Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Neil Drayton and Sarah Sharpe.

No declarations of interest were received.

The Minutes of the Annual meeting of Full Council meeting on 19^th May 2025 were agreed and signed by the Mayor.

The Deputy Chief Executive gave notice that under delegated powers the following changes had been made to the membership of the Chief Officer Employment Panel: That Councillor Stephen Woodliffe was now an appointed member of the Chief Officer Employment Panel, replacing Councillor Paul Gleeson.

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

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

1.    Question to Councillor Emma Cresswell from Councillor Anne Dorrian

Please give a summary of the portfolio work you’ve undertaken during the last two years and comment on the areas which you are most proud of.

Response from Councillor Emma Cresswell

Thank you Councillor Dorrian for your question.

As I reflect on the past two years, I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together—grounded in partnership, led by community need, and always with the ambition of making Boston a better place for everyone.

One of the first things I set out to do was improve communication and connection across our borough.

To support this, I established a Parish Council Liaison Meeting—bringing all areas of our borough to the table.

This group ensures that every corner of Boston has a voice in the decisions we make, and that parishes are kept fully informed about the developments, challenges, and opportunities happening across the borough.

Community recognition has also remained a priority.

Through our Boston Heroes Awards, we continue to shine a spotlight on the amazing individuals and groups who go above and beyond for others.

Our most recent celebration, held at St. Botolph’s Church on the 16th of July, was another powerful reminder of the compassion, dedication, and spirit that make Boston so special.

Hosted by Scott Dalton of BBC Radio Lincolnshire, it was an evening full of pride and gratitude.

I’m equally proud of the work we’ve done to support and grow volunteering in Boston.

With support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we developed and launched the Boston Volunteer Scheme, signing up to the national Volunteer Charter and recognising the enormous contribution volunteers make—not only to our services but to their own health and wellbeing.

Roles now range from CCTV spotters and event marshals to litter picking teams and Good Home Alliance ambassadors.

Thanks to this work, Boston now sees over 100 active volunteers each month—a figure that continues to grow.

Another area of real impact is our Crowdfunding Programme.

We’ve now supported 10 community projects, with another 6 currently live.

Altogether, these projects have attracted over £105,000 in pledges—with £49,320 pledged by the South and East Lincolnshire Crowd and £56,000 coming directly from residents and community supporters.

Projects have ranged from cultural events to the refurbishment of Fydell House, and even a touring theatre production—each one helping to make Boston a vibrant, creative, and proud place to live.

And finally, I want to reflect on our local delivery of the HouseholdSupport Fund.

This discretionary welfare scheme has been a lifeline for so many—especially through the most challenging periods of the cost-of-living crisis.

Over the past two years, I’ve overseen and helped shape the delivery of four separate rounds of funding, ensuring that Boston’s £1.2 million allocation has been used efficiently, compassionately, and with maximum local impact.

Under the Healthy Living strand of my portfolio, this work has resulted in the delivery of over 12,000 grants,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

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

Motion: The council resolves to remove Councillor Anne Dorrian as leader of Boston Borough Council and resolves to appoint a new leader at  the full council meeting to be held on 21^st July 2025.

At the full council meeting held on 22^nd May 2023, council resolved to appoint Councillor Anne Dorrian as leader of Boston Borough Council for  a 4 year period ending at the annual meeting on 2027.

Since that time, we believe Councillor Anne Dorrian has lost significant support from the Boston Independent group, and can no longer, in our view, fulfill this function on behalf of members o this council.

Therefore in the interests of this council, which needs clear concise leadership representing all members of the council,

That council resolves to remove Councillor Anne Dorrian as leader of Boston Borough Council ,and appoint a new leader at full council on Monday 21^st July 2025, to run until the next borough council elections.

Proposer: Councillor Dale Broughton

Seconder: Councillor Callum Butler

A proposal to bring forward Part 3 of the Agenda – Motions for consideration which was moved by Councillor Dale Broughton and seconded by Councillor Callum Butler.

Upon being put to the vote the proposal was carried.

