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 Stef Bristow had been appointed to the Committee in place of Councillor Robert Watson and 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 receive an update from the Chief Executive of the NHS Derby and Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB.

The Chairman welcomed Amanda Sullivan, Chief Executive of the NHS Derby and Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) cluster and Sandra Williamson, Director for Health, Inequalities and Regional Collaboration.

Members were provided with an overview of NHS Strategic Commissioning and Health Inequalities Approaches which included:

• The 10?year NHS plan and how ICB’s must operate
• An overview of the Derby & Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire cluster (DLN) and supporting transformation
• Neighbourhood Health in Lincolnshire
• Health inequalities and Neighbourhood Model for delivery in East Lindsey
• DLN Neighbourhood Model Vision

A copy of the Presentation can be viewed at the link below:

Item 3 - NHS ICB Update Presentation

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• In reference to transport and access to services, a Member expressed concern about the mismatch between service locations and available public transport, particularly along the coast.  She highlighted that residents were sometimes directed to facilities in Grimsby despite nearer alternatives and that seasonal bus timetables created barriers for those without private transport.  In response, the Chief Executive (NHS ICB) acknowledged the challenges and confirmed that more work was required to assist with planning transport and for the NHS to become more active partners.

• The Chairman raised concerns about residents living near Louth being required to use Grimsby services, reiterating long?standing frustrations regarding cross?border communication.  In response, Sandra Williamson, Director for Health, Inequalities and Regional Collaboration recognised the challenges and assured Members that work was underway with transport providers and local authorities to improve strategic planning, travel mapping and integration with service delivery.

• A Member further highlighted the issues with travel to, from and within coastal areas such as Skegness where summer traffic led to lengthier journeys and had a significant impact on those needing to reach NHS appointments.

• In reference to awareness and accessibility of services, a Member commented that residents were often unaware of the location of wellbeing hubs and diagnostic facilities and would benefit from receiving marketing information in relation to this.  In response, the Chief Executive (NHS ICB) agreed to circulate full-service information and review communication channels.  Members were further advised that the purpose of diagnostic facilities had been to increase capacity, reduce waiting times and utilise the hospitals for more urgent cases.

• A Member further queried the reason for the higher number of GP appointments in East Lindsey and the timescales for the statistics that had been provided.   In response, the Director for Health, Inequalities and Regional Collaboration clarified that GP appointment figures reflected more availability per 1,000 patients and that most outcome data reflected progress over three years, recognising that it took time to build a sustainable model.  In follow-up, the Chief Executive further explained that the NHS utilised an approach of 20 + 5 which was to target 20% of the most deprived communities and population with NHS efforts and interventions, and to further target 5 of the biggest disease areas, such as heart disease and asthma in children which was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

Actions from the previous Overview Committee Meeting.

N.B Councillor Alex Hall returned to the Meeting at 10.52am.

Members noted that the following Actions were now complete.

Actions from the Meeting held on 20 January 2026

Action No. 88, 90 (a), (b) and (d), and 92 – completed.

Actions from the Meeting held 14 October 2025

Action No. 56 and 58– completed.

Actions from the Meeting held on 17 June 2025

Action No. 6 (b) – completed.

Comments were received as follows:

Action No. 88 (a) – ‘Annual Budget Report 2026/2027’ from the Meeting held on 20^th January 2026, page 1 of the Agenda refers.

• Members commented in support of the valuable information provided in reference to the update on support in place for people who experienced domestic abuse.

Action No. 90 (c) – ‘Update on Cultural and Town Boards’ from the Meeting held on 20^th January 2026, page 2 of the Agenda refers.

• A Member queried whether an update had been received following the Corporate Management Team (CMT) meeting on 17^th February 2026.  In response, the Assistant Director (Corporate) advised Members that he had reported the concerns to the CMT and had asked them to ensure that their teams knew what was expected in relation to Member engagement.

Action No. 99 – ‘South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Volunteer Scheme Update’ from the Meeting held on 25^th March 2025, page 4 of the Agenda refers.

• The Chairman reminded Members that a Reserved Members’ Day was taking place on 16^th March 2026.

