Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Wendy Bowkett, Billy Brookes, Carl Drury, Stephen Evans, Will Grover, Alex Hall, Tom Kemp, James Knowles and Terry Knowles.

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

·       Councillor Claire Arnold asked it be noted that she worked at the Campus for Future Living, Item No. 7 ‘Report of the Chairman of Executive Board’ refers.

·       Councillor George Horton asked it be noted that a family member was employed by the Council, Item No. 18 ‘To implement a pay structure and associated job evaluation scheme for officers in shared Partnership roles within the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership’ refers.

·       Councillor George Horton further asked it be noted that he was a Magistrate, Item No. 15 ‘Questions’ refers.

·       Councillor Colin Davie asked it be noted that he was a director and trustee of the Renewable Energy Foundation, Item No. 13 ‘Motions on Notice’ refers.

·       Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders asked it be noted that she was a Director of PSPS Limited.

To confirm the Minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on 21 May 2025.

The Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 21 May 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To confirm Actions following the Annual Meeting held on 21 May 2025.

The Actions of the Annual Meeting held on 21 May 2025 were confirmed as complete.

licensing cancelled 21/07/25

Parish Order for Sth Somercotes provided sent off by then

The Chairman advised of an item for noting as follows:

In pursuance of Section S91 of the Local Government Act 1972, East Lindsey District Council had appointed District Councillors Daniel McNally, Edward Mossop and Paul Rickett to South Somercotes Parish Council so that the Parish Council meetings were able to convene.

Members were advised that the General Licensing Committee programmed for Monday 21 July had been cancelled due to the lack of substantive business.

The Chairman had attended the following Civic Events:

·       Spilsby Town Council - Recognition Award event at Franklin Hall in Spilsby.

·       Louth Male Voice Choir - Mid Summer Musical Evening Concert at St. James Church, Louth.

·       Grand Opening of the Seathorne Bank Railway Station, Skegness.

There were no questions from the public for this meeting.

Report of the Chairman of Executive Board.

The Leader of the Council presented Members with his report, pages 23 to 24 of the Agenda refer.  In addition to the report, the Leader provided Members with a verbal update as follows:

‘On Thursday 10th July we had the media launch of our LGR our Greater Lincolnshire for All proposal.  It went very well.  You will have all been sent the supporting briefing documents and social media links. 

We need to be bold and ambitious and our engagement will be county wide and seek the views of residents, partners and town and parish councils. 

We believe our proposal is the most sensible and will deliver for our residents and communities.   We believe our proposal best fits the government criteria

The other potential proposal that will most likely be considered is the LCC continuity model.  Like ours, a 2-council solution but with a significant imbalance of population.

Currently that would be 795000 and 329000 and by 2042 the population would be 865000 and 326000.  Our model accords with the population criteria of circa 500K.

That is better for the democratic relationship between resident and councillor and also means we can provide services of the highest quality across adult and children’s services and also on other areas of provision.

Of course, change is not always welcomed and be very clear we did not seek this.  Effectively government have said to us ‘engage positively or we will make this happen’. 

We have chosen to engage positively.  We will make sure this council is fully briefed throughout the process prior to submitting our completed proposal in November’.

‘A year ago, National Grid held their Stage 1 Consultation on the early proposals for their Grimsby to Walpole project.

We are now nearing the end of their Stage 2 Consultation which has run from 11th June and will close at midnight on Wednesday 6th August 2025.  If Councillors or residents have not made their submissions, I encourage them to do so.  ELDC as the Local Planning Authority will be making a detailed technical submission. 

Tonight, I speak as a concerned community and Council Leader.  Our residents, communities and affected ward Councillors are still grappling with the potential unwanted intrusion of this 400KV overhead transmission line across our district.

As I’ve stated before this will scar and destroy vistas that have existed for millennia and are valued by residents now and will be into the future. 

This will undoubtedly affect a tourism industry worth £874 million in 2024 employing 6500 residents in the sector. 

It will also alter the balance of economics for many operating farms across Lincolnshire who may be tempted to move away from food production to energy generation as nationally we ignore the necessity of food security.  It will also drive tenant farmers off the land and threaten compulsory purchase on those landowners who resist the move away from traditional agriculture. 

And all this is being assisted by changes this Labour government is making to the planning regime that will see compulsory purchase  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

To consider approval of the 2024/25 Draft Outturn Finance Update.

