Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sarah Devereux and Adam Grist.

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

To confirm the Open and Exempt Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 11^th January 2023.

The Open and Exempt Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 11th January 2023 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To confirm Actions following the Meeting held on 11^th January 2023.

The Actions of the Meeting held on Wednesday 11th January 2023 were confirmed as complete.

To consider the preparation required for National Portfolio Organisation funding from Arts Council England.

1.              That approval of the inclusion of £651,993 revenue grant funding per annum into the Council’s Budget for 2023/24 and Medium-Term Financial Plan for 2024/25 and 2025/26 be recommended to Council;

2.              That (subject to Council approving the budget) that approval be given for the Council to be the accountable body for the National Portfolio Organisation funding award, acceptance of the grant and approval of delegated authority to agree the grant terms and conditions to the Assistant Director Economic Growth;

3.              That the future use of Sutton on Sea Colonnade as a Cultural Hub be approved and any necessary in-kind contributions to support the delivery of the funded programme;

4.              That approval be given for Magna Vitae, the Council’s delivery partner for Culture, to be commissioned to manage delivery of the funded programme;

5.              That delegation be agreed for the Assistant Director Economic Growth in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders to establish a Culture Board and agree its Terms of Reference;

6.              That the Activity Plan (attached at Appendix B) be noted and delegation be authorised to the Assistant Director Economic Growth in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders to modify and approve future plans.

A report was presented to enable consideration of the preparation required for National Portfolio Organisation funding from Arts Council England.  It was noted that Arts Council England (ACE) had confirmed investment for the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) from the 2023-2026 Investment Programme for National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) as funding per annum of £651,993 (total of £1,955,799 for a three year programme) to commence from April 2023 and would continue through to March 2026.

The Activity Plan for the first year (from April 2023) had been submitted to ACE for approval.  If successful, East Lindsey District Council as the accountable body for the ACE funding, would be awarded £651,993 (split across the Partnership Councils, variable subject to particular outputs at any time) to deliver an art and cultural programme in line with the Activity Plan.  The Plan included the development of three Creative Hubs to help deliver the activity Boston Guildhall, Ayscoughfee Hall, the Colonnade at Sutton on Sea) and the establishment of a Culture Board to oversee the programme.  The Culture Board would support collaboration and exchange programmes to establish the area as a hub for regional cultural development, with an exemplar approach to the inclusion of heritage within arts and culture.

During his introduction of the report the Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy referred to approval for Magna Vitae, the Council’s delivery partner for culture, to manage the delivery of the funded programme to actively engage with all NPO’s across Lincolnshire.  It was highlighted that care would be taken to ensure no duplication of ACE funding.  The Portfolio Holder wished to express his thanks to Lydia Rusling, Assistant Director for Economic Growth and officers involved.

N.B. Councillor Ashton joined the meeting at 6:08pm.

During discussion Members supported the recommendations and referred to the benefits and the recognition from Arts Council England.

RESOLVED

1.              That approval of the inclusion of £651,993 revenue grant funding per annum into the Council’s Budget for 2023/24 and Medium-Term Financial Plan for 2024/25 and 2025/26 be recommended to Council;

2.              That (subject to Council approving the budget) that approval be given for the Council to be the accountable body for the National Portfolio Organisation funding award, acceptance of the grant and approval of delegated authority to agree the grant terms and conditions to the Assistant Director Economic Growth;

3.              That the future use of Sutton on Sea Colonnade as a Cultural Hub be approved and any necessary in-kind contributions to support the delivery of the funded programme;

4.              That approval be given for Magna Vitae, the Council’s delivery partner for Culture, to be commissioned to manage delivery of the funded programme;

5.              That delegation be agreed for the Assistant Director Economic Growth in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders to establish a Culture Board and agree its Terms of Reference;

6.              That the Activity Plan (attached at Appendix B) be noted and delegation be authorised to the Assistant Director Economic Growth in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holders to modify and approve  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

To consider the General Fund Budget for 2023/24 including the use of reserves, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme and Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy, MRP Policy and Annual Investment Strategy, Fees and Charges for 2023/24 and the Annual Delivery Plan.

