Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Sandeep Ghosh.

To receive declarations of interests in respect of any item on the agenda.

No declarations of interest were received.

To sign and confirm the minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 16^th January 2025 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

To answer any written questions received from members of the public no later than 5 p.m. two clear working days prior to the meeting – for this meeting the deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday 14^th January 2025.

No questions were received.

There were no recommendations.

There were no recommendations.

(A report by Emily Spicer, Assistant Director – Wellbeing & Community Leadership)

Councillor John Baxter, Portfolio Holder – Housing, presented the report which set the context as to how the Council intended to meet the private sector housing challenges and opportunities confronting the service and to set out the key priorities for action and delivery. The four key priorities were:

·         Raising standards in the private sector;

·         Maximising use of existing private sector stock;

·         Regulating the private sector; and

·         Collaborative working.

Members noted that the Strategy set out the strategic direction for Private Sector Housing within the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership sub region. The identified four key priorities would focus on:

·         Raising standards in the private sector, paying particular attention to ensuring fire safety in Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) and removing or reducing serious hazards across both single and multiple households.

·         Working with private landlords to encourage and support them to improve standards and increase the supply of affordable accommodation.

·         Taking robust action against landlords who fail to remedy hazards, licence HMOs or comply with property management regulations.

·         Maximise existing housing stock by focused interventions to return empty homes to use with the development of an Empty Homes Policy.

The strategy provided a single corporate document which outlined the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership’s vision and ensured a point of reference, accountability and governance to a shared approach to private sector housing.

Members discussed the recommendations and commented as follows:

·         The importance of addressing unlicensed HMOs and ensuring landlords complied with regulations. It was noted that proactive inspections and enforcement actions against non-compliant landlords were being implemented. Additionally, the Council worked closely with partners including the Police and Fire Services to promptly address issues. Councillor Baxter advised that HMO standards were being improved through regular monitoring to ensure landlords complied with licensing requirements, aiming to create a safe and healthy living environment for all residents.

·         Members noted that the five-person threshold had been set by Central Government. Councillor Baxter acknowledged the need for ongoing review. He added that the introduction of additional local measures, such as selective licensing schemes, was being considered which could help to address the issue more effectively.

·         Enforcement was key to the Strategy. A dedicated team was in place to identify and act against non-compliant landlords, including issuing notices, orders, and legal action if required. The team relied on community and agency intelligence to identify issues and working with landlords for compliance. Residents were encouraged to report any concerns regarding private rented property/properties.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor John Baxter and seconded by Councillor Callum Butler.

RESOLVED:

That the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Private Sector Housing Strategy be adopted, with a commitment to supporting the delivery of the vision, priorities and commitments set out within it.

(A report by Christine Marshall, Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate) & S151)

Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of the Council, presented the report which sought approval of the General Fund Budget for 2025/26, including the use of reserves, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme and Strategy, Treasury management Policy/Strategy and the Annual Delivery Plan including the approval of Council Tax levels for recommendation to Full Council on 3^rd March 2025.

Councillor Dorrian apologised for the lateness of the report and requested, through the Chief Executive, that the Chief Executive of PSPSL be invited to attend the next Cabinet Briefing to discuss the matter further, including plans for future reports.

The following aspects of the report were highlighted:

·         Increase in costs including pay, contract costs and the IDB levy.

·         Reduction in support from Central Government.

·         New Council Tax Support Scheme.

·         Enhancing events in the town. Councillor Sarah Sharpe was thanked for her work on Boston Brilliance.

·         Increasing pressures from Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs).

·         Proposed Council Tax increase by 3% (equating to a £7.56 increase for a Band D property, or 15 pence per week).

·         Two efficiency targets had been included in the budget in respect of the IDBs and the need for general efficiencies of £511k.

·         New grant awarded - Extended Producer Responsibility Funding (EPR).

·         Funding Volatility Reserve (£400k support) reflecting income changes in 25/26.

·         Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder – Finance working to make better use of technology and buying power to drive savings, efficiencies and service transformation.

Councillor Dorrian proposed an amendment to recommendation 1(a) to include the reintroduction of the Councillor Grant Scheme, with each Councillor being given £1,000 to allocate to projects within their ward, to be funded from the contingency reserve fund.

Members discussed the recommendations and commented as follows:

·         Concerns were raised regarding the efficiency targets and how they might impact services. It was important to ensure that efficiency measures did not lead to cuts in essential services. The Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Development) & S151 explained that the focus would be on back-office efficiencies, such as shared expertise, improved procurement processes, and better use of IT systems, rather than reducing front-facing services.