The 2024/25 Draft Outturn Finance Update was presented which set out a summary of the draft outturn position for the Council covering the year to 31^st March 2025 for Members’ consideration to ensure the Council’s draft outturn financial position for 2024/25 was considered and related decisions approved. It was important that Full 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.

On behalf of the Portfolio Holder for Finance, during his introduction of the report the Leader of the Council highlighted the following key 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

Full details were set out at Sections 1 and Appendix A of the Agenda, pages 25 to 48 refer.

The recommendations were duly Proposed and Seconded.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

The Leader of the Council explained that due to the detail in the report he would defer to the Chief Executive to respond, or an answer would be provided to the relevant Member(s) after the meeting.

A Member referred to Table 1b – 2024/25 budgeted efficiency target Outturn, page 31 of the Agenda refers and queried why the Solar PV line at £171k was listed as a budget omission.  In response, the Chief Executive stated that he would ensure a response was provided after the meeting.

A further comment was raised regarding the third recommendation, noting that it involved more than just capital slippage into the following financial year.  Specifically, it included an internal borrowing amount of £552,000, which Council was being asked to approve, as outlined in Table 4c – Capital Programme Revised 2025/26.  Clarification on this point was requested.

In response, the Leader of the Council confirmed that a detailed response would be provided following the meeting.

A Member sought reassurance from the Portfolio Holder for Finance that he was fully up to date with aspects of his portfolio as he had been notably absent from Audit and Governance Committee Meetings as well as today’s Council Meeting.

In response, the Leader of the Council acknowledged the concerns raised, and assured Members that Councillor Tom Kemp was a very diligent portfolio holder, however he held a full-time job that took him across the country so asked for understanding of this.

A Member referred to the Carbon Reduction Reserve, page 34 of the Agenda refers and asked for clarification why the Council’s Use of Reserve had been allocated as follows ‘Climate Change Fund for Boston Borough Council (BBC) and South Holland District Council (SHDC)’.  In response, the Chief Executive explained that ELDC was the accountable body for the scheme and clarified that there was no expense incurred by the Council for BBC and SHDC.

A Member highlighted Table 4a – 2024/25 Capital Programme and Outturn, page 35 of the Agenda refers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

To receive and review the Treasury Annual Report 2024-2025.

On behalf of the Portfolio Holder for Finance, the Leader of the Council presented a report to consider approval of the Annual Treasury Report 2024/25 in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management to ensure best practice was maintained.

During his introduction of the report, Members were referred to Appendix 1 to the Agenda, pages 55 to 68 refer which detailed the Council’s activities and actual prudential and treasury indicators for the following areas:

•   An economic update for the 2024/25 financial year;

•   A review of the Council’s investment portfolio for 2024/25;

•   A review of the Council’s borrowing strategy for 2024/25;

•   Debt position;

•   Compliance with Treasury and Prudential Indicators.

The report also referred to a key element of the Council’s Governance Framework and represented an important contribution to the evidence trail in support of the Annual Governance Statement 2024/25.

Following which the recommendation was duly Proposed and Seconded.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

The Leader of the East Lindsey Independent Group highlighted that some of Invest East Lindsey’s (IEL) loans were not due to mature until 2042 and queried what happened to the repayment of the loans once ELDC had ceased to exist following LGR.

N.B.  Councillor Claire Arnold left the room at 7.28pm and re-joined the Meeting at 7.30pm.

Discussion ensured, following which a Member raised a query regarding the potential collapse of IEL as a company.  They asked what mechanisms would be in place to recover the assets in such a scenario and whether any provisions existed to bridge the relationship between the Council and the outstanding loan, particularly in the context of a future new authority.

In response, the Leader of the Council explained that in the event of the Council ceasing to exist, any associated debts and loans would become part of the broader financial considerations to be addressed by central government as part of the Local Government Review.  He noted that East Lindsey District Council was in a fortunate position, having managed its finances prudently and avoiding significant debt or loan issues.

The Chief Executive added that the process was straightforward and advised that all assets and liabilities held by the Council would transfer to the successor authority.

Raising a Point of Order, a Member highlighted that under company law, the obligations of IEL could change depending on its corporate structure once ELDC no longer existed as the monitoring authority.  They questioned what safeguards would be in place to prevent the company from disposing of its assets or liquidating once oversight by ELDC had ended.

In response, the Chief Executive clarified that IEL was wholly owned by the Council.  Upon Local Government Reorganisation, ownership of the company would transfer to the new authority.  As such, the governance framework and operational parameters of the company would remain unchanged.