That the following recommendations be approved for onward referral to Full Council on 1st March 2023:

1.       The Revenue Estimates for the General Fund for 2023/24 (Appendices 1, 1a and 1b) be approved;

2.       That the Council Tax for a Band A property in 2023/24 be set at £107.76 (£3.30 per annum increase on 2022/23 levels) and band D £161.64 for 2023/24 (a £4.95 per annum increase on 2022/23 levels);

3.       The additions to and use of reserves (as detailed at Appendix 1) be approved;

4.       The Medium Term Financial Strategy (at Appendix 1) be approved;

5.       The Capital Programme and Capital Strategy (Appendices 1 and 2) be approved;

6.       The Treasury Management Policy 2023/24 (Appendix 3a) and Treasury Management Strategy, including the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and Annual Investment Strategy 2023/24 (Appendix 3b) be approved;

7.       The Annual Delivery Plan for 2023/24 (Appendix 4) be approved;

8.       That Executive Board notes the results of the Budget Consultation process at Appendix 5 (to follow);

9.       That Full Council delegates approval to the Deputy Chief Executive Corporate Development (S151), to account as required for any s31 grant and reserve transactions required in respect of the Collection Fund;

10.   That delegated authority be given to the Deputy Chief Executive Corporate Development (S151), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to make any necessary amendments to the budget prior to Council due to late notifications.

A report was presented to enable consideration of the General Fund Budget for 2023/24, including the use of reserves, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme and Strategy, Treasury Management Policy/Strategy, MRP Policy and Annual Investment Strategy and the Annual Delivery Plan.

Firstly, the Portfolio Holder for Finance wished to extend his thanks to Christine Marshall, Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Development) and s151 Officer and her team for their work in preparing the budget.  During his introduction the Portfolio Holder referred to this year’s budget being set within a background of unprecedented inflationary pressures and significant changes in residents, customers and business needs.  It was highlighted that despite this the Council was well placed and able to take a considered approach to mitigating theses exceptional challenges.  Furthermore, the Council had been and continued to be successful in drawing in significant capital and revenue investment for the area. 

It was noted that the budget had been through a consultation procedure and the summary had been circulated (Appendix 5).  The draft budget proposals had been considered by Overview Committee and Audit and Governance Committee respectively, Overview Committee Minute 71 and Audit and Governance Committee Minute 46 refer.

The Treasury Management Strategy was also presented to Audit and Governance Committee on 1^st February, Audit and Governance Committee Minute No. 46 refers and had been updated to reflect the final budget accompanying the report presented.

Key budget pressures were listed at paragraph 3 of the report and were noted as:

·                 A pay award for 2022/23 was agreed in November 2022 averaging 5% across the pay spine.  For 2023/24 a 5% award had been assumed, this allowance would be held corporately and adjusted to any savings target should it be settled at a lower level.  This was one of the most significant impacts in the budget.

•         Pension contributions would be 23.8% in 2023/24 with an additional lump sum amount payable towards the deficit on the pension scheme. This rate was applied only to those staff in the local government pension scheme. The pension contribution rate was assumed to stay at 23.8% throughout the life of the MTFS.

·                 The return on cash investment reflected recent increases to Bank of England base rates which had increased significantly from the recent historic low levels.

·                 Electricity and gas costs had been inflated for 2023/24, as a result of increased wholesale prices.

·                 Vehicle fuel costs have also experienced inflationary pressures.

·                 Increased Internal Drainage Board levy of particular concern (as detailed at paragraph 6.1 of the report presented). 

·                 Increased contract and service costs were similarly a feature of the budget, albeit officers and members are working closely to seek to manage these implications and impacts, these included:

·       External audit fees;

·       External contract pay and inflation pressures.

