Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Jyothi Arayambath. 

Councillor Claire Rylott declared an interest in respect of the Motion on Supporting our Farmers as she was a farmer. She advised that she would withdraw from the meeting during the consideration of that item.

To agree the minutes of the of Full Council meeting held on 11^th November 2024.

The Minutes of the meeting of Full Council held on 11^th November 2024 were agreed and signed by the Mayor.

The Chief Executive gave notice that Councillor Barrie Pierpoint had agreed to accept the Mayoralty for the forthcoming civic year.

The Chief Executive confirmed that no deputations or petitions had been received.

The Chief Executive advised that the following questions had been received:

1.     Question to Councillor Anne Dorrian from Councillor James Cantwell

Can the portfolio holder please update us on the Council’s efforts to support residents who are affected by the recent flooding near the Wyberton West Road?

Response from Councillor Anne Dorrian

I would like to thank Councillor Cantwell for notice of his question.

I am responding to this question in my capacity as Portfolio Holder for Emergency Planning.

Firstly, I would like to express my sincere sympathy to those that have been impacted by the recent floods in Boston and across the County of Lincolnshire. I have seen for myself the dreadful impact that flooding has on peoples lives. Whether its flood water entering peoples homes, their gardens or their businesses, the psychological and physical impacts have caused immense stress and anxiety in our communities which as Councillors and Local Leaders, we work so hard to protect.

The Council has provided immediate assistance to householders, deploying skips to the area to assist with disposal of saturated household items, providing free bulky waste collections to householders who have endured flood water entering their property and undertaking a deep clean of the highway and pavements to remove flooding debris.

The Council have also made immediate financial assistance available to those householders impacted by internal flooding through a dedicated flood relief scheme of £1000, through the Household Support Fund offering supermarket vouchers up to a value of £150 and connecting householders who need support with their Council Tax.

I am also working in collaboration with Lincolnshire Resilience Forum partner agencies who are collectively responsible for recovery operations, assisting those householders and businesses to return to normality as swiftly as possible. This involves ensuring that each property that has been flooded is recognised as such by the Lincolnshire County Council as Lead Local Flood Authority, that cause of flooding is swiftly investigated and that remedial measures are identified and implemented.

We as locally elected Leaders are also lobbying Government to exercise their discretion and activate the Flood Recovery Framework releasing funds for immediate financial relief for householders and to facilitate improvements to homes and businesses making them more resilient to future flooding events.

Supplementary question to Councillor Anne Dorrian from Councillor James Cantwell

Thank you very much Councillor Dorrian.

Will you join with me in thanking the Council officers, Red Cross, volunteers and local businesses, as well as all others, who supported flooded residents during this time?

Response from Councillor Anne Dorrian

Yes, Councillor Cantwell. The simple answer is yes. But I am way ahead of you. I have already thanked those officers and those partner agencies for the work that they undertook. So, the answer is yes.

2.     Question to Councillor Anne Dorrian from Councillor James Cantwell

Does the portfolio holder agree that this Council needs to be steadfast and unified in its approach so that we can find ways to mitigate flooding along the Wyberton West Road?

Response from Councillor Anne  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

The Chief Executive confirmed that no questions had been received from members of the public.

(A report by the Independent Remuneration Panel)

The Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer presented a report which invited Council to consider the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel and to approve the Members’ Allowances Scheme, attached at Appendix A within the report, to take effect from 1 April 2025.

Simon Sperring, Chairman of the Independent Remuneration Panel presented the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel, attached at Appendix 1.

Members considered the report and recommendations of the Independent Renumeration Panel regarding the Members' Allowances Scheme. The Panel was thanked for their report, their hard work and commitment.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Anne Dorrian and seconded by Councillor Barrie Pierpoint.

