Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Dick Edginton.

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 Travis Hesketh for this Meeting only.

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 14 October 2025.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 14 October 2025 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 14 October 2025

Action No. 47 (b), 55, 58 (a) and 67 – completed.

Actions from the Meeting held on 2 September 2025

Action No. 37, 39 and 47 – completed.

Actions from the Meeting held on 25 March 2025

Action No. 96 – completed.

An update to Action No. 47 (b) was tabled at the Meeting and is included as Appendix A1 to the Minutes.

Comments were received as follows:

Action No. 47 (a) – ‘Towns Fund Projects Update’ from the Meeting held on 14^th October 2025, page 39 of the Agenda refers.

• In reference to the update provided on public access to the balcony area at the Sutton on Sea Colonnade, Members requested further clarification on whether the original designs and plans for the Colonnade had included unsupervised public access to the balcony and for further information to be provided on the specific reasons that this had not occurred or was not possible.  In response, the Chairman confirmed that a follow-up Action would be noted.

• A Member queried the process for making bookings for the Sutton on Sea Colonnade including the use of the balcony area.  In response, Councillor William Gray as Portfolio for Communities and Better Ageing advised Members that the primary point of contact for bookings was Kristina Willoughby, Programme Delivery Manager.  Councillor William Gray assured Members that ELDC had successfully opened the facility and that a new operator was expected to be in place by April 2026. 

Further to a discussion, James Gilbert, Assistant Director (Corporate) confirmed that the Colonnade could be booked online and that further information on how to book the facility would be circulated to Members in Members’ Point Brief.

·         A Member queried whether residents were aware of how to book the Sutton on Sea Colonnade.  In response, a Member commented that the public were generally unaware of how to book the facilities available.  In follow up, the Chairman agreed that more information should be made available to residents and circulated through ward Members and Town and Parish Councils.

Action No. 57 (c) – ‘Towns Fund Projects Update’ from the Meeting held on 14^th October 2025, page 40 of the Agenda refers.

• In reference to the dedication plaque from earlier works at the Embassy Theatre in Skegness, a Member queried whether the plaque was still in its original location.  In response, the Chairman confirmed that the plaque was still in its original place.

Action No. 63 (a) – ‘Artificial Intelligence Policy’ from the Meeting held on 14^th October 2025, page 40 of the Agenda refers.

N.B. Councillor James Knowles joined the Meeting at 10.12am.

• In reference to the update provided on the reasons for the discontinuation of portfolio holders meeting notes, Members expressed further dissatisfaction with the response provided.  In response, Councillor Graham Marsh as Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture, and Carbon  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

To receive a report from the Assistant Director, Communities and Housing Services.

The Chairman welcomed Emily Spicer, Assistant Director (Communities and Housing Services) and Nichola Holderness, Group Manager (Community Leadership, SELCP) to the Meeting to present the Annual Monitoring report – South and East Lincolnshire Council’s Community Lottery Scheme, pages 47 to 58 of the Agenda refer.

The Group Manager (Community Leadership, SELCP) advised Members that the South and East Lincolnshire Community Lottery was launched in November 2022 and that since its launch, the scheme has raised £95,254.20 and was currently supporting 98 local community groups across the sub-region.

Members were advised that the report provided an overview of the scheme’s activity to date and demonstrated how it was delivering financial support to community groups in line with the original objectives.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• Members queried the level of promotion of the scheme, noting that participation appeared lower in East Lindsey compared to South Holland and Boston.  In response, the Group Manager (Community Leadership, SELCP) confirmed to Members that promotional flyers had been placed in the Members’ Lounge and that efforts were being made to provide paper copies for wider circulation.  Members were further advised that the Council’s new Communities and Events Officers would actively promote the scheme when engaging with local groups.

• Councillor Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture, and Carbon Reduction highlighted to Members that the scheme had been circulated to all Partnership Councils at the launch and that he was in support of revitalising promotion through town and parish councils.

• Members discussed the merits of electronic communication versus paper forms, agreeing that electronic distribution via Members’ Point Brief and parish and town council newsletters would ensure a wider reach.  In response, the Chairman suggested that parish councils could be asked to publish details on their websites.

• A Member sought clarification on the indicators of success, including growth since the initiative commenced in 2022 and the accessibility of the application process for community groups.  In response, the Group Manager (Community Leadership, SELCP) confirmed to Members that income had increased steadily, starting at approximately £30,000 for good causes in the first year, and that the application process was straightforward and aligned with the Council’s Community Grant Scheme.  Members were further advised that applicant groups were required to be constituted or registered charities and could submit applications via the Community Lottery website.

