The Leader of the Council, together with the Leaders of the Labour, East Lindsey Independent, Reform UK and District Independent/Liberal Democrat Groups acknowledged the decades of service given by Pauline and stated that she would be greatly missed.

Pauline was described as a proud, kind and forthright Yorkshire woman who was well intentioned, committed and hardworking in her service to the local community.

Sincere condolences were extended to Pauline’s husband, Stuart, and their two sons.

It was Proposed by Councillor Craig Leyland and Seconded by Councillor Graham Marsh that Councillor Neil Jones be elected Chairman of the Council.

Upon being put to the vote, it was

RESOLVED

That Councillor Neil Jones be elected as Chairman of the Council for the Council year 2026/27.

COUNCILLOR NEIL JONES IN THE CHAIR

The Chairman, Councillor Neil Jones made his Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

The Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring Chairman, Councillor Terry Taylor which was duly seconded.  A personalised shield was subsequently presented to Councillor Taylor to mark his term of office.

The Chairman also conveyed his thanks to Heather Bailey, his Consort for the Civic Year.

The Chairman stated that it was an honour to assume the role and that he looked forward to the forthcoming year with a positive spirit.

It was Proposed by Councillor Craig Leyland and Seconded by Councillor Edward Mossop that Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders be elected Vice-Chairman of the Council.

Councillor Leyland highlighted that Councillor Makinson-Sanders was a keen and dedicated Ward Councillor who had the interests of her residents at heart.  He noted that it was a critical time for the Council, with the proposed Local Government Reorganisation forthcoming and that Councillor Makinson-Sanders could potentially be the last Chairman of East Lindsey District Council.

Councillor Mossop added that Councillor Makinson-Sanders would make an excellent Vice-Chairman and assured Members that the East Lindsey Independent Group would continue to provide challenge in its customary manner.

Upon being put to the vote, it was

RESOLVED

That Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders be elected as Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Council year 2026/27.

The Vice Chairman made her Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

The Chairman extended his congratulations to Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders and stated that he looked forward to working with her. 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Terry Aldridge, Carl Drury, Stephen Eyre, Will Grover, Terry Knowles and Daniel McNally.

At this point in the Meeting, Members were invited to declare any relevant interests.  None were received.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 4^th March 2026.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 4^th March 2026 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To confirm Actions following the Meeting held on Wednesday 4^th March 2026.

The Actions from the Meeting held on 4^th March 2026 were confirmed as complete.

Members noted that a Parish Order had been published as follows: 

In pursuance of Section S91 of the Local Government Act 1972, East Lindsey District Council had appointed District Councillor Daniel McNally to North Thoresby Parish Council in order that the Parish Council’s meetings were able to convene.

N.B.  Councillor Paul Rickett left the room at 6.50pm and rejoined the Meeting at 6.51pm.

To receive a verbal update.

Councillor Craig Leyland, Leader of the Council confirmed that there were no changes to the Portfolio Holders or their areas of responsibility.

Councillor Graham Marsh was appointed as Deputy Leader of the Council by the Leader of the Council.

Members were appointed to Executive Board as follows:

• Councillor Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture, and Carbon Reduction.
• Councillor Tom Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Planning.
• Councillor Sarah Devereux, Portfolio Holder for Partnerships.
• Councillor Martin Foster, Portfolio Holder for Operational Services.
• Councillor Tom Kemp, Portfolio Holder for Finance.
• Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Housing Communities and Better Ageing.
• Councillor Adam Grist, Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy.
• Councillor Steve Kirk, Portfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy.

To receive a report from the Chairman of Executive Board.

The Leader of the Council presented Members with his report, pages 47 to 50 of the Agenda refer.

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

Community Ambassador Awards – Community Leadership

Councillor Leyland expressed his pleasure in attending the Community Ambassadors Awards, noting that it had been a very enjoyable evening.  He remarked that it was particularly encouraging to see so many community groups from across East Lindsey being recognised for their valuable service to their local communities.

He also extended his thanks to the Portfolio Holder for Partnerships and her officer team for organising such a successful and memorable event.