The following Motion was received:

Leader of Boston Borough Council

The council resolves to remove Councillor Anne Dorrian as leader of Boston Borough Council and resolves to appoint a new leader at the full council meeting to be held on 21st July 2025.

At the full council meeting held on 22nd May 2023, council resolved to appoint Councillor Anne Dorrian as leader of Boston Borough Council for a 4 year period ending at the annual meeting on 2027.

Since that time, we believe Councillor Anne Dorrian has lost significant support from the Boston Independent group, and can no longer, in our view, fulfil this function on behalf of members of this council.

Therefore in the interests of this council, which needs clear concise leadership representing all members of the council,

That council resolves to remove Councillor Anne Dorrian as leader of Boston Borough Council, and appoint a new leader at full council on Monday 21st July 2025, to run until the next borough council elections.

In presenting the motion, Councillor Broughton stated that the proposal was brought forward due to a loss of confidence in the current leadership from within the Boston Independent Group. He emphasised the need for cohesive and representative leadership to guide the Council through a period of significant opportunity and challenge.

The motion was moved by Councillor Dale Broughton and seconded by Councillor Callum Butler.

During debate, Members expressed a range of views. Several Members spoke in support of the motion, citing the importance of unity and collective responsibility within the Council. Others raised concerns about the process by which the motion had been brought forward, including the absence of prior consultation with the outgoing Leader and the potential impact on public confidence.

Councillor Dorrian addressed the Chamber, reflecting on her time as Leader and outlining the achievements of the administration over the past two years. She expressed disappointment at the manner in which the motion had been handled and questioned the motivations behind it. Other Members acknowledged her contributions and thanked her for her service.

A recorded vote was requested and supported. The motion was carried by 21 votes in favour, 3 against, and 4 abstentions.

In accordance with the resolution, nominations were then invited for the position of Leader of the Council. Councillor Dale Broughton was nominated and seconded. No further nominations were received. Members spoke in support and against the nomination.

A second recorded vote was held, and the appointment was confirmed by 21 votes in favour, 3 against, and 4 abstentions.

Resolved:

1.    That Councillor Anne Dorrian be removed as Leader of Boston Borough Council and that a new leader be appointed at full council on Monday 21st July 2025; and

2.    That Councillor Dale Broughton be appointed as Leader of Boston Borough Council.

To receive the Minutes from the meeting held on 22^nd April 2025.

The Mayor, as Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee, presented the Audit and Governance minutes from the meeting held on 22^nd April 2025 for councillors to note.

(A report by Brendan Arnold, Interim Director of Finance (S151 Officer))

The Interim Director of Finance (S151 Officer) introduced the report which sought Council approval for the rephasing of elements of the Capital Programme from the 2024/25 financial year into 2025/26. Members were advised that, due to the recent Cabinet meeting being inquorate, the full outturn position would be brought forward through the appropriate governance channels in due course. However, urgent approval was required in respect of capital rephasing to ensure continuity in the delivery of key projects.

The Interim Director of Finance (S151 Officer) explained that the rephasing related to schemes funded through the Towns Fund, Levelling Up Fund, and Boston Partnership Fund, all of which were considered strategically significant for the borough. The total value of the proposed rephasing was £5.380 million, comprising £2.109 million for Towns Fund projects, £0.324 million for Levelling Up Fund schemes, £2.582 million for Boston Partnership Fund initiatives, and £0.365 million for other capital projects. These figures were detailed in Table 5C of Appendix A within the report.

Members discussed the report and clarification was sought regarding the status of funding for the Boston United Football Club stadium development, noting that escalating costs had prompted public interest in the timing of the Council’s financial contribution. In response, the Interim Director of Finance (S151 Officer) confirmed that the project remained under active consideration by officers, with final arrangements being progressed. While a specific date for release of funds could not yet be confirmed, the Interim Director of Finance (S151 Officer) undertook to keep members updated.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Mike Gilbert and seconded by Councillor Paul Gleeson.

Resolved:

That the capital rephasing from 2024/25 to 2025/26, presented in Table 5C in Appendix A within the report, including £2.109m for Towns Fund, £0.324m for LUF, £2.582m for BPF and £0.365m for other capital projects totalling £5.380m be approved.