• A Member queried the operation of the central good cause fund, page 48 of the Agenda refers, including how good causes were selected and whether Lincolnshire-wide groups could participate.  In response, the Group Manager (Community Leadership, SELCP) explained to Members that 10% of ticket sales were allocated to the central fund, which was used to promote awareness of community groups through initiatives such as the Ambassador Scheme. Members were advised that each sovereign council retained its own 10% share of the tickets, and it was confirmed that groups across the whole of Lincolnshire were eligible to apply.

• A Member queried how the scheme contributed to objectives such as healthy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.

To receive a report from the Assistant Director, Regulatory.

The Chairman welcomed Christian Allen, Assistant Director (Regulatory) and Heather Prescott, Environment and Sustainability Officer to the Meeting to present the Tree and Hedgerow Strategy Action Plan, pages 59 to 80 of the Agenda refer.

Members were advised that the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership adopted its Tree and Hedgerow Strategy in 2022, however for reasons outlined in this report a formal Action Plan to deliver the ambition and commitment of the three Councils had not previously been agreed. The purpose of this report was to set out the approach to taking forward a variety of work areas and projects to ensure trees and hedgerows throughout the sub-region were appropriately managed, protected and enhanced for the benefit of all.

Councillor Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture, and Carbon Reduction confirmed that the report fell within his portfolio responsibilities and expressed his support for the work undertaken.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• In reference to potential for future woodland creation opportunities in each district, a Member queried the ownership and current use of the 908 hectares of land in East Lindsey, page 61 of the Agenda refers.   In response, the Environment and Sustainability Officer explained to Members that the figure was based on Friends of the Earth data and represented maximum availability. 

• A Member queried whether the Council had a map to assist in identifying areas of land. In response, the Environment and Sustainability Officer explained to Members that biodiversity opportunity mapping was available to guide planting locations and confirmed that land availability would inform the Council’s strategic approaches.

• In reference to the Westgate Fields Community Orchard, a Memberraised concerns about tree maintenance, citing further examples of dead trees in cemeteries and overhanging branches in public spaces, page 78 of the Agenda refers.  In response, the Environment and Sustainability Officer reassured Members that an annual delivery plan was being developed, including a tree maintenance policy, which would come through scrutiny next year.   The Assistant Director (Regulatory) further added that the strategy included three pillars: “Plant, Protect, Participate,” with community engagement being key to long-term maintenance.

• The Chairman asked who held responsibility for the management of Louth Cemetery.  A Member informed the Committee that it was understood that ELDC was responsible for maintenance of the cemetery.

• A Member commented on the effectiveness of woodland opportunity mapping for areas with low acreage, such as South Holland where sites were less than 1 hectare, page 61 of the Agenda refers.

• In reference to the action to ‘investigate wider opportunities to increase rates of tree and hedgerow planting via carbon offsetting and carbon accounting schemes’, a Member expressed concern about references to carbon offsetting, describing it as a “get out of jail free card” for businesses. He urged a focus on direct emissions reduction, retrofitting buildings, and sustainable transport, page 72 of the Agenda refers.

• A Member queried the duplication of work across departments for strategies on trees and hedgerows and whether this provided  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

To receive the following Policies from the Assistant Director, Communities and Housing Services:

The Chairman welcomed Jon Challen, Safer Communities Service Manager, Luke Settle, Housing Standards Team Leader and Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities & Better Ageing to the Meeting to present three Housing Standards Policies, pages 81 to 516 of the Agenda refer.

The Chairman explained to Members that due to the large number of pages included, Appendices 1 to 3 for each of the Housing Standards Policies had not been printed with the hardcopy versions of the Agenda to reduce paper and save on printing requirements, pages 87 to 432 of the Agenda refer.

Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing commended officers for the extensive work undertaken, noting the complexity and regulatory nature of the policies.  He confirmed that consultation had taken place with Portfolio Holders across the Partnership and that the alignment process had been mutually beneficial.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward on the three housing standards policies presented, Appendices 1 to 3 refer.

• A Member commented in support of the report being noted and recommended to the Executive Board for approval.

• A Member queried whether victims of domestic abuse would be prioritised under the Empty Homes Policy.  In response, the Assistant Director, Communities and Housing Services clarified to Members that the policy related to enforcement and property management, whereas victims of domestic abuse would be supported through the homelessness and housing options services.

