Curb side recycling rates were also lower than anticipated; this was believed to be a result of reduced recycling opportunities from working from home arrangements. The projected requirements for overall tonnage per household were being met.

The Committee considered the report, and during the discussion the following comments were noted:- 

• Observing that the external funding attracted to Lincolnshire had seen a significant reduction from 2017, Members sought further clarity on the decrease. It was advised that funding was dependant on which funding programmes were in operation by Government at any time. 2017 saw a significant spike in Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and regeneration funding for example. Previous consideration was given to the production of a profile to identify the funding bids versus criteria. The levelling up white paper, expected October 2021, should enable the Council continue to produce a funding profile.
• Members asked why the Council struggled to successfully bid for funding, particularly when district Councils had recently seen some success. It was advised that the council did not struggle to bid for funding, there were examples of successful bids, but some of the regeneration funding had moved to different routes that county councils were unable to bid for.  Government had recently changed the way funding was distributed from LEPs, which the Council was previously very successful at, to scheme  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

(To receive a report from Samantha Harrison, Head of Economic Development, which invites the Committee to consider the work undertaken to date to develop the draft Lincolnshire Employment and Skills Strategy and Work Plan for 2021-23.  The views of the Committee will be reported to the Employment and Skills Commissioning Board, which includes Executive Councillors and the Chief Executive of the Council)

Consideration was given to a report from the Head of Economic Development on work undertaken to date to develop the draft Lincolnshire Employment and Skills Strategy and Work Plan for 2021-23. Lincolnshire skills and employment issues resulted from a significant number of vacancies, change in job role expectation, the rural geography of the county and the lack of larger employers. Government spent approximately £40 million a year on skills in Lincolnshire, while the Council had a budget of £250,000 allocated to skills. The Employment and Skills Strategy therefore sought to compliment the offer from Government, rather the provide an alternative. A number of issues had been considered, including digital learning facilities, transport links and job matching schemes. These options were ultimately dismissed as alternative provisions were in place. The Council, in partnership with the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, therefore sought better collaboration between colleges, vocational training providers, schools, and commissioners of funding to ensure shared intelligence, development of a Graduate Retention Plan aligned to further and higher education, an increased apprenticeship drive and an expanded Enterprise Advisor Network.

The Committee considered the report, and during the discussion the following comments were noted:- 

• Members asked if university graduates were typically leaving the county for employment opportunities elsewhere. It was advised that it was common in rural counties for students to move away to larger urban areas before typically returning in their early 30s. If the total graduating population could be increased, officers felt confident more graduates would remain in the area.
• Welcoming the consideration given to apprenticeship schemes, Members asked if there was any scope to contractually oblige the Council's partners to train apprentices. The Committee was advised this there were previous examples of apprenticeships being mandated through contracts, and that further work could be done.
• Noting the variation in career focuses for educational providers, Members asked how employment opportunities could be equally promoted across the county. The deficiency in careers promotion was appreciated by officers. Members were advised that those of them who occupied places on school boards were encouraged to stress this message and offered  supporting material.
• Observing the shortfall of Level 4 qualifications in Lincolnshire, Members sought clarity on the cause of this. A piece of work would soon be commission to investigate, over the next 2 years, the deficiency of Level 4 qualifications. Those currently undertaking level 3 or above would have to self-finance after turning 19. When taking into account the lower salaries typically paid in Lincolnshire, this was a significant contributor to the further education deficit. It was however stressed; the number of those with no qualifications at all had decreased significantly over the past decade.
• Members registered their support of T Level schemes which they felt engaged employers more than traditional Level 3 qualifications, in addition to providing more substantial work experience.
• Referencing the year 1 priority areas, Members asked if there was any provision for those over the age of 25. It was noted that apprenticeship schemes for those over 25 were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

(To receive a report from Chris Miller, Team Leader - Countryside Services, which invites the Board to consider the progress of the establishment and future management of the England Coast Path in Lincolnshire)

Consideration was given to a report from the Team Leader - Countryside Services updating the Committee on the progress of the establishment, and future management, of the England Coast Path in Lincolnshire. The England Coast Path (ECP) would be an extension of the original open access land. A trail would be established within the coastal margin to create a national trail known as the ECP. Lincolnshire contained 4 stretches:

• Hunstanton to Sutton Bridge;
• Sutton Bridge to Skegness;
• Skegness to Mablethorpe;
• Mablethorpe to Humber Bridge.

