Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Tom Ashton and Steve Kirk.

At this point in the meeting Members were invited to declare any relevant interests, no such declarations were made.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 16^th February 2022.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 16^th February 2022 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To confirm Actions following the Meeting held on 16^th February 2022.

The Actions of the Meeting held on 16^th February 2022 were noted as complete.

To consider proposals for the set-up of a South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Community Lottery.

1.            That working with South Holland District Council and Boston Borough Council as our partners in a South and East Lincolnshire Council Partnership (S&ELCP), a Community Lottery Scheme to raise money for local good causes across the sub-region, in accordance with the provisions of this report be established;

2.            That the appointment of Gatherwell as the external lottery management company (ELM) to provide the day to day management and operation of the lottery on behalf of the Councils be approved;

3.            That delegated authority be given to the Deputy Chief Executive - Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders, to agree final arrangements for process and criteria for the inclusion of ‘good causes’ that would benefit from proposed the scheme;

4.            That the Deputy Chief Executive - Communities and the Assistant Director – Wellbeing and Community Leadership are nominated to be the Personal License holders for the S&ELCP Community Lottery Scheme;

5.            That agreement be given for a one off payment of £2,800 to be allocated from the Economic Growth Reserve  reserves to enable to the initial set up of the scheme.

A report was presented that enabled consideration of a proposal to set up a South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Community Lottery Scheme to support community based initiatives and programmes.  The report set out the proposals which enabled additional funding to be raised for community-based initiatives and partnerships opportunities with the Voluntary and Community Sector across the sub-region of Lincolnshire.

It was noted that, if approved, South Holland District Council would procure the service on behalf of the sovereign councils within the Partnership, and this would form part of the Wellbeing and Community Leadership Portfolio.

During his introduction to the report the Portfolio Holder for Partnerships made reference to the thriving voluntary and community sectors providing valuable services of support, advice and activities for communities, it was highlighted that these services significantly benefitted the health and wellbeing of all of the residents of East Lindsey, helping them to live their lives in the way they wished.

Councillor Marsh continued on to reference paragraph 1.2 of the report that referred to funding for these organisations often relying on external grant sources or fundraising, it was acknowledged that the time and effort spent continually trying to raise funds was a constant strain and detracted from time delivering the support as intended.  The demands on the sector had increased of late, compounded by the pandemic which had also made fundraising more difficult.  Consequently, the critical importance of local government and its place within communities working with local groups and organisations to deliver much needed services were noted.

A comparable scheme, launched by Aylesbury and Vale District Council in 2019, was detailed at paragraph 1.6 of the report, including their use of Gatherwell Ltd, a respected External Lottery Manager, to administer their scheme.  Based on the experiences of other Local Authority Lottery Schemes, it was anticipated that such a scheme across the S&ELCP could raise over £119,000 annually for good causes in the first year.  If agreement was given for the setting up of such a scheme it was highlighted that South Holland District Council would lead, entering into an agreement with Gatherwell Ltd to provide the lottery management and apply for all of the appropriate licences. 

Members noted the timescale for setting up a scheme was approximately six months, with the initial costs of approximately £8,400 split between the three partnership councils.  (The contribution from East Lindsey District Council to be met from the Economic Growth Reserve).  Further details on the set-up costs were provided at page 24 of the Agenda.  The Portfolio Holder provided an overview of the regulations to safeguard against encouraging gambling and also the support for local communities as a result of the scheme.  The scheme was highlighted as another example of how the three sovereign Councils of the S&ELCP acting together could provide a great opportunity for local good causes at a third of the price it would have cost working individually.

Members fully supported the recommendations as a great opportunity to support local causes chosen  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

To seek approval for endorsing the countywide Lincolnshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategies for a further 12 months.

1)            That a one year extension of the current countywide strategies be approved;

2)            That agreement be given to the writing of a new countywide Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy rather than individual council or sub regional strategies.

A report was presented that sought approval for endorsing the countywide Lincolnshire Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategies for a further 12 months.  It was noted that he Lincolnshire Homelessness Strategy 2017-2021 and the Lincolnshire Rough Sleeping Strategy 2019-2021 had both now expired.  It was a legal requirement to publish a revised homelessness strategy every five years.  Due to the delay in starting this work, Executive was asked to approve a one-year extension of the current countywide strategies. 

During his introduction, the Portfolio Holder for Better Ageing made reference to the current homelessness strategy that was approved in November 2017, this allowed time for the new combined strategy to be published within the 5-year requirement by November 2022.  The other Lincolnshire District Councils were in agreement with a new countywide strategy. 

It was noted that the present Homelessness Strategy contained an Action Plan to underpin priorities and was led by the strategic leads of the 7 authorities across the county.  Having a countywide strategy was highlighted as best practice, cost effective and aided grant funding for county wide housing and homelessness initiatives. 