• A Member queried the methods used for identifying empty homes and whether figures were available.  In response, the Assistant Director, Communities and Housing Services, together with the Safer Communities Service Manager advised that data on empty homes was obtained through Council Tax records, public reports, ward member intelligence, and information from external partners such as the police and fire services.

• A Member queried whether the alignment process for the policies had improved practices across the three councils.  In response, the Assistant Director, Communities and Housing Services, together with the Safer Communities Service Manager advised Members that good practice had been shared across the Partnership, citing the example of HMO licensing fees, which had been standardised to improve fairness and value for money.

• A Member queried the reason that listed buildings scored higher in the Empty Homes matrix, page 104 of the Agenda refers.  In response, the Safer Communities Service Manager explained to Members that listed properties required more complex work and resources.  In follow-up, Members suggested that prioritisation should be based on community impact rather than workload.

• A Member queried whether the Council had ever enacted a compulsory purchase order for empty homes.  In response, the Safer Communities Service Manager confirmed that no such orders had been made in the past 21 years, noting that compulsory purchase orders were complex and costly, and generally considered a last resort.   Members were further advised that success was typically achieved through informal engagement and the use of enforcement notices.

• A Member highlighted concerns about the rising numbers of empty homes and asked whether stronger enforcement or financial incentives could  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

To receive the draft Empty Homes Policy 2026 - 2029.

The Housing Standards Team Leader introduced the Draft Empty Homes Policy, pages 87 to 106 of the Agenda refer.

Following which, it was

RESOLVED:

That the Draft Empty Homes Policy be noted and recommended to the Executive Board for approval at its Meeting on 21^st January 2026.

To receive the draft HMO Licensing Policy 2026 - 2029.

The Housing Standards Team Leader introduced the Draft Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licensing Policy, pages 107 to 156 of the Agenda refer.

Following which, it was

RESOLVED:

That the Draft Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licensing Policy be noted and recommended to the Executive Board for approval at its Meeting on 21^st January 2026.

To receive the draft Housing Standards Enforcement Policy 2026 - 2029.

The Housing Standards Team Leader introduced the Draft Housing Standards Enforcement Policy, pages 157 to 432 of the Agenda refer.

Following which, it was

RESOLVED:

That the Draft Housing Standards Enforcement Policy BBC/ELDC be noted and recommended to the Executive Board for approval at its Meeting on 21^st January 2026.

N.B. Councillor Neil Jones left the Meeting at 11.15am.

To receive a report from the Housing and Homelessness Manager.

The Chairman welcomed Tom Marsters, Housing and Homelessness Manager to the Meeting to present the revised Housing Allocations Policy BBC/ELDC, pages 433 to 516 of the Agenda refer.

Members were advised that recent amendments to national guidance and legislation on Social Housing Allocations had prompted a timely review of the shared policy currently adopted by Boston Borough Council (BBC) and East Lindsey District Council (ELDC).

These changes directly impacted the assessment of housing need and the allocation of properties, making it imperative that the Council’s local policy was updated to ensure continued compliance and operational effectiveness.

Rather than implementing the revisions needed, this review had been approached as an opportunity to undertake an evaluation of the existing policy to ensure alignment with current statutory requirements whilst enhancing the policy’s capacity to serve residents effectively and support the strategic housing priorities of both Councils.

Members were advised that the wording within the recommendation should reflect that the policy would be presented to the Executive Board for approval as follows:

‘That the Revised Housing Allocations Policy BBC/ELDC be considered by Overview Committee and be recommended to the Executive Board for approval at its Meeting on 21^st January 2026’.

A copy of the presentation can be viewed at the weblink below:

Item 8 – Revised Housing Allocations Policy BBC/ELDC Presentation

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing emphasised the importance of the policy, noting that thousands of individuals were on the waiting list and that particular consideration had been given to vulnerable groups, including victims of domestic abuse, care leavers, and armed forces personnel. He commended the work undertaken by officers and partners.

• The Chairman queried whether simplified guidance such as a one-page summary of the allocation process could be provided for Councillors.  In response, the Assistant Director, Communities and Housing Services advised Members that due to the complexity of the allocation process which varied on individual circumstances, it was not possible to produce a simplified guide.

• A Member queried the reasons for the 5?year qualification rule for armed forces personnel in social housing and raised concerns about families in overcrowded housing unable to bid for smaller properties.  In response the Housing and Homelessness Manager confirmed that clarification would be obtained and brought back to the Committee.

