Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Richard Avison, Wendy Bowkett, Billy Brookes, Richard Cunnington, Colin Davie, Martin Foster, Richard Fry, Alex Hall, Darren Hobson, Sam Kemp, Stephen Lyons, Daniel McNally, Ellie Marsh, Paul Sutton, Terry Taylor and Ru Yarsley.

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

Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders asked it be noted that she would refrain from voting on Item 10 ‘Annual Budget Report 2026/27, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme and Strategy, Treasury Management Policy/Strategy, Annual Delivery Plan, Living Wage Supplement and Pay Policy Statement:’ and Item 11 ‘Council Tax Setting 2026/27’, Minute Nos. 81 and 82 refer.

To confirm the Open and Exempt Minutes of the Meeting held on 28^th January 2026.

The Open and Exempt Minutes of the Meeting held on 28^th January 2026 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To confirm Actions following the Meeting held on 28^th January 2026.

The Actions from the Meeting held on 28^th January 2026 were confirmed as complete.

The Vice-Chairman advised Members that the Planning Committee Meeting scheduled for Thursday 5^th March 2026 had been cancelled.  The decision to cancel the meeting had been made in order to obtain further legal advice in respect of particular issues raised through the application process and to ensure that all relevant matters were fully considered by the Council's Planning Committee.  The business would be deferred to the next programmed meeting to be held on 2^nd April 2026.

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

A full copy of the questions is attached at Appendix 1 to these Minutes.

N.B.  Councillor Stef Bristow left the room at 2.20pm and rejoined the meeting at 2.21pm.

The Leader of the Council presented Members with his report, pages 1 to 2 of the Supplementary Agenda refer.

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

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

The Leader of the Council advised Members that work remained ongoing in relation to the LGR process.  A recent briefing had been delivered to Members and the Leader confirmed that Members would continue to be kept updated as the process progressed.  It was noted that there had been some concern regarding the potential for LRG to be discontinued; however, it was believed that the government intended to continue with the reorganisation to completion, albeit with the possibility of some delay or amendment to the proposals.

Sue Brewitt – Elections Officer

Members were informed that Sue Brewitt, who had led the Elections Team at the Council for many years was retiring after more than 54 years of dedicated service in local government.  Heartfelt thanks were extended to Sue whose unwavering commitment, extensive knowledge and steadfast support to colleagues and to both longstanding and newly elected Councillors had made a lasting impact.  It was noted that she would be greatly missed, both for her professional expertise and for the person she was.  Members joined in expressing their appreciation and in offering their best wishes for her retirement at the end of March 2026.

Future Leaders Programme

In relation to the Future Leaders Programme, a Member observed that it had been interesting to note that the trainees involved had assumed roles within the senior leadership team of a fictional council as part of their development.  The Member commented that he hoped this had included scenarios involving the management of frustrated councillors, including responses to chalenging situations.  It was further hoped that elements of the induction for future managers would ensure that they were encouraged to view matters from a customer?service perspective, and to consider issues from ‘the other end of the telescope’ in the context of the Council’s operations.

The Member further commented that while artificial intelligence technology (AI) and email communication had an important role and provided significant support to the organisation, it was essential that future managers continued to place themselves in the position of the staff they managed.  It was hoped that they would make use of face?to?face interaction with their teams wherever practicable.

In response, the Leader of the Council acknowledged that the comments regarding staff awareness of the experiences of customers, residents and Councillors were very important.  He highlighted that officers were required to deal with complex and sensitive issues and expressed confidence that a strong understanding and awareness of customer experiences existed within the organisation.  Nevertheless, he recognised that it could be frustrating for customers and residents when issues were not resolved as quickly as they might hope.

Councillors’ Community Grant Scheme 2025-26

The Leader of the Labour Group highlighted that with 55 Councillors, there had been an underspend of approximately £40,000 in the past year which was equivalent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

To consider suspending Council Procedure Rules to allow the mover of the Budget Report and Group Leaders(s) or their nominated representative(s) in response thereto to speak for no longer than 15 minutes on one occasion. (Council Procedure Rule 16.4, Content and length of speeches).

N.B. A recorded vote is mandatory on the Annual Budget Report 2026/27 and Council Tax Setting 2026/27, in line with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014.

RESOLVED:

That Council Procedure Rules be suspended for the following item to allow the mover of the Budget Report and Group Leaders(s) or representative of, in response thereto to speak for no longer than 15 minutes on one occasion.

The Leader of the Labour Group requested that Councillor Ros Jackson, Deputy Leader speak on behalf of the Labour Group.

To consider approval of the General Fund Budget for 2026/27, including the use of reserves, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme and Strategy, Treasury Management Policy/Strategy, Annual Delivery Plan, Living Wage Supplement and Pay Policy Statement, including the approval of Council Tax levels.