RESOLVED

That the Treasury Annual Report 2024/25 at Appendix 1 to the report referred, as required by the Local Government  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

To note the Annual Overview and Scrutiny Committee Report to Council.

Councillor Fiona Martin, Chairman of Overview Committee presented the Annual Overview and Scrutiny Committee Report to Council 2025 for noting, pages 69 to 74 of the Agenda refer.

During her introduction, Councillor Martin asked that her thanks be passed to all members of the Overview Committee and all Members who had engaged with the scrutiny process over the last 12 months.

N.B.  Councillors Richard Fry and Ru Yarsley left the room at 7.31pm and re-joined the Meeting at 7.33pm .

Thanks were also passed to the Vice Chairman, the Outside Body Appointee to the Health Scrutiny Committee, the Scrutiny and Policy Officer and Democratic Services Officer for their support.  Thanks were further extended to Councillor Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction for his regular attendance at the meetings.

Councillor Martin referred to the topics covered by the Committee and Scrutiny Panels during the year and encouraged Members to put forward topic submissions for consideration and highlighted the Disabled Facilities Grant (DGF) as a worthy subject.

N.B.  Councillor Paul Rickett left the room at 7.35pm and re-joined the Meeting at 7.37pm.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

A Member referred to Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) and agreed that the topic warranted scrutiny.  They further suggested that in light of the forthcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the Overview Committee should play a key role in monitoring and tracking the Executive Board’s actions, particularly in relation to safeguarding the Council’s reserves and the transfer of assets to any future authority, with specific attention to assets delivered through the Towns Fund.

The Leader of the East Lindsey Independent Group proposed the establishment of a scrutiny panel to examine the legacy the Council would leave behind as part of the local government reform process.  In response, Councillor Martin encouraged Members to submit a scrutiny topic suggestion form for the Committee’s consideration.

The Leader of the Council acknowledged the valuable work of the Overview Committee under Councillor Martin’s leadership and welcomed the Committee’s role in providing challenge.  He recognised the concerns raised regarding LGR and affirmed that the Overview Committee served as a consistent and important mechanism for monitoring developments, a role that was fully supported by the Executive Board.

Councillor Ros Jackson, Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee, thanked Councillor Martin for her contributions to the Overview Committee and highlighted the collaborative approach taken between the two committees.

In response, Councillor Martin expressed appreciation for the supportive comments and noted that the Audit and Governance Committee already had a standing item on its work programme relating to LGR.  She confirmed that she would liaise with Councillor Jackson to ensure that any future work on the topic would be coordinated to avoid duplication.

No further comments or questions were received.

RESOLVED

That the Annual Overview and Scrutiny Committee Report to Council 2025 be noted.

To consider a scrutiny report.

A Scrutiny Panel report was presented on the Review of support for Towns and Parishes across East Lindsey.  Members were requested to note the Panel’s report and recommendations.

N.B.  Councillor Stef Bristow left the room at 7.45pm and re-joined the Meeting at 7.48pm.

During her introduction, Councillor Ruchira Yarsley, Chairman of the Scrutiny Panel extended her thanks to the Clerks and Parish Councillors, officers involved and to the dedicated Panel Members for their time and input.

Full details were set out in the report, attached at Appendix 1, pages 79 to 104 of the Agenda refer.

Members were further referred to the recommendations detailed at pages 91 to 93 of the Agenda pack.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

A Member requested clarification on who currently held the role of Town and Parish Liaison Officer (TPLO).  The Leader of the Labour Group, who also served on the scrutiny panel informed Members that she had met the TPLO at several meetings he had organised but understood that the officer was no longer in post.  The Chairman of the Scrutiny Panel added that the TPLO role was not a dedicated position, rather it formed part of a broader remit which also included responsibilities in Mablethorpe, Alford, and Louth.

A Member then referred to Recommendation 4b under Section B (Support), which proposed: “Implement partnership working with ELDC, LALC, and town and parish councils to help develop proposals for future representation and delivery of responsibilities at this level of local government.”  The Member queried how and when this would be implemented, stressing that engagement with local councils should begin immediately rather than waiting for the formal engagement process to conclude.  They also suggested that district councillors should be empowered to take the lead informally within their wards.  In response, the Chairman of the Scrutiny Panel agreed that the foundations for area committees should be laid informally and noted that the panel’s recommendations reflected the need for a measured, district-wide approach.

A Louth Ward Member commented that Louth had previously operated an area committee, which had proved ineffective and functioned largely as a ‘talking shop.’  They also expressed concern that Louth Town Council lacked meaningful liaison with ELDC and called for a discussion between the two bodies regarding the future of local ELDC assets in light of local government reform. 