In respect of Council Tax and Business Rates paragraph 4.1 of the report detailed the previous Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) committed to a Council Tax increase in line with the maximum allowed under the recent Local Government Settlement.  For ELDC in 2023/24 this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

To provide an updated Carbon Footprint for 2021.

1)              That the findings of the Carbon Footprint for 2021 in line with the Partnership’s commitment to reducing its carbon emissions to net zero by 2040 be noted;

2)              That approval be granted for  the addition of upstream scope 3 emissions to the baseline year and subsequent footprint reports in line with Carbon Trust recommendations as required to meet a net zero target.

A report was presented to provide an updated carbon footprint for 2021.  It was noted that East Lindsey District Council had agreed an ambitious target to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2040, with a minimum reduction of 45% by 2027, in line with the Carbon Reduction Plan and the strategic aim of the Corporate Strategy.  This report and accompanying analysis sought to provide an annual update on our progress towards these targets.

During his introduction the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction referred to the crucial role that local authorities played in driving forward change and leading by example.  As part of East Lindsey District Council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, its annual Carbon Footprint had been recorded to enable monitoring of these emissions and guide towards its net zero ambition.  

It was noted that in 2021, East Lindsey District Council’s total emissions decreased by 26.3% compared to the baseline year (2019), however they increased compared to the previous year by 8.3%, going from 1,756.5 tCO2e to 1,902.8 tCO2e. 

In the 2020 Carbon Footprint, significant reductions were made to our emissions totalling 32%, however some of these resulted from impacts of the COVID pandemic, such as reduced occupancy of buildings and agile working. Whilst it was hoped to maintain these gains as far as possible, re-opening of facilities and offices, alongside partial returns to the office, had resulted in an increase in electricity, gas, waste and commuting emissions this year.  The figures for energy use for the operational fleet were laid out within the report.

With methodology for carbon foot printing continuously evolving, the Carbon Trust had advised the Council should also seek to include upstream scope 3 emissions in the 2021 Carbon Footprint, which had not been considered so far.  These were emissions that arose from the production, refining, and transport, of the considered activities, providing a truer picture of their impact.  The inclusion of upstream scope 3 emissions would again bring ELDC’s footprint in line with current methodology.  Upstream Scope 3 emissions must be measured as part of the Council’s Carbon Footprint to truly achieve net zero. The upstream scope 3 emissions in 2021 totalled 445.2 tCO2e.

The Climate Change and Environment Team had identified LED lighting upgrades at Louth Street Scene Depot as a decarbonisation project which was estimated to achieve an emissions reduction of 1.09tCO2e/yr.  Unfortunately, works had not progressed as anticipated in 2021 due to resourcing pressures on the Property Services team, however these upgrades were due to be completed before the end of the current financial year, and they would therefore begin to have an impact on the Carbon Footprint for 2023.

It was noted that a significant piece of work would be undertaken during the coming months to establish a Carbon Footprint for assets operated by Magna Vitae on behalf of the Council and to undertake an important decarbonisation study for leisure facilities, including fitness suites and the Embassy Theatre.  This work would ensure that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

To consider the adoption of the Lincolnshire Districts Health & Wellbeing Strategy and associated Action Plan as a framework for improving health and wellbeing across the County and to commit to working closely with partners in the public, private and voluntary sector to implement the strategy and positively impact on health outcomes for residents of Lincolnshire.

That the Lincolnshire Districts Health and Wellbeing Strategy be adopted as a document, which provides the Council with the framework for improving health and wellbeing in the South and East Lincolnshire Partnership Sub-Region, and to commit to engaging fully in both the further development of this strategy and the delivery of the actions outlined.