• A Member queried whether the policy aligned with other Lincolnshire councils and whether there was an age limit for adult children living at home.  In response the Housing and Homelessness Manager confirmed that while legal frameworks were standardised, policies were tailored to each district.  Members were advised that there was no age limit, and that family preferences were respected.

• A Member asked about the policy’s continuity in event of a potential local government reorganisation. In response, the Housing and Homelessness Manager advised Members that existing tenancies would remain unaffected and confirmed that policies would be reviewed and aligned during any transition.

• A Member raised concerns in relation to unsuitable housing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

To receive a report from the Group Manager, Communications and Engagement.

The Chairman welcomed Shaun Gibbons, Group Manager (Communications and Engagement) to the Meeting to present the Social Media Policy, pages 517 to 544 of the Agenda refer.

Members were advised that as part of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership’s ongoing Communications Strategy, a policy document included at Appendix 1 had been prepared to consider the adoption of a consistent approach to social media channels and tactics when using social media to communicate to residents across the sub-region, 521 to 544 of the Agenda refer.

Members were further advised that the policy sought to align the three separate social media policies currently in place across the Partnership with a focus on moderation, response mechanisms and operational focus.

The Group Manager (Communications and Engagement) drew Members’ attention to two minor anomalies within the document:

• On page 7, the reference should have been to LinkedIn rather than Facebook, page 527 of the Agenda refers.

• There was inconsistency regarding PSPS response times, which were stated as three days in one section and five days in another.  Members were advised that discussions were ongoing to standardise these service levels across the Partnership.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• A Member queried engagement levels on job postings and suggested improvements to the tone of certain service updates.

• A Member queried analytics for community-based posts and suggested exploring WhatsApp as a sharing mechanism.  In response, the Group Manager (Communications and Engagement) confirmed that monthly evaluations were undertaken, highlighting WhatsApp’s limitations for two-way engagement.

• A Member welcomed the policy and suggested encouraging staff to follow and share Council content, as well as proposing guidance for Members on social media use.  In response, the Group Manager (Communications and Engagement) agreed, noting the previous low uptake of media training and offering bespoke support if required.

• The Chairman confirmed that feedback would be requested from all Council Members on whether there was a demand for media/social media training and asked that the request be noted as an action.

• A Member raised concerns about the Nextdoor platform.  In response, the Group Manager (Communications and Engagement), explained to Members that Nextdoor provided an automatic follower count and was beneficial for emergency planning purposes due to its geolocation capabilities.

• A Member suggested offering media training via Teams to make sessions more accessible to Councillors that had daytime commitments.

• A Member further queried resources and recommended engagement with large community Facebook groups.  In response, the Group Manager (Communications and Engagement) acknowledged resource challenges and explained that restrictions on corporate pages prevented joining certain groups.

• A Member queried measures for managing abusive behaviour online.  In response, the Group Manager (Communications and Engagement) reiterated that the policy included strict moderation rules and a zero-tolerance approach to abuse.

The Chairman thanked Shaun Gibbons, Group Manager (Communications and Engagement) for the report.

No further comments or questions were received.

Following which, it was

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and recommended to the Executive Board for approval at its Meeting on 21^st January  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

To receive a report from the Outside Body Appointee.

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 15th October and 19th November 2025, pages 545 to 554 of the Agenda refer.

A further update from the Outside Body Appointee was tabled at the Meeting and is attached as Appendix A2 to the Minutes.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• Members discussed the importance of maintaining effective health scrutiny during future local government reorganisation.

• Members expressed concern that health scrutiny could be diminished should Lincolnshire become a single unitary authority, given the competing priorities such a structure would entail.

• The Outside Body Appointee expressed concern regarding the alignment of the boundaries between health authorities and local government wards, noting that this had not been historically achieved.

• The Outside Body Appointee raised concerns about gaps in service provision, including speech and language support for preschool children.  It was reported that some areas, such as Louth, lacked access to children’s centres offering these services.

• A Member queried issues relating to GP access, including the introduction of online forms for appointments.  A Member noted that while the initiative aimed to improve efficiency, it was causing difficulties for disabled and digitally excluded patients.  In follow-up, a Member raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable groups, particularly elderly residents and those living in deprived coastal areas.

• A Member queried the removal of the Spilsby practice from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) register.  In response, the Outside Body Appointee, explained to Members that the decision was due to safety concerns arising from the practice being operated by a single partner.  Members were advised that the practice had since been taken over by Lincolnshire and District Medical Services (LADMS), and that flu vaccinations had been successfully delivered with support from Spilsby Pharmacy.