In response, the Leader of the Council acknowledged that previous area committees had not achieved their intended impact, though not for lack of effort.  He emphasised the importance of ensuring that any new neighbourhood area committees proposed by government were designed to function effectively.

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Panel added that feedback gathered during the scrutiny process revealed mixed views on the effectiveness of area committees.  However, given the government’s apparent preference for this model as part of the LGR process it was something that would need to be taken seriously.

The Leader of the Labour Group, reflecting on her involvement in the scrutiny panel confirmed that robust discussions had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31a

To consider committee seat allocations to political groups in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 and confirm appointments to committees.

A report was presented to review committee seat allocations to political groups in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 and confirm appointments to committees.  This followed a change to political group membership.

During his introduction of the report, the Chief Executive advised Members that the purpose of the report was to set out a revised allocation of seats and associated appointments for committees and panels following a review which was undertaken in response to a recent change in political group membership.

Members were referred to Appendix A ‘Allocation of Committee seats’ and Appendix B ‘Appointments to Committees, pages 111 to 114 of the Agenda refer.

The Chief Executive advised Members that the following committee seats had been exchanged, which retained a current proportionality:

The seat allocated to the Reform UK Group on Overview Committee was now allocated to the East Lindsey Progressives Group and would be taken by Councillor Robert Watson.  The seat allocated to the East Lindsey Progressives Group on the Employment Committee was now allocated to the Reform UK Group and would be taken by Councillor Danny Brookes.

An update to Appendix B where the appointments were to be confirmed were as follows:

The three seats allocated to the East Lindsey Independent Group on Planning Committee would be taken by Councillors Stephen Eyre, Steve McMillan and Ru Yarsley.

Following which the proposal, together with the amendments as set out was duly Proposed and Seconded.

N.B.  Councillor Sarah Devereux left the room at 8.05pm and re-joined the Meeting at 8.07pm.

N.B.  Councillor Paul Rickett left the room at 8.06pm and re-joined the Meeting at 8.08pm.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

The Leader of the East Lindsey Independent Group expressed disappointment that the Reform UK Group had relinquished its seat on the Overview Committee, whose primary role was to hold the Executive to account in favour of a seat on the Employment Committee which had not convened since 2017.

In response, Councillor Danny Brookes, Leader of the Reform UK Group explained that every member of his group had been allocated a committee seat, unlike some other political groups.  He highlighted that all members of his group were in full-time employment which made attendance at daytime meetings particularly challenging.  However, he indicated a willingness to support meetings being held in the evening.

Several Members agreed that the predominance of daytime meetings created difficulties for working councillors.

A long-serving Member observed that meetings had traditionally been held during the day, but over time a more flexible, hybrid approach had developed. They acknowledged the importance of making meetings accessible to Members who worked during the day.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning added that a request to hold Planning Policy meetings in the evenings had been approved in 2022 and had been well received by those affected.

RESOLVED

That the revised allocation of seats to political groups as detailed in Appendix A to the report referred  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

To receive Motions on Notice under Council Procedure Rule 12.

Motion 1

“This Council requests that the Executive endeavours that only peat-free compost is used for all horticultural purposes undertaken by the Council, including activities carried out by contractors on behalf of the Council and specify that all organisations receiving grants from the council must not use peat in any form.”

Proposer: Robert Watson

Seconder; Graham Marsh

Motion 2

“Council welcomes the end to the threat of a nuclear waste dump in our area and, in order to mitigate our residents from any similar threat, recommends to the Executive that the authority joins the Nuclear Free Local Authorities group and appoints an elected member representative to serve on the Steering Committee of the NFLAs."

Proposer: Robert Watson

Seconder: Stef Bristow.

Motion 3

"This council recognises that, according to the Local Government Association, supporting the local development of community energy projects has positive impacts on equality, social cohesion and economic opportunity.

Council asks the Leader to investigate opportunities for wind power in the district ready for any changes at government level, to consult with potential community energy partners, to bring forward options for council investment and to work towards renewable energy schemes that can bring direct benefit to the residents of East Lindsey.

Also to report back on how we will make best use of the “£600m in funding for local authorities and up to £400 million in low-interest loans each year for communities” promised by the government as part of its “Local Power Plan”.