• A Member stressed the importance of differentiating between Council volunteers and independent volunteers who contributed their time for the benefit of the community and were not employed by the Council or operating within a Council volunteer scheme.

• A Member further stressed that the volunteer scheme should be renamed for accuracy and transparency.  In response, the Chairman advised the Committee that the request could be raised at the upcoming Reserved Members’ Day.

·         A Member queried the methods that the Volunteer Coordinator was using to get in touch with Community groups.  In response, the Chairman advised Members that the Volunteer Coordinator had provided an update at an earlier Committee Meeting that she was easily accessible and working with local volunteer groups.  The Chairman further supported that any further concerns should be raised at the upcoming Reserved Members’ Day.

The Chairman reported that she had recently attended the six?monthly meeting with the Chairman of Audit and Governance Committee and had also attended the meeting of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 18^th February 2026.

It was noted that both Chairmen had considered the joint budget scrutiny meeting had been beneficial, although improvements could be made for future years.  In particular, it was suggested that Members would have benefited from receiving more detailed information on earmarked and unearmarked reserves to provide a fuller understanding of the Council’s overall financial position.

Members were invited to provide any comments or reflections on the joint budget scrutiny meeting to either of the Committee’s Chairmen.

The Chairman also reported that attending Audit and Governance Committee after some time had been useful, and that regular meetings between Committee Chairs had helped strengthen links between the Committees whilst maintaining their distinct differences.

Overall, the Chairman felt that the joint approach to budget consideration had been a positive development, although it had taken several years to reach this point as the administration was nearing its conclusion with upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

To receive an update.

N.B. A copy of the presentation has been included at Appendix A of the Agenda.

The Chairman welcomed Emilie Wales, Heritage Manager and Councillor Tom Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Planning to the Meeting to provide an update on progress of consultation for heritage documents.

The purpose of the report was to provide an update on the public consultation carried out for the following documents to date and provide a final opportunity for Members to make comment, pages 21 to 28 of the Agenda refer.

Heritage Documents for consultation:

• Alford Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

• Horncastle Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

• Spilsby Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

• Wainfleet Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

• South and East Lincolnshire Council Partnership Design Guide

A copy of the supporting presentation was attached at Appendix A of the Agenda, pages 29 to 40 refer.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• Members expressed thanks to the Heritage Manager for her extensive work and recognised the scale of the heritage workload across the district.  Appreciation was noted for work undertaken with developers on the Old Mill in Horncastle, which had transformed a deteriorating site into a valued asset.

N.B. Councillor Claire Arnold left the Meeting at 11.25am.

• The Portfolio Holder for Planning emphasised the significant amount of work already completed and highlighted the importance of heritage within the East Lindsey district.  He further commented on the various conservation areas across the district and the value of having a fully resourced team.  He also stressed that the Design Guide was intended as high?level guidance rather than a prescriptive design code which could act as a foundation for town councils wishing to develop neighbourhood plans.

N.B Councillor Claire Arnold returned to the Meeting at 11.27am.

• A Member commented on the long?term decline in conservation?related funding since austerity and suggested that the Council should consider reinstating conservation area grant schemes.  In response, the Portfolio Holder for Planning highlighted the need to support traditional construction methods and expressed support for the reinstatement of the Wainfleet conservation area boundary.

• A Member queried which areas within Tattershall would be considered in its conservation area appraisal and whether a presentation could be given locally.  In response, the Heritage Manager confirmed to Members that Tattershall was already a conservation area and that in-person engagement would form part of the consultation review process.

• A Member raised concerns about the deterioration of Louth town centre, which had been listed as ‘at risk’ for many years. She expressed frustration about a lack of responses from the District Council to correspondence regarding signage and design concerns.  In response, the Portfolio Holder for Planning reassured Members that the Design Guide was not prescriptive and that further engagement could take place before finalisation.

• Members discussed the potential for Heritage Lincolnshire to provide support to Louth once the Horncastle scheme was completed.   In response, the Chairman confirmed that she would share contact details for the Head of Heritage Lincolnshire.

• A Member queried whether reinstating conservation area grants might be considered during future budget planning.  In response,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.

To review the headlines from the Q3 2025-26 Workforce report.  Presentation ‘Appendix A’ attached.

