Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Steve Kirk and Richard Fry.  

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

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 6^th July 2022.

The minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 6^th July 2022 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Actions from the previous meeting.

The actions of the meeting held on Wednesday 6^th July 2022 were confirmed as complete with the exception of Action No. 8, Broadway Car Park, which would be dealt with at the next Council Meeting.

To consider the approval of the Cultural Framework (Strategy) and the Action Plan for East Lindsey.

Appendix A - Cultural Framework for Renewal is to follow.

1.            That the formal adoption of the Cultural Framework for Renewal be supported and approval of the final document be confirmed;

2.         That in consultation with the Portfolio Holders, Councillor Kirk and Councillor Grist, that final amendments be incorporated and the final document be published on the Council website;

3.            That the extension of the work to reflect the Partnership with South Holland be supported;

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4.            That the submission of the Expression of Interest for National Portfolio Organisation status and the Cultural Development Fund bid with Arts Council England be noted.

 A report was presented that provided the background information on the development of a new Cultural Framework for Boston and East Lindsey.  The Cultural Framework for investment established an ambitious vision for culture, which connected to heritage and the visitor economy and contributed to people’s health and wellbeing, as well as supporting environmental sustainability and the local cultural ecosystem.

The Framework document was shared with Executive Board for approval and adoption.

Members noted that during the development of the Framework there had been an opportunity to submit an Expression of Interest for National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status and a Cultural Development Fund bid with Arts Council England.

The Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy advised it was time for a refresh of all things cultural in East Lindsey and Boston across the two districts.  The paper was straightforward and requested adoption of the Cultural Framework for renewal and in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for the Rural Economy for the final document to be published on the Council website. 

The Assistant Director for Economic Growth highlighted the recommendations, including the extension of work to reflect the Partnership into South Holland.  In addition, it was noted that two place-based Actions Plans at the conclusion of the document underpinned the approach to the new funding streams available through the levelling up white paper. 

Further reference was made to:

·       Key projects that had been submitted to the levelling up fund for Alford and Spilsby;

·       Work on the UK Shared Prosperity;

·       The potential of further Arts Council funding through expression of interest to have NPO status;

·       Cultural Development Fund – an expression of interest had been successful and the deadline for submission of a full bid was 18^th November 2022, this included the renewal of Skegness Pier and the redevelopment of the Embassy Theatre to create a culture house alongside Magna Vitae.

The Chairman of Executive Board advised this had massive implications of economic development and was also pleased to see the potential for our market towns. 

RESOLVED

1.              That the formal adoption of the Cultural Framework for Renewal be supported and approval of the final document be confirmed;

2.       That in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Market Towns and the Rural Economy and Coastal Economy, that final amendments be incorporated and the final document be published on the Council website;

3.               That the extension of the work to reflect the Partnership with South Holland be supported;

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4.               That the submission of the Expression of Interest for National Portfolio Organisation status and the Cultural Development Fund bid with Arts Council England be noted.

Reasons:

A formally adopted Cultural Strategy and agreement of priority actions will provide East Lindsey District Council with the cultural principles to be reflected in each place. In addition, the Cultural Framework will support funding applications, increase engagement with art and culture and facilitate greater connectivity with Art and Cultural organisations.

It had already provided the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

To consider for adoption the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy 2022-2025.

a)    That the contents of the report and the work of partners in addressing crime and disorder in South and East Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire as a whole be noted;

b)    That the Community Safety Strategy and identified priorities for the SELCSP for the period 2022-25 be adopted for consideration for endorsement by Full Council;

c)     That agreement be given by Executive Board to provide delegated authority for the Deputy Chief Executive (Communities) to finalise with the relevant Portfolio Holders a programme for the development of a Community Safety Action Plan subject to the Community Safety Strategy and its associated priorities being agreed at Full Council.

A report was presented that 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).  The report outlined the current Community Safety Partnership (CSP) arrangements across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (S&ELCP), and in Lincolnshire as a whole. 

A Community Safety Strategy (CSP) had been produced to demonstrate the work of the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership (SELCSP) which was working collaboratively with the County Safer Lincolnshire Partnership (SLP), to address crime and disorder at a local, sub-regional and County level.  Executive Board was asked to support a recommendation to adopt the strategy for the period April 2022 to March 2025.

