Lincolnshire council leader sets out 2026 plans
Sean Matthews says debt, cost-cutting and energy policy will define Reform’s first budget year
Lincolnshire’s Reform-led county council will raise council tax this year, avoid major new road projects, and continue its push to cut waste, according to its leader.
Councillor Sean Matthews has outlined his priorities for 2026 as Reform prepares to set the county’s budget for the first time.
Council tax set to rise
Council tax will increase this year, Cllr Matthews confirmed, though he says the aim is to keep it below inflation.
“It would be unheard of for it not to,” he said, adding that Reform never promised a freeze during last year’s elections.
He said the party’s focus remains on reducing costs and “keeping council tax as low as possible”.
No new big road schemes
Major new road projects are off the table for now, with the council carrying around £800 million in debt.
Cllr Matthews said that debt is starting to fall, down by about £5 million since Reform took control, but warned the authority cannot afford “the luxury” of new schemes while repayments continue.
The council is still dealing with issues linked to previous projects, including delays to the Grantham bypass and the unfinished Spalding relief road.
However, he did not rule out bidding for government funding if opportunities arise.
Cost-cutting done in-house
Reform previously pledged to deploy a DOGE-style cost-cutting unit across councils it controls, modelled on Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Cllr Matthews said that idea proved legally complex, and councils are now being asked to carry out the work themselves.
“It’s more of a philosophy than a team,” he said, adding that Boston MP Richard Tice is providing advice.
Strong opposition to solar farms
The council leader has also renewed his opposition to solar farms on farmland, saying 2026 could be the year protests happen.
“I’ve got my wellies ready,” he said, pledging to physically oppose developments if necessary.
He said he would rather see investment in future technologies, such as fusion energy, than large-scale solar projects.
‘Getting on with the job’
While other Reform-run councils have attracted controversy, Lincolnshire has largely avoided headlines.
Cllr Matthews said this was down to inclusive leadership and internal agreement, particularly on issues like local government reorganisation.
He added that voters are watching closely to see whether Reform can govern effectively ahead of the next General Election.