Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Claire Arnold, Tom Ashton, Graham Cullen, Carl Drury, Dick Edginton, Adam Grist, Will Grover, George Horton, Steve Kirk, Terry Knowles, Daniel McNally, Fiona Martin and Paul Rickett.

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

Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders asked it be noted that she was on the Board of Directors for PSPS Limited.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 8^th October 2025.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 8^th October 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To confirm Actions following the Meeting held on 8^th October 2025.

The Actions from the Meeting held on 8^th October 2025 were confirmed as complete.

The Chairman welcomed Councillor Paul Sutton to his first meeting of the Council since he was elected as a District Councillor for the Chapel St Leonards Ward in November 2025.

Members noted that two Parish Orders had been published as follows: 

In pursuance of Section S91 of the Local Government Act 1972, East Lindsey District Council has appointed District Councillors Daniel McNally, Paul Rickett, Edward Mossop and Steve McMillan to South Somercotes Parish Council,

and,

District Councillors Martin Foster and Fiona Martin had been appointed to Mareham Le Fen Parish Council in order that the Parish Councils’ meetings were able to convene.

The Chairman advised that he had attended the following events:

• HRH The Princess Royal visiting the National Coastwatch Station, Sea View Car Park, in Mablethorpe – October 2025

·       Louth Choral Society - Concert ‘Mary, Sacred Rose – music for Advent’ at St James Church, Louth - November 2025. 

No questions by the public were received.

To receive a report from the Chairman of Executive Board.

The Leader of the Council presented Members with his report, pages 41 to 46 of the Agenda refer.

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

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

The Leader of the Council advised that an all?Member briefing would be held in early February 2026.

Homelessness Pods in Skegness now operational

A Member reported concerns raised by local homeless individuals regarding the temporary accommodation pods and advised that one person had stated the pods were damp and prone to significant condensation.  He further noted that a homeless gentleman who had recently moved from Mablethorpe to Skegness had expressed feeling vulnerable at the current location, as its visibility made residents easily identifiable, and issues such as car park misuse by ‘boy racers’ contributed to a sense of insecurity.

In relation to the pods and their location, the Leader of the Council explained that the current site was not the location originally preferred by East Lindsey District Council and that a compromise had been required.  He assured Members that the pods and their operation were supported by a comprehensive team providing assistance to some of the most vulnerable individuals in the community.  He noted that, while some negative comments had been reported, the feedback he had received indicated that the pods had generally been well received.

A Member raised further concerns regarding the pods, stating that the provision of a pod alone was not sufficient support for individuals experiencing homelessness.  She emphasised the need to consider whether any of the homeless accommodation was warden?controlled and how the availability of warden?supported spaces could be increased and highlighted that support was essential not only in providing accommodation but also in helping individuals to live safely within it, ensuring they had someone to speak to and access to assistance with any issues that might otherwise lead to vulnerability.

In relation to the pods, the Leader of the Council suggested that a Member briefing may be beneficial to provide a fuller understanding of the wide-ranging support offered to some of the Council’s most vulnerable residents.  He noted that significant officer time, financial investment and partnership working were dedicated to this area.  He stated that, while recent comments might imply otherwise, he wished to assure Members that extensive work was being undertaken within the Portfolio Holder for Housing Communities and Better Ageing and the Portfolio Holder for Partnerships to support vulnerable individuals.

A National Plan to end Homelessness

A Member referred to the Homelessness Scrutiny and the national plan to end homelessness, and queried whether a review could be undertaken to consider how much of the grant funding received from central government could be allocated towards providing warden?supported accommodation for homeless individuals.

In response, the Leader of the Council advised Members that the Council would look into the provision of warden?supported accommodation.  He confirmed that the Council already provided substantial support to vulnerable homeless individuals and continued to work closely with a wide range of partners  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

To determine the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27.

A report was presented to determine the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27.  This report sought Council approval of the Executive Board decision on the final proposals for the 2026/27 Local Council Tax Support scheme.