The Portfolio Holder for Better Ageing, introduced a report to enable consideration of the adoption of the Lincolnshire Districts Health & Wellbeing Strategy and associated Action Plan as a framework for improving health and wellbeing across the County and to commit to working closely with partners in the public, private and voluntary sector to implement the strategy and positively impact on health outcomes for residents of Lincolnshire.

Lincolnshire district councils were committed to developing an ambitious agenda for improving health and wellbeing in Lincolnshire.  Tackling health inequalities through policy areas where district councils influenced social determinants of health, working collaboratively across the districts and with strategic health system partners.  A strategy had been developed focussing on 5 key lever areas.  These areas were noted as: Housing & Homelessness, Activity & Wellbeing, Environment & Climate, Economic Inclusion and Working with Communities. 

The Strategy was an overarching document, developed by engagement across Lincolnshire within the health system.  Following the Covid Pandemic, the 7 Lincolnshire authorities had developed a culture of working closer together on challenges.  The district councils were committed to continuing this culture and to developing an ambitious agenda to improve health and wellbeing in the county through the Lincs Health and Wellbeing Board, Integrated Care Partnership and Leaders, Chief Executives and Officers.  Members noted the Executive Summary at Appendix 1, the Strategy at Appendix 2 and the Action Plan at Appendix 5.  For transparency Councillor Gray asked it be noted that he was currently a member of the Lincolnshire Integrated Greater Care Board, the Lincolnshire Integrated Care Partnership and the Lincolnshire Wellbeing Board and he chaired the Housing Health and Care Delivery Group on behalf of the Lincolnshire County Council and the Healthy Living Board on behalf of the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership. 

Councillor Gray concluded by extending his thanks to officers for their work.

During discussion Members were fully supportive of the recommendations and the Portfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy advised that this was a far reaching document that would make a real difference to residents.  

RESOLVED

That the Lincolnshire Districts Health and Wellbeing Strategy be adopted as a document, which provides the Council with the framework for improving health and wellbeing in the South and East Lincolnshire Partnership Sub-Region, and to commit to engaging fully in both the further development of this strategy and the delivery of the actions outlined.

Reasons:

The Strategy is an overarching document, developed through engagement with agencies across Lincolnshire within the health system.  It gives a solid strategic framework and high-level objectives to use to further develop the Healthy Living Action Plan for the South & East Lincolnshire Partnership to drive local delivery in addressing health inequalities.

It demonstrates a clear commitment to shared objectives to improving the health and wellbeing of local residents through district action.

Other options:

Not to adopt the strategy – not recommended.

To advise Executive Board on a Draft Partnership Litter and Fly-Tipping Engagement and Enforcement Strategy and seek approval to proceed with public consultation.

That the Litter and Fly-Tipping Engagement and Enforcement Strategy and Action Plan be approved, with the commitment to review and carry out consultation in six months.

A report was presented that introduced the draft Litter and Fly-Tipping Engagement and Enforcement strategy proposed for adoption across the South and East Lincolnshire Council Partnership. The strategy set out the ambition to tackle these issues through a stronger focus on engagement, education and enforcement.  An Action Plan had been developed to support the strategy and detail the key activities to take place which included a social media campaign, improved signage and deployment of overt cameras to act as a deterrent and capture evidence. The new enviro-crime enforcement contract, which had just been adopted across the Partnership, would also see an increase in enforcement for littering, fly-tipping and other environmental offences as well as patrols and the capability to respond to community concerns. The Strategy was attached at Appendix A.  Thanks were extended to the officers involved.

The Portfolio Holder for Operational Services highlighted a change to the recommendations as follows:

‘That Executive Board approve the Litter and Fly-Tipping Engagement and Enforcement Strategy and Action Plan. with the commitment to review and carry out consultation in six months.’

It was considered that a review and consultation after 6 months would be more meaningful.

RESOLVED

That the Litter and Fly-Tipping Engagement and Enforcement Strategy and Action Plan be approved, with the commitment to review and carry out consultation in six months.