A Member referred to the Community Ambassador Awards and noted that as a Ward Member, it would have been appreciated to have been informed of the finalists, particularly as one of the finalists was located within his ward.  Notwithstanding this, the Member expressed that the award to the Covenham volunteers was well deserved and conveyed pride that this had been achieved within his ward, which was recognised for its strong community spirit and active village communities.

The Leader of the Labour Group added that her concern was not in relation to Members’ attendance at the event, but rather the opportunity to celebrate achievements within their wards.  It was further considered that the Council should place greater emphasis on celebrating its communities, achievements and strengths and agreed that it was important to ensure Ward Members were made aware of celebratory events and achievements within their wards.  The Leader of the Reform UK Group concurred with these comments.

The Leader of the Council responded and advised that he would address the matter of the awards ceremony and confirmed that he would discuss the matter with the relevant Portfolio Holder to ensure that Ward Members were appropriately informed in future.  He stated that Members should have been made aware of the event and the rationale behind it, although it had been intended primarily as an occasion to recognise and celebrate the prize winners and those directly involved.

The Leader concluded that it had been a successful evening, celebrating not only the winners but also those who had been highly commended and invited in recognition of their contributions.

The Vice-Chairman highlighted the achievements of a local resident, Rosalind Canter, who had secured her third badminton championship, a feat noted as unprecedented.  It was further acknowledged that her business brought significant value to the local area.

The Vice-Chairman expressed the view that such accomplishments should be celebrated, commending both Rosalind Canter’s sporting success and her role in promoting and representing Lincolnshire.

2026/27 Training Plan

The Leader of the Council emphasised that as the Council approached Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), it was of critical importance that staff and officers were aligned with forthcoming changes.

It was noted that the work undertaken across the partnership and within the Council itself had helped to make the transition more manageable and potentially easier for those officers concerned.

Members were advised that this represented  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

The Council to confirm the appointments to committees and panels and the schedule of meetings for the municipal year 2026/27.

Please note Appendix 2 is to follow.

A report was presented by the Chief Executive to confirm the following:

a)    The appointments to Committees and Panels, and

b)    The Schedule of Meetings 2026/27.

During his introduction of the report, the Chief Executive highlighted that the purpose of the report was to confirm, in accordance with the provisions set out in the Council’s Constitution, the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 (as amended), the allocation of committee seats at Appendix 1 to this report and appointments to committee seats as detailed at Appendix 2 to this report.

Agreement was also sought for the 2026/27 Schedule of Meetings detailed at Appendix 3 to this report.

Full details were set out in Sections 1 to 3 of the report, pages 52 to 53 of the Agenda refer.

It was Proposed and Seconded that the recommendations as set out in the report.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.  None were received.

RESOLVED

1.  That the establishment of its committees for the municipal year 2026/27 including the allocation of seats to political groups as detailed at Appendix 1 and the appointments as detailed at Appendix 2 (as set out in the Supplementary Agenda) be approved.

2.  That the Schedule of Meetings at Appendix 3 of the report referred for 2026/27 be approved, and that authority be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the relevant Chairman to amend or cancel meeting dates as necessary.

To consider appointments to the various Outside Bodies which are within the remit of the Council for the forthcoming 2026/27 Municipal Year.

A report was presented by the Chief Executive that considered the appointment of Council representatives to the various Outside Bodies which were within the remit of the Council for the municipal year 2026/27.

Members were referred to the updated Appendix A at page 3 of the Supplementary Agenda (copy tabled).

It was Proposed and Seconded:

That the Council received nominations and made appointments to the Outside Bodies where the Council was the appointing body as set out in the updated Appendix A to this report.

RESOLVED

That Members be appointed to the various Bodies detailed below.

To consider approval to dispose of Council Owned Land at Humberstone Road, Tetney.

A report was presented to secure Council approval to dispose of Council owned land at Humberstone Road, Tetney.

