It was Proposed by Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders and Seconded by Councillor George Horton that Councillor Edward Mossop be elected Chairman of the Council.

Councillor Makinson-Sanders stated that Councillor Mossop was a very talented and long-standing Councillor and would be an excellent Chairman. 

Upon being put to the vote, it was

RESOLVED

That Councillor Edward Mossop be elected as Chairman of the Council for the Council year 2024/25.

COUNCILLOR EDWARD MOSSOP IN THE CHAIR

The Chairman made his Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

The Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring Chairman, Councillor Dick Edginton which was duly seconded. 

Thanks and appreciation to the retiring Chairman were also received from all Political Group Leaders.

Councillor Craig Leyland, Leader of the Council added that Councillor Edginton had provided a very good service to the communities in Skegness and had served for a long time as a back bencher and also as an Executive Board Member and had always been most genial and pleasant.

In responding to the vote of thanks, Councillor Edginton expressed his thanks to all who had assisted him during his term of office.  He also extended his thanks to everyone who had supported his charity ‘Macmillan Cancer Support’ and was pleased to announce that during his civic year an amount of £2250 had been raised.

It was Proposed by Councillor Craig Leyland and Seconded by Councillor Graham Marsh that Councillor Terry Taylor be elected Vice Chairman of the Council. 

Councillor Leyland stated that Councillor Taylor had provided a great service to many communities and was a fair and considered person who would be an excellent support to the Chairman.

Upon being put to the vote, it was

RESOLVED

That Councillor Terry Taylor be elected Vice Chairman of the Council for the Council year 2024/25.

The Vice Chairman made his Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

The Chairman extended his congratulations to Councillor Taylor and stated that he looked forward to working with him.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Billy Brookes, Jimmy Brookes, Graham Cullen, Richard Cunnington, Sid Dennis, Stephen Eyre, Will Grover, Terry Knowles and Paul Rickett.

At this point in the Meeting, Members were invited to declare any relevant interests.

Councillors Richard Fry and Jill Makinson-Sanders asked it be noted that in respect of Item No. 21 they were Directors of PSPS Limited and would leave the Meeting.

·       Councillor Colin Davie asked it be noted that he wished to declare a non-pecuniary interest as a Lincolnshire County Councillor on the Connected Coast Board, Item No. 23 refers.

·       Councillor George Horton asked it be noted that a family member was employed by the Council, Minute No. 17 refers.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 28 February 2024 and the Extraordinary Meeting held on 27 March 2024.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 28 February 2024 and the Extraordinary Meeting held on 27 March 2024 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To confirm Actions from the following Meetings:

·       28 February 2024

·       Extraordinary Meeting held on 27 March 2024.

The Actions of the Meeting held on 28 February 2024 and the Extraordinary Meeting held on 27 March 2024 were confirmed as complete.

To receive a verbal update.

The Chairman announced that the nominated charity for his Civic Year would be the Lincolnshire Rural Support Network.  This charity provided support to the agricultural community and allied industries on mental wellbeing in times of crisis, stress and change.

The Chairman further confirmed he would not be appointing a chaplain for his Civic Year but would have a thought for the day/reading before the start of the Meeting.

To receive a verbal update.

Councillor Graham Marsh was appointed as Deputy Leader of the Council by the Leader of the Council.

Members were appointed to Executive Board as follows:

·       Councillor Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture, and Carbon Reduction.

·       Councillor Tom Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Planning.

·       Councillor Sarah Devereux, Portfolio Holder for Partnerships.

·       Councillor Martin Foster, Portfolio Holder for Operational Services.

·       Councillor Tom Kemp, Portfolio Holder for Finance.

·       Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing.

·       Councillor Adam Grist, Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy.

·       Councillor Steve Kirk, Portfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy.

The Leader of the Council congratulated Councillor Tom Kemp on his appointment to Portfolio Holder for Finance.

