Apologies were received from Councillors Claire Arnold, Billy Brookes and Stephen Evans.

It was noted that in accordance with Regulation 13 of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, notice had been given that Councillor Edward Mossop had been appointed to the Committee in place of Councillor Robert Watson for this Meeting only.

N.B. Councillor James Knowles joined the Meeting at 10.04am

At this point in the Meeting, Members were invited to declare any relevant interests. None were received.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 5 September 2023.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 5 September 2023 were agreed as a correct record.

Actions from the previous Overview Committee Meeting.

Members noted that the following Actions were now complete.

Actions from the Meeting held on 5 September 2023.

Action Nos. 32, 33 (b), 34 (a), 34 (b), 36, 37 (b), 38 (a), 38 (b), 39 (a), 39 (b), 40 (a) and 40 (b) – completed.

Comments were received as follows:

Action No. 33 (b) - ‘Household Support Fund’ ‘A copy of the presentation will be circulated in the Members’ Point Brief,’ from the meeting held on 5 September 2023, page 67 of the Agenda refers.

A Member highlighted that communications could be improved and that the Household Support Briefing would work better if delivered face-to-face. 

Action No. 36 - ‘Health Scrutiny Committee (HSC) for Lincolnshire -Update’, from the meeting held on 5 September 2023, page 67 of the Agenda refers.

A Member requested clarification in relation to Health Board and Committee appointments. It was confirmed that for the Health and Wellbeing Board there was only one representative for all District Councils, which was currently Councillor Richard Wright from North Kesteven District Council.

A Member highlighted concerns regarding the poor attendance for the Healthy Living Action Plan Meetings and queried if there was a follow-up action. The Scrutiny Officer explained that although the first meeting was poorly attended, another date was being arranged.

Action No. 40 (a) - ‘Executive Council/Forward’ ‘Proposed disposal of ELDC land, Humberston Road, Tetney,’ from the meeting held on 5 September 2023, page 68 of the Agenda refers.

A Member sought clarification whether the land at Tetney was to be used for Invest East Lindsey purposes. The Scrutiny Officer explained that it was on a list of potential sites for the Council to use or to invest, however it had been removed from the Forward Plan due to no proposals coming forward at this time.

Action No. 22 (c) - ‘South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Customer Strategy’ ‘An update on the Customer Experience Strategy Action Plan to be provided in six months,’ from the meeting held on 25 July 2023, page 69 of the Agenda refers.

A Member reported that following meetings of the three Councils on the customer experience strategy, concerns were highlighted that customers’ needs were not being addressed and customer feedback was still needed. James Gilbert, Assistant Director (Corporate) responded that information would be obtained on what consultations were taking place with customers and a response would be provided to Members for the next Meeting.

A copy of the updated action sheet tabled at the Meeting is attached at Appendix A to the Minutes.

To receive a report from the Assistant Director (Corporate).

The Chairman welcomed Suzanne Rolfe, Group Manager - Insights and Transformation to deliver a presentation to Members on the Draft Sub-Regional Strategy for the South & East Lincolnshire Council’s Partnership (SELCP), pages 71 to 76 of the Agenda refer.

Members were advised that when the SELCP formed, the business case identified opportunities for greater alignment and closer working on a range of strategic issues that were common for each Council area within the sub-region. Since the existing Corporate Strategies for each of the Councils were reaching the end of their life, or were due for review, these would be replaced by the development of a Sub-Regional Strategy. Moving to a single Sub-Regional Strategy would cement the positive joint working between the three Councils and positioned the Partnership well for the future.

The draft Sub-Regional Strategy for the SELCP identified specific priorities where these were a matter of importance to one sovereign Council within the Partnership, pages 77 – 112 of the Agenda refer.

The emerging strategy had been developed by officers in consultation with Members. Consultation remained ongoing, with further Member input being sought before it was finalised and brought forward to Council for approval.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• A Member queried where the vision was for taking the overarching strategy through to the next generation and up to 2050, when a more robust strategy would be needed to tackle serious problems, such as defending the district’s coastline. In response, the Group Manager - Insights and Transformation stated that elements were already included in the strategy for the coast as an environmental priority, and it was hopeful that the final document would encapsulate long term visions.

