To consider the findings of the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge and an associated action plan.

1.       That the findings from the LGA’s Corporate Peer Challenge at Appendix A to the report referred be noted.

2.       That the action plan at Appendix B to the report referred be approved.

A report was presented to receive the findings of the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge and an associated action plan.

During his introduction of the report, the Leader of the Council highlighted to Members that in November 2024, East Lindsey District Council welcomed Peers from the Local Government Association (LGA) to undertake a Corporate Peer Challenge.  The report brought forward the findings from the Corporate Peer Challenge (Appendix A) and the Council’s Action Plan (Appendix B) in response.  Members were further advised that the findings and action plan had been reviewed by Overview Committee. 

The full background and details were included at Section 1 of the report, page 62 of the Agenda refers.

The Leader of the Council advised Members that the Peer Challenge team would revisit to check on progress of the action plan and this was also being monitored by Overview Committee.  The Leader added that the Peer Review reflected very well on the Council and its officers, the Executive Board and the leadership it displayed, and the management of all work undertaken.

Members noted that during the review a number of issues were picked up in relation to communications, Recommendation 2 on page 69 of the Agenda refers. The Leader highlighted the importance of the Action Plan and welcomed progress made as a result of the feedback provided by the Peer Review Panel.

The Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy considered that the recommendations that came forward from the review were fair, however was frustrated with the issue of communication as whilst the Council, its officers and elected Members did much work in their communities people did not get to hear about this, and highlighted Recommendation 8 ‘Share the good practice and achievements from ELDC more widely’, of the Peer Review report, page 72 of the Agenda refers.  He provided an example of a previous suggestion for a photo opportunity for Community Grants, to get better recognition of great work undertaken which would also assist in dispelling negative feedback.  He repeated his previous request for certificates to be provided for successful community grant awards.

In response, the Leader of the Council agreed that a large difference was being made through various grants given out, for example the GRASSroots funding that had made an incredible difference to communities across East Lindsey.  The Leader further highlighted the new Station Road Sports Centre in Mablethorpe and highlighted the importance of recording all the benefits this had provided, including reference to areas of deprivation and challenges faced with health issues and the vast difference it had made to the lives of people in Mablethorpe.

The Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy highlighted that there was a lot of good work undertaken by the Council and it was frustrating when negative information was put out on social media.  With regards to the East Lindsey Investment Fund, it was stressed that it was important to get the communications around this rolled out over the coming weeks.  He further referred to the positive comments  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72