Rachel Robinson, Group Manager (Organisational Development) presented Members with a verbal Workforce report which provided key metrics from Q3 2025-26.

A copy of the presentation was attached at Appendix A to the Agenda.

Members were provided with an overview of the following:

•       Sickness Absence

•       Turnover

•       Recruitment

•       Key interventions

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

N.B. Councillor James Knowles left the Meeting at 11.30am.

• A Member queried whether the Council held figures showing the full?time equivalent (FTE) sickness absence excluding long?term absence, noting that long?term cases could skew the data.

• A Member further queried whether consideration had been given to training ordinary staff as Mental Health First Aiders, commenting that in her own past experience, managers had sometimes been the source of workplace stress and therefore not the preferred point of contact. 

N.B. Councillor James Knowles returned to the Meeting at 11.32am.

In response, the Chairman noted that she herself was a trained Mental Health First Aider for Horncastle Town Council and highlighted the value of the two?day course delivered locally.

In follow-up, the Group Manager (Organisational Development) advised Members that the initial calculation for removing long?term absence meant that short?term absence accounted for approximately three to four days and that she would confirm the exact figure as an update for the next Committee Meeting.

• The Group Manager (Organisational Development) confirmed that the Council was reviewing its training plan for 2026–27, which included dedicated support for managers in identifying and managing mental health concerns, and that the training plan also included interventions and support accessible to all staff.

• Members were further advised that the Council already had a number of trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) across the Partnership and that staff were free to approach any MHFA, including those outside their own service area.  The MHFA group met quarterly to identify recurring themes which was fed back to the Workforce Development Board and the Senior Leadership Team.

• A Member queried whether future updates could include a breakdown of male and female employees as well as age profiles to assist Members in understanding workforce demographics and retirement trends.  She also sought an update on the number and experience of apprentices within the Council.  In response, the Group Manager (Organisational Development) confirmed that she would include gender and age data in future reports. For awareness, she advised that East Lindsey’s headcount stood at 400, with 47% female and 53% male staff.

With regard to apprenticeships, the Group Manager (Organisational Development) reported that one apprenticeship was currently advertised in the Housing Options Section and that apprenticeships continued to be used where appropriate.  It was further explained that the Council used the apprenticeship levy to fund higher?level qualifications in areas such as Environmental Health and Planning and Building Control where recruitment continued to be challenging.

The Group Manager (Organisational Development) explained that the Council was exploring an internal professional pathway to support staff transitioning from other roles into hard  ...  view the full minutes text for item 105.

To receive a report from the Outside Body Appointee.

The Chairman referred Members to the briefing paper from Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders, the Outside Body Appointee to the Health Scrutiny Committee (HSC) for Lincolnshire following its meeting held on 21^st January 2026, pages 47 to 50 of the Agenda refer.

The Outside Body Appointee referred to the Spilsby GP Practice and advised that she would seek a further update, as the practice continued to face challenges and served a significant number of patients.  She noted that, as in many reports, positive aspects tended to be highlighted, while less favourable issues were addressed more discreetly, which she felt was common across many sectors.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• In regard to the Spilsby GP Practice, a Member queried whether more information could be provided about the reasons for its failure and any lessons learned.  In response, the Outside body Appointee recalled that one of the partners had left the practice, and that a single?partner arrangement had been deemed unsafe, leading to external intervention.

• The Outside Body Appointee highlighted ongoing difficulties in recruiting GPs to Lincolnshire, noting that this had been raised repeatedly in scrutiny discussions.

• Members discussed the national shortages of dentists and the introduction of a new dentistry school at the University of Lincoln.

• Members expressed concerns about the wider sustainability of NHS primary care, with reference to historic contract changes and pressures in both GP and dental services.

• The Chairman commented that the GP who had presented to the Committee at the meeting held on 22^nd July 2025, Minute No. 22 refers, had provided valuable insight into the pressures faced by primary care, particularly the number of GPs approaching retirement and the reduction in the GP workforce in Lincolnshire.

• A Member commented that some GP practices were disadvantaged due to the funding review.  In response, the Chairman noted that the local practice in Horncastle had been relatively fortunate, as it had successfully recruited new GPs following the retirement of longstanding partners and continued to provide blood tests and a full range of services.

