Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence and notification of substitutes (if any).

Apologies for absence were tabled by Councillors Jyothi Arayambath. No substitute members.

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

No declarations were received.

To sign and confirm the minutes of the last meeting.

With the agreement of the committee the Chairman signed the minutes of the previous meeting.

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 Monday 20^th January 2025.

No public questions were tabled.

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

The Portfolio Holder, Councillor John Baxter, presented the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Private Sector Housing Strategy report which provided details on the strategy which set out the strategic direction for Private Sector Housing within the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership sub region. The strategy set out four key priorities:

·         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.

Councillor Baxter provided background information on the formation of the strategy, highlighting the integration of housing standards teams from Boston Borough Council (BBC), East Lindsey District Council (ELDC), and South Holland District Council (SHDC) into a single team.

Member deliberation followed which included:

Various questions were asked regarding the strategy, including the figures used in the report, staffing levels, inspections, and the handling of empty homes and unlicensed HMOs. The Assistant Director – Wellbeing & Community Leadership assured members that the figures and data were current. She added that whilst it would be reviewed as the strategy was implemented, the current team was in a suitable capacity to address this strategy. The Housing Standards Team Leader advised that currently Boston counted with a team leader, one senior officer, two housing officers and one administration officer. The Team Leader advised that it was difficult to put a figure on the number of inspections, as they were, at present, carried out generally on a reactive basis but informed members that the number were around 10 or 20 a month.

A question was asked regarding the 1,315 dwellings in need of repair in Boston and expressed concerns regarding the increasing number of HMOs that were being approved monthly by planning, questioning how these issues could be addressed with the current team. The Assistant Director – Wellbeing & Community Leadership advised that, while the strategy might require further review in the future, the team was well-positioned to meet these targets as the level of needs varied between properties and cases. Additionally, she stated that the team consistently liaised with landlords and registered providers, which made the process effective.

A question was asked about the method of data collection on unlicensed HMOs. The Assistant Director – Wellbeing & Community Leadership explained that there was reliance on community intelligence as well as on staff to report concerns. The Housing Standards Team Leader added that there was also excellent collaborative work with Lincolnshire Police and Fire and Rescue, which assisted in reporting concerns.

The Housing Standards Team Leader further informed members that, as the strategy encompassed the three councils of the Partnership, there was a provision for senior officers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 125.

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

The Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) presented the report, which included the final details of the 2025/26 budget, the 5-year Medium Term Financial Strategy/Plan (MTFS/P) from 2025/26 to 2029/30, and the Capital Programme. The report also included the recommended level of Council Tax for 2025/26, taking into account pressures such as the IDB levy. The final budget incorporated identified efficiencies to support the short and medium-term financial strategy/plan (MTFS/P) and outlined the remaining efficiency target, for which a plan of activity had been developed.

Member deliberation followed which included:

Councillor Gleeson declared an interest in respect of his Non-Executive Director role within PSPSL, which he had resigned from with effect from the end of the month.

A member commended the comprehensiveness of the report and expressed concerns regarding the costs associated with PSPS and the 10% increase rate. The Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) advised that these details would be reviewed in a management meeting on Monday, after which feedback would be provided to the company.

In response to a question regarding the reasons behind the reduction of 12 Band D properties, the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) explained that the Collection Fund had absorbed the full impact of the new council tax support scheme. Regarding the banding, she advised that the Council Tax team would be the most appropriate to provide the requested clarification.

In response to a question regarding the potential savings that could have been realised from having zero expenses on the Leisure Centre, the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) advised that significant improvements were achieved in the budget as a result of a Cost-Plus arrangement with the contractor.

Addressing a question about a declining indicator on bereavement, the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) explained that it was related to an increase in the number of purchases of a different, cheaper type of cremation.

A member requested an update on the Haven Wharf development. The Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) advised that she would seek an update from the project manager before circulating further details.

In response to a question seeking clarity on the reasons behind Housing Benefits Credit overpayments, the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Development (S151) explained that errors by the Local Authority or undeclared changes in circumstances by individuals were some of the causes. She clarified that the Council collected these overpayments, sometimes received subsidies on them, and in some cases, it took several years to collect due to the individual's level of affordability.

A question was asked regarding the possibilities of increasing savings by exploring additional areas such as trade waste, monitoring free parking, and reducing the fees for market traders to increase participation. The Portfolio Holder for Finance noted the comments and advised that hiring more personnel would add expenses to the Council.

In response to a question concerning the lack of funding for the IDBs and how the Council could address this issue, the Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 126.

(For Members to note/discuss the Committee’s current work programme)

The Assistant Director – General Fund Assets updated the Committee on the inclusion of three additional reports scheduled for the next meeting:

·         The Boston Plan for 2040.

·         The Annual Scrutiny Report

·         The EDI Strategy and Action Plan.

Furthermore, an update was provided regarding the Task and Finish Group, with the first meeting scheduled for 12th February, during which the group would scope out its review and look to schedule its timeline.

Councillor Gleeson suggested examining the HMOs and how social housing providers were serving Boston. He advised that it would be appropriate to have reports and figures on social housing as a starting point before inviting potential stakeholders.