Reasons:

To enable the Council to take forward the Strategy and Action Plan to tackle the issues of Litter and Fly-tipping. A review will be carried out in six months to consider the impact that the Strategy and Action Plan are having on the issues of litter and fly-tipping.

Other options:

Do nothing.

To confirm an Article 4(1) Direction which was served 15th September with immediate effect.

That confirmation of Option 5 be approved - To confirm the Article 4(1). To remove permitted development rights for Class B (Any building operation consisting of the demolition of a building), and Class C (Any building operation consisting of the demolition of the whole or any part of any gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure) of Schedule 2, Part 11 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended), concerning Land at Former Douglas Electronic Industries Ltd, 55 Eastfield Road, Louth LN11 7AL

A report was presented to retain the requirement for planning permission for the demolition of 55 Eastfield Road Louth LN11 7AL.

It was noted that in July 2022 the Council had received an application for Prior Approval for the demolition of Former Douglas Electronic Industries Ltd, 55 Eastfield Road, Louth LN11 7AL.  The process of Prior Approval only allowed the local planning authority to control of how the site was left, and did not allow the Council to refuse demolition.  After receiving a number of responses from residents opposing its demolition on the grounds that it was a heritage asset, an Executive decision was made using emergency powers to impose an Article 4(1) with immediate effect.  As a result, planning permission was now needed for demolition.  This requirement expired at the end of 6 months (March 2023) if not confirmed.  This report sought to confirm the Direction to allow the requirement for planning permission to remain.

Confirming the Article 4(1) Direction would continue to withdraw the permitted development rights granted by Class B (Any building operation consisting of the demolition of a building), and Class C (Any building operation consisting of the demolition of the whole or any part of any gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure) of Schedule 2, Part 11 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended), until which point the Direction was revoked.

By confirming the Direction, Planning Permission would therefore be required for demolition allowing the proposal to be considered against local and national planning policies.

RESOLVED

That confirmation of Option 5 be approved - To confirm the Article 4(1). To remove permitted development rights for Class B (Any building operation consisting of the demolition of a building), and Class C (Any building operation consisting of the demolition of the whole or any part of any gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure) of Schedule 2, Part 11 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended), concerning Land at Former Douglas Electronic Industries Ltd, 55 Eastfield Road, Louth LN11 7AL

Reasons:

A number of objections were received with regard to an application for Prior Approval for the demolition of the Former Douglas Electronic Industries Ltd, 55 Eastfield Road, Louth LN11 7AL. Application reference: N/105/01648/22. The objections raised identified the building as a heritage asset, worthy of proper consideration in the planning process. Having reviewed the information available which is set out later in this report, the Council agreed that the building is a non-designated heritage asset and as such should be a material planning consideration. 

Prior Approval does not give the council the ability to consider the proposal against local and national planning policy. Nor can it prevent the demolition. For the site to be considered against policy, permitted development rights would need to be removed in order to require a full application for the demolition.

A number of options were available to restrict permitted development rights but given the time  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

Decision Notice for noting.

RESOLVED

That the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Acceptance and Allocation of Budget Decision Notice be noted.

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(s) 1, 2 & 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended).

Withdrawn.

This item had been withdrawn from the Agenda.

To consider an Exempt Report.

That the recommendations contained in the Exempt Report be approved.

An Exempt Report was presented in relation to the next phase of the Sustainable Warmth Delivery funding.   The report contents were presently exempt due to a strict embargo.

RESOLVED

That the recommendations contained in the Exempt Report be approved.

Reasons:

As contained within the Exempt Report.

Other options:

As contained within the Exempt Report.

To consider an Exempt Report.

That the recommendations contained within the Exempt Report be approved.

An Exempt Report was presented relating to Commercial Property Portfolio 006.

RESOLVED

That the recommendations contained within the Exempt Report be approved.

Reasons:

As contained within the Exempt Report.

Other options:

As contained within the Exempt Report.