During his introduction of the report, the Leader of the Council advised Members that at its meeting held on 1^st April 2026, Executive Board approved the recommendations set out in the report attached at Appendix A, Minute No. 167 refers.  As the financial limit delegated to the Executive was £500,000 the potential disposal of the land described in the report attached at Appendix A was likely to exceed this threshold and therefore required Council consent in respect of the value only, in order to give effect to all of the recommendations approved by the Executive Board.

The background and detail to the report was highlighted to Members, as set out at Appendix A to the report, pages 69 to 86 of the Agenda refer.

Following which the recommendation was duly Proposed and Seconded.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

The Vice-Chairman of the Labour Group highlighted that the Council did not currently operate a Housing Revenue Account and added that clarity was expected in July as to whether the Council would become part of a unitary authority and expressed the view that this potential change could significantly alter the position, particularly in relation to future development opportunities should the Council become part of such an authority.

In light of this, an Amendment was Proposed and Seconded:

‘That consideration of the matter be deferred until after July 2026, when further information regarding local government reorganisation would be available’.

A Member referred to Section 2.13, page 73 of the Agenda refers, noting that it identified a fluctuation in the site valuation undertaken in 2021 with estimates ranging between £675,000 and £725,000.  He queried the current position in relation to updated costs and observed that based on the lower estimate and an indicative scheme of 34 dwellings, the valuation would equate to just over £21,000 per plot.  The Member further queried as the Council was disposing of the land, whether there would be any associated tax liability arising from the sale.

The Leader of the Reform UK Group stated that he did not support the amendment, expressing the view that the land should be sold and the proceeds utilised promptly, rather than risk the opportunity being taken forward by a unitary authority.

The Leader of the Council advised that the Council had an opportunity to generate capital from the sale of the land within a limited timeframe.  He advised that should the land not be sold, it may fall within a new governance structure following local government reorganisation.

For this reason, the Leader indicated that he could not support the amendment.  He further noted that the land had been in the ownership of East Lindsey District Council for a considerable period of time and that realising its value if a sale were achieved would provide a positive opportunity for investment across the district.

The Leader of the Labour Group  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

To consider approval to amend the Council’s budgets to receive the revenue and capital funding to be awarded to Mablethorpe under Phase 2 of the Pride in Place programme up to the submission of the Regeneration Plan.

A report was presented to seek approval to amend the Council’s budgets to receive the revenue and capital funding to be awarded to Mablethorpe under Phase 2 of the Pride in Place programme up to the submission of the Regeneration Plan by the 30^th November 2026.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy advised Members that Mablethorpe had been allocated the award of up to £20 million of new grant funding over a ten-year period under Phase Two of the Pride in Place Programme.  The programme formed part of the UK Government’s wider Pride in Place Strategy published on the 25th September 2025 which was intended to represent a new way for government to work in partnership with communities and neighbourhoods, empowering them with the tools and levers to drive meaningful change that reflected their priorities.

The government had already provided capacity funding of £150,000 in 2025/26 to support local community engagement and the establishment of a new Pride in Place Board.  Additional revenue funding of £270,000 would be paid out across two tranches in Year 1 (2026/27) of the programme.

N.B.  Councillor Colin Davey left the room at 7.31pm and rejoined the Meeting at 7.37pm.

The background and detail to the report was highlighted to Members, as set out at Sections 1 to 3 to the report, pages 88 to 89 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 Progressives Group and as a ward member for Sutton-on-Sea, stated that she fully supported amending the budget to allow up to £2 million per year.  However, she highlighted that it was important to ensure fair distribution across all communities, including Trusthorpe which was often overlooked.

Her main concern was the Neighbourhood Board, and it was considered that the 51% local representation proposed should be much closer to 100%, ensuring representation across all areas and all age groups.  Members were advised young people had already shared many practical ideas for improving the area and this funding was a real opportunity to deliver on those and to encourage them to stay in the area.

N.B.  Councillor Sandra Campbell-Wardman left the room at 7.35pm and rejoined the Meeting at 7.38pm.

