Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Grist and Kirk.

No disclosures of interest were received.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 10^th January 2024.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10th January 2024 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To confirm Actions following the Meeting held on 10^th January 2024.

The Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Development & S151 Officer) confirmed all complete or in hand.

To consider for approval the onward referral to Council the General Fund Budget for 2024/25 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.

That the following recommendations be approved for onward referral to Full Council on 28th February 2024:

1.       That the Revenue Estimates for the General Fund and Medium Term Financial Strategy for the period 2024/25 – 2028/29 (Appendices 1, 1a and 1b) be approved.

2.       That the Council Tax for a band D property in 2024/25 be set at £166.59 (a £4.95 per annum increase on 2023/24 levels) and be approved.

3.       That 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.       That the Capital Programme and Capital Strategy (Appendices 1 and 2) be approved including the addition of £400,000 into the capital programme funded by the Corporate Priorities reserve for the Sutton on Sea Paddling Pool.

6.       That the Treasury Management Policy 2024/25 (Appendix 3a) and Treasury Management Strategy, including the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and Annual Investment Strategy 2024/25 (Appendix 3b) be approved.

7.       That the proposed Fees and charges as set out in Appendix 4 be approved.

8.       That the Annual Delivery Plan for 2024/25 (Appendix 5) be approved.

9.       That the results of the Budget Consultation process at Appendix 6 be noted.

10.     That the alignment of constitutional financial limits across the partnership (Appendix 7) be approved.

11.     That Council be recommended to reaffirm its previous decision in respect of long term empty properties determined in Appendix 1, and determine the introduction of the premium for substantially furnished with no residents (second homes), to be introduced at the earliest point 1st April 2025.

A report was presented to enable consideration of the Annual Budget Report 2024/25, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme and Capital Strategy, Treasury Management Policy and Annual Delivery Plan.

Attached to the report was the final detail of the 2024/25 budget, the 5-year Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) from 2024/25 to 2028/29, Capital Programme, Capital Strategy, Treasury Management Policy, Treasury Management Strategy, MRP Policy and Annual Investment Strategy for 2024/25.  The report also included the recommended level of Council Tax for 2024/25, considering the pressures including that of the IDB levy.  This detailed the efficiencies required to support the MTFS.  Executive Board was asked to consider the budget and associated appendices for referral onwards to Full Council.  It was noted that the Pay Policy Statement would be dealt with separately. 

Preparation for the budget had been a detailed process involving officers and the attached appendices reflected the latest known position and the report set out the basis for the final budget and MTFS for the next 5 years and assumptions used in its development.  The Portfolio Holder added that the budget had been through a consultation process, shown at Appendix 6 to the report presented with positive acceptance ratings for projects the Council aspired to deliver. 

The major changes and key pressures included within the proposed budget were as follows:

·                 A pay award for 2023/24 was agreed in November of 2023, being an uplift of up to 9.42% for the lowest paid through to 3.88%. for those on the highest bands.

·                 For 2024/25 a 3.5% increase had been assumed with this moving to 3% for 2025/26 and 2.5% for 2027 onwards.

·                 The pension contributions would be 23.8% in 2024/25, and the pension contribution rate was assumed to stay at 23.8% throughout the life of the medium term financial strategy.

·                 The return on cash investment reflected recent increases to the Bank of England base rates, which had increased significantly from the recent historic low levels. A further meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee on the 1st of February 2024 had held the rate at 5.25%.

·                 Electricity and gas costs had been based on actuals for 2024/25, vehicle fuel costs had been based on 2023/24 actuals and current fuel prices.

·                 An increase in the internal drainage board levy.

·                 Increased contract and service costs were similarly a feature of the budget, albeit officers and members were working closely to seek to manage these implications and impacts, and which included increased demand for homelessness support, external audit fees and PSPS administrative contract increase.

With regards to council tax and business rates, the previous MTFS committed to a Council tax increase in line with the maximum allowed under the recent local government settlement.  For East Lindsley District Council in 2024/25 this was £4.95 being a 3.06% per increase, and for band D properties generated an additional income of £370,000.  The increase was reflected throughout the life of the MTFS. 

Further information relating to Council Tax and Business Rates was provided at Paragraph 3 of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

To consider the acceptance and approval of the use of Better Care / Disabled Facilities Grant funding received from Lincolnshire County Council to fund and host the Lincolnshire Good Homes Advice & Casework pilot.

1.       That the additional allocation of £177,969 Better Care / Disabled Facilities Grant funding for 2023/24 received from Lincolnshire County Council be accepted;

a.       That the use of £112,844 to contribute funding to a 2-year Good Home Alliance Advice & Casework pilot, funded via contributing Lincolnshire District Councils and County Council be approved; and

b.       That the use of £65,125 remaining additional BCF/DGF funding for 2023/24 to support the delivery of DFG and, where appropriate, Discretionary Housing Financial Assistance be approved.