Members noted a new Lincolnshire Homelessness Prevention Manager was in place, hosted by North Kesteven District Council.  The post holder would be responsible for writing the new strategy, supported by the 7 authorities and the proposed extension would provide time to write and approve the new countywide homelessness and rough sleeping strategy. 

It was highlighted that any local issues would be picked up by an action plan.  This was required for grant funding, in particular rough sleeper funding.

Following which, it was

RESOLVED

1)            That a one-year extension of the current countywide strategies be approved;

2)            That agreement be given to the writing of a new countywide Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy rather than individual council or sub regional strategies.

Reasons:

The extension is required to allow sufficient time for Lincolnshire Housing Authorities to jointly write and approve a new countywide homelessness and rough sleeping strategy.

Other options:

The Council could adopt its own individual strategy or a joint strategy across the South East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership but would still require an extension of the current strategies to provide sufficient time for a new strategy to be adopted. 

Having individual council strategies or a sub-regional SELCP strategy has been discounted because having a countywide strategy is seen as good practice, cost effective and has helped increase grant funding for countywide housing and homelessness initiatives.  This is because it evidences the seven Lincolnshire Councils and where applicable Lincolnshire County Council can work together for the benefit of its residents. 

To consider information relating to the Council’s Performance and Governance Framework at the end of Quarter 3 2021/22.

1.            That the performance and governance information contained within the report (Appendices A to C) be noted by Executive Board;

2.            F1: That the forecast revenue position for 2021/22 as detailed in Appendix D Table 1 be noted by Executive Board;

3.            F2: That the Forecast Reserve movements and balances as detailed in Appendix D Table 2, inclusive of the £100,000 use of the Technology Reserve for IT Investment as referred to in recommendation F3 be noted by Executive Board;

4.            F3: That the 2021/22 Capital position shown in Appendix D Table 3, which includes the addition of £100,000 to the IT Investment Budget be approved by Executive Board;

5.            F4: That the Financing of the Capital Programme as detailed at Appendix D Table 5 be approved by Executive Board.

A report was presented that brought together information relating to the Council’s Performance and Governance Framework at the end of Quarter 3 2021/2022. 

The Leader of the Council highlighted that individual Portfolio Holders were aware of their particular performance areas. 

The Portfolio Holder for Finance was supportive of the recommendations. 

Following which it was

RESOLVED

1.            That the performance and governance information contained within the report (Appendices A to C) be noted by Executive Board;

2.            F1: That the forecast revenue position for 2021/22 as detailed in Appendix D Table 1 be noted by Executive Board;

3.            F2: That the Forecast Reserve movements and balances as detailed in Appendix D Table 2, inclusive of the £100,000 use of the Technology Reserve for IT Investment as referred to in recommendation F3 be noted by Executive Board;

4.            F3: That the 2021/22 Capital position shown in Appendix D Table 3, which includes the addition of £100,000 to the IT Investment Budget be approved by Executive Board;

5.            F4: That the Financing of the Capital Programme as detailed at Appendix D Table 5 be approved by Executive Board.

Reasons:

To monitor delivery of performance and governance objectives and to support future planning and decision making within the Council.

Other options:

That the financial recommendations within the report are not supported. This is not recommended.

To consider if due diligence and feasibility work should be undertaken on the potential redevelopment of RAF Woodhall Spa, to progress the initial interest expressed through One Public Estates, with a view to potentially submitting a formal offer to purchase this site and establish a budget to complete the necessary work.

1)            That Officers be authorised to complete necessary due diligence, including exploratory discussions with LCC on any potential for collaboration and feasibility work sufficient to formulate an offer and if agreed;

2)            That agreement be given by Executive Board to establish a budget of up to £10,000 (ten thousand pounds), drawn down from the Economic Growth reserve, to facilitate due diligence and feasibility work necessary to formulate an offer;

3)            That agreement be given that on conclusion of the work and prior to any offer being submitted a separate report will be brought back to Executive Board and if necessary referred on to full Council.  

N.B. Councillor Leyland asked it be noted that he was the District Council Ward Member for Woodhall Spa. 

A report was presented that sought to establish if Executive Board required Officers to carry out due diligence and feasibility work on the potential redevelopment of RAF Woodhall Spa, to progress the initial interest expressed through One Public Estates, with a view to potentially submitting a formal offer to purchase this site and establish a budget to complete the necessary work.

It was noted on 31^st January 2022 Senior Leadership Team (SLT) agreed for the Deputy Chief Executive, Growth to sign and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by 3^rd February 2022 for the possible acquisition of the land comprising RAF Woodhall Spa, following the MOD declaring the site surplus to their requirements under the One Public Estate protocol.

The Protocol informed other public sector organisations of the intent to dispose, prior to being placed on the open market should no requirement be identified by other public sector organisations.

The EOI did not commit the Council to purchase the site and in any event is subject to valuation, contract, due diligence, relevant authorities being granted and obtaining planning permission for any alternative uses.

Following the submission of the EOI, Officers received a response from the MOD on 8th February 2022 via their Estates acquisitions and disposal section of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). The response invited the Council to progress the EOI and set out more details of valuation and timescales within the report.

