As we approach the Lincolnshire County Council elections in 2025, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future of our grand county. We can create a comprehensive Lincolnshire Growth Plan that tackles local challenges head-on by drawing on national insights from reports like Foundations and tailoring them to Lincolnshire’s strengths. Whether through the county council or the future Greater Lincolnshire mayoralty, this plan will enable us to drive innovation, enhance infrastructure, and create lasting prosperity for all.

Building Lincolnshire’s Foundations for Success

Lincolnshire has distinct advantages—a robust agricultural sector, increasing renewable energy capacity, and thriving rural communities. But we can do more to unlock our county’s full potential. Here’s how Lincolnshire’s County Council and, potentially, the new Greater Lincolnshire Mayor can lead the way in fostering growth and opportunity across the region:

1 Energy Sovereignty and Innovation: A Green Energy Hub for the UK

    Lincolnshire’s renewable energy capacity is impressive, but we can take it further. The county is ideally positioned to expand offshore wind farms along the East Coast and invest in solar energy across our rural lands. A dedicated “Lincolnshire Energy Commission” could coordinate investment in renewable energy infrastructure, identify land for solar farms, and incentivise local businesses to invest in low-carbon technology.

    This commission could also work with national agencies to pilot hydrogen energy projects, turning Lincolnshire into a testbed for cutting-edge energy solutions. The county council and future mayor could promote a “Clean Energy Corridor,” running from Grimsby through Boston to Spalding, linking renewable projects and creating thousands of green jobs.

    2 Housing and Community Growth: Building for the Future

      Affordable, well-connected housing is critical to retaining talent and supporting families in Lincolnshire. By easing planning restrictions and launching a “Rural Homes for Families Initiative,” we can build sustainable homes where they’re most needed. This initiative could target towns like Sleaford, Gainsborough, and Grantham, offering tax incentives and streamlined planning processes for developers building eco-friendly, affordable housing.

      The council could also establish a “Town Revitalisation Fund,” providing grants for local authorities to repurpose vacant land or underused properties for community hubs and green spaces. Integrating new homes with essential services like schools, healthcare facilities, and transport links will ensure our communities grow and thrive.

      3 Transport Transformation: Connecting Lincolnshire to Opportunity

        Transport remains one of the biggest challenges for rural Lincolnshire, but we have the tools to change that. Our Growth Plan would prioritise road and rail upgrades, including expanding the A15, improving the A16, and upgrading critical rural roads to enhance safety and connectivity. A “Rural Mobility Partnership,” in collaboration with the new mayor, could focus on improving public transport links to connect our towns with more significant economic hubs like Nottingham, Hull, and London.

        The county council should work with private partners to develop electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across rural areas, ensuring that even our smallest villages are part of the green transport revolution. Additionally, piloting on-demand bus services in remote regions could ensure every resident can access reliable transport, empowering our rural communities and reducing isolation.

        4 Innovation in Agriculture: Securing Lincolnshire’s Agricultural Future

          Agriculture remains the backbone of Lincolnshire’s economy, and we must invest in its future. By establishing a “Lincolnshire Agri-Tech Hub,” the county can become a national leader in agricultural innovation, supporting farmers with the latest technology to boost productivity and sustainability. This hub would provide access to digital tools, precision farming equipment, and support for transitioning to regenerative farming practices.

          The hub could attract investment in agricultural research and development through collaboration with universities and research institutions. The “Green Farming Grant Scheme” could also be introduced, providing direct financial support to farmers adopting low-carbon and eco-friendly practices. This would help reduce costs while positioning Lincolnshire at the forefront of sustainable food production.

          5 Skills Development and Business Growth: Empowering Our Workforce

            A growing economy needs a skilled workforce. To meet this demand, the county could launch a “Skills for Lincolnshire” programme, training in high-demand sectors such as digital technology, engineering, green energy, and health and social care. This programme would collaborate with local colleges and universities to ensure that young people are ready for the jobs of tomorrow while offering retraining opportunities for workers in declining industries.

            The “Business Start-Up and Growth Fund” could also be created to help local entrepreneurs launch new businesses, particularly in high-growth areas such as clean energy, agri-tech, and digital services. This fund would nurture the next generation of Lincolnshire business leaders by offering low-interest loans, grants, and mentoring support, ensuring our county remains competitive in a rapidly changing economy.

            6 Expanding Defence and High-Tech Industry: Lincolnshire as a Hub of Innovation

              Home to vital military installations like RAF Waddington and RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire has a deep-rooted connection to the defence sector. The county has the potential to be a national leader in aerospace, defence technology, and advanced engineering, leveraging the presence of these military assets. We can build on this strength by launching the “Lincolnshire Defence and Innovation Cluster,” a public-private partnership to boost investment in high-tech research and development, cybersecurity, and aerospace technology.

              This cluster would attract high-tech companies looking to develop advanced systems in collaboration with the RAF, the Ministry of Defence, and private sector innovators. Lincolnshire’s location is ideal for developing and testing new defence technologies, from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to AI-driven systems. By fostering partnerships between defence contractors and local businesses, we can create high-skilled engineering, technology, and research jobs, securing Lincolnshire’s place as a national leader in defence innovation.

              In addition, we can develop a “STEM Skills Programme” in local schools and colleges tailored to support the growing demand for a skilled workforce in defence and aerospace. By inspiring the next generation of engineers, coders, and scientists, we can ensure our young people are equipped for tomorrow’s high-tech, high-skill jobs.

              A Prosperous Future for Lincolnshire

              The Foundation’s report has highlighted the need for targeted energy, infrastructure, and housing investments to rejuvenate the UK’s economy. Lincolnshire can take these lessons to heart and forge a new path forward that leverages our natural advantages and addresses our unique challenges.

              As we look toward the 2025 elections, let’s champion a Lincolnshire Growth Plan that brings jobs, homes, and opportunities to all corners of our county. Together, we can ensure Lincolnshire thrives, driving innovation, building prosperity, and creating a bright future for all its residents.