• The Outside Body Appointee commented on the reduction in GP surgeries across Lincolnshire, from approximately 107 to 89, and discussed challenges in attracting new GPs despite the presence of the medical school in Lincoln, a partnership between the universities of Nottingham and Lincoln.

• In reference to the clustering of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and whether this would achieve cost savings, Members expressed scepticism, noting the significant costs associated with staff redundancies.

• A Member queried the efficiency of providers visiting patients at home, rather than requiring hospital attendance.

• The Outside Body Appointee suggested that inviting a representative from the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust to speak at a future Reserved Members’ Day would be valuable.

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

To receive a written update.

Rebecca James, Scrutiny and Policy Officer referred Members to the briefing paper, pages 555 and 556 of the Agenda refer.

Members were advised that the Panel had met on 8^th December 2025 and that a further meeting was scheduled.  Members were informed that additional funding of approximately £500,000 had been identified for investment in improving and enhancing car parks, prompting further discussion on potential improvements.  It was noted that the refurbishment of the Sutton-on-Sea car park would absorb a significant portion of the available funds.

• In relation to car park conditions in local areas, a Member raised concerns about the poor surface condition at the Cattle Market car park in Louth and questioned whether sufficient funding would be available to address all such issues.

• Members discussed flexibility in parking charges and noted that adjustments could be made to allow free parking at certain times.  It was further considered that the introduction of a parking app was a positive development.

• A Member advised the Committee that the Panel had learned that the display screens on parking machines illuminate once the process began, a feature that had previously caused confusion.

To receive a written update.

Rebecca James, Scrutiny and Policy Officer referred Members to the briefing paper, pages 557 and 558 of the Agenda refer.

Members were advised that the Panel held their first meeting on 11th November 2025 whereby Councillor Paul Rickett was elected as Chair and that further meetings were programmed.

To receive a report from the Assistant Director, Corporate.

The Chairman welcomed James Gilbert, Assistant Director (Corporate) to present the Quarter 2 25/26 Performance Report, pages 559 to 588 of the Agenda refer.  Members’ attention was drawn to the Q2 performance indicators with targeted performance levels (Appendix 1).

The Chairman reminded Members that questions submitted in advance of the Meeting would have enabled officers to provide detailed responses; however, no questions had been received.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• A Member expressed concerns regarding occupancy levels at the Business Centre in Mablethorpe, page 571 of the Agenda refers.

• A Member suggested whether subdivision of the site for alternative uses had been considered as its current size appeared unnecessary.

• A Member asked whether the new facilities at the Mablethorpe Leisure and Learning Centre had affected occupancy levels at the Business Centre, and recalled that officers had confirmed that, while the facility had not diverted business, performance had not improved.

• In reference to Kingfisher Caravan Park where a decline in the percentage of available pitches was observed, a Member expressed concern regarding the report of nine new owners and nine leavers, page 572 of the Agenda refers.  In response, the Chairman clarified that departures were often due to the age of caravans, and that incoming units were generally newer, aligning with efforts to improve site standards.  It was further noted that previous legal action had aimed to raise quality by removing older units.

• In reference to the performance indicators for Disabled Facilities Grants, a Member queried the timescales for completing the various stages of work and the impact on residents, page 575 of the Agenda refers.  In response, Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing provided Members with an example where a large extension had required significant time for planning, legal processes, and securing charges against properties.  In follow up, the Assistant Director (Corporate) further confirmed to the Committee that additional narrative and clarification would be obtained regarding the days to completion for the Disabled Facilities Grants.

• In reference to the ‘Percentage of Partnership workforce (surveyed collectively)’ where approximately 100 fewer completions were recorded for this period, Members requested clarification on whether the reduction was linked to lack of incentives being advertised for participation compared to earlier surveys which had offered staff the chance to win vouchers, page 584 of the Agenda refers.  In response, the Assistant Director (Corporate) confirmed to Members that clarification would be sought and reported back to the Committee.

No further comments or questions were received.

Following which, it was

RESOLVED:

That the Quarter 2 25/26 Performance Report be noted.

To note the Overview and Scrutiny Recommendation Tracker.

Members were referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Recommendation Tracker, pages 589 to 616 of the Agenda refer.

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

To explore the issues surrounding caravan licensing and enforcement, pages 589 to 594 of the Agenda refer.

