Agenda item

(A briefing note by: Pranali Parikh, Director- Economic Development)

At the discretion of the Chairman, this item was brought forward on the agenda and considered prior to the HMO Update item.

The Committee received a detailed presentation from the Director of Economic Development, regarding the Government’s “Plan for Neighbourhoods” initiative.

Boston has been selected as one of 75 towns nationally to receive £20 million in funding to be delivered over a 10-year period, equating to approximately £2 million per year. The funding allocation comprised 75% capital and 25% revenue.

Members were informed that the funding was contingent upon the submission of a ten-year vision and a four-year investment plan, with the deadline for submission now brought forward to the end of November 2025. The plan was to be community-led, with the Boston Town Board responsible for leading engagement and shaping priorities. The Council’s role was to support and facilitate, rather than to author the plan.

The Director of Economic Development outlined that engagement activities had already commenced, building upon previous consultations undertaken for the Boston Plan, Towns Fund, Levelling Up Partnership, and other initiatives. The Town Board had approved, in principle, the use of capacity funding totalling £450,000 to support engagement, project development, and early delivery.

Members discussed the report and commented as follows:

·         There was concern regarding the composition and transparency of the Town Board, with a view that its membership should better reflect the diversity of the local community. It was suggested that the Board’s decision-making processes should be subject to greater scrutiny to ensure fairness and accountability.

·         The importance of Council oversight was highlighted, with a request that the Overview & Scrutiny Committee be given the opportunity to review the draft plan prior to its submission. Members also sought clarity on how projects would be selected and how they would align with the town’s broader economic and social priorities.

·         It was noted that projects should aim to stimulate economic activity and increase local spending power, rather than simply delivering capital improvements. There was a desire to ensure that investments had a tangible and lasting impact on the town centre and its residents.

·         The potential use of revenue funding to support enforcement against dilapidated private sector properties was discussed. Members expressed concern about the visual impact of poorly maintained buildings and the need for action to improve the appearance of key streets.

·         The absence of education and infrastructure from the current scope of the plan was raised. It was felt that education should be recognised as a key driver of integration and opportunity, and that the Council should explore how it could be incorporated into the plan’s priorities.

·         Concerns were expressed about the long-term value of the funding in light of inflation. It was proposed that the Leader of the Council write to the relevant Minister to request that the £20 million funding be index-linked or otherwise protected against inflationary pressures.

·         Members welcomed the emphasis on community engagement and suggested a range of methods to ensure broad participation, including ward surgeries, market stalls, and door-to-door outreach. Parish councils were identified as important partners in the consultation process.

The Committee was advised that the Town Board was undergoing a transition to broaden its membership and improve community representation. The Government had reaffirmed its commitment to the funding following the change in administration, albeit with a shift in emphasis from town centres to neighbourhoods. It was confirmed that the Council would bring regular updates to the Committee and that Members would be encouraged to support and participate in engagement activities.

The Committee noted the update and agreed that the draft plan should be brought back for scrutiny prior to submission in November 2025. The Chairman thanked the Director of Economic Development and the Leader for their contribution.

Resolved:

1.    That the update be noted; and

2.    That the draft plan would be brought back to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee for review prior to submission in November 2025.

[Councillor Helen Staples entered the meeting at 6.32 pm, during consideration of the above item.]

[The Leader of the Council and the Director of Economic Development left the meeting at 7.09 pm, following consideration of the above item.]