In conclusion, 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 51 to 52 of the Agenda refer.

Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders as Chairman of the Scrutiny panel advised Members that the scrutiny panel had met the previous day and that only three Members had attended. 

The Chairman of the scrutiny panel further advised Members that the panel may need to consider recommending an increase in parking fees as the forthcoming revaluation of business rates was expected to reduce overall profit for car parks.

To receive a written update.

Rebecca James, Scrutiny and Policy Officer referred Members to the briefing paper, pages 53 to 54 of the Agenda refer.

Members were advised the work on the review of the ELDC rough sleeping initiative was progressing well and that the Panel’s findings were scheduled to be presented to the Overview Committee at its Meeting in May 2026.

To review the Overview Committee Annual Scrutiny & Policy Panel Programme 2025-26.

Rebecca James, Scrutiny and Policy Officer referred Members to the Overview Committee Annual Scrutiny & Policy Panel Programme 2025-26, pages 55 to 56 of the Agenda refer.

Members were advised that the overall programme of work had been reduced compared with previous years and that following the announcement of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), a number of suggested scrutiny topics had not been agreed, while others that were approved had not attracted sufficient Member participation to progress.  Members were further informed that in some cases, short reports had been produced in place of full scrutiny reviews as illustrated at Item 12.

The Scrutiny and Policy Officer confirmed that the reviews relating to Car Parking and the Rough Sleeping Initiative remained ongoing. One additional topic had not yet commenced and would be carried forward into the 2026/27 work programme.

The Chairman stressed the importance of completed scrutiny reports which would form part of the legacy passed to the new authority and could assist in shaping its early priorities during the transition period.

To review the Overview Committee Annual Scrutiny & Policy Panel Programme 2026-27.

Rebecca James, Scrutiny and Policy Officer referred Members to the Overview Committee Annual Scrutiny & Policy Panel Programme 2026-27, pages 57 to 58 of the Agenda refer.

The Scrutiny and Policy Officer confirmed to Members that she would shortly begin the process of inviting topic submissions from all Members and that a request for topics would also be issued via the Members’ Point Brief.

A Member proposed a scrutiny topic relating to the distribution or redistribution of assets by East Lindsey District Council in advance of Local Government Reorganisation.  In response, the Chairman agreed that this would be an important and timely area for scrutiny, noting that some town and parish councils had already begun considering whether there were assets they might wish to assume responsibility for.

Further to a discussion, Members acknowledged the relevance of the topic and agreed that it should be added to the list of potential items for the forthcoming programme.

No further comments or questions were received.

To receive a report.

Members were presented with the Member Development Report which summarised the key findings of the Member Development Survey and proposed actions to strengthen Member development, improve accessibility of training and ensure that Members were appropriately supported to fulfil their roles, pages 59 to 70 of the Agenda refer. 

Members were advised that the survey had sought Members’ views on their experience of training, areas of confidence, development priorities, and opinions on current arrangements.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• A Member queried whether all Councillors should receive the same basic allowance, citing concerns about councillors who received extra allowances for portfolio holder roles and did not attend committee meetings when invited.  In response, the Chairman advised Members of a time when Members had to sign in to be paid to attend meetings and which had been discontinued due to misuse of the system.  In follow-up, the Scrutiny and Policy Officer advised Members that a review of Member allowances was undertaken in 2024 and confirmed that a copy of the report would be recirculated to the Committee.

• The Scrutiny and Policy Officer advised Members that a further response had been received during the meeting, confirming that there was no legal basis for a performance?related pay system for Councillors as the statutory framework only permitted the allowances structure set out in regulations and was based on recommendations from the Independent Remuneration Panel.

• Members discussed attendance at committees and portfolio?holder engagement and noted variations in practice.  Comparisons were drawn with the County Council’s approach to allowances.

• Councillor Tom Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Planning referred to historical arrangements at Boston Borough Council where Members sitting on Licensing Panels had received payment per hearing, and Planning Committee Members had received a set amount per meeting.   He was unsure of the legal basis for those arrangements but highlighted them as a local example.  In response, the Chairman commented that given the limited time remaining before LGR, this was unlikely to be an appropriate point at which to revisit the Members’ allowances scheme.

