Read Rob's December 2025 update here ...
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Looking back and looking forward
As we approach the New Year looking back from a County Council perspective 2025 was a year of change but also no change. As I have pointed out in recent years the Council has been highly rated by external inspections such as those by OFSTED. Childrens Services for example were so highly regarded that they were asked to help councils out in other areas. The change was the new ReformUK administration that took over the council in May. However in the last 6 months they have made no significant changes to council services instead continuing the plans laid down by the previous ruling group. Also, the much publicised “DOGE” project to cut “wasteful spending” copied from the now cancelled American government project was due to come to Lincolnshire in July. To date this has not happened.
Local government reform
Last month the Council voted to approve the recommendation that the current Lincolnshire boundaries should be retained but that there would be one unitary authority. This would mean that instead of three tiers of local government there would be two. A county authority and parish/town councils. This proposal will now go forward to the government for a decision. Looking ahead the council will be setting its budgets for the years 2026/2027. I will report on the outcome and how it might affect residents in due course.
Highways improvements
I have mentioned before that a number of road improvements in our area were scheduled to take place in the New Year. I am awaiting confirmation that these will take place as there has been a suggestion that some projects around the county might be cancelled by the new administration.
Castle and museums generate millions for county economy
New figures reveal our award-winning cultural attractions were visited 1.5 million times and boosted Lincolnshire’s economy by £15 million last year. The council manages a portfolio of much-loved cultural venues, including:
- Lincoln Castle
- Lincoln Museum
- The Usher Gallery
- The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre
- The Museum of Lincolnshire Life
The monumental economic and cultural impact of the sites has been revealed in a new report. Figures show Lincoln’s magnificent castle alone generates £11 million to the county. Sell-out events like the Live at Lincoln Castle concert series and the Illuminated light spectacle have established the attraction as an outstanding entertainment space. The success of these venues is the result of work done in recent years including for example the wall walk created at Lincoln Castle.