Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Claire Arnold, Sandra Campbell-Wardman, Carleen Dickinson, Stephen Eyre, Adam Grist, George Horton, Terry Knowles, Daniel McNally and Paul Rickett.

In response to the kind wishes received, Councillor Richard Avison thanked everybody for the respect shown to his late father Councillor Stan Avison and thanked all Members of the Council, staff and officers for the letters of condolence and messages received by his mother, brother and himself which was greatly appreciated.

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

·       Councillors Carl Drury and Wendy Bowkett asked it be noted that they were members of Wainfleet All Saints Town Council, Item No. 10 ‘Use of the Council’s Capital Reserve’ refers.

·       Councillors Craig Leyland and Thomas Kemp asked it be noted that they were Ward Members for Woodhall Spa and ELDC representatives on Woodhall Spa Parish Council, Item No. 10 ‘Use of the Council’s Capital Reserve’ refers.

·       Councillors Thomas Kemp and Ellie Marsh asked it be noted that they were members of Spilsby Town Council, Item No. 10 ‘Use of the Council’s Capital Reserve’ refers.

·       Councillors Richard Avison and Fiona Martin asked it be noted that they were members of Horncastle Town Council, Item No. 10 ‘Use of the Council’s Capital Reserve’ refers.

·       Councillor Fiona Martin asked it be noted that her grandson participated in the Teenage Markets in Horncastle, Item 8 ‘Report of the Chairman of Executive Board’ refers. 

To confirm the Open and Exempt Minutes of the Meeting held on 16 July 2025.

The Open and Exempt Minutes of the Meeting held on 16 July 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To confirm Actions following the Meeting held on 16 July 2025.

The Chief Executive advised Members that all actions were complete, with the exception of Action No. 27(a) which was a request for an update report to come to Council on the Campus for Future Living, scheduled for the January Meeting of Full Council.

In response, the following comments were received.

With regards to Action No. 27(a) concerns were raised why the update for the Campus for Future Living was delayed until January 2026.  It was further considered that it was important to receive an update on the business plan and operational mode of the facility for a clearer understanding of its direction.

The Chief Executive clarified that the facility was newly opened in June 2025, and a more meaningful update would be possible after it had been operational for six months.

Action 27 c (ii), with regards to the reform of flood funding and given its significance to East Lindsey, a Member considered that the Council should respond to the consultation independently as it was a matter of great importance to its residents.

To reassure Members, the Portfolio Holder for Planning advised that the consultation responses had been thorough and reflected the views of the flood and water management sector across East Lindsey and Lincolnshire. However, he cautioned against excessive optimism as it was not about increasing funding, but redistributing existing resources and welcomed the shift towards maintenance priorities, however advised that this would not necessarily mean more money for Lincolnshire.

The Chairman advised he had attended the following events:

·       North Kesteven District Council Chairman’s Civic Service on Sunday 7^th September 2025.

·       South Holland District Council Chairman’s Civic Service on Sunday 28^th September 2025.

The Chairman also attended the late Councillor Bill Aron’s funeral on Thursday 18^th September 2025 and the late Councillor Stan Avison’s funeral on Monday 29^th September 2025.

Members were advised that the Chief Executive had exercised his delegation in consultation with himself as Chairman of the Council to move the January Council meeting, currently programmed for 29^th January 2026 to Wednesday 28^th January 2026 at 2:00pm.

No questions by the public were received.

Report of the Chairman of Executive Board.

The Leader of the Council presented Members with his report, pages 55 to 58 of the Agenda refer.

Following which, Members were invited to put their questions and comments forward.

Resignation

Members noted the resignation of Councillor Stephen Evans, who represented the Chapel St Leonards Ward.  This would necessitate a by-election, scheduled to take place in mid-November.  On behalf of all Members, the Leader extended his sincere thanks and best wishes to Councillor Evans for his service to the Council and advised Members he would pass their best wishes on to him.

The Campus for Future Living (CFL)

The Leader advised that a full update on the CFL would be provided by the Portfolio Holder for Housing Communities and Better Ageing at the Council meeting to be held on 28 January 2026.  The facility was officially opened in June 2025 and was already making a significant impact by integrating health, wellbeing, research and community support services in an underserved coastal area.  The Council was proud to be working in partnership with the Lincolnshire Institute of Rural Coastal Health and Coastal Health, who launched their coastal research programme in July.  This was supported by a presentation from former Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty.  The Leader added that he anticipated further exciting developments to be shared in January as the project progressed.