A Member highlighted that the Council was well-run financially, however he had been consistently disappointed with its approach to capital projects, particularly around justification and oversight.  He added that going forward, it was essential that any project demonstrated a clear, quantified financial and community return on investment, with robust controls in place.

The Leader of the Labour Group echoed the comments made and stated that while her ward was fortunate to receive Towns Fund investment, it was less fortunate in not having full representation from local members and residents on the board and strongly urged those making decisions to ensure the people shaping those decisions truly reflected and understood the communities they served.

A  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

To receive a report on the Partnership's performance and consider a revision to the Memorandum of Understanding.

A report was presented to set out the progress of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership since the last update in Autumn 2025 and to consider a revision to the Memorandum of Agreement.

During his introduction of the report, the Leader of the Council advised Members that this also reflected the reality that in two years’ time ELDC, Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council may no longer exist in their current form as legal entities.  As set out in Section 5.2, page 99 of the Agenda refers, the proposed changes to the Memorandum of Understanding made clear that the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership would also cease at that point and the agreement would expire.

The Leader added that it was important to recognise the success of the Partnership, highlighting that over 80% of projects had been delivered successfully and the financial savings achieved have been significant, exceeding the Partnership’s original ambitions.  The Leader added that the Partnership had also been highly effective in securing government funding and driving forward local priorities and overall had been a strong and successful model of collaboration.

The background and detail to the report was highlighted to Members, as set out at Sections 1 to 6 to the report, pages 94 to 100 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 queried if there were any obstacles in the process to cause concern.

The Leader of the Council responded that there were none he was aware of at present.  He highlighted that the Partnership had performed strongly, and if local government reorganisation did not proceed, it remained in a good position.  However, the amendments to the Memorandum of Agreement were in place to ensure that the Council was prepared should those changes go ahead.

RESOLVED

1. That the content of this report in respect of the progress of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership be noted.

2. That subject to agreement by the other Partnership Councils, the updated Memorandum of Agreement for the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (attached at Appendix A of the report referred) be approved and authority be delegated to the Service Director – Corporate Services for East Lindsey to sign the revised Agreement on behalf of this Council.  The new Agreement, upon signing, would replace the previous Agreement. 

To consider a scrutiny report.

A report was presented on behalf of the Car Parking in East Lindsey Scrutiny Panel who had been commissioned to carry out a scrutiny and policy review of car parking in East Lindsey.

During her introduction, Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders, Chairman of the Panel extended her thanks to officers involved and to the dedicated Members for their time and input.

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Panel advised that the panel generated many ideas, though much of the work had been led by the Assets team.  It was highlighted that greater input from Economic Development would have been welcomed, particularly as car parking was a key part of the Council’s local economy and this should be considered carefully when setting pricing.  With income of around £3 million per year, it was considered beneficial to develop a clear car parking policy for the future, ensuring strong governance and leaving a well-managed system for any successor council.

The scrutiny also identified some practical improvements to consider, such as larger parking spaces to reflect modern vehicle sizes, and better provision for disabled users who may need additional space.

Communication was considered another area for improvement. It was highlighted that sudden changes in car parking charges could frustrate residents and visitors and if the Council wanted to attract people into its towns, it needed to ensure a positive and well-communicated approach.  Overall, it was considered that the system worked well, but there were clear opportunities to strengthen it further.

The Portfolio Holder for Operational Services thanked the Chairman of the Scrutiny Panel and the panel for their thorough work, noting the significant level of investigation undertaken.

He confirmed that a number of ‘quick wins’ from the recommendations had already been implemented, with others in development.  Members were advised that some recommendations would require further discussion with officers to ensure resources were used effectively, particularly given the current pressures associated with Local Government Reorganisation.  It was noted that these may take longer to deliver, but work was ongoing and a further report would be brought back to Overview Committee on progress against the recommendations at a later date.

Full details were set out in the report, attached at Appendix 1, pages 131 to 152 of the Agenda refer.

Members were further referred to the recommendations of the Panel detailed at pages 135 to 136 of the Agenda pack.

