Issue - meetings

(For Members to note/discuss the Committee’s current work programme)

The Committee considered its current work programme and noted the upcoming workshop scheduled for 3 July 2025. The purpose of the workshop was to provide Members with an opportunity to reflect on the Committee’s priorities and to identify areas for future scrutiny.

During discussion, Members emphasised the importance of using the workshop to raise ward-level concerns and to explore issues that may benefit from more detailed examination. It was noted that the session would be informal, without the constraints of committee procedure, and would allow for open discussion and early identification of emerging matters.

Suggestions were made to ensure that Members could submit topics in advance, particularly where officer input or background information might be required. It was also confirmed that the workshop would be open to all non-executive Members, including those not currently serving on the Committee, and that executive Members could attend at the beginning of the workshop if they wished to raise specific local issues.

The Committee discussed the potential inclusion of topics such as:

·         The development and delivery of the Plan for Neighbourhoods.

·         The regulation and impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

·         Waste management and the storage of bins in public areas.

·         The condition and safety of alleyways, particularly in relation to rough sleeping and anti-social behaviour.

·         The responsiveness of highways maintenance and communication with the County Council.

Members welcomed the opportunity to shape the Committee’s work programme and agreed that the workshop would be a valuable forum for collaborative agenda-setting and early scrutiny engagement.

(For Members to note/discuss the Committee’s current work programme)

The Assistant Director Regulatory presented the Work Programme and asked members if they wished to add any additional items into the programme.

The Committee considered the Work Programme, which consolidated items previously scheduled under the former Environment and Performance (E&P) and Corporate and Community (C&C) Committees.

The Chair proposed holding an informal workshop in June or July to allow members to discuss potential topics in a more open and collaborative setting, which would enable members to raise ward-level issues and shape the work programme around local priorities.

The Chairman proposed two immediate additions to the work programme:

·       An invitation to the Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police to attend a future meeting to discuss the findings of the latest PEEL inspection report and outline plans for improvement; and

·       A scrutiny session with Lincolnshire County Council Highways to address concerns about unresolved maintenance issues, including persistent flooding at the South End/John Adams Way junction and the general condition of roundabouts and verges.

The accessibility of licensing and planning application processes was raised, particularly for non-English speakers. It was suggested that the Committee review the clarity and usability of application forms and consider whether improvements could be made to support greater engagement.

The issue of wheelie bins obstructing narrow streets was revisited, with members considering the options around establishing a Task and Finish group to explore long-term solutions, including the reopening of rear alleyways and the use of Town Deal funding to support infrastructure improvements. The impact on accessibility and the town’s appearance ahead of the Boston 400 celebrations was emphasised.

Members discussed the importance of pre-scrutiny, particularly in relation to upcoming changes to waste collection services. It was agreed that this would be a suitable topic for early consideration at the proposed workshop.

The Committee also noted the inclusion of a forthcoming report on the “Plan for Neighbourhoods” within the Forward Plan. Members requested that this item be brought to a scrutiny meeting prior to its consideration by the Cabinet in July, in order to allow for early engagement and input.

The Committee agreed to proceed with the proposed workshop and to incorporate the suggested topics into the work programme. It was noted that the effectiveness of the new single-committee scrutiny structure would be reviewed after six months.

The Assistant Director – Regulatory advised that he would liaise with the Chairman to determine the most appropriate course of action for addressing the matters raised.

Resolved:

1.     That, subject to the addition of the above items, the work programme be noted; and

2.     That an informal workshop session be scheduled for Scrutiny Members to support member-led topic development.