The Leader of the East Lindsey Independent Group advised Members that she attended the opening of the CFL and enjoyed the presentation provided by Professor Whitty which was engaging and interactive.  Furthermore, she found it particularly valuable to meet academics from the Institute of Coastal and Rural Health and welcomed this investment in the local communities.

In response, the Leader of the Council stated that he had received very positive feedback for the CFL and highlighted that the site held great promise and he was encouraged to see such strong engagement.

Best Community & Neighbourhood Initiative Award at APSE

The Leader was pleased to report that officers had received this prestigious recognition, awarded for the innovative Energy and Retrofit Information Clinic Van which had transformed the way community advice and support was delivered across East Lindsey.  This initiative provided local energy advice and demonstrations whilst gathering valuable feedback from communities to help officers and teams respond more effectively to local needs.

A Member echoed the congratulations to the HEART team on their recent APSE award and considered it an excellent achievement.

In response, the Leader of the Council thanked Members for their positive comments regarding the HEART team which had done an outstanding job, and was pleased to see their efforts recognised with the APSE award.

ELIF and UKSPF Grants

The Leader advised that new funding was now available and strongly encouraged all ward councillors to ensure their communities and parish councils were aware of these opportunities which were making a real difference across the district.

ELDC Teenage Markets – Empowering Young Creatives Across East Lindsey

The Leader was pleased to report that the teenage markets continued to be well  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

To consider approval of the 2025/26 Quarter 1 Finance Update – Capital.

A report was presented that set out a summary of the current capital financial position for the Council at the end of the first quarter of 2025/26 forecasting to the year end for Members’ consideration.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Finance highlighted the key issues as follows:

Revenue Outturn

• The Q1 forecast revenue outturn for 2025/26 was an overspend of £280,000 at the present time.  Steps were being taken to manage these pressures, and a further report would cover these when the quarter two position had been assessed.

• Income forecasts remained broadly in line with full year budgets following Q1 meetings.  Forecasts for Planning Application fees and Car Parking charges remained under review and would be reflected appropriately in Q2.

• The Council’s 2025/26 net budget for investment income was £2.149m, the forecast outturn for investment income was £2.955m, contributing to a possible overachievement of £806k.

• The Government announced during 2025/26 that it would provide £5m of additional funding to support Councils significantly impacted by Internal Drainage Board levies.  East Lindsey District Council was awarded £1.164m for 2025/26 which was included within the Outturn figures. 

Capital

For Capital, Table 1 of Appendix A provided details of all capital schemes and their forecast position.  The total Capital Programme for 2025/26 was

approved at £43.465m and forecast expenditure for 2025/26 was £39.795m an underspend of £4.984m against a revised budget of £44.779m.  Further to this, the report presented detailed adjustments to the programme of £1.314m detailed in Table 3 of Appendix A. 

It was highlighted to Members that Section B of Table 3 required Council’s consideration in line with the Constitution, those aspects to be considered related to;

• UKSPF grant of £531k received now confirmed from Combined Mayoral Authority via North East Lincolnshire Council.
• UKSPF Rural grant £538k received now confirmed from Combined Mayoral Authority via North East Lincolnshire Council.
• Spilsby Session House £1.006m additional funding received from Heritage at Risk to bolster this scheme.

The full background to the report was detailed at Sections 1 and 2, page 60 of the Agenda refers.

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:

A Member referred to Table 3 – Changes to Approved Capital Budgets, page 65 of the Agenda refers and in relation to the 3G Football Pitch was disappointed that the funding had been removed without any reinvestment into sports provision in Louth, particularly as free and accessible physical activities was urgently needed in the area, which was vital for the health and wellbeing of the residents.

The Leader of the East Lindsey Independent Group echoed her concerns with regards to the 3G pitch, Table 1 – Capital Programme 2025/26, page 63 of the Agenda refers and queried why the Council was abandoning what could be a vital sporting legacy for Louth, particularly as the town lacked adequate football facilities.

In response, the Portfolio Holder for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

To consider approval for the use of the Council’s Capital Reserve as set out within the report.

A report was presented to consider use of the Council’s Capital Reserve.