Background details to the CSPs were detailed within paragraphs 1.1 to 2.2 of the report presented.  Paragraph 2.2 of the report detailed the responsibilities of authorities in implementing a strategy as:

·       reduction of crime and disorder in the area (including anti-social and other behaviour adversely affecting the local environment);

·       combatting the misuse of drugs, alcohol, and other substances in the area;

·       the reduction of re-offending in the area;

·       a new duty to formulate and implement a strategy for preventing people from becoming involved in serious violence and reducing instances of serious violence in the area.

Other statutory duties that must be fulfilled by CSPs were detailed at paragraph 2.3 of the report as:

·       Setting up protocols and systems for information sharing;

·       Regular consultation with the public on community safety priorities;

·       Commissioning of Domestic Homicide Reviews;

·       Convening one or more public meetings per year.

It was highlighted that working in partnership at sub-region and county level enabled the District Councils to discharge their statutory duties.  The benefits of a Community Safety Strategy were highlighted as enabling the partnership to communicate its priorities and aspirations for keeping communities safe.  Furthermore, it provided reputational benefits to the S&ELP as a driver to tackle crime and disorder and to support delivery against statutory community safety responsibilities.

During discussion the Portfolio Holder for Planning referred to the public consultation included at Appendix A to the report presented in terms of the residents of East Lindsey considering the district a safe place to live, which compared favourably with other places in Lincolnshire and was something that the recommendations would build on.

The Portfolio Holder for Partnerships wished to express his thanks to officers for their work.  The Community Safety Manager highlighted the Action Plan behind the strategy which would be scrutinised at partnership level and provide necessary feedback. 

RESOLVED

a)    That the contents of the report and the work of partners in addressing crime and disorder in South and East Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire as a whole be noted;

b)    That the Community Safety Strategy and identified priorities for the SELCSP for the period 2022-25 be adopted for consideration for endorsement by Full Council;

c)   That agreement be given by Executive Board to provide delegated authority for the Deputy Chief Executive (Communities)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

To consider the quarterly report covering performance and risk monitoring information for Quarter 1 of 2022/23 (as at June 2022).

That the information contained within the Performance and Governance Quarter One Monitoring Report and appendices be noted.

A report covering performance and risk monitoring information for Quarter 1 of 2022/23 (as at June 2022) was presented.

The Chairman of Executive Board advised that Portfolio Holders would be aware of any areas requiring closer focus.  The pressure that the Revenue and Benefits Teams were currently experiencing from calls relating to Government Initiative was recognised and the Portfolio Holder for Partnerships was aware.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning referred to the resource pressure on planning in terms of case load but was pleased to advise that key performance indicators now more accurately reflected the time that was a normal part of the process in dealing with major and some smaller complicated applications. 

RESOLVED

That the information contained within the Performance and Governance Quarter One Monitoring Report and appendices be noted.

Reasons:

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

Other options:

Alternative reporting arrangements.

To consider the General Fund Revenue and Capital Quarter One, 2022/23.

That the General Fund Revenue and Capital Quarter One, 2022/23 report and Appendix A, including the forecast budget overspend of £99K, detailed be noted.

A report was presented that set out the forecast at the end of quarter one for East Lindsey District Council for 2022/23 and provided information on the implications for the Council’s balances and reserves, including the capital position for the first quarter of the year.  During his introduction of the report, the Chairman of Executive Board extended thanks to the Portfolio Holder for Finance and his team for their work.

RESOLVED

That the General Fund Revenue and Capital Quarter One, 2022/23  report and Appendix A, including the forecast budget overspend of £99K, detailed be noted.

Reasons:

To ensure the Council’s forecast financial position for 2022/23 is considered and related decisions approved. It is important that the Executive are aware of the financial position of the General Fund to ensure that they can make informed decisions that are affordable and financially sustainable for the Council.

Other options:

To not approve the reserve movements outlined.

To consider for adoption the Sustainable Products Policy.