Councillor Stephen Woodliffe referred to a handout that had been tabled prior to the meeting and proposed an amendment which included specific figures for the revised allowances and the suggestion of backdating them to 1^st April 2024 to be funded from in year underspends. In proposing the amendment Councillor Woodliffe emphasized the need to raise the importance of the work that councillors do and provided reasoning behind the proposed changes. The amendment was seconded by Councillor Peter Bedford.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 20.4, a ballot was taken on the amendment following which the amendment was carried and became the substantive motion.

Members referred to the substantive motion and the following points were made:

·       A concern was raised in regards to public perception with the proposals and the current economic climate.

·       The Council was operating more effectively due to the hard work and commitment of councillors.

No further amendments were proposed. Following which in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 20.4, a ballot was taken on the substantive motion.

RESOLVED:

1.     That the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel, as set out in Appendix 1, be noted; and

2.     That, subject to recommendation 1, the Council approve the Members’ Allowances Scheme attached at Appendix A to take effect from 1 April 2025 but amends the basic, special responsibility and co-optee allowances contained within Appendix A and within its current Members’ Allowance Scheme 2024/25 to the figures set out in Column B of the circulated amendment paper and agrees to backdate those allowances to 1 April 2024 and fund from in year underspends. The allowances listed in Column B were as follows:

[The Independent Remuneration Panel members, Simon Sperring, Nicci Marzec and Chris Penney, left the meeting at 7.16 p.m. following consideration of the above item.]

To receive the draft Minutes from the meeting held on 18^th November 2024.

Councillor Barrie Pierpoint, Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee, presented the draft Audit and Governance minutes from the meeting held on 18^th November 2024 which was for councillors to note.

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

Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, Portfolio Holder – Finance, presented a report by the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) which provided an update on Treasury Management performance and activity to ensure best practice was maintained.

Members discussed the report and the following comments were made:

·       Concerns were expressed regarding any Council investments in companies that may not adhere to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) guidelines, for example where there was a contradiction between the Council's policies to reduce carbon footprints and any investments in companies that harm the environment.

·       Members noted the positive financial performance of the Council's investments, including a favourable variance in net investment income and an increase in property fund capital values.

·       Clarification was sought on specific investments listed within the report, particularly those with non-applicable details. Transparency regarding the reasons for the non-applicable status of certain investments was requested. Councillor Ghosh explained that the investments mentioned were not property funds but other types of funds. He agreed to discuss the specific details with officers and provide a detailed response to the query.

The recommendation was moved by Councillor Sandeep Ghosh and seconded by Councillor Anne Dorrian.

RESOLVED:

That the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2024/25, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

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

Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, Portfolio Holder – Finance, presented a report by the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) which sought approval the final proposals for the 2025/26 Council Tax Support scheme. Members noted that the Cabinet had resolved at its meeting on 25^th September 2024 to consult on a number of scheme modifications. The report set out the final recommendations for the scheme. An extract of the draft Minute of the Corporate and Communities Committee meeting held on 14^th November 2024 was attached as Appendix 1 within the report. The full consultation report was attached as Appendix 2 within the report.

Members discussed the report and the following comments were made:

·       Support for the scheme was expressed, highlighting the high rates of poverty and Universal Credit claims in Boston and the need to help working families who were struggling financially.

·       Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on the Council's budget and the importance of encouraging eligible residents to claim the support they were entitled to.

·       Councillor Dorrian urged members of Lincolnshire County Council to prevent any retaliatory actions regarding the allocation of funds from the Household Support Fund.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Sandeep Ghosh and seconded by Councillor Anne Dorrian.

RESOLVED:

That the following Council Tax Support scheme recommendations for 2025/26 be approved:

a)    Increase the maximum CTS for households with children to 100% and 85% for other households;

b)    Remove the earnings disregard to Universal Credit claims;

c)    Introduce a standard £10 rate for non-dependant deductions;

d)    Introduce a minimum award of £1 per week;

e)    Reduce the Upper capital limit to £10,000;

f)      Replace the three-month review with a £30 per week threshold for changes in Universal Credit, with discretion for flexibility; and

g)    Uprate in line with DWP uprating amounts for 2025/26.