During his introduction of the report, the Leader of the Council advised Members that at its meeting on 24 September 2025, Executive Board supported the use of up to £1,650,000 from the Council’s capital reserve to fund the full refurbishment of six sets of Public Conveniences (PC’s) across East Lindsey and the replacement of a seventh set with a new modular unit, Minute No 112 refers.  As the Council’s Constitution required Council approval for the use of the Capital Reserve above £500,000, Executive Board resolved to recommend the use of up to £1.65 million of the reserve to Council accordingly.

The public conveniences it agreed for traditional refurbishment were:

• Spa Road PCs, Woodhall Spa.

• St. Lawrence Street PCs, Horncastle

• Market Place, Wragby

• High Street PCs, Spilsby

• Pullover PCs, Anderby Creek

• Brooks Walk PCs, Wainfleet All Saints, with Castle Lane PCs, Coningsby, being  agreed for replacement with a modular suite.

The full background to the report was detailed at Sections 1 and 2, pages 70 to 71 of the Agenda refers.

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:

A Member questioned whether it would have been more appropriate to consult with relevant parish councils at the outset, asking if they would be willing to take on responsibility for the public conveniences following refurbishment rather than proceeding with the works and only then initiating discussions.

A Member expressed concern regarding the proposed £1 million investment in toilet refurbishments, particularly in the context of the upcoming devolution agenda.  He recalled that prior to 2019, the Council had resolved that all public conveniences would either be outsourced or managed by town and parish councils.  He suggested that consultation should take place with those councils to determine their willingness to take on the facilities post-refurbishment, to avoid the risk of investing in assets that may later be declined.  He also raised concerns about the inconsistency in charging for public toilet use across the district, noting that some towns charged 40p while others offered free access, which he felt was inequitable.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat/Independent Group welcomed the report and highlighted that Horncastle had long campaigned for improvements to its public conveniences.  She recalled an historical Council programme that refurbished one or two toilet blocks annually, which had lapsed due to resource constraints.  She expressed hope that the internal condition of Horncastle’s toilets would soon match their improved exterior.  She confirmed that Horncastle Town Council had previously indicated a willingness to take on the facilities, provided they had been refurbished.

The Leader of the East Lindsey Progressives Group echoed the comments made and expressed her support for the investment.  As Chair of the most recent Public Conveniences Scrutiny Panel, she highlighted that the group had visited every facility and made informed recommendations.  She highlighted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

To consider approval for the designation of a Section 151 Officer.

A report was presented to consider the designation of Section 151 Officer.

During his introduction of the report, the Leader of the Council advised Members that the Council had an obligation to designate a suitably qualified Section 151 Officer.  The Council’s interim Section 151 Officer, Brendan Arnold, would leave the Council at the end of his contract.

The report brought to Council the designation of a Section 151 Officer to ensure the statutory functions associated with the role were fulfilled.  As at present, the role would be undertaken on a shared basis across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

The Leader of the Council expressed his thanks to Mr. Arnold for his service to the Council.

The full background to the report was detailed at Sections 1 and 2, page 76 of the Agenda refers.

Following which the recommendation was duly Proposed and Seconded.

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

Councillor Ros Jackson, Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee offered her thanks to Brendan Arnold for his impactful contribution during his tenure and expressed her anticipation in working with Russell Stone.

The Leader of the East Lindsey Independent Group echoed these sentiments, thanking Mr. Arnold for transforming the way all Members were engaged in the budget-setting process.  She noted that this inclusive approach had been long sought after and on behalf of the East Lindsey Independent Group expressed sincere appreciation for his work.

RESOLVED:

That Russell Stone, the Council’s incoming Director of Finance be designated as the Council’s Section 151 Officer with effect from 3^rd November 2025.

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 21^st May 2025.

The background and detail to the report was highlighted to Members, as set out at Sections 1 to 4, pages 80 to 85 of the Agenda refer, and particular reference was made to the following:

·       Alignment and Delivery Plan (Section 2)

·       Priority Partnerships Updates (Section 3)

·       Local Government Reform (Section 4)

The Leader of the Council highlighted that as a partnership, there was now a notably more positive and aligned political atmosphere across all three councils.  The Partnership was working collaboratively and effectively in shaping its Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) proposals, which was an encouraging sign for the future.  Importantly, even if LGR did not proceed, the Partnership remained a strong and viable entity, continuing to deliver the benefits of a shared management structure and an expanded footprint for engagement with central government.