N.B.  A recorded vote was mandatory on the Annual Budget Report 2026/27 in line with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014.

A report was presented to enable consideration of the General Fund Budget for 2026/27, including the use of reserves, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme and Strategy, Treasury Management Policy/Strategy, Annual Delivery Plan, Living Wage Supplement and Pay Policy Statement, including the approval of Council Tax levels, pages 41 to 244 of the Agenda refer.

During his introduction of the report, Councillor Tom Kemp, Portfolio Holder for Finance highlighted the main points relating to the budget as follows:

·       The significant scope of activity that was planned for the coming year and beyond with the Annual Delivery Plan, taking account of the impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

·       At a strategic level, the Council continued to collaborate with partners to influence national discussions including LGR and Internal Drainage Board (IDB) levies, with over 40 councils now involved.

·       The Annual Delivery Plan included actions to support residents through improved housing standards, crime reduction initiatives, access to health services and local projects such as Pride in Place activities for Mablethorpe and Skegness and the completion of works at Alford Manor House and Spilsby Sessions House.

·       Significant investment proposals, including funding for a new Local Plan and a further £10m for the East Lindsey Investment Fund allocated across community, tourism, business support and Pride in East Lindsey initiatives.  This level of investment had been enabled by strong financial management and savings delivered through the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

·       Whilst the return to a multiyear settlement improved medium term visibility, East Lindsey District Council would see central funding cut by £1.6 million in 2026/27 followed by a further £1.4 million reduction in 2027/28.

·       Despite national financial pressures, changes to government funding and increased demands, a balanced budget was proposed with no efficiency target for 2026/27.  Key assumptions included inflation at 3.7%, a 3% pay award, reduced pension contributions, and realistic investment returns.  Provision had been made for the introduction of a Food Waste collection service and for significant increases in IDB levies, now exceeding £5.4m.

·       The proposed budget supported local services, maintained financial resilience, and delivered a capital programme of over £21m for 2026/27.

·       Treasury Management documents were included, outlining the Council’s approach to borrowing, investments and cash flow.

·       Council Tax was proposed to increase by £5.13 for a Band D property (just under 10 pence per week), noting that East Lindsey continued to have the lowest Council Tax in the county and that most households would see smaller increases.

In conclusion, the Portfolio Holder for Finance advised that the budget responded to one of the most challenging financial environments faced by local government, while maintaining strong planning, investment in key priorities, and a stable financial position for the future.

Full details were included in Sections 1 to 13 of the report referred, and at Appendices 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5, 6, 7, 8A and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

To consider for approval the amounts of Council Tax applicable for 2026/27 for each valuation band and in each part of the district.

N.B.  A recorded vote was mandatory on Council Tax Setting 2026/27, in line with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented a report to enable consideration of the amounts of Council Tax applicable for 2026/27 for each valuation band and in each part of the district.

The Council’s Budget and Council Tax having now been approved in Agenda Item 10, this report incorporated the relevant resolutions necessary to bring together all of the precepting Councils’ elements for the setting of the Council Tax for 2026/27, thereby fulfilling its obligations as a billing authority in the manner specified by law and regulations.

The East Lindsey District Council budget for 2026/27 was considered by Executive Board on 19^th February 2026, Minute No. 159 refers and recommendations were now provided to Council setting the Band D Council tax at £176.67, a £5.13 (2.99%) increase on 2025/26.  The Budget report was based on the finance settlement advised by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Full details were set out at Sections 1 to 10 and Appendices A to E of the Agenda, pages 245 to 270 refer.

The recommendation was duly Proposed and Seconded.

A Member commented on the significant variance in increases, particularly within parish precepts.  It was noted that some parishes had applied substantial increases which the Member considered indicative of the growing responsibilities placed on very small parish councils.  These councils were still required to meet the same audit and governance obligations, including completion of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) form.  The Member expressed concern regarding future asset transfers under Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and suggested that the responsibilities placed upon parish and town councils and how they utilised their precept income should be carefully reviewed.

The Member recalled that in previous years district councillors had been advised by the Portfolio Holder for Finance to encourage parish councils to limit precept increases in order to help maintain lower overall Council Tax levels and to consider public perception.  Although this practice no longer took place, the Member felt that experienced district and parish councillors were still well placed to provide guidance to parishes where appropriate.

In response, the Portfolio Holder for Finance commented on the variation in parish precepts, stating that such differences were a normal part of local democracy.  He added that parish and town councils were accountable to their electors and if residents were dissatisfied with increases to the precept, they had the democratic means to influence change. 

Referring to the previous comments made, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Group noted the significant variation in parish precepts and highlighted that this created a sense of fundamental unfairness, particularly affecting adjoining parishes around Louth, where residents living only a short distance apart could face entirely different parish precept levels, with some paying nothing and others paying the full amount.  In light of the disparities illustrated in the chart presented, it was considered that the Council should consider  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

To consider adoption of the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy.