During discussion the Portfolio Holder for Partnerships advised that this was a wonderful opportunity to acquire a substantial site that could be economically very good for the area and therefore an opportunity not to be missed.

The Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy was also supportive and highlighted the need to promote tourism, not just on the coast but also inland and considered this to be a good opportunity. 

The Chairman of Executive Board was fully supportive and highlighted the need to work with Lincolnshire County Council in terms of dual potentials.

Following which it was

RESOLVED

1)            That Officers be authorised to complete necessary due diligence, including exploratory discussions with LCC on any potential for collaboration and feasibility work sufficient to formulate an offer and if agreed;

2)            That agreement be given by Executive Board to establish a budget of up to £10,000 (ten thousand pounds), drawn down from the Economic Growth reserve, to facilitate due diligence and feasibility work necessary to formulate an offer;

3)            That agreement be given that on conclusion of the work and prior to any offer being submitted a separate report will be brought back to Executive Board and if necessary, referred on to full Council.  

Reason:

To determine if purchasing the site is of sufficient strategic importance to the Council at a value commensurate with the outcomes achievable.

Other options:

Do nothing, allowing the MOD to go to the open market without considering the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

Procurement Exemption for noting.

Members noted a Procurement Exemption relating to the Horncastle Hub Inter-site cabling and cabinets.

To consider of Towns Fund business cases to enable the Council to progress projects to the delivery stage and confirm funding.

Exempt Appendices D, D ii & E are to follow.

1.            That approval be given to the report and business cases, where the            Council will be delivering the project, for submission to the Town Deal Board (Connected Coast Board) for their approval on 24^th March, and subsequent review by Full Council on 30^th March 2022. This includes the following project business cases – Cultural Skegness and Skegness Foreshore, and in Mablethorpe, the Campus for Future Living, Mobi-Hub and the Leisure and Learning Hub;

2.            That approval be given to the full business cases, for externally managed projects, for submission to the Town Deal Board (Connected Coast Board) for their approval on 24^th March and subsequent review by Full Council on 30^th March 2022. This includes the Learning Campus and Railway Station for the Skegness Town Deal, and the National Trust project at Sandilands for the Mablethorpe Town Deal;

3.            That the submission of Towns Fund projects to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) be noted. This includes the Police Training Centre, Hardy’s Multi-User Path and the Town Centre Transformation (including Tower Gardens) for the Skegness Town Deal. It also includes the Town Centre Transformation project, as part of the Mablethorpe Town Deal.  These projects have been approved by DLUHC;

4.            That the updated Terms of Reference for the Connected Coast Board at Appendix I be approved.

A report was presented that considered approval of Towns Fund business cases to enable the Council to progress projects to the delivery stage and confirm funding.  The Chairman of Executive Board paid credit to the huge amount of high-quality time based work undertaken by officers to reach this point.  It was noted that this item would be considered in open session unless the need arose to refer to exempt attachments, whereupon a vote would be taken to go into exempt session.

This report summarised the Towns Fund process for approval of the business cases; the projects required the Council to support the submission of the business case as the accountable body for the Town Deal in each town.  Each Town Deal had received a Heads of Terms offer from Government – Mablethorpe has an offer of £23.9m and Skegness has an offer of £24.5m. In order to secure the Town Deal funding, the projects which formed part of the Town Investment Plan had to submit business cases for approval to Government to release the funding allocation.

It was noted there were 7 projects as part of the Skegness Town Deal and 6 projects as part of the Mablethorpe Town Deal.  Across both town deals, there were 7 projects which were externally led and 6 projects which were led and supported by East Lindsey District Council.  For all projects, the Council was the accountable body and had developed a delivery team, delivery arrangements and agreements.

During discussion, the Portfolio Holder for Finance expressed his thanks to officers for the tremendous amount of work undertaken and was supportive of the recommendations.  Councillor Fry went on to reference page 122 of report that referred to the business case documents not being a delivery plan at this stage and needing further development before commitment to a delivery contract.  The Portfolio Holder highlighted the need for a greater degree of detail in some of the business cases and recognised that much information needed to be developed with a view to ensure the projects were financially sustainable. 

The Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy also acknowledged the huge amount of work involved and whilst acknowledging the further work required on robust business cases, considered the projects offered the potential to make a huge difference to the coast.

The Chairman of Executive Board advised that whilst Councillor Kirk, Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy was unable to be in attendance this evening he had worked very closely with the team involved on the projects. 

The Assistant Director, Economic thanked all for their comments, which would be taken on board.  Members were reminded that approval of the recommendations would enable the Council to progress the projects to the delivery stage and draw down the allocated project funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).  It was highlighted that the Council was not committed until contracts for delivery were agreed. 

Following which it was

RESOLVED

1.            That approval be given to the report and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of this Board will be Wednesday 27 April 2022.

The date of the next Meeting was noted as Wednesday 27 April 2022.