Lincolnshire County Council to consider selling or revamping 54 vacant properties

Lincolnshire’s economy boss says the county council is considering what to do with its 54 vacant buildings.

Some have been ‘dilapidated for many years’, Lincolnshire County Council’s first Growth Scrutiny Committee was told.

The new Reform administration has promised to cut waste within the authority, and is looking at whether unused properties could be sold or brought back into use.

The council owns a total of 1,062 properties, including schools, farms and children’s centres, which cost £17.6m to run per year.

Repairs and maintenance costing £2.4m is planned for the current financial year.

Questions were asked at the meeting on Tuesday (June 10) about the authority’s plans for its buildings which are considered surplus to requirements.

Coun Liam Kelly (Reform), the executive member for Growth, said: “We are reviewing the portfolio of buildings to maximise opportunities and revenue that’s brought into the council, whilst also looking at the maintenance costs.

“We will be conducting detailed reviews and cost-benefit analysis to firm up a strategy going forward, ensuring we have the best value for money.

“Over many years, many buildings have remained dilapidated, costing the council and taxpayers money. We need to be smarter, and optimise returns.”

Reform has made efficiency and cutting waste a key part of its agenda after taking power, and will be carrying out an Elon Musk-style audit of the county council.

The ‘DOGE’ team (Department of Government Efficiency) will include software engineers, data analysts and forensic auditors.

The county council has been trying to slim down its portfolio for several years, as more of its staff have moved to hybrid-working out of the office.

The council is also currently applying for the demolition of its vacant offices in Lafford Terrace in Sleaford.

It will create a large vacant area in the town centre, although no plans have been revealed yet to reuse the site.

The council is also undertaking several construction projects.

The £79 Millenium Lodge in Sleaford – funded jointly with the Department for Education – will provide a state-of-the-art 28-bed secure children’s home.

It’s due to be completed in November 2026 and open early the following year.