During his introduction, the Portfolio Holder for Finance referred to the background to the report, the 2026/27 Scheme Consultation and the 2026/27 Scheme Post-Consultation Considerations as set out at Sections 1 to 3 of the report, pages 48 to 50 of the Agenda refer.  The full consultation report was shown at Appendix 1, pages 55 to 60 of the Agenda refers.

The recommendation was duly Proposed and Seconded.

A Member expressed general support for the proposal but suggested that if the Council was to seek public views, greater effort should be made to secure a higher level of engagement.  They noted that while the feedback received had been insightful, the total of 58 responses was statistically insignificant, particularly given the detailed four?page analysis that had followed.  They considered that improved promotion would help strengthen the Council’s evidence base and assist in informing and educating the community about the aims of such initiatives and encouraged the Council to explore ways to increase participation in future consultation exercises.

A Member, referring to comments regarding the low number of consultation responses, asked whether it would be possible to enclose a questionnaire with the forthcoming Council Tax bills.  They noted that residents were more likely to read their Council Tax documentation and that this could help raise awareness of available support.  They added that, while various engagement methods had been used, there remained a reliance on social media which many Council Tax payers did not use.

A further comment was made on the number of consultation responses, highlighting that public engagement was consistently low in similar exercises, including the Local Government Reorganisation consultation, which had attracted fewer than 500 responses across three authorities.  The Member stated that from her marketing background, the 58 responses received were typical, reflecting general public apathy and a perception that participation brought little personal benefit or influence.

The Leader of the Council acknowledged that response rates to consultations were consistently challenging, noting that surveys such as the budget consultation also typically attracted low engagement.  He accepted the point that the Council should consider alternative or more innovative methods to improve participation, but reiterated that historically response levels had not been strong.

In response, the Portfolio Holder for Finance acknowledged the 58 consultation responses and stated that while wider engagement would always enhance the evidence base for decision?making, the Council must act on the information available and emphasised that the Council was in the fortunate financial position to support those most in need.

A Member expressed full support for retaining the 85% Council Tax Support relief for working?age claimants.  They referred to the example on page 59 on the Agenda, highlighting a Universal Credit claimant paying 57% of their monthly income on housing costs, and noted that such figures were typical  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

To consider approval for a new updated version of the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.

A report was presented on the proposed amendments to the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Finance advised Members that the Audit & Governance Committee considered the proposed amendments to the Contract Procedure Rules at its meeting on the 19^th November 2025 and recommended them for adoption by the Council, Minute No. 50 refers.  Following which, Executive Board approved the Delegation to Officers at Appendix 2 on the 8^th December 2025, subject to the Contract Procedure Rules being approved at Council, Minute No. 142 refers.  The Executive also recommended that the draft revised Contract Procedure Rules at Appendix 1a be adopted by the Council.

The background and detail to the report was highlighted to Members, as set out at Section 1, pages 62 to 63 of the Agenda refer.

Following which the recommendation was duly Proposed and Seconded.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

The Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee reported that the matter had been reviewed by the Constitutional Working Group prior to its consideration by the Committee.  This had resulted in amendments, including clarification of VAT and non?VAT thresholds.  She confirmed that the issue had been thoroughly discussed and that she was satisfied with the proposals.

N.B.  Councillor Andrew Leonard joined the Meeting at 3.17pm.

A Member queried the reference to the current Procurement Act threshold, page 76 of the Agenda refers and requested confirmation of the applicable amount.  They observed that the document was substantial and could be perceived as a deterrent to bidding, and asked what proportion of the total project cost was allocated at the point the contract was awarded, and how much was spent on procurement compared with how much was spent on delivering the actual work and whether that proportion was appropriate.  The Member also asked whether a local employment assessment could be incorporated to encourage community benefit.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance responded that the document had undergone rigorous scrutiny and had been thoroughly reviewed, with amendments made where appropriate.  In relation to the concern about deterring bids, he explained that the detailed processes reflected the legislative requirements the Council was obliged to follow, which were more extensive than those typically applied in the private sector.