Proposer: Robert Watson

Seconder: Stef Bristow

The following Motions were received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12:

Motion 1

“This Council requests that the Executive endeavours that only peat-free compost is used for all horticultural purposes undertaken by the Council, including activities carried out by contractors on behalf of the Council and specify that all organisations receiving grants from the council must not use peat in any form.”

Proposer: Robert Watson

Seconder; Graham Marsh

In his introduction, Councillor Watson informed Members that during the filling of planters around the newly refurbished paddling pool in Sutton on Sea, he discovered that 100% Irish Moss peat compost had been used, sourced by the subcontractor.  Upon further investigation, he was disappointed to conclude that cost was likely the determining factor.  He noted that while the Council’s procurement strategy included a section on sustainable procurement, it did not specifically address the use of peat.

N.B.  Councillor Terry Aldridge left the room at 8.15pm and re-joined the Meeting at 8.18pm.

Councillor Watson explained that peatlands were a unique and vital ecosystem, home to a diverse range of plant and animal species found nowhere else.  He emphasised that these areas stored significant amounts of carbon and that the extraction of peat resulted in the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

In conclusion, he noted that major DIY retailers and garden centres had already taken proactive steps to phase out peat-based compost ahead of legislation banning its sale.  He urged Members to support the Motion as a positive step towards eliminating the use of peat and promoting more sustainable practices.

Councillor Graham Marsh seconded the Motion.

A Member expressed support for the intention behind the Motion and acknowledged its rationale, however raised concerns about the practicality of monitoring its implementation.

In response, the Leader of the Labour Group disagreed, stating that the Council had a clear responsibility to address its carbon footprint and expressed full support for the Motion.

Speaking to the Motion, another Member pointed out an inconsistency in the wording.  They noted that while the Motion stated the Council should ‘endeavour’ to use only peat-free compost for its horticultural activities, it also stated that organisations receiving Council grants ‘must not’ use peat in any form.  The Member suggested that the phrase ‘must not’ be replaced with ‘endeavour’ for consistency.

In response, the Leader of the Reform UK Group expressed support for the Motion and agreed with the proposed change in wording.  He also raised concerns about how the non-use of peat-based compost would be enforced and the potential impact on floral displays along the coastal areas.

N.B.  Councillor Fiona Martin left the room at 8.21pm and re-joined the Meeting at 8.25pm.

The Leader of the Council confirmed that his group was supportive of the Motion and agreed with the proposed amendment to the wording.  He emphasised that the Motion reflected the Council’s intent and commitment, and noted that given the introduction of relevant legislation there was no justification for the Council not to act on this issue.

Speaking as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

To note the Draft Open and Exempt Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 26 June 2025.

N.B.  Minutes to follow.

Members received the draft Open and Exempt Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 26 June 2025 for noting. 

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

·       The Committee discussed local government reorganisation specifically from a governance perspective at its meeting held on 26 June 2025 and Councillor Jackson encouraged Members to look at the comments made, Audit and Governance Committee Minute No.8, pages 4 to 6 of the Supplementary Agenda refer.

·       The Chairman of the Committee was delighted that the reports from the audit teams and the financial statements were being presented in a timely manner.

·       The Council had received limited assurance for two audits (Insurance and Finance Systems – Bank Reconciliations) and reassurance had been received from the Interim Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer that matters had been addressed and would continue to be closely monitored.

·       External Audit had now commenced follow-up work relating to inappropriate governance arrangements over Invest East Lindsey Limited and the Committee continued to monitor the financial transparency.

·       There was a new approach to budget preparation and a timetable was in place which would enable better consultation with Committee Members.

·       All Committee Members and any Member wishing to substitute at a meeting were urged to attend upcoming mandatory training for the Committee

RESOLVED

That the draft Open and Exempt Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 26 June 2025 be noted.

N.B.  Councillor Daniel Simpson left the Meeting at 9.34pm.

N.B.  Councillors Colin Davie, Ellie Marsh and Carl Macey left the Meeting at 9.36pm.

N.B.  It was Proposed, Seconded and agreed that Items 17 and 18 be brought forward to ensure Council remained quorate to vote on the recommendations.

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 4 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 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended).

To consider implementation for a pay structure and associated Job Evaluation Scheme for Officers in shared Partnership roles within the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

An exempt report was presented to consider the  implementation of a pay structure and associated Job Evaluation Scheme for Officers in shared Partnership roles within the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

RESOLVED

That the recommendations contained within the exempt report be approved.

N.B.  It was Proposed and Seconded that the Meeting move back into Open session.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of the Council will be Wednesday 8 October 2025.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of the Council was noted as Wednesday 8 October 2025.