Public spending in Lincolnshire is riddled with questionable contracts, inflated costs, and projects of debatable value. From extravagant infrastructure schemes to environmental programs with massive price tags, millions are being siphoned away while residents struggle with failing transport, stretched public services, and underfunded policing.
While some of these contracts may offer good value for money, where is the assurance? We've repeatedly seen councillors failing to scrutinise their councils, rubber-stamping spending with little oversight properly. Without real accountability, how can taxpayers be sure their money isn't being wasted?
With the launch of DOGE Lincolnshire, a dedicated watchdog to root out waste, here's a look at some of the most glaring examples of public sector spending that deserve scrutiny.
£70 BILLION for Net Zero Services—With No Clear Outcomes
Project: 'Everything Net Zero' framework
Cost: £70 billion
Purpose: Assist public bodies with emissions reduction, sustainability, and "greener" operations
Concerns:
1. A massive amount of money is spent on vague initiatives.
2. No clear benchmarks on how success is measured.
3. Potential waste on bureaucracy instead of actual environmental improvements.
This framework covers the UK, not exclusively Lincolnshire, but demonstrates the expenditure scale with little clear mandate or oversight.
This kind of spending is precisely why Net Zero policies are under fire for driving up costs while delivering questionable benefits.
£16 MILLION for Social Housing Decarbonisation
Project: Insulation upgrades for Lincolnshire Housing Partnership
Cost: £16 million
Contractor: E.ON Energy Solutions
Concerns:
1. It is funded through a government scheme, but there are no details on how many homes will be upgraded.
2. Previous schemes have been plagued by poor implementation and spiralling costs.
While insulation improvements can be beneficial, handling Net Zero-related projects often results in poor oversight and rising bills for taxpayers.
£10 MILLION for an 'Arts Development Service'
Project: Arts services contract, including management of The Hub in Sleaford
Cost: £10 million
Purpose: Running art programs and exhibitions
Concerns:
1. The Hub recently received a £1.27 million refurbishment, yet now needs a further £10 million to run.
2. Arts programs are important, but should this level of spending be prioritised over struggling frontline services?
As councils across Lincolnshire claim they are underfunded, how does a £10 million arts contract fit into essential spending?
Lincolnshire County Council's Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) 2
Project: Procurement of various council services
Cost: Not disclosed
Concerns:
1. A lack of transparency on where the money is going.
2. Multiple suppliers awarded contracts with little public detail.
3. No clear outcomes or accountability.
This type of system is ripe for inefficiencies, duplicate spending, and unnecessary middlemen skimming off the top.
Time for Transparency and Accountability
The launch of DOGE Lincolnshire is about demanding better for taxpayers. No one is saying investment in the county is terrible—but when public money is being thrown at projects with no clear return, the people paying the bills deserve answers.
1. Every public sector contract must be scrutinised.
2. Unnecessary bureaucracy must be eliminated.
3. Taxpayer-funded vanity projects must be stopped.
4. Public money should be spent on frontline services, not wasteful schemes.
It's time to clean up Lincolnshire's spending—before even more money disappears.
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