• The Chairman highlighted the findings that the Councillor Induction Programme was perceived as limited, noting that induction provision had been significantly expanded in recent years.  In response, the Scrutiny and Policy Officer clarified to Members that respondents had not criticised the Induction Programme itself but considered that development opportunities should continue beyond the initial induction period.

• Members noted that ongoing development was already offered through Reserve Members’ Days, although attendance was typically limited.

• A Member suggested that the Council might benefit from a dedicated committee for Member Development, similar to arrangements previously used at Boston Borough Council.  In response, the Policy and Scrutiny Officer confirmed that this option had been included in the survey, however had not received sufficient support from respondents.  It was confirmed that only 16 Members had completed the survey.

• Regarding forthcoming Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training, a Member queried whether the training was mandatory and whether attendance was required in person.  In response,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110.

To note the Overview and Scrutiny Recommendation Tracker.

Members were referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Recommendation Tracker, pages 71 to 98 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 71 to 76 of the Agenda refer.

• In reference to the recommendations surrounding caravan licensing and enforcement, the Chairman reminded Members that the Enforcement Service Manager would attend the March Overview Committee Meeting to provide an update.

• A Member expressed concerns with regards to the legacy the Council would leave for addressing the recommendations as set out in the recommendation tracker.  In response, the Chairman stressed the importance of keeping track of progress and seeking updates.

To monitor the implementation of Magna Vitae's 5-year plan, including Key Performance Indicators (part 2)

Recommendation No. 4 ‘To ensure MV have a continued focus on being commercial, thus reducing reliance on the council as and when the economy grows and costs reduce in future years’ page 77 of the Agenda refers.

• A Member queried whether the recommendation remained relevant.  In response, the Chairman confirmed that a response would be chased as there had been local concern regarding the transition arrangements.

• A Member queried whether the Council would still be required to fund the SO Festival.  In response, the Chairman advised Members to raise the query at the next Meeting of the Committee when the Portfolio Holder would be in attendance.

Recommendation No. 8 ‘Any future provider of culture and leisure services must be set appropriately high-performance indicators in order to safeguard the health and wellbeing of residents’, page 78 of the Agenda refers.

• In reference to the KPI Framework, a Member queried where all the funding had been sourced from.  In response, the Chairman advised Members to make a note of the concerns and raise them at the next Meeting of the Committee when the Portfolio Holder would be in attendance.

• In follow-up, through the Chairman the Assistant Director (Corporate) suggested a future Agenda Item to receive an update on the transition arrangements for Magna Vitae to the new provider.   Further to a discussion, it was agreed to add the request to the Committee Work Programme.

Public Convenience Provision in East Lindsey, pages 80 to 81 of the Agenda refer.

• In reference to the Public Convenience Provision in East Lindsey recommendations, the Scrutiny and Policy Officer advised Members that an update was expected from the Neighbourhoods Service Manager at the March Overview Committee Meeting.

Partnership Task Group - Public Transport in the S&ELCP area, pages 81 to 82 of the Agenda refer.

• A Member queried the recommendation in relation to public transport in the S & ELCP area.  In response, the Scrutiny and Policy Officer advised Members that information was lacking as ELDC was not responsible for transport.  Members were assured that ELDC would have been consulted as part of the Lincolnshire County Council Transport Plan and confirmed that an update would be provided at the next Meeting.

To review  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111.

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

Members were presented with the Executive/Council Forward Plan 2025-26, pages 99 to 110 of the Agenda refer and were invited for their comments.

In reference to the ‘Terms and Conditions alignment – next phase’, a Member queried whether aligning terms and conditions was appropriate with upcoming Local Government Reorganisation, page 103 of the Agenda refers.  In response, the Chairman clarified to Members that the alignment was in relation to employee terms and conditions and was important that it proceeded.

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 111 to 112 of the Agenda refer.

A Member requested whether an update on the Age Friendly Initiative could be added to the Work Programme.  In response, the Chairman advised Members that a written update could be requested from Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing for the next 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 Tuesday 31 March 2026.