2.       That the hosting of the proposed 2-year Advice and Casework pilot on behalf of the Good Home Alliance funding authorities, inclusive of the recruitment of up to four (4) 2-year fixed term Advice and Casework Officers (in line with available funding) and the retention of the existing Healthy and Accessible Homes (Housing) Lead role for 2 years be approved; and

That subject to the Executive Board approval of recommendations 1 and 2 above;

3.       That Full Council be recommended to accept £340,965 funding from Lincolnshire County Council to fund the 2 year pilot service, inclusive of the £112,844 ELDC contribution; and

That subject to the receipt of additional external funding contributions:

4.       That Full Council be recommended to delegate approval to the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Assistant Director – Wellbeing and Community Leadership and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing, to accept up to £145,035 in additional external funding contributions to support the delivery and expansion of the Advice and Casework pilot throughout 2024/25 - 2026/27. Bringing the total available funding for the 2-year Advice and Casework pilot to £486,000 across 2024/25 – 2026/27.

A report was presented to enable consideration of the use of Better Care / Disabled Facilities Grant funding received from Lincolnshire County Council to fund and host the Lincolnshire Good Homes Advice & Casework pilot.

This report presented a summary of the partnership project between the Centre for Ageing Better (CFAB), Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire District Councils to develop a Good Home Alliance (GHA) in Lincolnshire.

It also explained how elements of the Alliance were being progressed and recommended support was given to progress the project’s themes, specifically funding East Lindsey District Council’s contribution to and hosting of a 2-year advice and casework pilot service across Lincolnshire that is central to the approach.

During his introduction the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing referred to the Centre for Better Ageing, Lincolnshire County Council and all Lincolnshire District councils working together to support more people to improve the condition of their homes to help improve health and wellbeing.  This project brought together Lincolnshire’s ambition to support people to live independently, stay connect and have greater choice in where and how they lived. 

This was focused on the development of a Good Home Alliance in Lincolnshire to provide a local public facing hub providing access to information and advice, finance schemes and a range of home improvement services.

It was estimated a pilot of four case workers would provide advice and support for up to approximately 1500 referrals each year, the service to be established in a sustainable way to meet identified needs.  Full details of the Good Home Alliance pilot were set out within Section 2 of the report.

The pilot funding contributions were shown at Table 1 to paragraph 2.7 of the report.

Following which, it was confirmed that six of the seven districts involved were now confirmed.  Thanks were expressed to those officers involved and Members fully supported the recommendations.

RESOLVED

1.       That the additional allocation of £177,969 Better Care / Disabled Facilities Grant funding for 2023/24 received from Lincolnshire County Council be accepted;

a.       That the use of £112,844 to contribute funding to a 2-year Good Home Alliance Advice & Casework pilot, funded via contributing Lincolnshire District Councils and County Council be approved; and

b.       The use of £65,125 remaining additional BCF/DGF funding for 2023/24 to support the delivery of DFG and, where appropriate, Discretionary Housing Financial Assistance be approved.

2.       That the hosting of the proposed 2-year Advice and Casework pilot on behalf of the Good Home Alliance funding authorities, inclusive of the recruitment of up to four (4) 2-year fixed term Advice and Casework Officers (in line with available funding) and the retention of the existing Healthy and Accessible Homes (Housing) Lead role for 2 years be approved; and

That subject to the Executive Board approval of recommendations 1 and 2 above, the Executive Board recommends that:

3.       That Full Council be recommended to accept £340,965 funding from Lincolnshire County Council to fund the 2 year pilot service, inclusive of the £112,844 ELDC contribution; and

That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

To consider information relating to the Council’s Performance and Governance Framework at the end of Quarter 3 2023/24 (as at December 2023).

That the performance and risk information contained within the report and appendices be noted.

A report was presented to bring together information relating to the Council’s Performance and Governance Framework at the end of Quarter 3 2023/24 (as at December 2023).

During his introduction of the report the Leader of the Council advised that Portfolio Holders would be aware of any performance issues.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning was pleased to note that Planning showed a set of positive indicators. 

RESOLVED

That the performance and risk information contained within the 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 seek approval of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000,  Partnership Policy for South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

1.       That the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 - Partnership Policy be approved.

2.       That the Assistant Director Regulatory / Senior Responsible Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, be granted delegated authority to make such amendments to this policy as may from time to time be required in order to (i) reference any links or amended links to other documents as may be required; and (ii) reflect any issues over which the Council has no discretion including, but not limited to, references to any legislative changes and amended guidance. Any material amendments to the policy will be subject to the usual approval process in line with the Constitution.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture, and Carbon Reduction presented a report was that sought Executive Board approval for the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 - Partnership Policy. The Policy brought together the previous Joint RIPA Policy at East Lindsey District Council and Boston Borough Council with the South Holland District Council RIPA Policy to create a single RIPA Policy for the Partnership.

The new Partnership Policy sought to align and harmonise current practice and procedures across the three Councils and to bring RIPA related arrangements up to date with current guidance issued by the Home Office and the Investigatory Powers Commissioners Office (IPCO), the regulatory body that oversees compliance with RIPA by public bodies.