He confirmed that consideration was given to local employment and community benefit, although such matters were subject to specific rules and regulations.  Regarding the proportion of project costs attributable to procurement, he advised that he was unable to provide a precise percentage at the meeting but undertook to obtain the information.

RESOLVED

That the revised Contract Procedure Rules at Appendix 1a to this report be adopted.

To consider approval of the revised HR policy (Pensions & Pensions Discretions Policy).

A report was presented to seek Council’s approval for the revised HR policy (Pensions and Pensions Discretions Policy.

During his introduction of the report, the Leader of the Council explained that HR policies required regular review to ensure they were within the legal framework and reflected best practice.  This report brought forward the Pensions & Pensions Discretions Policy for review (attached at Appendix A).  The Policy had been developed by Public Sector Partnership Services, as the Councils’ HR provider; with input from a Readers’ Panel consisting of officers and Trade Union Representatives (Local and Regional).  The Readers’ Panel had confirmed that operationally the policy was practical to implement.

Members were further advised that the policy had been reviewed by the Overview Committee which was supportive of the policy.

The background and detail to the report was highlighted to Members, as set out at Sections 1 to 3, pages 124 to 130 of the Agenda refer.

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 asked whether the number of people applying for their pension early had increased following the advent of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

The Leader of the Council responded that he was unable to provide an answer at that time.  He noted, however, that the Council was fully aware of the potential pressures arising from Local Government Reorganisation and advised Members that senior officers were actively ensuring staff across the Partnership received appropriate briefings.  He confirmed that he would investigate the matter further.

RESOLVED

That the HR policy (Pensions & Pensions Discretion Policy) attached at Appendix A to this report be approved.

To receive and review the Mid-Term Treasury Report 2025-2026.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the Mid Term Treasury Report 2025/26 as at 30 September 2025 (attached at Appendix A) to provide Members with an update on Treasury Management performance and activity to ensure best practice was maintained.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Finance outlined the background to the report and referred Members to Appendix 1 detailed at  pages 159 to 174 relating to the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy which covered the following areas:

·       An economic update for the first half of the 2025/26 financial year;

·       The outlook for the remainder of the financial year along with interest rate forecasts;

·       A review of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy;

·       The Council’s capital expenditure, as set out in the Capital Strategy, and prudential indicators;

·       A review of the Council’s investment portfolio for 2025/26;

·       A review of the Council’s borrowing strategy for 2025/26;

·       A review of compliance with Treasury and Prudential Limits for 2025/26.

Key information was highlighted as follows:

·       The Council’s underlying need to borrow for capital expenditure on 30/9/25 increased to £11.6m, page 164 of the Agenda refers.

·       On 30/9/25 investments totalled £51.2m and loans to Invest East Lindsey £3.7m,  pages 169 and 170 of the Agenda refer.

·       In addition, the Council had investments in property funds totalling £19.3m at cost.  The fair value of these funds on 30/9/25 based on net asset value was £17.2m, page 172 of the Agenda refers.

·       Bank Base Rate started the year at 4.50% and had reduced to 4.00% by the end of September 2025.

·       The overall rate of return achieved on investments during the first half of the financial year was 4.085%, page 173 of the Agenda refers.

Positively, at Quarter 2 investment income, less management fees and interest payable showed net income of £1.805m compared to the original budget of £1.067k, a favourable variance of £738k.  The outturn for the year was predicted to be £3.101m against a budget of £2.128m, a favourable variance of £973k, Table – Section 10 page 174 of the Agenda refers.  The liquidation distributions of £260k from the M&G property fund which were included in these figures would be used to finance a corresponding Minimum Revenue Position charge.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

A Member thanked officers for the report and stated that from what they had seen, the Council appeared to be well managed and financially sound, which they considered a credit both to the Council and to the finance team.  The Member referred to the loss on property fund investments noted on page 171 of the Agenda referred and commented that it highlighted the importance of investing only in areas that were well understood.