Members passed their thanks to the retiring Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Richard Fry.  Councillor Ashton stated that Councillor Fry had guided the Council through many financial challenges which had maintained services for the communities and had also served as Portfolio Holder for Planning during the period of the implementation of the Local Plan.

The Chairman passed his thanks to Councillor Fry for his work and sound advice that he had provided to the Planning and Finance Portfolios and was pleased that he remained as a back-bench member.

Councillor Jackson, Leader of the Labour Group added her thanks to Councillor Fry for his diligent work on the budgets. 

Councillor Jackson noted an in-balance of the sexes on Executive Board which was not fully representative.

N.B.  Councillor James Knowles joined the Meeting at 6.55pm.

Report of the Chairman of Executive Board.

The Leader of the Council presented Members with his report, pages 79 to 82 of the Agenda refer.

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

Towns Fund Update

Councillor Marnoch welcomed the Towns Fund update, in particular for the Station Sports Leisure and Learning Centre at Mablethorpe.  A progress report was requested on works in the War Memorial area.

In response, the Leader of the Council advised he would seek clarification on this matter.

Councillor Watson referred to the work on the erection of the steel frame for the Colonnade that had commenced in early May 2024.  Clarification was sought on whether the structure would remain known as the Colonnade as both himself and Councillor Bristow had been contacted for the local communities to be able to put forward suggestions, with a public vote to be held.  Councillor Watson supported this and considered it was important for the new structure to have a firm identity.

In response, the Leader of the Council advised he was not aware that suggestions for names for the new structure had come forward but would seek a response for this matter.

Councillor Kirk referred to the new college in Skegness that had received £15m of Towns Funding and was pleased to hear that there would be fantastic training opportunities for both young and older age groups without them having to travel to Boston or Grimsby.

In response, the Leader apologised for the omission of the college in his report and advised Members he had attended the topping out ceremony and stated that the college was a fantastic development for Skegness and the surrounding district.

Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival 11th-27th May

Councillor Arnold was pleased to see the different events listings which were very important to the economy, however it was highlighted that there were many more events taking place over the coming months, for example the SO Festival which must be adequately publicised.

In response, the Leader of the Council stated that it was important to include particular events in his report due to the commitment and funding required.  He advised that there would be a wider communication for events, including the SO Festival by Magna Vitae.

Louth Food and Drink Festival 29th September

Councillor Leonard highlighted that the report stated exhibitors had been encouraged to come forward and queried whether there had been less interest from exhibitors than expected to date.

In response, the Leader of the Council highlighted that his report was full of good news stories and the Food and Drink Festival was a fantastic opportunity for Louth with officers working hard to make it a successful event.

Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) Funding 24/25

Councillor Watson thanked the Leader for highlighting the events taking place in Sutton on Sea.

Conservation Area Appraisals

Councillor Makinson-Sanders stated that she was disappointed with the update and highlighted that Louth Town Centre was deemed as ‘at risk’ by English Heritage and had been so since the Louth Town Plan  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

The Council to establish its committees and approve their membership for the municipal year 2024/25.

Please note Appendices A and B are to follow.

The Chief Executive presented a report which considered the allocation of places on Council Committees in accordance with the Political Group Regulations.

Members noted that the allocation of Council committee places for the municipal year 2024/25 must be in accordance with the provisions set out in the Council’s Constitution, the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 (as amended).

Appendices A (Proportionality) and B (Appointments) were tabled at the meeting and are attached to these Minutes (Appendices 1 and 2).

It was Proposed and Seconded

That the Council approved the establishment of its committees, including the allocation of committee seats as detailed at Appendix A and the appointments to committees as detailed at Appendix B.

RESOLVED

That the establishment of committees, including the allocation of committee seats as detailed at Appendix A and the appointments to committees as detailed atAppendix B for the municipal year 2024/25 be approved.

To agree a programme of Council Meetings for the municipal year 2024/25.

The Chief Executive presented a report to enable agreement of a Programme of Council Meetings for the municipal year 2024/25. 

Members were referred to the second Recommendation ‘Notes the programme of Executive Board/Executive Briefing meetings and the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel meetings as set out in Appendix A’.  Members were advised that dates for the Executive Board Briefings and Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel were not included in Appendix A to be consistent with the format presented across the Partnership. 

Councillor Jackson highlighted that the Planning Meeting programmed for 4 July 2024 would have to be rescheduled due to the calling of the General Election on that day.

The amended recommendations were duly Proposed and Seconded.

The vote was carried.

RESOLVED

• That the programme of Full Council meetings and its committee meetings for the Municipal Year 2024/25 as set out in Appendix A be approved;

• That the programme of Executive Board meetings as set out in Appendix A be noted;

• That delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive in consultation with the relevant Chairman to cancel a meeting where there was no substantive business and an agenda had not yet been published, or amend the programme of meetings where this would assist the decision-making body to discharge its responsibilities more effectively and an agenda had not yet been published.

To consider appointments to the various Outside Bodies which are within the remit of the Council for the forthcoming 2024/25 Municipal Year.

Please note Appendix A is to follow.

A report was presented by the Chief Executive that considered the appointment of Council representatives to the various Outside Bodies which were within the remit of the Council for the municipal year 2024/25.

Members were advised that after discussion with Group Leaders, it was agreed to defer an appointment to Age UK Lindsey to enable further information to be provided on the responsibilities of the appointee and to refer to a future meeting.

It was Proposed and Seconded:

·       That the Council makes appointments to the outside bodies where the Council is the appointing body as set out in Appendix A (tabled) to this report.

·       That the appointment to Age UK Lindsey be deferred to the next Council meeting to enable further information to be provided on the responsibilities of the appointee.

RESOLVED

That Members be appointed to the various Bodies detailed below.

To consider a Scrutiny Report.

Councillor Ru Yarsley, Chairman of the ‘To monitor the implementation of Magna Vitae's (MV) 5-year plan, including Key Performance Indicators (Part Two)’ Scrutiny Panel presented the report to Council for noting.

During her introduction, Councillor Yarsley extended her thanks to officers involved and to the dedicated Panel Members for their time and input.  Members were referred to the recommendations detailed at page 116 of the Agenda pack.

Councillor David Hall expressed his concern as he had been informed that the Station Sports Leisure and Learning Centre in Mablethorpe was only issuing zero hours contracts of employment to its staff. 

In response to Councillor Hall’s comment, Councillor Robert Watson, Outside Body Appointee to Magna Vitae stated that he understood that the zero hours contracts had been offered to students and was aware that it suited some employees, however would look into this matter.  It was further highlighted that there was a great deal of staff satisfaction at MV sites which could be witnessed by anyone using the facilities and a lot of surveys were undertaken with staff to monitor this.  MV also had a system of board buddies which liaised with staff at the facilities, so they had a direct independent route into the board.

Councillor Leonard referred to Charles Street Recreation Ground in Louth, which was no longer managed by MV, page 108 of the Agenda refers.  It was highlighted that this site had been left in an appalling state, following which incentives had to be offered by the Council to get the current occupier to take this on, and it was queried how this was of benefit to the rate payers when MV had allowed the site to become run down.

In response, Councillor Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture, and Carbon Reduction advised Members that this had been brought to his attention at a late stage and confirmed that the site had not been maintained or run by MV for several years.  Currently, officers were actively seeking partners to work with and take on the different elements of the site.  Members were advised that the fishing lake had been taken over by a fishing club who was currently making improvements to the site which was a positive step forward.  Councillor Marsh added he firmly supported asking residents for their views.  In addition he hoped that local groups would come forward to take over set areas and made reference to the possibility of a partnership agreement with Louth Town Council.

Councillor Marsh advised that he had reviewed the recommendations of the Panel and spoken to Councillor Yarsley and would be formally responding once he had spoken to his executive colleagues.

Councillor Fiona Martin, Chairman of Overview Committee thanked Councillor Yarsley and the Panel for an excellent report.  In relation to the questions raised, Councillor Martin highlighted that these should have been raised at a much earlier stage in the scrutiny process, however advised Members that the report and its recommendations would be considered by the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15a

To consider a Scrutiny Report.

Councillor Stef Bristow, Chairman of the ‘Public Convenience Provision in East Lindsey’ Scrutiny Panel presented the report to Council for noting.

During her introduction, Councillor Bristow extended her thanks to officers, the Portfolio Holder for Operational Services and to the dedicated Panel Members for their time and input into the scrutiny.

The recommendations were detailed at page 132 of the Agenda pack.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

Councillor Jackson stated that there was an assumption in the recommendations that would divest the toilet facilities to town and parish councils.  However, it was highlighted that whilst there may be a need to make a hard decision to save money in the future, the Council was not in the position to make drastic cuts at this time and a reduction in toilet provision would impact on the district’s tourism.

Councillor Fiona Martin thanked Councillor Bristow for chairing the Panel and highlighted to Members the history of the Council’s provision of public toilets over the last 30 years.  Whilst it was considered important to review toilet provision and was a step forward, it was acknowledged that this would be a long journey.

Councillor Wendy Bowkett thanked Councillor Bristow for the report and stated that Wainfleet Town Council was not in a position to take on the toilets, partly due to the amount of vandalism, however, was interested in the offer of storage.

Councillor Graham Marsh informed Members that Alford Town Council made the decision to take on the toilets a number of years ago with positive outcomes.  He stated that he was disappointed to hear that other town and parish councils were reluctant to consider this and concluded that the District Council should work in closer partnership with the town and parish councils to encourage them to do the same. 

Councillor Tom Ashton thanked Councillor Bristow for the report, having been involved in a scrutiny panel on toilet provision in 2017.  He welcomed the recommendations and stated that he would be interested in discussions with town and parish councils, although recognised that this was a burden which was out of proportion for what some town and parishes could manage financially.

Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders commented that there had been a lot of discussion on the radio recently regarding separate male and female toilets which was the current government guidance and was perturbed that unisex toilets were being considered.  It was highlighted that dignity and privacy was an important issue and some people, particularly the vulnerable may feel threatened.

Councillor Martin Foster, Portfolio Holder for Operational Services echoed his thanks to the Panel Members and officers involved with the scrutiny and acknowledged that it was an emotive subject.

In response to Councillor Jackson’s comment on the transfer of assets, Councillor Foster highlighted that money had been identified to refurbish some of the inland toilets and facilities, following which town and parishes would be approached to see if the Council could look at a further round of asset transfer.  It was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15b

To consider amendments to the Capital Programme as set out in the report.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented a report to seek approval of the amended capital programme, pages 147 to 176 of the Agenda refer.  A copy of the Q3 Finance Report 2023/24 is attached at Appendix A.

The report provided information on the forecast full year financial performance at 31 December 2023 and was detailed at Appendix A on the following areas:

• The General Fund Revenue Budget,
• The General Fund Reserves Position,
• The Capital Programme for 2023/24, and
• The Treasury Management Performance for the year.

During his introduction, the Portfolio Holder for Finance provided further detail on the following areas as set out at Section 2.1 to 2.6 of the report, pages 148 to 149 refer.

·       General Fund Provision Outturn

·       Savings Target

·       Internal Drainage Boards

·       Reserves

·       Capital – General Fund

·       Treasury Management

Following which the recommendation was duly Proposed and Seconded.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward and during discussion the following queries and comments were made:

·       Councillor Leonard referred to the progress against approved budgets for Towns Fund Projects, pages 165 to 166 of the Agenda refer.  It was queried why so many of the projects had been delayed.

In response, the Portfolio Holder for Finance stated that some of the projects had not progressed as fast as originally anticipated.

·       Councillor Simpson raised concerns that the projects were not moving forward faster and queried what steps the Council was taking to monitor this as the cost of materials continued to rise and the Towns funding was slipping away.

In response, the Leader of the Council assured Members that all of the Towns Fund Projects were carefully project managed and also had risk assessments against them in terms of delivery through the Connected Coast Board.  The significant cost of living crisis had affected the prices of materials and labour in a very short period, however confirmed that although delayed, most of the projects were underway and were well monitored.

Councillor Kirk added that the building cost pressures had added 30% to many of the projects he had brought to Council and had to be re-modelled to ensure that they came in under the agreed costs, and whilst frustrating it would be better reported as a delayed completion.

·       Councillor Makinson-Sanders referred to the loans to Invest East Lindsey (IEL) and stated that there were a number that had not been paid back, or on time.  It was further highlighted that interest earned on these loans in the current financial year to 31 December 2023 was £118,019, page 169 of the Agenda refers.  Therefore, as IEL was a trading arm of the Council it was considered that this amount should be attributed to the Council.

In response, the Portfolio Holder for Finance explained that Invest East Lindsey was a Local Authority Trading Company (LATCo) which had borrowed money from the Council and had to be paid back at the agreed rate of 4% and this had been complied with.

Following which the recommendation was duly Proposed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

To consider a report to bring forward the process for aligning Terms and Conditions and to agree to commence delivery.

TheLeader of the Council presented a report that sought approval to bring forward the process for aligning workforce Terms and Conditions across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) and to agree to commence delivery, pages 177 to 184 of the Agenda refer.

The background to the report was highlighted to Members, as set out at Section 1, page 178 of the Agenda refers.

Members were informed that the Business Case approved by the Councils when the SELCP formed identified the opportunity to align workforce Terms and Conditions across the Partnership.  This was also identified as being important in the findings of the Partnership’s LGA Peer Review and the Partnership’s 2023 joint scrutiny.  The alignment of Terms and Conditions, as far as possible, was an identified action in the 2024/25 approved Partnership Alignment and Delivery Plan.

The report bought forward a process for moving towards greater alignment. To facilitate this programme of activity there would be a number of workforce and union consultations required due to the complexity of existing Terms and Conditions.

Members were referred to the table at Section 2.4 which set out the Terms and Conditions likely to be aligned in Phase 1, which would commence in June/July 2024 and were requested to consider approving the recommendations. 

Following which the recommendations were duly Proposed and Seconded.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

Councillor Makinson-Sanders considered that terms and conditions of employment went hand in hand with equality of pay and queried why the alignment of pay structure could not be undertaken in a timelier fashion to make these issues equal across the Partnership.

The Chief Executive confirmed that a two-year timeframe to take forward the alignment of pay across the Partnership had been agreed at the last Council Meeting, with an update back to Council in 12 months’ time, Minute No. 101 refers.  It was highlighted that it was a significant issue to consult with staff, however before this was possible the job evaluation scheme needed to be aligned and it was anticipated that the delay for challenge on this was likely to be engagement with the unions.  Therefore, to provide some assurance the approach currently being taken was to break down the work and this would be presented to Council in phases to demonstrate that progress was being made.

N.B.  At this point in the Meeting, Councillor George Horton asked it be noted that a family member was employed by the Council.

Councillor Leonard commented that the word ‘similar’ had been used regularly during the presentation of the report and queried what was dissimilar between the three councils in the Partnership and how this manifested between them.

In response, the Leader of the Council recognised that the alignment of workforce terms and conditions across the Partnership was a significant and difficult piece of work that needed to be done properly.  All comments received during the process were understood and the seriousness of this piece of work was fully  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

To note the Draft Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 27 March 2024.

Members received the draft Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 27 March 2024 for noting. 

Councillor Ros Jackson, Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee highlighted key elements from the Minutes as follows:

·       The closure of accounts for 2021/2022 and 2022/23 had not yet been completed which was due to under capacity in the Finance Team and had impacted on the work of the Committee.

·       Significant reassurances had been received following the P-Card Audit, Payroll Reconciliation Audit and the Section 106 Agreement Audit.

No comments or questions were received.

RESOLVED

That the draft Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 27 March 2024 be noted.

To consider a Report. (Appendix A is Exempt).

The Chairman referred Members to Exempt Appendix A and advised that should they wish to refer to the detail this would have to be in a Closed Session as it referred to personal details of a candidate.

N.B.  Councillors Richard Fry and Jill Makinson-Sanders left the Meeting at 8.18pm.

Councillor Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture, and Carbon Reduction presented a report that sought approval to the appointment of an Independent Non-Executive Director to the Public Sector Partnership Services Board to support the company’s development, and to provide approval for PSPS to have discretion in regard to remuneration for non-Council employee Non-Executive Directors, pages 203 to 210 of the Agenda refer.

The background to the report was highlighted to Members, as set out at Section 1, pages 204 to 206 of the Agenda refer.

Members were informed that under the terms of the Joint Venture Shareholder Agreement between East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council for the establishment and operation of Public Sector Partnership Services (PSPS), the Councils, as founding shareholders retained a provision to appoint one Independent Non-Executive Director each to the company’s board. This provision had not been exercised previously by either Council.

Following a skill review of the current company Board, it had been identified by PSPS that the Board would benefit from Independent Non-Executive Directors.  The company, on behalf of the Councils, had undertaken a process to seek a suitably qualified/skilled individual to join the Board and this report proposed the appointment of the candidate identified at Exempt Appendix A as the Council’s Independent Non-Executive Director.

East Lindsey District Council was considering its own Independent Non-Executive Director appointment too. The three PSPS Shareholding Councils and the company had worked closely to seek suitably qualified and experienced individuals to undertake the roles.  This report also sought approval for PSPS to be granted discretion to remunerate non-Council employee Non-Executive Board Directors.

Following which the recommendations were duly Proposed and Seconded.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.  None were received.

Upon being put to the vote, it was

RESOLVED

1.    That the appointment of the candidate identified at Exempt Appendix A as its Independent Non-Executive Director on the Public Sector Partnership Services Board be approved.

2.    That the Assistant Director – Corporate be requested to write to PSPS to grant the company discretion to remunerate non-Council employee Non-Executive Directors, subject to the same decision by the other founding Shareholder.

N.B.  Councillors Richard Fry and Jill Makinson-Sanders re-joined the Meeting at 8.21pm.

To consider excluding the public and press for the following items and if appropriate the Chairman to move:

Item 21 – (If Members wish to discuss Exempt Appendix A).  That under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the Meeting for the following item on the grounds that, if they were present, there could be disclosed to them exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended).

Item 22 - This report is exempt by virtue of paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A Local Government Act 1972 because it contains information relating to an individual, which is of a confidential and sensitive nature.

Item 23 - That under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the Meeting for the following item on the grounds that, if they were present, there could be disclosed to them exempt information as defined in paragraph(s) 1, 2 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended).

RESOLVED

That under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item on the grounds that, if they were present, there could be disclosed to them exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended).

To consider an Exempt Report.

An Exempt report was presented to enable consideration of a Dispensation for a Member of the Council. 

Following which it was Proposed and Seconded that the recommendation contained within the Exempt Report be supported.

RESOLVED

That in accordance with Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, that a dispensation be approved for a period of 6 months from 22^nd May 2024 as set out in the recommendation in the Exempt report.

To consider an Exempt Report.

An Exempt report was presented to Members.

The recommendations were duly Proposed and Seconded.

Following which it was

RESOLVED

That the recommendation contained within the Exempt report be approved.