That the Sustainable Products Policy be adopted in line with the Council’s commitments to resource and waste management, and mitigation and adaption to Climate Change, as specified in the Environment Policy. 

A report was presented that requested the adoption of the Sustainable Products Policy.  It was highlighted that the production of single use products and the resultant waste from their usage and disposal was one of the greatest environmental concerns faced globally today.  A Sustainable Products Policy had therefore been developed to outline the necessary actions required to ensure a sustainable approach to procurement of such items was carefully considered.  The Sustainable Products Policy set out the commitment to discontinuing the procurement of single use products as far as possible within internal operations and finding the best alternative solutions where single use products could not be eliminated completely. 

During his presentation the Portfolio Holder for Partnerships expressed his thanks to officers involved in this work.

Councillor Grist as Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy supported the recommendation but advised that the vast majority of single use products could potentially be recycled and reused if appropriate processes were in place but this was for industry and government to drive. 

The Portfolio Holder for Operational Services advised that the Environmental Act 2021 had coverage of disposable items and proposals from the government with regard to disposal, collection and re-use of these items so was in the pipeline but would take some time. 

RESOLVED

That the Sustainable Products Policy be adopted in line with the Council’s commitments to resource and waste management, and mitigation and adaption to Climate Change, as specified in the Environment Policy. 

Reasons:

East Lindsey District Council has made a commitment to ensuring a sustainable approach to resource management as specified in Theme four of the Environment Policy and mitigating and adapting to Climate Change as specified in Theme 2 of the Environment Policy. Adoption of this policy is listed as a local priority in the Environment Policy and as a corporate priority in the South & East Lincolnshire Council’s Partnership Annual Delivery Plan. The Sustainable Products Policy will assist us in establishing practices for a more sustainable procurement future, thereby supporting us in meeting our net zero targets and reducing the environmental impact of our operational activities.

Other options:

Members could decide not to recommend adoption of the Sustainable Products Policy however, local authorities have a legal obligation to produce plans and policies to adapt to and mitigate climate change in line with the provisions of the Climate Change Act 2008. The Council has committed to reducing its carbon emissions to net zero by 2040 with a minimum emissions reduction of 45% by 2027 and via the Environment Policy, has committed to ensuring a sustainable approach to resource and waste management. This policy will assist the Council in achieving these targets, alongside other co-benefits.

Scrutiny Report for consideration.

·         That the attached report be noted;

·         That the report be recommended for consideration and noting at the next full Council meeting;

·         That the recommendations be fully considered by the relevant Portfolio Holder, with a subsequent response back to the Overview Committee.

A report was presented commissioned by the Overview Committee that considered how ELDC could help to improve design, choice, and quality of new and existing housing in the district. 

The Portfolio Holder for Planning expressed his profound thanks to all Councillors involved in the panel.  The Portfolio Holder was confident that the Council through Planning Policy Committee and the Local Plan process would take on board the recommendations to the next level wherever possible.

The Chairman of Executive Board made reference to the quality of the report as before Executive Board today for nothing. 

Councillor Howard, as a Member of the Scrutiny Panel highlighted the huge amount of work involved and advised of the overriding need to engage on future models. 

Councillor Fiona Martin, as Chairman of Overview Committee expressed her thanks to Councillor Smith and the Scrutiny Panel and looked forward to a formal response from the Portfolio Holder for Planning in due course to enter into the Overview Committee Recommendation Tracker.  It was noted that the Sustainable Product Policy had also been reviewed by Overview Committee.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning expressed his thanks for the comments and advised that some of the recommendations should be directed to Housing and Finance Portfolios. 

RESOLVED

·       That the attached report be noted;

·       That the report be recommended for consideration and noting at the next full Council meeting;

·       That the recommendations be fully considered by the relevant Portfolio Holder, with a subsequent response back to the Overview Committee.

Reasons:

To note recommendations put forward by Scrutiny & Policy Panel as part of a scrutiny process.

Other options:

None.

The following Procurement Exemptions were noted:

·         Household Support Fund Distribution

·         Printing for Electoral Registration.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of this Board will be 2^nd November 2022.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of this Board was noted as 2nd November 2022.