An apology for absence was received from Councillor Marsh.

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

To confirm the Open and Confidential Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 5^th July 2023.

The Open and Exempt Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 5^th July 2023 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To confirm Actions following the Meeting held on Wednesday 5^th July 2023.

The actions were confirmed as complete.

To consider a summary of the current financial position for the Council at the end of the first quarter of 2023/24 forecasting to the year end.

1.       That the current forecast unbudgeted surplus of £1.525m and the detail set out in Appendix A to the report be noted;

2.       That Full Council be recommended to amend the Capital Programme to take into account the changes set out in this report at  Appendix A – Table 4 which includes slippage, additions and changes to the previously reported programme.

A report was presented that summarised the current financial position for the Council at the end of the first quarter of 2023/24 forecasting to the year end for consideration.

Quarter one data provided a 3 month view on which the full year forecast was based.  It was noted that due to a volatile and inflationary financial environment, the figures were susceptible to further change.  The full year outturn based on current projections and assumptions was a forecast net service surplus of £1.525m. 

During his introduction the Portfolio Holder for Finance referred to:

•         Certain assumptions had to be made around inflation pressures particularly pay, fuel, power and support for IDB costs.  As a result of this approach when the budgets were not required for example, as budgets became more accurate, these were being offset again the savings target and this information was detailed in Appendix A – Table 2 of the report;

•         The financial pressure generated by the Internal Drainage Boards had been supported by government for 2023/24 in the sum of £927,000 for which the Council was grateful.   However, the issue and challenge of a longer-term solution to this problem had been raised again with government officials at DLUC and BEIS in order to seek to come to a resolution that enabled the Council to make use of the Council Tax that it raised for the purpose that it was set.  In addition, the Council was now working with others affected in the setting up of a Special Interest Group on this topic to take it forward.  Further updates would be provided as this progressed.

Following which it was

RESOLVED

1.       That the current forecast unbudgeted surplus of £1.525m and the detail set out in Appendix A to the report be noted;

2.       That Full Council be recommended to amend the Capital Programme to take into account the changes set out in this report at  Appendix A – Table 4 which included slippage, additions and changes to the previously reported programme.

Reasons:

To ensure the Council’s forecast  financial position for 2023/24 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 financial movements outlined.

To consider theCouncil’s Performance and Governance Framework at the end of Quarter 1 2023/24 (April to June 2023).

That the performance and risk information contained within the Quarter 1 Monitoring Report 2023/24 be noted. 

A report was presented that brought together information relating to the Council’s Performance and Governance Framework at the end of Quarter 1, 2023/24.

Following which, it was

RESOLVED

That the performance and risk information contained within the Quarter 1 Monitoring Report 2023/24 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 agree consultation proposals for the local Council Tax Support scheme, 2024/2025.

That consultation on continuation of the current Council Tax Support scheme, including uprating in line with DWP’s annual update of allowances and premiums for 2024/25 be approved.

A report was presented to provide an update on the current Local Council Tax Support Scheme and sought Executive Board approval to consult on proposals for 2024/25.

Following which it was

RESOLVED

That consultation on continuation of the current Council Tax Support scheme, including uprating in line with DWP’s annual update of allowances and premiums for 2024/25 be approved.

Reasons:

This will continue to align the CTS scheme and uprating for working age customers with DWP provisions for Housing Benefit and the CTS scheme for pensioners.  This has been consistent each year since the introduction of the local scheme.

Additional analysis work as part of this year’s review adds further emphasis to the need for a more fundamental scheme review, and work will begin in the next few months with any resulting new scheme being implemented 2025/26.

Other options:

The ‘do nothing’ option was considered, which would see the current scheme retained without uprating. 

To consider a South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Communications Strategy.

1.       That the Partnership Communications Strategy at Appendix A be           approved;

2.       That the feedback from scrutiny committees at 2.6 be noted.

A report was presented to enable consideration of the South and East Lincolnshire Council’s Partnership Communications Strategy.  The background to the report was listed at paragraph 1.1 – 1.4. The report sought support for a Partnership Communications Strategy as set out at Appendix A to the report presented.  During his introduction of the report the Leader of the Council stressed the need for a united communications strategy across the partnership.

During discussion the Portfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy referred to page 90 of the Strategy and stressed that communications must be an early part of any decision making process.

The Leader of the Council agreed this would be picked up.  The Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing concurred. 

RESOLVED

1.       That the Partnership Communications Strategy at Appendix A be approved;

2.       That the feedback from scrutiny committees at 2.6 be noted.

Reasons:

To provide an aligned and consistent approach to Partnership communications with internal and external audiences.

Other options:

Do nothing – this is possible, but it wouldn’t support the aspirations of the Partnership to align functions or support the Partnership in delivering a consistent and co-ordinated approach to communications.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of this Board will be 1^st November 2023.

The date of the next scheduled meeting was noted as Wednesday 1^st November 2023.

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).

To consider an Exempt Report.

That the recommendations within the Exempt Report be approved.

An Exempt Report was presented in respect of the Skegness Foreshore – Towns Fund Project Update.

Following which it was

RESOLVED

That the recommendations within the Exempt Report be approved.

Reasons:

As per the Exempt report.

Other options:

As per the Exempt report.