Lincolnshire County Council’s executive has agreed initial budget proposals which include millions of pounds in savings and plans to reduce the authority’s future debt and borrowing.

As part of the budget-setting process, options for increasing council tax next year will now go out to public consultation, giving residents the chance to have their say before a final decision is made.

At this stage, the council says the budget could be balanced through the agreed savings and a 4.99 per cent increase in the county council element of council tax.

However, councillors have stressed that other options — including lower increases — are still being considered and will be weighed up following feedback from residents.

A public consultation is planned as county budget proposals are agreed.

placeholder image — A public consultation is planned as county budget proposals are agreed.

Council leader Coun Sean Matthews said the proposals represent the authority’s first budget since the current administration took control in 2025.

He said the council has faced £82.6 million in additional costs this year, driven by rising service demand and increasing costs. He also highlighted the need to address long-standing maintenance issues across council-owned properties, including Lincoln Castle.

Coun Matthews said a planned maintenance programme for the historic site has now been built into the budget, alongside an additional £2 million for drainage works next year, aimed at reducing the risk of flooding.

He added that while no one on the executive wants to raise council tax, the proposal is intended to avoid service cuts and secure maximum funding from government.

“We understand times are hard for residents, which is why we want to hear what the public think before any final decision is taken,” he said.