A report was presented to consider adoption of the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction advised Members that the report set out the duties placed on local authorities and other named statutory agencies in relation to crime and disorder (Sections 5-7 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998).  It outlined the Community Safety Partnership arrangements across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP), and more widely in Lincolnshire.

N.B.  Councillor Paul Rickett left the room at 2.50pm and re-joined the meeting at 2.52pm.

N.B.  Councillor Jimmy Brookes left the meeting at 2.52pm.

N.B.  Councillor Claire Arnold left the room at 2.52pm and rejoined the meeting at 2.54pm.

The Community Safety Strategy had been refreshed following a strategic review process and outlined the areas of focus that had been identified by the SELCP.  The strategy also demonstrated how the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership worked with the county Safer Lincolnshire Partnership in addressing crime and disorder and fulfilling the statutory duties placed on relevant authorities.  Full Council was asked to adopt the strategy and to authorise the Executive of the authority to make any future amendments to the Strategy as required to meet emerging needs identified.

The background and full detail to the report was highlighted to Members, as set out at Sections 1 to 5, pages 272 to 275 of the Agenda refer.

Following which the recommendations were duly Proposed and Seconded.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

The Deputy Leader of the Labour Group referred to page 284 of the Agenda concerning the public consultation and noted that issues relating to drug use and drug dealing had been highlighted.  She expressed particular concern about these matters within her ward, noting that such criminality had wider impacts beyond anti?social behaviour.

Members’ attention was also drawn to consultation findings regarding identity theft and cyber?crime, and concerns were raised about emerging technological threats, including Artificial Intelligence (AI)?generated scam calls in which offenders could convincingly mimic the voices of known individuals, highlighting that such technology had developed rapidly and now presented a genuine risk to residents.

In relation to page 286 of the Agenda, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Group further commented that the four identified areas of focus did not appear to fully capture the issues of drug dealing, identity theft and evolving technological threats.  While recognising that the document was intended to be live and adaptable, she asked for assurance that these risks were properly reflected and addressed.

In response, the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction expressed full agreement with the identified areas of focus, noting that these represented the issues where the Partnership could have the greatest impact.  He emphasised that drug?related crime remained a significant concern, particularly in relation to cuckooing and county lines activity, and confirmed that the police continued  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

To consider the proposals for aligning further Terms and Conditions and to agree to commence delivery.

A report was presented to bring forward the proposals for aligning further Terms and Conditions and to agree to commence delivery.

During his introduction of the report, the Leader of the Council informed Members that in line with the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Business Case, the Partnership Councils were undertaking a phased programme of work to align workforce Terms and Conditions of employment across Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council.

This was also identified as being important in the findings of the Partnership’s LGA Peer Review and the Partnership’s 2023 joint scrutiny.

The alignment of Terms and Conditions, as far as possible, was an identified action in the 2025/26 Partnership Annual Delivery Plan.  Phase 1 had already been undertaken.  To facilitate further alignment of the Terms and Conditions in Phase 2, there was the need for the Council to adopt a series of revised HR policies, as described in this report.  Consultation with Unions and Colleagues would be necessary if Council approval was confirmed.

The background and full detail to the report was highlighted to Members, as set out at Sections 1 to 3, pages 308 to 311 of the Agenda refer.

Following which the recommendations were duly Proposed and Seconded.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

A Member welcomed the report, although it was highlighted that the East Lindsey Independent Group had advocated for this matter for some time, and there was some disappointment at the length of time it had taken to progress.

In response, the Leader of the Council explained that the initiative formed part of a phased approach, with consistent work undertaken over a significant period of time.  This latest development represented the next stage of that ongoing programme, following which he emphasised that substantial work had been carried out by the HR team to reach this point and acknowledged the importance of the process.  He reiterated the Council’s commitment to valuing its workforce, particularly in the context of potential Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and confirmed that the aim was to ensure staff were placed in the best possible position, with terms and conditions as robust as possible should LGR proceed.

RESOLVED

a)    That delegated authority be granted to the Head of Paid Service to lead the employment consultation(s) with the workforce, management and Chief Officers (excluding the Chief Executive); to further revise Terms and Conditions of employment to seek greater alignment across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

b)    That delegated authority be granted to the Head of Paid Service to implement revised Terms and Conditions (excluding those that impact the Chief Executive), after consultation taking into consideration any changes that arise through consultation from the workforce and unions, provided changes are less than or equal to that approved by Council. This includes approving any new policies and policy updates required for the implementation.

c)     That delegated authority be granted to the Head of HR & OD – PSPS to consult with the Chief  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of the Council will be the Annual Meeting to held on Wednesday 20^th May 2026 commencing at 6.30pm.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of the Council was confirmed as the AGM on Wednesday 20^th May 2026, commencing at 6.30pm.