Issue - meetings

(A report by Pranali Parikh, Director of Economic Development)

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mike Gilbert, presented a report by the Director of Economic Development which provided an update on the Plan for Neighbourhoods and sought approval for the use of capacity funding to support its development. Details on the funding profile were attached as Appendix 1, a map of the details of the Boston intervention area were attached as Appendix 2 and details of the current Town Board membership were attached as Appendix 3 within the report.

Cabinet was advised that the Plan for Neighbourhoods was the latest funding initiative made available to Boston Borough Council by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The programme would provide £20 million over a ten-year period from 2026 to support regeneration and infrastructure improvements in the borough. In order to access this funding, the Council was required to undertake extensive consultation and develop a comprehensive regeneration plan aligned with government criteria.

The report outlined the availability of interim capacity funding to support the consultation and plan development process. Cabinet was informed that the funding would enable the Council to engage with residents, businesses, and stakeholders, including the Town Board, to shape a programme of interventions and projects. The themes set out by government and the Neighbourhood Board were referenced in the report.

Cabinet was asked to approve five recommendations relating to the acceptance and use of the capacity funding. These included delegating authority to the Director of Economic Development to manage the funding in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and, where necessary, the Director of Finance and the Town Board. The funding would support the development of both a ten-year regeneration plan and a four-year investment plan, which were required to be submitted to government by 28^th November 2025.

During discussion, Cabinet welcomed the report and the opportunity to build on the success of previous funding programmes such as the Towns Fund and Levelling Up Fund. It was noted that while the funding must be spent within the built-up area of Boston town, the consultation process would be open to all residents across the borough. Members encouraged participation from parish areas and emphasised that the town belonged to everyone.

Cabinet also highlighted the importance of community engagement, noting that consultation was a recurring theme throughout the report. The role of the Town Board as a consultative body comprising local businesses, organisations and community representatives was acknowledged as a key strength in ensuring the plan reflected local priorities.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Mike Gilbert and seconded by Councillor Sandeep Ghosh.

Resolved:

1.    That all revenue capacity funding provided by Central Government be accepted and released in order to support the development of a new ten year regeneration plan for Boston;

2.    That authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development to agree and expend all capacity funding provided by Central Government, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and a steer from the Town Board;

3.    That authority be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6

(A report by Pranali Parikh, Director of Economic Development)

(A briefing note by: Pranali Parikh, Director- Economic Development)

At the discretion of the Chairman, this item was brought forward on the agenda and considered prior to the HMO Update item.

The Committee received a detailed presentation from the Director of Economic Development, regarding the Government’s “Plan for Neighbourhoods” initiative.

Boston has been selected as one of 75 towns nationally to receive £20 million in funding to be delivered over a 10-year period, equating to approximately £2 million per year. The funding allocation comprised 75% capital and 25% revenue.

Members were informed that the funding was contingent upon the submission of a ten-year vision and a four-year investment plan, with the deadline for submission now brought forward to the end of November 2025. The plan was to be community-led, with the Boston Town Board responsible for leading engagement and shaping priorities. The Council’s role was to support and facilitate, rather than to author the plan.

The Director of Economic Development outlined that engagement activities had already commenced, building upon previous consultations undertaken for the Boston Plan, Towns Fund, Levelling Up Partnership, and other initiatives. The Town Board had approved, in principle, the use of capacity funding totalling £450,000 to support engagement, project development, and early delivery.

Members discussed the report and commented as follows:

·         There was concern regarding the composition and transparency of the Town Board, with a view that its membership should better reflect the diversity of the local community. It was suggested that the Board’s decision-making processes should be subject to greater scrutiny to ensure fairness and accountability.

·         The importance of Council oversight was highlighted, with a request that the Overview & Scrutiny Committee be given the opportunity to review the draft plan prior to its submission. Members also sought clarity on how projects would be selected and how they would align with the town’s broader economic and social priorities.

·         It was noted that projects should aim to stimulate economic activity and increase local spending power, rather than simply delivering capital improvements. There was a desire to ensure that investments had a tangible and lasting impact on the town centre and its residents.

·         The potential use of revenue funding to support enforcement against dilapidated private sector properties was discussed. Members expressed concern about the visual impact of poorly maintained buildings and the need for action to improve the appearance of key streets.

·         The absence of education and infrastructure from the current scope of the plan was raised. It was felt that education should be recognised as a key driver of integration and opportunity, and that the Council should explore how it could be incorporated into the plan’s priorities.

·         Concerns were expressed about the long-term value of the funding in light of inflation. It was proposed that the Leader of the Council write to the relevant Minister to request that the £20 million funding be index-linked or otherwise protected against inflationary pressures.

·         Members welcomed the emphasis on community engagement and suggested a range of methods to ensure broad participation, including ward surgeries, market stalls, and door-to-door outreach. Parish councils  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12