(A report by John Medler, Assistant Director for Governance and Monitoring Officer)

The Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer presented a report which sought to appoint a Director to Public Sector Partnership Services Ltd (PSPSL) and to consider future appointment arrangements.

Members discussed the report and the following comments were made:

·       Members noted that Councillor Paul Gleeson had tendered his resignation from PSPS Limited, with effect from the end of January 2025. The Council was requested to consider appointing a new director to take office from 1^st February 2025, until the annual meeting of the Council in May 2027. Additionally, the Council was asked to decide whether future appointments or removals of directors should be the responsibility of the Executive or the Full Council.

·       Councillor Anne Dorrian nominated Jo Brigham, highlighting her intelligence and relevant experience in running equivalent organizations for the UK government. This proposal was seconded by Councillor Dale Broughton.

·       Councillor Gleeson outlined the reasons for his resignation and indicated his support for the appointment of Jo Brigham.

·       Other members supported the nomination and Councillor James Cantwell sought clarity on the reason for Jo Brigham's removal as a previous director of PSPSL. The Leader reassured members that Jo Brigham was an upright member of the community and emphasized her suitability for the role.

The recommendation was moved by Councillor Anne Dorrian and seconded by Councillor Dale Broughton.

RESOLVED:

1.     That Jo Brigham be appointed to the Public Sector Partnership Services Ltd Board of Directors with the appointment to take effect from 1^st February 2025 for the period up to the Annual Meeting of Council in May 2027; and

2.     That future appointments/removals of Directors to Public Sector Partnership Services Ltd be designated as an executive function.

The following Motions were received:

Supporting our Farmers

Council resolves  

·       That the Leader of the Council writes to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to outline the Council’s dismay at the decision in the Budget to restrict Agricultural Property Relief and calls on the Government to stop the Family Farm Tax.

·       That the Portfolio Holder for Communities hold a meeting with local farmers and community representatives to consider ways the Council can provide support to them.

·       That the council advertise support available to farmers on our website, via social media and ask parish councils to do the same.

The motion was moved by Councillor James Cantwell and seconded by Councillor Stuart Evans.

Members discussed the motion  and the following comments were made:

·       The importance of protecting local farming businesses and the potential risks posed by the government's policies was emphasized.

·       It was felt by some that the local authority had a responsibility to support local businesses and communities. There was criticism of the Government's policies and their potential long-term adverse effects on food security and rural regions.

·       There was a need to protect local assets and ensure that policies are in the community's best interest.

·       Councillor Anne Dorrian moved an amendment and proposed the removal of the second and third bullet pointed resolutions from the motion. She outlined her concern that it was unacceptable to instruct the portfolio holder to hold a meeting and that the National Farmers’ Union was more suited than the Council to advertising support available to farmers.  This was seconded by Councillor Dale Broughton.

·       Councillor Cantwell suggested a compromise to remove the Portfolio Holder’s involvement but still hold a meeting with local farmers and inform parish councils about available support.

Upon being put to the vote the amendment was carried and became the substantive motion.

Cllr Cantwell enquired as to whether further amendments could be moved to bullet points 2 and 3 of the original motion. The Chief Executive clarified that the amendment had deleted those parts of the motion and therefore were unable to be amended further.

There were no further amendments proposed following which it was.

RESOLVED:

That the Leader of the Council write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to outline the Council’s dismay at the decision in the Budget to restrict Agricultural Property Relief and calls on the Government to stop the Family Farm Tax.

[Councillor Claire Rylott left the meeting at 7.52 p.m., for this item, and returned at 8.08 p.m.]

Community Governance Review

Council resolves:  

·       The Council instructs the Chief Executive to expedite a Community Governance Review for the Unparished area of Boston (the BTAC area), with a view to creating a new Town Council for Boston to take office at the earliest possible juncture.

·       This Council instructs the Chief Executive- in consultation with Cabinet, Audit & Governance, and Scrutiny Committees- to identify and list those Assets (including any Charter Rights and the Borough status) currently belonging to Boston Borough Council which,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.