Report of the Chairman of Executive Board.

The Leader of the Council presented Members with his report, pages 67 to 70 of the Agenda refer.

Further to his report, the Leader provided an update in relation to the recent Peer Review and passed his thanks to all Councillors for their work with their communities and for their diligence and commitment to the Council.  He added that as part of the administration or opposition, the forward looking and ambitious work in the Chambers enabled so much to happen across the district and beyond for the benefit of residents and businesses and whilst there had been many challenges to deal with, this had been recognised by the recent Corporate Peer Challenge.  The Leader stated that the report was one that the Council could be very proud of and reflected the hard work and commitment from both Members and officers and asked the Chief Executive to pass on the Council’s thanks and appreciation to all who worked for ELDC.

The Leader of the Council also provided an update on Nuclear Waste Services (NWS).  Members were advised that NWS had recently made a statement indicating that competing interests at the Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal site had meant that they potentially needed to consider other options for the Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) surface site.  It was highlighted that it was important to reiterate that NWS’s interest was only within the already established search area and that as yet, no other potential surface sites had been identified and NWS were looking to publish an update early in 2025 on its potential options.  The Leader acknowledged that this would be a concern to residents within the wider search area, however until NWS had made known those findings it was the view of the Executive Board that the Council should remain engaged in the process.  He added that there had been much unhelpful speculation on social media with regards to this and urged those advocating against the GDF that they had a responsibility to concerned residents as well.  The key fact being that NWS was not looking beyond the already established search area and Members were reminded that through debate at Council there was a backstop position in respect of the Council’s involvement and also with Lincolnshire County Council.

Following which, questions and comments were put forward as follows:

MHCLG Pilot Fund

A Member queried whether the three-day energy training session for volunteers was part of the pilot fund. 

In response, the Leader of the Council advised that he would provide a response after the meeting.

East Lindsey Community Ambassador Awards

A Member commended the efforts of Summer Willits from Skegness and stated that the award was well deserved.

Social Isolation Grant

A Member queried whether a list of grant aid that was available for people to apply for was still communicated in the Councillor weekly bulletin.

In response, the Leader of the Council advised that he would follow this up to ensure it was included.

Household Support Fund (HSF)

A Member highlighted that the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63