Agenda item

The Democratic and Civic Officer provided an update on the committee’s work plan. It was confirmed that Lincolnshire Police would attend the meeting on 14 October 2025, with all councillors invited to submit questions in advance to support a focused and representative discussion. Everyone Active had agreed to attend the January 2026 meeting. The Lincolnshire Resilience Forum (LRF) had been invited to attend in April 2026, though Members expressed a preference to bring this item forward, subject to availability.

Members raised concerns about the inconsistent progress of emergency planning across Parish Councils. Difficulties in completing framework plans were noted, particularly in identifying volunteers for key roles. It was clarified by the Chairman that the frameworks were adaptable and could be tailored to local needs. The importance of ensuring preparedness and building confidence at both community and authority levels was emphasised. It was agreed that, if the LRF could not attend earlier, alternative arrangements would be explored.

Concerns were raised about significant financial reserves held by some Parish Councils, with suggestions that these funds should be used to support local resilience and emergency planning. It was agreed that the Section 151 Officer would be asked to update the committee outlining the current position and potential actions.

A Member requested for a paper to be brought back within two committee cycles outlining the current position on planning frameworks in relation to Battery Energy Storage Sites (BESS). The paper would assess the Council’s powers, relevant legislation, and examples from other authorities. This would inform potential next steps, including pre-scrutiny or referral to another Committee. It was noted that the matter should be approached from a public safety and sustainable energy perspective, rather than a climate change debate. Engagement with the County Fire Chief and local MPs was encouraged to support lobbying efforts.

Advice was provided by the Lead Officer, who recommended that a paper be prepared to outline the current position regarding planning frameworks. This would include an assessment of the Council’s powers, the status of relevant legislation, and examples of approaches taken by other authorities, including district, borough, city, and unitary councils. The purpose of the paper would be to support a clear understanding of the Council’s position, the potential impact on existing planning applications, and the scope for pre-scrutiny.

It was proposed by a Member that the Environmental Sustainability Group be involved in progressing BESS related matters. The group, which met regularly and had a remit to lobby national government, could support work on alternative energy and planning frameworks. This approach was proposed as a more agile route for influencing policy and feeding into any feasibility study.

CConcern was raised regarding the performance of West Lindsey Markets. It was noted that the Member Market Working Group had not met since October 2024, however it was on the Committee Work Plan for an update to be presented to the Committee. Officers undertook to seek details of the current situation from the Director for Commercial and Operational Services, and this would be shared in due course.

The Chairman highlighted that there were amendments to the workplan which had been proposed and would require a Committee resolution. Having been proposed and seconded, he took the vote and it was

RESOLVED that

a)    Lincolnshire Resilience Forum (LRF) be invited to attend an earlier meeting, subject to their availability; and

b)    the Section 151 Officer provides an update to the Committee outlining the current position on Parish Council reserves and potential actions; and

c)    Officers be requested to present a paper, outlining the Council’s position on planning frameworks in relation to Battery Energy Storage Sites (BESS), including legislative context and examples from other authorities.

With no further comments or questions the Committee Work Plan was DULY NOTED taking into account the amendments above.