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 outlined the purpose of the Pride in Place Programme that represented a significant opportunity for Boston to secure up to £20 million of investment over the next ten years. This funding would build on the £50 million already received through the Towns Fund and Levelling Up initiatives.

Members noted that the programme was designed to deliver long-term regeneration and community empowerment, with three overarching Government priorities:

·         Creating thriving places

·         Building stronger communities

·         Helping communities take back control

The submission required by 28th November 2025 comprised a ten-year Regeneration Plan and Vision for Boston and a detailed four-year investment profile. The plan had been developed in partnership with the Boston Town Board and informed by extensive community consultation, which had attracted over 1,100 responses.

The introduction highlighted the eight priority themes for Boston, including town centre revitalisation, heritage and culture, community safety, housing, health and wellbeing, education and skills, green spaces, and youth engagement. The first four years would focus on quick wins such as public realm improvements, cultural activation, and safety hubs, alongside preparatory work for Boston 400 in 2030 and a potential bid for UK Town of Culture status in 2028.

Thanks were extended to officers, members, Town Board representatives, and partners for their work in preparing the submission.

Members expressed strong support for the proposals, recognising the scale of the opportunity to transform Boston through the Pride in Place Programme. The discussion highlighted that the £20 million investment over ten years represented a major commitment from the Government and would build on the success of previous regeneration initiatives, including the Towns Fund and Levelling Up programmes.

The importance of the programme’s three core objectives, creating thriving places, building stronger communities, and enabling local people to take back control, was emphasised and members and welcomed the alignment of the proposed interventions with these priorities.

The potential to revitalise the town centre was seen as critical, with suggestions that improvements to public realm, shop fronts, and leisure facilities would help attract visitors and encourage more people to live and work in the centre. The cultural quarter and heritage activation proposals were strongly supported, with members noting the opportunity to position Boston as a leading cultural destination and to prepare for the Boston 400 celebrations in 2030. The possibility of bidding for UK Town of Culture status in 2028 was considered an exciting prospect that could raise Boston’s national profile.

Community safety was identified as a key priority, with members welcoming plans for dedicated safety hubs and measures to reduce anti-social behaviour. It was noted that while CCTV and infrastructure improvements were important, these needed to be complemented by effective policing and partnership working to deliver meaningful outcomes.

The discussion also covered housing and skills development, with members stressing the need to address non-decent dwellings and improve educational attainment, particularly in areas of high deprivation. The inclusion of youth engagement and community  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22

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

The Committee received an update from the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mike Gilbert, supported by the Director for Economic Development, on the development of the Plan for Neighbourhoods submission to Government.

Members were advised that the Plan formed part of the national programme previously known as the Long-Term Plan for Towns and sets out a long-term investment strategy for Boston. The town had received approximately £56 million in Government grants over the past six years, with the Plan for Neighbourhoods providing a further £20 million over 10 years, equating to £2 million per year. The funding was overseen by the Plan for Neighbourhoods Board, which included representatives from the community, business, and cultural sectors.

The Committee was informed that the Plan had to be submitted to Government by 28^th November 2025, with Cabinet scheduled to consider the final draft prior to submission. The plan was being developed through a series of workshops and consultations, with the following themes emerging from both national guidance and local engagement:

Government Themes:

·       Thriving Places

·       Stronger Communities

·       Taking Back Control

Locally Identified Themes:

·       Safety

·       Town Centre Improvements

·       2030 Celebrations

·       Pride in Place

·       Community Infrastructure

·       Health and Wellbeing

·       Employment, Skills and Learning

Officers confirmed that consultation had been extensive, with over 1,000 responses received from residents, businesses, and community groups. Further workshops were planned to refine priorities and ensure the plan reflected local aspirations.

During consideration of the update, Members raised several queries and observations regarding the coordination and development of the Plan for Neighborhoods.

Concerns were expressed about potential duplication between the Plan for Neighborhoods Board and the Boston Business Forum. Officers confirmed that the Business Forum was supported by the Town Board and that both groups were aligned in their objectives.

Clarification was sought on whether there remained an opportunity to influence the plan. Officers confirmed that further input could be submitted prior to the completion of the final draft.

The inclusion of the 2030 celebrations as a key theme was welcomed, with Members emphasising their importance to Boston’s cultural and economic development.

The consultation process was praised, and the strong level of public engagement was noted. A request was made for a future report outlining proposed changes to legislation and any new powers associated with the Plan for Neighborhoods, particularly those aimed at enabling councils to address longstanding local challenges.

Resolved

1.     That the update be noted;

2.     That Members be encouraged to submit further feedback prior to the finalisation of the Plan; and

3.     That a future report be brought to the Committee outlining any legislative changes or new powers associated with the Plan for Neighborhoods.