The Leader of the East Lindsey Independent Group commented that it was interesting to see how the Council’s funds were invested and paid tribute to the quality of reports produced by the Treasury and Investments Manager (PSPS) Limited, noting that they were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

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.

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.

Members were referred to Appendix A ‘Allocation of Committee seats’, pages 181 to 182 of the Agenda refer and a revised Appendix B tabled at the meeting.

The Chief Executive read out a statement as follows:

‘Since the publication of the Council Agenda, Councillor Makinson-Sanders as Group Leader for the East Lindsey Independent Group has confirmed that Councillors George Horton and Andrew Leonard will remain on the General Licensing and Licensing Act 2003 Committees. 

(Councillor Darren Hobson stands down but will substitute at the General Licensing Committee as required)’.

N.B.  A copy of the updated Appendix B is attached to the Minutes.

The Recommendation was duly Proposed and Seconded.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

The Chairman of the Licensing Committee expressed thanks to Councillor Darren Hobson for his valuable contribution and hard work during his time on the Committee and welcomed the new Member joining the Committee.

RESOLVED

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

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).

N.B.  Councillor James Knowles left the Meeting at 3.10pm and re-joined the Meeting at 3.11pm.

To note the Draft Open and Exempt Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 19 November 2025 and the Draft Open Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 14 January 2026.

Members received the Open and Exempt Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 19 November 2025 and the draft Open Minutes from the Audit and Governance Committee Meeting held on 14 January 2026 for noting.

N.B.  Councillor Colin Davie left the Meeting at 3.11pm and rejoined the Meeting at 3.14pm.

The Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee drew attention to the Open Minutes of the meeting held on 19 November 2025, noting that the Committee had held a constructive discussion on Local Government Reorganisation, focusing on governance and processes rather than operational matters.  She reported that no specific red flags had arisen from the meeting held a fortnight earlier, although significant concerns had previously been raised regarding the identification and monitoring of savings, Minute No 47 refers.  She was pleased to note that improvements had been made and although full details had not yet been provided; a comprehensive update was expected at year end.

The Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee further advised that an extraordinary meeting of the Committee would be held on 18 February 2026.  Although the meeting would be brief, it would be followed by extended training on fraud and risk, including recent legislative changes introducing a new duty on councils relating to the prevention of fraud.  All Councillors, in particular nominated substitutes were encouraged to attend.

The Vice?Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee reported that a recent joint meeting of the Overview Committee and the Audit Committee to consider the budget had been innovative and had worked well.  She noted that although fewer Audit Committee members had attended in person, several had joined remotely via Teams, and considered the arrangement a useful addition to the Committee’s ways of working.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

A Member referred to the Audit and Governance Committee minutes, and asked whether the Committee’s work programme included consideration of the Council’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the preparation of reports.  The Member queried whether any attention had been given to the risks associated with AI, including the reliability of information generated, and expressed the view that this represented an area of risk that should be examined.

In response, the Chairman of the Audit and Governance Committee stated that the use of artificial intelligence was a particular concern of hers and that related issues, particularly cyber risks, were already reflected within the Committee’s risk reports.  Although AI was not currently listed as a standalone item, she confirmed that the Committee would continue to monitor the matter, recognising the risks it posed not only to the accuracy of reports but also to wider processes.

RESOLVED

·       That the Open and Exempt Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee Meeting held on 19 November 2025 and the draft Open Minutes from the Audit and Governance Committee Meeting on 14 January 2026 be noted.

N.B.  Councillor Terry Aldridge left the Meeting at 3.15pm and rejoined the Meeting at 3.20pm.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of the Council will be Wednesday 4^th March 2026 at 2.00pm.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of the Council was noted as Wednesday 4^th March 2026.