• Members noted that several recommendations relating to caravan licensing and enforcement carried timescales extending to April 2026, pages 589 to 594 of the Agenda refer.  In response, the Scrutiny and Policy Officer confirmed to Members that a detailed report would be presented to the Committee at that time to provide a comprehensive update on progress.

To monitor the implementation of Magna Vitae's 5-year plan, including Key Performance Indicators (part 2), pages 599 to 600 of the Agenda refer.

• A Member queried whether the Committee had received the latest updates in relation to the recommendations for monitoring the implementation of Magna Vitae’s 5-year plan, pages 599 to 600 refer.  In response, the Scrutiny and Policy Officer confirmed that the latest updates for November and December 2025 were provided in red on the tracker and that some decisions would be reflected in the next update cycle.

Public Convenience Provision in East Lindsey, pages 600 to 603 of the Agenda refer.

• In relation to the two options listed below recommendations No. 1 and 2 for public convenience provision in East Lindsey, a Member queried which information indicated the option being pursued, page 603 of the Agenda refers.  In response, the Scrutiny and Policy Officer advised Members that an update on the option  chosen would be provided at the next Meeting of the Committee.

Partnership Task Group - Public Transport in the S&ELCP Area, pages 604 to 607 of the Agenda refer.

Recommendation No 1 ‘To support with delivery of the above, to consider opportunities for how SELCPs UKSPF’ page 604 of the Agenda refers.

• A Member queried whether the recommendations in relation to public transport were still relevant.  In response, the Scrutiny and Policy Officer explained to Members that the recommendations were advisory in nature and included monitoring of Partnership work funded until March 2026.

Further to a discussion, Members agreed to retain these items on the tracker until the scheduled update in March 2026.

No further comments or questions were received.

Following which it was,

RESOLVED:

That the Overview and Scrutiny Recommendation Tracker be noted.

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

Members were presented with the Executive/Council Forward Plan 2025-26, pages 617 to 630 of the Agenda refer and were invited for their comments.

• A Member queried the allocation of responsibilities for certain items, specifically noting that the role listed as ‘Deputy Chief Executive (Programme Delivery)’ appeared to be shared between officers, page 619 of the Agenda refers.  In response, the Assistant Director (Corporate) confirmed that the role of Deputy Chief Executive was a joint arrangement, with Andy Fisher undertaking the work in question, supported by Adrian Sibley.  Members were further advised that Andy Fisher worked three days a week and Adrian Sibley two days per week in this role which enabled the subdivision of tasks.

• In reference to the SELCP Safeguarding Policy, Members requested further clarification on the reasons that two separate policies were necessary in addition to the Lincolnshire wide policy managed by the County Council, page 621 of the Agenda refers.  In response, the Assistant Director (Corporate) advised Members that the question may have been answered as an earlier action and that clarification would be obtained.

Following which it was,

RESOLVED:

That the Executive/Council Forward Plan 2025-26 be noted.

To consider the Overview Committee Work Programme 2025/26.

Members were presented with the Overview Committee Work Programme 2025/26, pages 631 to 634 of the Agenda refer.

• A Member noted that the tree maintenance policy was not currently on the Forward Plan and requested that it be added to the Work Programme.  In response, the Assistant Director (Corporate) advised Members that confirmation would be sought from Victoria Burgess, Assistant Director, Neighbourhoods.

• In reference to the Meeting scheduled for 20th January 2026 for budget scrutiny, the Assistant Director (Corporate) advised Members that the new Section 151 Officer had expressed a different view on how the budget should be presented compared to the previous incumbent.  In response, Members acknowledged that delays in receiving the budget settlement figures had become common, with figures typically arriving around Christmas.

• The Chairman advised Members that arrangements were being made to involve Audit and Governance Members in the budget discussions, with participation available via Teams if preferred.

• The Chairman informed the Committee that the original proposal had been for all Portfolio Holders to attend and present their respective areas of responsibility.

• Members expressed concern for early scrutiny of the budget and the importance for Portfolio Holders to attend to provide an overview of their priorities and potential areas for investment or savings.

Further to a discussion, it was agreed that early engagement was essential to avoid being presented with a finalised budget without opportunity for input. Members highlighted that this Committee, alongside Audit and Governance, had a key role in shaping and scrutinising proposals at an early stage.

In response, the Assistant Director (Corporate) confirmed that he would relay the Committee’s position to the Section 151 Officer and explore options to ensure meaningful engagement at the January meeting.

Following which it was,

RESOLVED:

That the Overview Committee Work Programme 2025/26 be noted.

The date for the Next Meeting was noted as 20^th January 2026.