Following which the recommendation was duly Proposed and Seconded.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

A Member raised a concern regarding the presentation of savings data in the financial graphs detailed in Section 2 ‘Alignment and Delivery Plan’, pages 80 to 81 of the Agenda refer.  He noted that the figures for cashable and non-cashable savings were not clearly separated, making it difficult to interpret the actual cash flow impact.  He requested that future reports distinguish between these categories to provide greater clarity, particularly in understanding whether savings resulted in actual cash in hand or were derived from operational efficiencies.

The Chief Executive responded that a detailed Excel spreadsheet existed which itemised all savings and clearly identified whether they were cashable or non-cashable.  He confirmed that officers would look into amending the presentation of this data to make it clearer for Members.

A Member asked for a brief summary of the top three savings contributing to the reported £4 million achieved this year and projected for the next.  He suggested that highlighting these would help communicate the success of the savings programme and allow Members to celebrate the achievements.

The Chief Executive noted the importance of maintaining the meeting’s format, and advised Members that detailed questions should be addressed outside the formal session.

The Leader of the Council confirmed that the Council would be happy to provide a breakdown of the key savings.  He noted that a significant portion of the savings stemmed from the shared management arrangements, along with procurement efficiencies and other operational improvements.  He offered to provide further detail to Members upon request.

The Leader of the East Lindsey Independent Group referred to Section 2.3 page 80 of the Agenda refers, which highlighted the importance of securing external funding.  She expressed concern that market towns and rural villages appeared to benefit only marginally from such funding.  She questioned further whether the Council was receiving a fair return on its 47% contribution to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

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.

N.B.  Appendices A and B to follow.

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.

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 following a review undertaken in response to a recent change in political group membership.

This paper reviewed 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.

Members were referred to Appendix A ‘Allocation of Committee seats’ and Appendix B ‘Appointments to Committees, pages 1 to 4 of the Supplementary Agenda refer.

The Chief Executive read out a statement as follows:

‘I received notice on 21 August 2025 that Councillor Carleen Dickinson had joined the Reform UK Group.  Councillor Dickinson had, until that point, been a member of the East Lindsey Independent Group (ELIG).  Further to this, a request for a review of committee seats was received.

I received a further notification on 22 September 2025 that Councillor Stephen Evans (Conservative Group), had resigned as a District Councillor for Chapel St Leonards Ward.

Further to the publication of the report and appendices, notification was received and acknowledged that Councillor Ru Yarsley has joined the Conservative Group from the East Lindsey Independent Group.  Appendices A & B have been updated and are tabled to reflect this.  Please note the following information has been updated:

The East Lindsey Independent Group vacancy on Planning Committee will be filled by Councillor Richard Cunnington.

The Conservative vacancy on Planning Policy Committee will be filled by Councillor Ru Yarsley’.

N.B.  A copy of the updated Appendices A and B are attached to the Minutes.

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 noted the outcome of the 2024 elections, highlighting that Independent candidates had performed well, which she attributed to the electorate’s confidence in their integrity and commitment.  She expressed concern that some Members had since changed political affiliation without consulting their constituents, potentially resulting in representation that may not reflect the voters’ original intentions.  She questioned how such changes could be considered truly representative.

The Leader of the East Lindsey Progressives Group further queried the status of the two remaining Conservative vacancies.

The Leader of the Council responded that the Conservative vacancies referenced were not related to Members changing political groups.  He confirmed that the matter was an internal issue for him to address in his capacity as Leader.

RESOLVED

That the revised allocation of seats to political groups as detailed in the tabled Appendix A to the report referred and appointments to committees as detailed in the tabled Appendix B to the report referred be approved.

N.B.  Councillor Steve Kirk left the room at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

None received.

There were no Motions received for this Meeting.

To note the Draft Open and Exempt Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 10 September 2025.

Members received the draft Open and Exempt Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 10^th September 2025 for noting, pages 95 to 115 of the Agenda refer.

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

·        During the meeting, there was a discussion about the budget plan and budget planning process with a Reserved Members’ Day scheduled to ensure all councillors had the opportunity to contribute and ask questions.

·       Reference to insufficient controls’, page 103 of the Agenda refers.  This referred specifically to a lack of controls in identifying and monitoring savings.  The absence of expected processes meant that no proper assurance or standard assessment could be made.  This was considered worse than receiving a no assurance rating, as it indicated a fundamental failure in internal controls.

Members were assured that the Committee took this matter very seriously and would be seeking improvements in the processes going forward.  It was worth noting that an ‘insufficient controls’ assessment was rare, which further underlined the seriousness of the issue.

