Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Anne Dorrian.

To sign and confirm the minutes of the last meeting held on 16 January 2024

The minutes of the previous meeting, held 16^th January 2024 were agreed and signed by the Deputy Leader.

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

No declarations of interest were received.

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 16^th February 2024.

No questions were received.

There were no recommendations.

There were no recommendations.

(A report of Christine Marshall, Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate Development & Section 151 Officer)

Portfolio Holder: Councillor Sandeep Ghosh

The Portfolio Holder – Finance presented the Annual Budget report 2024/25, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme and Capital Strategy, and Annual Delivery Plan. The report also included the recommended level of Council Tax for 2024/25 taking into account pressures including that of the Internal Drainage Board Levy.

The budget had been set against a backdrop of unprecedented inflationary pressures and significant changes in respect of resident, customer and business needs.

Cabinet thanked the Portfolio Holder and the Finance Team for their hard work in creating the budget and for the ongoing work from officers on the IDB levy pressures.

In response to Members questions the Portfolio Holder – Finance, with support from the Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate Development & Section 151 Officer, confirmed that;

• The Government’s funding towards Internal Drainage Board Levies may contribute towards the IDB related efficiency saving requirement. The remainder of the efficiencies would be identified through efficiencies, better procurement and service area reviews across the partnership.
• The Council had not yet been informed when or how much of the £3million funding it would be receiving. 
• External Audit contract fees had raised significantly as a result of national contracts rising.
• PSPS contract fees had raised due to uplift in costs in line with inflation and staff pay increases. 
• Price raises, such as parking prices, would be reviewed periodically to ensure they are appropriate.

The committee discussed the issue of the poor level of consultation responses.

RESOLVED:

That the following recommendations be approved for onward referral to Full Council on 4^th March 2024;

1. That the Revenue Estimates for the General Fund and Medium Term Financial Strategy for the period 2024/25 – 2028/29 (Appendices 1, 1a and 1b) be approved;

2. That Council Tax for a band D property in 2024/25  be set at £216.09 (a £7.20 per annum increase on 2023/24 levels) be approved;

3. That the additions to and use of reserves (as detailed at Appendix 1) for specific schemes be approved;

4. That the Medium Term Financial Strategy (at Appendix 1) be approved;

5. That the Capital Programme and Capital Strategy (Appendices 1 and 2) be approved;

6. That the proposed Fees and Charges as set out in Appendix 4 be approved;

7. That the Annual Delivery Plan for 2024/25 (Appendix 5) be approved;

8. That the results of the Budget Consultation process at Appendix 6 be noted;

9. That the alignment of constitutional financial limits across the partnership (Appendix 7) be approved; and

10. That  Council reaffirms its previous decision in respect of long term empty properties determined in Appendix 1 and makes a determination for the introduction of the premium for substantially furnished with no residents (second homes), be introduced as the earliest point – 1^st April 2025. 

(A report of Emily Spicer, Assistant Director – Wellbeing and Community Leadership)

Portfolio Holder: Councillor Emma Cresswell

The Portfolio Holder – Communities (People) presented the South & East Councils Partnership Community Lottery – 1 Year Progress. The Lottery had been in operation for just over a year. At the time of the scheme being created it was agreed that yearly updates would be provided to enable the Cabinet to review its progress and activity.

The Lottery supported local good causes, community groups and clubs to raise funds through the sale of tickets. In Boston there were 19 good causes that were part of the scheme.

The Cabinet were made aware that a change in the Gambling Act 2005 now meant that a lottery ticket cannot be purchased under the age of 18 years old. 

On 1^st December 2023, Gatherwell Ltd were informed by London & Zurich (L&Z), a third party organisation appointed to handle direct debit collections, that a data breach had occurred. The breach impacted customers that had signed up for direct debit services on or before 8^th November 2023. The Assistant Director - Wellbeing and Community Leadership confirmed that the breach had not deterred people from using the lottery. The Deputy Chief Executive – Communities confirmed that the Information Commissioners Office had closed the case.

A new targeted communications strategy was being made in order to attract more users of the Lottery, this included; advertising the lottery on Bin Lorries, and engaging with Parish liaison meetings to reach a wider range of people. It was suggested that the Lottery be promoted on both the local radio and a market stall.

The percentages of how each pound would be spent was set by Gatherwell Ltd, in consultation with the Council, based on standard percentages across other Councils.

The £20 maximum was introduced to prevent Gambling addictions being formed.

RESOLVED:

1. That the progress of the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Community Lottery scheme be noted and that continuation of the scheme be suppoted;

2. That changes to the ‘minimum age limits’ to participate in the community lottery scheme be noted;

3. That central fund income be used to support civic community pride events designed to celebrate and promote voluntary and community sector activity, including the act of volunteering within the borough of Boston and the East Lindsey and South Holland Districts; and

4. That the details of the data security incident on 8^th November 2023 be noted.

(A report of Christian Allen, Assistant Director - Regulatory and Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for RIPA)

Portfolio Holder: Councillor Anne Dorrian

The Assistant Director – Regulatory and Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for RIPA presented the report on behalf of the Leader. It was a requirement for the Policy to be brought to Cabinet when due for review.

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) governs all Public Authorities in their use of covert directed surveillance and how the tool is used to provide evidence for legal proceedings.

It was confirmed that the Investigatory Powers Commissioners Office was satisfied with the direction of travel proposed to align the RIPA policy, procedures and practice across the partnership.

Members expressed their support for an aligned Policy across the Partnership and their support for officers involved in the process.

RESOLVED:

1. That the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 – Partnership Policy, following consideration of comments made by the Corporate and Community Overview and Scrutiny Committee, be approved; and

2. That delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director – Regulatory and Senior Responsible Officer for RIPA, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to make amendments to the policy in order to (i) reference any links or amended links to other documents as may be required; and (ii) reflect any issues over which the Council has no discretion including, but not limited to, references to any legislative changes and amended guidance. Any material amendments to the policy would be subject to the usual approval process in line with the constitution.

(A report of Phil Perry, Assistant Director – Culture and Leisure)

Portfolio Holder: Councillor Sarah Sharpe.

The Portfolio Holder – Culture presented the Guildhall Action Plan which had been developed to facilitate residents and visitors in delivering as much benefit as possible from the Guildhall whilst achieving this through an approach that supported the most economic, efficient, effective working practices possible. It was confirmed that it had been developed as a ‘live document’ and would continually be developed in order to support accountability within the service to strategically and operationally deliver what was required.

The Cabinet support raising the profile of the Guildhall to bring it in line with St Botolph’s Church.

Following Member comments the Portfolio Holder, with support from the Community Development Manager, Cultural Services & Communities confirmed that;

• The plan was to keep the tourist information centre in the Guildhall.
• The Guildhall remained closed on a Sunday due to staffing related budgets. The opening times were being considered as part of the review within the action plan.
• Some of the projects were already underway.
• It had been proposed that Signage be upgraded to ensure tourists could find the Guildhall.
• Promotional ideas were being discussed along with events in conjunction with the National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) to promote the Guildhall.
• The Manager of the Guildhall had multiple remits which was why his hours superseded the opening times of the Guildhall.
• Signage would be added to the main door as part of the rebranding to inform the Public that the entrance was down the side of the building.
• Plans were in place to increase the amount of merchandise sold.
• Weddings reduced as a result of COVID-19.
• Through the NPO funding the Guildhall would be receiving Museum grade cabinets which would allow them to display other Museums’ exhibitions.

RESOLVED:

That the Guildhall Action Plan be approved.