Lincolnshire County Council’s executive has proposed its lowest council tax increase in five years, promising residents the rise will be kept to “only what is absolutely necessary” to protect vital services.

Leading councillors have set out their final budget plans for 2026/27, which include a 2.9 per cent council tax increase — equivalent to around 90p a week for the average Band D household. The increase is aimed largely at covering rising costs and demand for adult social care across the county.

Council leader Coun Sean Matthews said the budget is the first under the new administration and comes amid significant financial pressures.

He said: “We’re faced with costs that have gone up by more than £80 million and hundreds of millions of pounds of debt. While the government has provided some extra funding, it won’t be enough on its own.

placeholder image — Council leader Coun Sean Matthews

“We are meeting that challenge by rooting out wasteful spending, doing things differently and funding future projects without borrowing more money.”

The proposals include £36 million in additional government funding, alongside £15 million in efficiency savings, £1 million saved from senior management, and the use of a small amount of council reserves.

Coun Matthews added: “None of us want to put council tax up at all, but we can assure residents this increase is only what is absolutely necessary. In return, we’ll make sure every pound is spent wisely.”

The budget also commits funding to complete major road schemes, improve drainage, invest in IT to reduce future costs, and introduce a long-term maintenance programme for Lincoln Castle.

The proposals will be debated by full council on February 20.