(A report by Brendan Arnold, Interim Director of Finance (S151 Officer))

The Interim Director of Finance (S151 Officer) introduced the Annual Treasury Report for the 2024/25 financial year. The report, appended in full at Appendix 1 within the agenda pack, had been prepared in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management and had been scrutinised by the Audit and Governance Committee at its meeting on 7^th July 2025.

Members were advised that the report provided a comprehensive review of the Council’s treasury management activities during the year, including:

·         An economic update for 2024/25;

·         A review of the Council’s investment portfolio and borrowing strategy;

·         An assessment of the Council’s debt position;

·         Compliance with prudential and treasury indicators; and

·         A detailed analysis of property fund performance.

The Interim Director of Finance (S151 Officer) highlighted that the Council had achieved a net treasury surplus of £710,516 for the year, with treasury investments delivering an average return of 5.29%. While returns from property funds were lower than forecast, averaging 3.21%, the combined return across all investments was 4.57%. The report also noted that the Council’s investment policy remained under regular review to ensure a prudent balance between risk and reward.

Members discussed the report and a number of observations were raised regarding the performance of the Council’s property fund investments. It was noted that the actual income received from property funds was below the projected figure by approximately £174,000, and that the net asset value of the property fund portfolio had declined by over £2 million since purchase. While acknowledging the broader economic context and challenges within the commercial property market, a Member expressed disappointment at the underperformance and suggested that the Council reflect on the long-term viability of such investments.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Callum Butler and seconded by Councillor Andy Izard.

Resolved:

That the Annual Treasury Management Review 2024/25, in Appendix 1 within the report, as required by the Local Government Act 2003 following scrutiny by the Audit and Governance Committee at their meeting on 7^th July 2025 be approved.

[Councillor Anton Dani left the meeting at 7.55pm and returned at 7.57pm following consideration of the above item.]

(A report by John Medler, Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer)

(Appendix 1 – to follow)

The Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer introduced the report, which set out a revised allocation of seats on the Council’s committees, panels, and working groups following recent changes to the political composition of the authority. Members were advised that the review had been undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990.

The Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer confirmed that the revised seat allocations and associated appointments had been tabled at the meeting as Appendix 1, a copy of which is appended to the Minutes, reflecting the wishes of political group leaders. The report recommended that Council approve the updated allocations for the remainder of the 2025/26 municipal year.

Councillor Gleeson requested to be removed from the Chief Officer Employment Panel, noting that he had not intended to be reappointed. Councillor Woodliffe, as group leader, confirmed that he would replace Councillor Gleeson on the panel, and the Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer confirmed that this amendment to Appendix 1 was procedurally acceptable.

The Leader, in summing up, thanked Members for their support and reiterated the importance of working collaboratively across the Chamber to meet the challenges ahead. He also expressed his appreciation to Councillor Dorrian for her service as Leader and emphasised that the Council’s focus must remain on delivering for residents.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Dale Broughton and seconded by Councillor Stephen Woodliffe.

Resolved:

That the revised allocation of seats and appointments to Committees, Panels and Working Groups, in Appendix 1 within the report, be approved for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2025/26.

To consider resolving - That under Section 100(A)(iv) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended).

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Stephen Woodliffe and seconded by Councillor Mike Gilbert.

Resolved:

That under Section 100(A)(iv) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended).

[There was a brief adjournment at 8.06pm and the meeting reconvened at 8.11pm to consider the following item.]

(A report by Rob Barlow, Chief Executive)

The Assistant Director – Corporate introduced the report, which set out proposals to implement a harmonised pay structure and associated job evaluation scheme for officers employed in shared partnership roles across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

Members debated the report and expressed general support for the proposals, recognising the importance of ensuring fairness, consistency, and transparency in pay arrangements across the partnership. The proposals were seen as a positive step in supporting recruitment, retention, and organisational alignment.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Stephen Woodliffe and seconded by Councillor Sandeep Ghosh.

Resolved:

That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved