Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Billy Brookes, Jimmy Brookes, Stephen Eyre, Martin Foster, Travis Hesketh and James Knowles.

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

·       Councillor Steve Kirk asked it be noted that in respect of Exempt Item No. 19 (a), he would leave the Meeting.

To confirm the Open and Exempt Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 July 2024.

The Open and Exempt Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 July 2024 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To confirm Actions following the Meetings held on 17 July 2024.

The Actions were noted as complete or in hand.

The Chairman was pleased to advise that since the last Full Council Meeting he had attended the following Civic engagements:

·       English Bowling Federationand EnglishWomen's BowlingFederation NationalChampionships Closing Ceremony at the Suncastle in Skegness

·       Lincolnshire County Council Chairman’s Civic Service of Dedication

·       South Holland District Council Chairman’s Civic Service

·       Mablethorpe Carnival Parade

·       UK FPN Evening Reception - House of Lords Reception

The Chairman thanked Councillor Terry Taylor, Vice-Chairman who attended the Sibsey Memorial Lancaster Trust Remembrance Service on his behalf.

Representing the Council, the Chairman also attended the funeral of Councillor Sid Dennis at St Matthew’s Church, Skegness.

Three questions had been received as below, following which a written response had been provided to each in line with Council Procedure Rule 10.9.

Report of the Chairman of Executive Board.

The Leader of the Council presented Members with his report, pages 35 to 38 of the Agenda refer.

Following which, the Leader read out an addendum to his report in relation to the East Lindsey Investment Fund as follows:

‘We are delighted to be able to bring forward this ambitious new £10m investment to transform local places in East Lindsey as part of the new plan to boost growth and prosperity.  The fund will prioritise investment in four distinct target areas: community development, promoting visitor economy, business support and to boost the attractiveness of the area.  A key part of the East Lindsey Investment Fund is about making the district’s places more welcoming through initiatives that help improve cleanliness, safety, promote tidy and attractive shop fronts and enhance parks and public spaces.  These are the main concerns residents regularly raise with us and we want to address them face on.  We believe that this will help attract more people to visit the Lincolnshire Wolds and coastal areas, which is vital to our local businesses and economy’.

The Leader highlighted that the Council was looking to support all communities and it was critical to point out that the smallest parish should be able to gain from this as well as the larger parish and town councils and he looked forward to working with them during the process.   Thanks were also passed to Councillors Grist and Kirk who had worked very hard with officers to make this possible.

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

APSE Awards

Further to the update on the APSE Awards, a Member asked for clarification from the Retrofit Team on how long the funding for improvements would continue.

In response, the Leader of the Council advised that he would seek details with regards to the funding for improvements.

It was further queried whether small business rate relief was likely to end in March 2025.

In response, the Leader of the Council stated that there could be changes from the new government that potentially could have a damaging effect on small businesses.  There could also be changes that affected how the Council dealt with things in terms of council tax and how and where this was spent.

Wellbeing Service

A Member offered her congratulations to the Heart Team and the team responsible for the HUGS grant delivery.  Thanks was also extended to the Wellbeing Service, and clarification was sought on whether the contract was for 5 or 10 years.  A Member added that the Wellbeing Service in East Lindsey was second to none and had helped many residents in Skegness.

In response, the Leader of the Council thanked Members for their supportive comments and to the teams involved.

Household Support Fund (HSF)

A Member expressed her thanks on behalf of the people of Louth and district who had benefited from the funding and had been pleased to work with families to offer help and support.

A Member highlighted that a number of councils had already  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

To consider amendments to the Council’s Capital Programme.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented a report to enable consideration of the current financial position for the Council at the end of the first quarter of 2024/25 forecasting to the year end.

During his introduction the Portfolio Holder for Finance highlighted that it was important to ensure the Council’s forecast financial position for 2024/25 was considered and related decisions approved, and that Council was aware of the financial position of the General Fund to ensure that it could make informed decisions that were affordable and financially sustainable for the Council.

The report provided information on the forecast full year financial performance as at 30 June 2024 and was detailed at Appendix A for the following areas:

• The General Fund Revenue Budget,
• The General Fund Reserves Position,
• The Capital Programme for 2024/25, and
• The Treasury Management Performance for the year.

Further detail was also provided on the General Fund Revenue Provisional Outcome, Savings Target, Internal Drainage Boards, Capital – General Fund and Treasury Management, pages 40 to 41 of the Agenda refer.

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:

·       In relation to Table 2 – Trading Income Budgets ‘Markets’ Impact by poor weather during Q1, page 47 of the Agenda refers, a Member sought clarification on claims for damage by market stall holders following adverse weather conditions.

In response, the Portfolio Holder for Finance advised that he would look into this and provide an update after the meeting.

·       A Member highlighted concerns with staffing capacity in some departments and asked for clarity whether this was part of efficiency savings.

In response, the Portfolio Holder for Finance acknowledged the issues with staffing capacity in certain departments, however confirmed that in other areas it was part of efficiency savings that were being considered, with more information available as this developed.

A Member highlighted typographical errors on Appendix A – Table 1 ‘Net spend by Assistant Director Area’ and Table 5 ‘Capital Resources’ Recommendations, pages 45 and 51 of the Agenda refer.  These errors were to be amended from ‘Executive Board’ to ‘Full Council’ and were noted by Council.

RESOLVED:

That the Capital Programme detailed at Appendix A, Table 4 be amended to take into account the changes set out in the report.

To receive a report on the Partnership's performance.

The Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Corporate Affairs presented a report that set out the progress of the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership since the last update on 28^th February 2024.

The background to the report was highlighted to Members, as set out at Paragraph 1, page 60 of the Agenda refers and particular reference was made to the following:

·       Progress of the Alignment and Delivery Plan 2024/25 (section 2)

·       Peer Challenge update (section 3)

·       Updates from the Priority Partnerships (section 4)

·       Partnership Scrutiny update (section 5)

In summing up, the Leader of the Council highlighted that the report was an interesting read and showed the progress that had been made as a Partnership, delivering on aspirations that had been identified in the corporate plans.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

·       A Member commented that he was disappointed that Louth had not been mentioned as the largest market town in East Lindsey.  In response, the Leader of the Council stated that he was quite happy to recognise Louth as a significant market town in East Lindsey.

RESOLVED

That the following areas of the report be noted.

1.               Progress of the Alignment and Delivery Plan 2024/25 (section 2)

2.               Peer Challenge update (section 3)

3.               Updates from the Priority Partnerships (section 4)

4.               Partnership Scrutiny update (section 5)

To receive Motions on Notice under Council Procedure Rule 12.

MOTION:  Winter Fuel Allowance and protecting pensioners from fuel poverty.

This Council is very concerned by the recent decision of the government, confirmed by a House of Commons vote on 10th September 2024,  to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of certain means-tested benefits.  This will affect over 2 million pensioners nationally and, in East Lindsey,  over 36000 vulnerable pensioners will now not receive the Winter Fuel Payment. Forcing many into “ heat or eat” dilemmas during the coldest months of the year with direct impacts on health and wellbeing. 

Leading charities including, Age UK, highlight the social injustice and the health risks of this sudden policy change and the additional strain this will place on some of our most vulnerable residents, many of whom don’t claim Pension Credit despite being eligible.

We ask that this Council:

·       Continue to promote the uptake of the Pension Credit benefit through Council services, partnerships, charities and community organisations. We need to make sure our most vulnerable pensioners are supported in claiming their entitlement.

·       To support our residents across the district, this council should register its strong disapproval with the government and Members of Parliament for taking away the winter fuel payment. It fails to acknowledge the plight of those now discriminated against who do not qualify within the threshold for support and yet fall below the income level of those who do not need the payment. Many of our rural residents, unlike their metropolitan cousins, do not have the luxury of having a gas supply to their homes and in the case of oil, wood, LPG and solid fuel must pay upfront prior to delivery for their winter fuel. Finding a large sum to cover this cost can and does force people into very dire straits. The unintended consequences have not all been identified or even been considered.

·       Commits to signing the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition being run by Age UK and write to all members offering them the opportunity to sign the petition themselves.

Proposed Cllr Carl Macey

Seconded Cllr Dan McNally

The following Motion was received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12:

Winter Fuel Allowance and protecting pensioners from fuel poverty.

‘This Council is very concerned by the recent decision of the government, confirmed by a House of Commons vote on 10th September 2024, to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of certain means-tested benefits.  This will affect over 2 million pensioners nationally and, in East Lindsey, over 36000 vulnerable pensioners will now not receive the Winter Fuel Payment. Forcing many into “ heat or eat” dilemmas during the coldest months of the year with direct impacts on health and wellbeing. 

Leading charities including, Age UK, highlight the social injustice and the health risks of this sudden policy change and the additional strain this will place on some of our most vulnerable residents, many of whom don’t claim Pension Credit despite being eligible.