·         The proposed decrease in market stall charges was supported as it would make Boston one of the most competitive markets in the county, which would hopefully attract more traders and boost footfall, ultimately benefiting the local economy. It was highlighted that a new Markets Manager had been appointed and that new initiatives were being investigated in respect of the farmers and makers markets.

·         An increase to auditors fees was noted. The Council was working to minimise any extra fees, for example with a more problematic audit. However, the statement of accounts were up to date.

·         In respect of the IDB Levy, Members noted that the Council had been actively engaging with government representatives to address the issue and to seek additional funding in order to mitigate the financial burden.

·         The importance of the Council Tax Support Scheme in helping vulnerable residents was noted, with emphasis that the scheme could make a real difference  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

(A report by Phil Perry, Assistant Director – Leisure & Culture)

Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder – Communities, presented the report which provided an update on the work programme of activity designed to support service delivery at the Guildhall, Boston.

The Guildhall was owned and maintained by Boston Borough Council. It had international, national and local significance. The building itself dated back to the 1390’s and was a testament to the wealth and influence of the Guild of St Mary at a time when Boston's power as a centre of trade was second only to London.

Members noted that the Leisure and Culture Division within the Communities Directorate was responsible for developing and delivering the museum service that was offered through the Guildhall. In February 2024, the Cabinet approved an action plan around four themes, supported by key strategic objectives:

a)    Sustainability and Improving Financial Resilience;

b)    Historic Site and Collection;

c)    Exhibition and Event Programming; and

d)    Promotion and Marketing.

Members discussed the recommendations and commented as follows:

·         The increase in visitor numbers and the efforts to improve the Guildhall's facilities and exhibitions was praised. Members noted the importance of continuing to promote the Guildhall and attract more visitors.

·         Suggestions for further use included the potential for the Guildhall to be used as a wedding venue. Options could be explored to address limitations in toilet facilities and preparation areas. The possibility of using volunteers to extend opening hours was also discussed.

·         Members noted the positive impact of the recent Boston Brilliance event, which had attracted over 2,000 visitors to the Guildhall.

·         The team was commended for their hard work in securing external grants and improving the Guildhall's facilities. Staff and volunteers were thanked for their dedication and efforts in making the Guildhall a success.

·         Members noted the importance of public awareness and encouraging residents to visit the Guildhall.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Sarah Sharpe and seconded by Councillor Emma Cresswell.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the report and the progress made in realising the ambitions of the approved Guildhall Action Plan be noted; and

2.    That the work of the Action Plan continue.

(A report by Phil Perry, Assistant Director – Leisure & Culture)

Councillor Dale Broughton, Deputy Leader of the Council, presented a report which provided an update on the Policy for Managing Boston Market(s) and the Boston Market Severe Weather Policies.

Following the implementation of the Boston Markets Development Plan a review of the markets service had been undertaken in line with the plans actions, including associated polices.

The Market Policy detailed the responsibilities of the Council to act in a particular way and the expectation set of the traders. The Markets Policies were reviewed annually, to update fees and charges and minor changes to wording. However, following the review of the service, it had been determined that a wider review of the policy was also needed.

Additionally, the Markets Service has experienced changing weather patterns which had led to increasing numbers of storms affecting the markets, with higher windspeeds more often that could be dangerous due to the nature of gusts of wind being unpredictable. Therefore, a more formalised, Severe Weather Policy had been drafted

A copy of the current Market Policy was attached to the report as Appendix 1; the proposed new Market Policy was attached to the report as Appendix 2; and the Severe Weather Policy was attached to the report as Appendix 3.

Members discussed the recommendations and commented as follows:

·         Members praised the effort to tighten up the policies and promote the market, and noted the importance of clear trading hours to ensure residents knew when traders would be present.

·         The need for visible market officers and the importance of listening to traders and residents was emphasised in order to improve the market. The positive impact of social media in promoting the market and specialist markets was noted.

·         Members supported the reduction in market stall charges, noting that it would make Boston one of the most competitive markets in the county, which would hopefully attract more traders and boost footfall.

·         It was suggested that options be explored to extend opening hours, particularly on Sundays, and to use volunteers to support the market. It was important for the policies to be flexible in order to accommodate changing conditions and trader needs.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Dale Broughton and seconded by Councillor John Baxter.

RESOLVED:

That the updated draft Market Policy (Appendix 2) and Severe Weather policy (Appendix 3) be approved.