No comments or questions were received.

RESOLVED

That the draft Open and Exempt Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 10^th September 2025 be noted.

To note the Annual Audit and Governance Committee Annual Report 2024/25 following review by the Audit and Governance Committee.

Members received the Audit and Governance Committee Annual Report 2024/25 from Councillor Ros Jackson, Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee, pages 117 to 130 of the Agenda refer.

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

·       Audit and Governance Committee Membership 2024/25

·       Committee Meetings and Summary of Work

·       Internal and External Audit

·       Governance

·       Treasury and Accounts

·       Risk Management

·       Training and Development

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

·       The catch-up work completed on audits and accounts, as well as the emerging governance issues and challenges arising from local government reorganisation remained ongoing areas of focus for the Committee.

·       The Committee had struggled to achieve full attendance, which the Chairman of the Committee considered a serious governance issue and emphasised the importance of sending substitutes when Members were unable to attend.  This was a key area for improvement within the Council.

·       The list of items and reports considered by the committee were more extensive than usual, reflecting the catch-up work undertaken.

N.B.  Councillors Richard Fry and Daniel Simpson left the Meeting at 7.54pm.

N.B.  Councillor Alex Hall left the room at 7.52pm and re-joined the Meeting at 7.54pm.

N.B.  Councillor Will Grover left the room at 7.54pm and re-joined the Meeting at 8.02pm.

N.B.  Councillor Fiona Martin left the room at 7.51pm and re-joined the Meeting at 7.55pm.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• A Member of the Audit and Governance Committee stated that he would like to acknowledge and commend the two newly co-opted members, Ian Silcox Crow and Chris Pilkington for achieving 100% attendance throughout the year.

• It was further considered that it was important to highlight that the independent members had shown full commitment, which set a strong example and that Councillor Members should feel a duty to attend and ensure substitutes were arranged if they could not attend as it was a matter of governance and accountability.

·       The Vice-Chairman of Audit and Governance Committee fully supported the comments made and thanked Councillor Jackson as Chairman of the Committee who she considered exceptionally diligent and her attention to detail and thoroughness was greatly appreciated.

In response, the Leader of the Council advised Members that the recent peer review highlighted that it was rare for councils to have opposition members leading Audit, Governance and Overview and this was seen as a significant strength of the Council and echoed his thanks to Cllr Jackson and all committee members for their work.

The Leader added that while attendance concerns were noted, he also wanted to recognise that when issues were raised, officers and the Portfolio Holder responded swiftly and effectively.

The Leader added further that the Executive Board took the work of Audit and Governance Committee very seriously, as it underpinned the governance framework, not just the decisions made, but the processes behind those decisions.

Further to a query raised in relation to the insufficient controls highlighted at Item  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

To report to Council decisions taken under urgency provisions.

A report was presented to Council to note decisions taken under urgency provisions.

During his introduction of the report, the Leader of the Council advised Members that the Council’s Constitution required that decisions taken as a matter of urgency should be reported to the Council, together with the reasons for urgency.  The report provided details of decisions that were taken to date during the Municipal Year 2025/26 under urgency provisions.

The Leader advised Members that between 22 May 2025 and 7 October 2025 one decision had been taken to waive call-in, Section 2, page 132 of the Agenda refers.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

·       The Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee stated that she would like to understand the reason for the delay in finalising the insurance contracts to the point where they needed to be approved under urgency provisions, Section 2.1, page 132 of the Agenda refers.  It was highlighted that this issue was previously raised by the Audit and Governance Committee in 2024/25, where insurance received a limited assurance rating.  Following this, Internal Audit flagged the need for improvement as far back as January 2025, therefore it was concerning that the matter had progressed to this stage without resolution.

The Leader of the East Lindsey Progressives Group responded that she was not surprised by the delay, as the insurance market had become increasingly difficult, with many insurers now reluctant to provide quotations more than 30 to 45 days in advance.  This time constraint made it difficult to complete the procurement process and schedule the necessary meetings for approval in a timely manner.

No further comments or questions were received.

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.

N.B.  Councillor Terry Aldridge left the Meeting at 8.02pm.

N.B.  Councillor Jimmy Brookes left the Meeting at 8.03pm.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of the Council will be Thursday 29 January 2026.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of the Council was noted as Wednesday 28^th January 2026 commencing at 2.00pm.