We ask that this Council:

·       Continue to promote the uptake of the Pension Credit benefit through Council services, partnerships, charities and community organisations. We need to make sure our most vulnerable pensioners are supported in claiming their entitlement.

·       To support our residents across the district, this council should register its strong disapproval with the government and Members of Parliament for taking away the winter fuel payment. It fails to acknowledge the plight of those now discriminated against who do not qualify within the threshold for support and yet fall below the income level of those who do not need the payment. Many of our rural residents, unlike their metropolitan cousins, do not have the luxury of having a gas supply to their homes and in the case of oil, wood, LPG and solid fuel must pay upfront prior to delivery for their winter fuel. Finding a large sum to cover this cost can and does force people into very dire straits. The unintended consequences have not all been identified or even been considered.

·       Commits to signing the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition being run by Age UK and write to all members offering them the opportunity to sign the petition themselves’.

Proposed Cllr Carl Macey

Seconded Cllr Daniel McNally

In his introduction, Councillor Macey thanked Councillors Makinson-Sanders and Simpson and the East Lindsey Independent Group for their endorsement of this motion.

Councillor Macey highlighted his disappointment that the Labour government were removing the winter fuel payment from some of the most vulnerable and elderly residents which was often a lifeline to them through the coldest of months.  He was further concerned that the government had not undertaken an impact assessment to see how many of the elderly and vulnerable residents this would affect, or the detrimental impact that would be put on the NHS and social care system.

Councillor Macey strongly urged all Members to support the Motion.

Councillor Daniel McNally seconded the Motion.

Whilst agreeing with the sentiment of the Motion, a Member highlighted his disappointment that the proposal had been politicised by colleagues and asked that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

To note the Open and Exempt Minutes of Audit and Governance Committee held on 11 September 2024.

Members received the draft Open and Exempt Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 11 September 2024 for noting. 

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

·       The Committee considered the Annual Safeguarding report and Members were encouraged to read the report and associated policies.

·       The Committee had scrutinised procurement exemptions, risk report, Quarter 1 Treasury report and Internal and External Audit progress.

·       Mazars LLP External Auditors had progressed on the 2021/22 audit.  The 2022/23 audit was likely to hit the backstop which was the government’s deadline of 13 December 2024 that it had imposed and be disclaimed.  It was highlighted that this was a national issue and many other councils across the country were in this position.

·       KPMG External Auditors was progressing the 2023/24 audit.  It was noted that the cost of the audit would be higher than previous years.

Councillor Jill-Makinson-Sanders asked it be noted that her apologies had been omitted from the draft minutes.  The Chairman asked that the minutes be amended to reflect this.

No comments or questions were received.

RESOLVED

That the draft Open and Exempt Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 11 September 2024 be noted.

To note the Annual Audit and Governance Committee report following review by the Audit and Governance Committee.

Members received the Audit and Governance Committee Annual Report 2023/24 from Councillor Ros Jackson, Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee, pages 91 to 102 of the Agenda refer.

Members were referred to the details which included the following areas:

·       Audit and Governance Committee Membership 2023/24

·       Committee Meetings and Summary of Work

·       Internal and External Audit

·       Governance

·       Treasury and Accounts

·       Risk Management

·       Training and Development

The Leader of the Council paid compliment to the members of the Audit and Governance Committee for the way in which it had conducted its extensive business with thoroughness and detail and there was no doubt that the Committee had a very high standard in its approach to championing good governance throughout 2023/24, reviewing Treasury, Risk, Audit and other key financial and governance related matters.  He added that he was pleased to hear that Committee members had undertaken an extensive programme of training and development and acknowledged that the Committee had dealt with some complex audits, financial matters and reviews during that period.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

·       A Member referred to the Internal Audit Update and reference to 58 recommendations made from audits undertaken during 2023/24.  Following which, clarification was sought on how many of these had been actioned and where this was reported.

In response, Councillor Jackson stated that very few recommendations were outstanding but would seek a written response to clarify this.

RESOLVED:

That the Audit and Governance Committee Annual Report 2023/24 be noted.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of the Council will be 11^th December 2024.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of the Council was noted as Wednesday 11 December 2024 commencing at 2.00pm.

N.B.  Councillors Terry Aldridge and Sarah Devereux left the Meeting at 8.27pm.

To consider a report to delivery the ELDC Temporary Accommodation Programme Utilising the £1million funding allocated through the Council’s Capital Programme and the award of DLUHC LAHF 3 funding for Temporary and Resettlement homes.

Please Note: Appendix A is Exempt

The Chairman highlighted that Appendix A was Exempt.  Should Members wish to discuss this paper, a vote would be taken to go into Exempt session.

The Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing presented a report that sought approval for delivery of the ELDC Temporary Accommodation Programme utilising the £1million funding allocated through the Council’s Capital Programme and the award of DLUHC LAHF 3 funding for Temporary and Resettlement homes, pages 103 to 120 of the Agenda refer.

In September 2023, Executive Board agreed to provide £1m to increase the Council’s temporary accommodation (TA) stock.  Subsequent to this decision, Full Council approved the amendment to the 2023/24 Capital Programme budget to include this provision at its meeting held on 11 October 2023, Minute No. 48 refers.

More recently, the Council had been notified by DLUHC of the award of £1.067m grant in response to its Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 3 expression of interest for the delivery of further re-settlement homes and temporary accommodation units.

In light of the LAHF 3 funding offer, on September 18^th 2024 the Executive Board met and formally agreed the following, Minute No. 26 refers;

·       To take part on the Local Authority Housing Fund Round 3 programme, with a view to bringing 12 properties into the council’s ownership to meet short, medium and long-term housing needs within the district.

·       The approach to be adopted in respect of the spend of the funds, including type, priority location and delivery approach. This approach is detailed within this report.

·       To delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Strategic Growth & Development, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing, to finalise and agree the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the LAHF Round 3 programme with DLUHC and,

·       To recommended to Council that the 2024/25 capital programme, as set out in Appendix 2, is amended to reflect the LAHF 3 funds.

The report sought Full Council approval on the matter of amendments to the 2024/25 capital programme, as set out in Appendix 2.

The Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing passed his thanks on to the Assistant Director for Strategic Growth and Development and his team for the tremendous work that had gone into the programme and for the success that it had become.

Following which the recommendation was duly Proposed and Seconded.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

·       A Member queried what the total need and total projected need was for this type of accommodation in the future and whether more of this type of accommodation was planned and if so, the payback time.

In response, the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing stated that the Council would never have enough of this type of accommodation, with 820 applicants on the waiting list for one-bedroom accommodation.  However, alternative ideas had been considered regarding modular design and construction which may come forward and would hopefully increase the number of one-bedroom accommodation.

·       A Member queried whether it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

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

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 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 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended).

To consider a Scrutiny Report.

Please Note: Appendix A1 is Exempt

Councillor Daniel Simpson, Chair of the scrutiny panel ‘To review the running of Invest East Lindsey Limited, with a particular focus on Kingfisher Caravan Park’ presented a report together with the recommendations of the panel.

During his introduction, Councillor Simpson expressed his thanks to all involved in the scrutiny as set out in the acknowledgements, pages 125 to 126 of the Agenda refers.

Members were referred to the recommendations detailed at page 139 of the Agenda pack.  Councillor Simpson highlighted Recommendation No. 14 and asked that the Leader of the Council supported a presentation to Council with regards to Invest East Lindsey that included a business case to justify its future.

In response, the Leader of the Council acknowledged receipt of the report and the recommendations made, however highlighted that Executive Board had not yet discussed this in terms of the recommendations but confirmed that the report would be passed onto the Portfolio Holder and the wider Board for full consideration prior to responding to Overview Committee.

Members were advised that the recommendations pertaining to Kingfisher Caravan Park were set out at Exempt Appendix A1 of the report referred.  Should Members wish to discuss the detail within the Appendix, a vote would be taken to move into Exempt session.

During his summary, Councillor Simpson stated that he was happy to take questions arising from the report.

·       Councillor Fiona Martin, Chairman of the Overview Committee thanked Councillor Simpson and the members of the panel for their input into the report and reassured Members that once a response had been received from Executive Board, the recommendations agreed would be added to the Scrutiny Recommendation Tracker for monitoring.

·       A Member raised her concern in relation to how Invest East Lindsey was set up and considered that the Leader and Executive Board Members needed to give this due consideration as good governance was vital and stressed that the setting up of a company must be done properly and diligently.

·       A Member stated that his view of Invest East Lindsey was that the Council was essentially trying to run this as a private business and did not consider that this worked well in terms of financial management or relevant experience.

The Chairman thanked Members for their comments and questions.

Following a brief discussion, it was

RESOLVED

·       That Recommendations Nos. 1 to 14 at Appendix A to the report be noted.

·       That Council move into Exempt Session to discuss Appendix A1.

N.B. Jameela Rawlinson, Environmental Enforcement Liaison Officer and Matthew Hogan, Assistant Director, Strategic Growth and Development left the Meeting at 8.48pm.