• A Member referred to the consultation with Parish Councils and sought clarification on the timeline to ensure they were able to respond.  In response, the Group Manager - Insights and Transformation confirmed the consultation had been sent out to Parish Councils, with most meeting in October or November. The aim was to continue working with Parish Clerks to ensure the meeting dates could be accommodated and to obtain the comments in time.

• A Member further highlighted the significant issues of coastal erosion, rising sea levels and the need to protect the Council’s assets, including the Council’s commitment to repair and maintain these, page 111 of the Agenda refers. In response, the Group Manager - Insights and Transformation stated that these issues were expected to be included in the investment plan for the coast as part of local priorities, and feedback would be provided to those who were involved in shaping the plan.

• A Member expressed dissatisfaction that the rural inland areas of East Lindsey should not be dismissed only as being dominated by agriculture, also stating that Market Towns were the backbone of inland areas and deserved greater involvement and consultation.

• A Member highlighted issues with accessing the consultation weblink which may discourage users from participating. In response, the Group Manager of Insights and Transformation confirmed that the issue  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

To receive a presentation and verbal update.

The Chairman welcomed Colleen Warren (PSPS) Head of Finance (Client) to provide an introduction and present Members with an update on the 2024/2025 Budget Setting Process.

Members received a presentation (a copy is attached at Appendix B to the Minutes), following which Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• A Member requested clarification on Section 113 of the Local Government Act. In response, the Assistant Director (Corporate) explained that Section 113 allowed local authorities to share its workforce. For example, the role of Assistant Director (Corporate) was shared between the three Councils across the Partnership and the salaries were apportioned between them, whilst overall employment was maintained by East Lindsey District Council.

• A Member requested an update on Internal Drainage Board (IDB) levies. In response, the Assistant Director (Corporate) provided an update that the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Development) and Section 151 Officer was currently in London speaking at the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sustainable Flood and Drought Management at the invitation of the Association of Drainage Authorities. Local authorities continued to face challenges due to the funding mechanism and IDB costs. At present the Council were trying to secure a meeting with the Treasury to enable further discussions, and an update was expected from the Local Government Association on whether a request for a Special Interest Group (SIG) was successful. Early indications was that the LGA would endorse the SIG and a 15-member group to be established who would elect a Chairman at its first meeting early in November. Conversations would continue and more authorities had signed up and wanted to be part of the SIG.  A meeting was scheduled with the Lincolnshire and Welland Drainage Boards, and more councils were being encouraged to become part of the group.

• A Member requested clarification on the role of Head of Finance (Client) and queried how many officers worked directly for PSPS. In response, the Assistant Director (Corporate) explained that within PSPS there were accountants for PSPS finances and accountants for client finances, with ELDC being the clients as a Council. The Section 151 Officer was the Client Lead and was employed by South Holland District Council and shared across the three councils. The Section 151 Officer was responsible for the finances across the three authorities.

• A Member queried how financial success was measured for job roles such as those working in Environmental Services.  In response, the Head of Finance (Client) stated that schemes were set up on the basis of full cost recovery. At the end of the financial year, the measure was to establish if the income targets had been met or to offset all or some of the costs.

• In relation to salary costs, a Member queried what percentage of the total budget was made up from salaries and how that compared with other councils with similar demographics. In response, the Head of Finance (Client) stated that although comparisons were not specifically performed, experience of other local authorities would reflect a similar percentage, varying between  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

To receive a verbal update from the Outside Body Appointee to the Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire.

The Chairman referred Members to the briefing papers from Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders, the Outside Body Appointee to the Health Scrutiny Committee (HSC) for Lincolnshire following its Meetings held on 13^th September 2023 and 4^th October 2023, pages 113 to 120 of the Agenda refer.

The Outside Body Appointee advised Members that there was a consultation currently taking place regarding hospitals in North Lincolnshire, particularly services at the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby. Participation in the consultation is being considered by the HSC and individuals are encouraged to join. It was important to ensure East Lindsey residents had the same level of service at hospitals outside of the district and they had good representation to ensure an equal level of care.

