The council is set to invest additional money in highways maintenance and flooding, with £14m of efficiency savings allowing it to still deliver a balanced budget.
The council’s executive members have today approved budget proposals for 2020/21, which will now go out to consultation. Final proposals will be put before full council in February.
Cllr Martin Hill, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We know that road repairs and flooding are a priority for many residents.
“So, despite the continued reduction in our main government grant, we’re proposing to spend around £4m on 16 extra highways gangs next year, who’ll carry out additional maintenance across the county, including pothole repairs.
“In addition, more than £2m will go towards extra drainage repairs and new flood-response equipment for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.
“£350,000 will be set aside for a ‘green masterplan’, with the council aiming to become carbon neutral by 2050 – or sooner if that’s practicable.”
Cash will also be earmarked for a number of future projects, including:
the creation of new school places
replacement of the Skegness and Kirkby on Bain household waste recycling centres
projects to boost economic growth and reduce traffic congestion in Boston
an extension to Horncastle Industrial Estate
North Hykeham Relief Road
Spalding Western Relief Road
improvements to tackle pinch-points along the Lincolnshire Coastal Highway
There is a proposed 1.5% increase in general council tax, with a further 2% increase specifically for adult social care, giving an overall rise of 3.5%.
As a result, council tax for a Band D property would increase by £45.18 a year to £1337.58.
That means Lincolnshire would continue to have one of the lowest council tax rates in the country.
This year, the council again faces significantly greater costs as a result of continued growth in demand for adult care services.
Cllr Hill added: “Although it’s an improving picture for council finances, there are still challenges ahead, particularly with regard to the ever-growing demand for adult care.
“The government has provided an additional £14m towards adults and children’s social care this year, but we urgently need to see a long-term plan for dealing with an ageing population.
“It’s vital this uncertainty over future funding is addressed so we can be sure that residents will continue to receive the best possible care.
“We’ll also continue to push for fairer funding for Lincolnshire. It’s long been recognised that rural areas like ours receive less than their fair share of Government money. It’s time for that to be put right.”
The first view of Grantham for visitors arriving at the railway station, is the appalling state of the surface of Station Road West.
Let the council get its finger out and spend some money on that – and all of the other farm-tracks in the town, such Newton Street.