Only Sutton Bridge to Skegness was currently open with the other 3 stretches in the penultimate phase of development. Once open, the Council would take on the management of the ECP through partnerships with North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire Councils, in addition to other key stakeholders. Funding for management would come from National Trails. The partnership would fund 25 per cent of the trails' maintenance, while National Trails would provide 75 per cent.

The Committee considered the report, and during the discussion the following comments were noted:- 

• Members stressed their appreciation for the work undertaken by officers to help create the England Coast Path, particularly as all sections were near, or at, completion.
• It was felt that the England Coast Path would offer a great benefit for both the wellbeing of residents and the prosperity of the economy. 

RESOLVED

That the report be endorsed, and comments as recorded be taken into account.

(To receive a report from Dan Clayton, Sustainability Manager – Environment, which invites the Committee to consider a progress update on the Green Masterplan and outlines the initial progress towards the Council's targets to reach net zero carbon by 2050)

Consideration was given to a report from the Sustainability Manager – Environment updating the Committee on the Green Masterplan and outlines the initial progress towards the Council's target to reach net zero carbon by 2050. It was explained that climate change adaptation work, staff training and engagement activities were contributing factors to the Council's excellent progress towards emission reduction. The Covid-19 restrictions had a significant impact to the reduction of emissions through working from home arrangements. However, the Council had already seen a 55 per cent reduction prior to Covid-19 through rationalising the Council's estate, investment into energy efficiency projects and wider national programmes to reduce the carbon emission on the electricity grid. Compared to national figures, the Council was significantly ahead of typical carbon reduction. The wider carbon emissions from the Lincolnshire economy were also identified, resulting in consideration being given to encouragement of reduction. The extent the Council could influence was nevertheless limited. Recognising that business and industry were significant contributors to carbon emissions, officers sought to establish a Climate Change Partnership with training programmes and potential support from the Community Renewal Fund. The Council was currently identifying sites to fulfil its objective of planning a tree for every resident. In addition £170,000 had been received from the Forestry Commission for the planting of trees in non-woodland settings. A Greater Lincolnshire Tree Strategy would be brought before the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee in the future.

The Committee considered the report, and during the discussion the following comments were noted:- 

• Members stressed that the Council needed to continue to press hard to deliver this plan.
• Referencing the tree planting scheme, Members sought detail on the exact type of tree that would be planted. It was advised that, if practical, specific species would be introduced where requested while Tree Officers would determine otherwise. In addition, all trees planted would be native to the planting areas.
• Further detail of tree planting funding was sought by Members, particularly in relation to axillary forest and woodland improvements such as footpaths. It was advised that the Forestry Commission offered a number of schemes which were exclusively allocated to tree planting and tree maintenance. The Woodland Trust offered the England Woodland Creation Offer which offered 100 per cent of the tree planting for large scale woodland development for land owners. The north of the county also benefited from the Northern Forrest Area fund.
• Members asked if hedgerows could be included within the planting scope, suggesting that a hedgerow could be included on one side of every drainage ditch. It was advised a number of land owners requested hedgerows in addition to trees.
• Encouraged by the electric vehicle support, Members sought clarity of its feasibility, particularly the sufficiency of power in the grid. It was advised that there was a Electric Vehicle Strategy, currently in draft, would form part of the Local Transport Plan. In addition, a report into local area energy planning had been commissioned to investigate grid capacity.
• A Member observed the potential  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

(To receive a report by Kiara Chatziioannou, Scrutiny Officer, which enables the Committee to comment on the content of its work programme for the coming year to ensure that scrutiny activity is focussed where it can be of greatest benefit)

The Committee received a report from the Scrutiny Officer, which enabled the Committee to comment on the content of its work programme for the coming year to ensure that scrutiny activity was focussed where it could be of greatest benefit.

RESOLVED

          That the work programme presented be approved.