No further comments or questions were received.

The Chairman thanked the Outside Body Appointee for her contribution on reporting back from the HSC.

Following which it was,

RESOLVED:

That the Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire briefing papers be noted.

To receive a written update from the Scrutiny and Policy Officer.

Rebecca James, Scrutiny and Policy Officer referred Members to the briefing paper, pages 121 to 122 of the Agenda refer.

Members were advised that the panel had convened three meetings to date and had a clear idea of what information they required. The next meeting was to be held in November at the Embassy Theatre in Skegness.

To receive a written update from the Scrutiny and Policy Officer.

Rebecca James, Scrutiny and Policy Officer referred Members to the briefing paper, pages 123 to 124 of the Agenda refer.

Members were advised that the panel had convened three meetings to date and was progressing with speakers on planned topics during October and November.

To receive a written update from the Scrutiny and Policy Officer.

Rebecca James, Scrutiny and Policy Officer referred Members to the briefing paper, pages 125 to 126 of the Agenda refer.

Members were advised that the panel had convened three meetings to date and had received reports from the Assistant Director - Neighbourhoods, the Neighbourhood Services Manager and the Portfolio Holder for Operational Services. A panel only discussion was planned for its next meeting to be held on 23^rd October 2023.

To receive a written update from the Scrutiny and Policy Officer.

Rebecca James, Scrutiny and Policy Officer referred Members to the briefing paper, pages 127 to 128 of the Agenda refer.

Annual Scrutiny of Partnership

It was confirmed that Councillor George Horton was to become the permanent representative on the panel in place of Councillor Claire Arnold. 

No further comments or questions were received.

To note the Overview and Scrutiny Recommendation Tracker.

Members were referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Recommendation Tracker, pages 129 to 140 of the Agenda refer.

Members were invited to review the tracker and to put their comments and questions forward.

Overview Standing Reference Group – Sutton on Sea Colonnade Project.

Recommendation No 1, ‘To recognise the need to make Caravan Enforcement a priority for new Council, with the first priority dealing with the issue of unauthorised occupancy and to review and strengthen licence conditions,’ page 133 of the Agenda refers.

Further to the update relating to recognising and prioritising Caravan Enforcement, a Member commented that the unauthorised running of businesses at caravan sites needed to be a top priority when reviewing licencing conditions. It was agreed that this issue would be referred to the Enforcement Manager as a suggestion to be added to the licencing conditions.

Recommendation No 6, ‘Review the findings of the Capacity Grid operation undertaken on behalf of the council in 2018-19 and make recommendations in the light of this review,’ page 136 of the Agenda refers.

Further to the update regarding the findings of the review undertaken by Capacity Grid on behalf of the Council, a Member queried why specific information requested was not provided. In response, the Scrutiny Officer advised that although Capacity Grid worked within the brief provided to them, the data collection method did not allow them to go back and breakdown different areas of information, for example to obtain specific information on caravans.

Recommendation No 10, ‘ELDC will consider the feasibility of returning to house building/mixed stock holding to balance and influence our local market,’ page 140 of the Agenda refers.

The Scrutiny Officer relayed an update from the Assistant Director - Strategic Growth and Development that the Council had recently agreed to take part in a Local Authority Housing Fund Scheme providing nine new properties for long term investment, with £1m in funding for temporary accommodation, including registering as a provider of social housing. It was confirmed that feasibility was considered as part of the process with further information to be reported back to the next meeting.

No further questions or comments were received.

To receive a copy of the Executive/Council Forward Plan.

Members were presented with the Executive/Council Forward Plan 2023-24, pages 141 to 148 of the Agenda refer and were invited for their comments.

‘Approval of the award and spend of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund,’ page 141 of the Agenda refers.

A Member highlighted some of the challenges with completing the paperwork for the Shared Prosperity Fund. It was agreed that feedback would be passed on to assist with improving the process.

No further comments or questions were received.

Following which it was,

RESOLVED:

That the Executive/Council Forward Plan 2023-24 be noted.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of this Committee is Tuesday 28 November 2023.