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

The Deputy Leader of the Labour Group thanked everyone involved, noting the report was very interesting.

She highlighted comments on page 151 of the Agenda, regarding EV usage. While it was suggested that most visitors to the coast did not have electric vehicles, national figures showed there were now around 2 million battery electric vehicles and 1 million plug-in hybrids equating to 5.8% of all cars on UK roads.

This raised the question of whether people were being discouraged from visiting the coast due to a lack of charging infrastructure, and whether this could be impacting the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103a

To consider a scrutiny report.

A report was presented on behalf of the Review of the ELDC Rough Sleeping Initiative Scrutiny Panel who had been commissioned to carry out a scrutiny and policy review of the ELDC Rough Sleeping Initiative.

During his introduction, Councillor Paul Rickett, Chairman of the Panel extended his thanks to officers involved and to the dedicated Members for their time and input.  He added that the Panel heard evidence from a number of witnesses and considered a wide range of issues.  While not fully reflected in the report, it became clear to the Panel how quickly circumstances could deteriorate for some individuals, and how much time and support was required to achieve recovery from this.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Communities and Better Ageing expressed thanks for the report, noting that it provided a thorough and diligent scrutiny of the Rough Sleeping Initiative.  Appreciation was extended to the Panel for engaging with a wide range of partners and witnesses, ensuring their views were reflected.  It was highlighted that the Council delivered an effective Rough Sleeping Initiative service, of which there was great pride.  However, it was emphasised that achieving the best outcomes for clients, many of whom faced very challenging circumstances required a strong partnership approach.  Reference was also made to additional initiatives, including the emergency accommodation pods and the housing, access and partnerships teams, which were noted as positive developments already demonstrating success.

Full details were set out in the report, attached at Appendix 1, pages 159 to 168 of the Agenda refer.

Members were further referred to the recommendations of the Panel detailed at pages 166 to 167 of the Agenda pack.

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

A Member expressed his thanks for the scrutiny report, which was considered to be of a high standard.  It was noted that the report highlighted the link between homelessness and mental health, reflecting a broader national issue.

Attention was drawn to Recommendation 4, page 166 of the Agenda refers, particularly in relation to concerns around the quality of accommodation provided, including the use of pods in a car park in Skegness.  It was suggested that such provision may not be appropriate, particularly for individuals experiencing mental health challenges and was not viewed as a long-term solution to addressing homelessness.

In response, the Portfolio Holder for Housing Communities and Better Ageing provided clarification regarding the emergency accommodation pods.  It was explained that the pods were part of a pilot scheme which had been highly successful, notwithstanding some initial teething issues.

It was highlighted that the pods had enabled engagement with some of the most entrenched rough sleepers, many of whom had previously been difficult to reach and had returned to the area year after year in extremely challenging circumstances with complex needs.  It was noted that without this provision, many of these individuals would have remained on the streets.

The Portfolio Holder emphasised that there had been a number of successful outcomes, with individuals now accommodated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103b

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

That under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the Meeting for the following item on the grounds that, if they were present, there could be disclosed to them exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended).

RESOLVED

That under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the Meeting for the following item on the grounds that, if they were present, there could be disclosed to them exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended).

To note the Open Minutes from the Extraordinary Meeting held on 18^th February 2026 and the Draft Open and Exempt Minutes from the Meeting held on 26^th March 2026.

Members received the Open Minutes from the Extraordinary Meeting held on 18^th February 2026 and the Draft Open and Exempt Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee held on 26^th March 2026.

RESOLVED

• That the Open Minutes from the Extraordinary Meeting held on 18^th February 2026 be noted.

• That the Draft Open Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee Meeting held on 26^th March 2026 be noted.

• That the Draft Exempt Minutes of the Audit and Governance Committee Meeting held on 26^th March 2026 be noted.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of the Council is noted as Wednesday 22^nd July 2026 at 6.30pm (to be confirmed at the Annual Meeting).

The programmed date for the next Meeting of the Council was noted as Wednesday 22^nd July 2026 commencing at 6.30pm.