Agenda item

Debbie Barnes OBE, Chief Executive

The Chief Executive provided an update on the two schemes which were available for Ukrainian refugees to enter the UK – the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and the Family and Friends scheme.

It was highlighted that the Council was not officially made aware of anyone who had come into the County through the Family and Friends scheme, however the authority was aware of one family who had come to Lincolnshire through this scheme, as the school had made officers aware.

The Council had been notified by government that around 170 people in Lincolnshire had signed up to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.  The authority was working with the district councils, the police, and health colleagues on the best way to work with and support those families and individuals.  The authority was also working with the district councils in relation to carrying out the housing checks and the County Council would be working to undertake the safeguarding checks, and it was expected that a number of people would be starting to arrive from the Ukraine in the coming weeks.  Work was also underway with schools to ensure that any children and young people arriving would be able to be offered a school place.

Councillor R G Davies, Executive Councillor for Highways, Transport and IT

The Executive Councillor for Highways, Transport and IT advised that, building on the success of the work to secure funding for the A16 corridor from Boston to South Holland, feasibility studies were continuing around Boston, Skegness and the coastal areas on how those areas of the economy could be linked.

It was also noted that Lincolnshire was likely to be successful in the next round of levelling up funding.  The Executive Councillor advised that he would keep colleagues updated on progress with this.

Councillor Mrs P A Bradwell OBE, Executive Councillor for Children’s Services, Community Safety and Procurement

The Executive Councillor for Children’s Services, Community Safety and Procurement reported that a focused Ofsted visit had recently taken place in relation to social care and SEN services, officers were currently waiting for the report, which would be shared with the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee when it was received.  Initial indications were that it would be a positive report.

Councillor C J Davie, Executive Councillor for Economic Development, Environment and Planning

The Executive Councillor for Economic Development, Environment and Planning highlighted the issues around food security and reported on the work being undertaken in the Food Enterprise Zone.

An update was provided on the Holbeach Food Enterprise Zone, and it was reported that nine out of the eleven plots available under phase one of the development were now under offer and the Hub building was progressing well, and it was expected that the handover would take place in June 2022.  It was also reported that there were negotiations on a two-acre site taking place, which could mean the major relocation of a business from south-east England.  Advanced discussions around development of phase 2 of the project were already underway and this would be an important development for the sector, not just in Lincolnshire, but also nationally. 

Councillor L A Cawrey, Executive Councillor for Fire & Rescue and Cultural Services

The Executive Councillor for Fire & Rescue and Cultural Services advised that there had just been a fantastic weekend at the Castle where Lucy the Dragon was unveiled, and this marked the start of the summer programme of activities at the Castle.  All members were encouraged to attend.

Councillor M J Hill OBE, Leader of the Council, Executive Councillor for Resources, Communications and Commissioning

The Leader of the Council reported that he had recently had a very productive day in Grantham with the Chief Executive firstly at South Kesteven District Council where some interesting options for shared services and shared use of property had been explored, and then with the Ministry of Defence and businesses in the defence industry.  It was noted that the defence industry was a large part of Lincolnshire’s economy.