The output of this work was detailed at Appendix A to the report and Executive Board was asked to consider for approval the adoption of the policy for East Lindsey District Council.  The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction highlighted a statement from the IPCO at paragraph 2.5 of the report that detailed ongoing compliance with the RIPA 2000.

During discussion Members supported the recommendations.

RESOLVED

1.       That the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 - Partnership Policy be approved.

2.       That the Assistant Director Regulatory / Senior Responsible Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, be granted delegated authority to make such amendments to this policy as may from time to time be required in order to (i) reference any links or amended links to other documents as may be required; and (ii) reflect any issues over which the Council has no discretion including, but not limited to, references to any legislative changes and amended guidance. Any material amendments to the policy will be subject to the usual approval process in line with the Constitution.

Reasons:

To ensure that Members are aware of the duties imposed on the Council by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and the requirement to adopt a Policy that is up to date, relevant and fit for purpose.

Ensuring Members are informed about RIPA activity, policy and procedures demonstrates good governance and an organisational commitment to the obligations imposed by RIPA on public bodies.

Other options:

Retain joint arrangements with Boston or adopt independent, sovereign policy to meet the obligations imposed by RIPA on East Lindsey District Council.

Neither of these options has not been explored as economies of scale, efficiencies and shared learning can be optimised by harmonising our approach to RIPA across the Partnership. This sub regional approach also accords with the objectives set out in the Memorandum of Agreement and the Business Case for the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

To consider the adoption of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Customer Experience Strategy and to commit to supporting the delivery of the vision, principles and approach to Customer Experience across Council services.

That the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Customer Experience Strategy be adopted and a commitment given to supporting the delivery of the vision, principles and approach to Customer Experience across Council services.

A report was presented to consider adoption of the South and East Lincolnshire Council’s Partnership Customer Experience Strategy and to commit to supporting the delivery of the vision, principles and approach to customer experience across Council Services.

During his introduction the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture, and Carbon Reduction referred to the provision of a customer experience that was simple, effective and customer focused and ensured access to the many services that were offered. One of the key principles to achieving this vision was to understand our communities and customers, and how their changing needs informed service provision, now and into the future.The Strategy set out the outcomes sought over the next four years as:

·       An organisational culture that was customer focussed

·       A simple, effective and positive customer experience

·       Support that meets our customer’s needs

Success would be monitored through the South and East Lincolnshire Partnership Customer Experience Board which would have oversight of the strategy, associated action plan and appropriate performance indicators.

During discussion Members fully supported the recommendation.

RESOLVED

That the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Customer Experience Strategy be adopted and a commitment given to supporting the delivery of the vision, principles and approach to Customer Experience across Council services.

Reasons:

The Strategy is an overarching document, developed by the Customer Experience Board with engagement with local stakeholders. It gives a framework and objectives to use to further develop consistent approach across Council services.

It demonstrates a clear commitment to shared objectives to improving Council staff and services engagement with our ‘customers’.

Other options:

N/A

To provide an overview of the first year of the South and East Lincolnshire Community Lottery Scheme.

1.       That the progress of the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Community Lottery scheme be noted and that Members support its continuation.

2.       That the changes to the ‘minimum age limits’ to participate in the community lottery scheme be noted.

3.       That the central fund income be used to support civic community pride events designed to celebrate and promote voluntary and community sector activity, including the act of volunteering within the borough of Boston and the East Lindsey and South Holland Districts.

4.       That the details of a data security incident on 8th November 2023 be noted.

The Portfolio Holder for Partnerships presented to provide an overview of the first year of the South and East Lincolnshire Community Lottery Scheme. 

This report was brought forward to give Members an overview on activity over the last year relating to the community lottery since its initial launch and how it had met its expectations to enable additional funding to be raised for community-based initiatives and partnership opportunities within voluntary and community sectors across South and East Lincolnshire.  A breakdown of local good causes currently part of the scheme was included at Appendix B to the report. 

During her introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder referred to the Central Fund income, as detailed at recommendation 3 of the report, currently £2,450 available to each sovereign Council.  It was suggested that this funding was utilised to support and promote civic community pride events, including supporting volunteering schemes in the district, whilst bringing this report forward.

Further reference was made to a change in the Gambling Act 2005.  Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the report detailed the changes as of 1^st October 2023, which had been updated into policies. The Council’s external lottery management company, had updated their platforms accordingly.

The report also provided a reference to a nationally related data security incident notified to us, which had been responded to. This was detailed at paragraph 6 of the report presented.

Finally, it was noted that to ensure positive performance, a new targeted communication and promotion calendar would be in place. This would include reaching out to good causes to ensure they were aware of the scheme and the benefit it provided successfully monitored through both quantitative measures, number of tickets sold, number of good causes and quality of case study evidence. 

RESOLVED

1.                  That the progress of the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Community Lottery scheme be noted and that Members support its continuation.

2.                  That the changes to the ‘minimum age limits’ to participate in the community lottery scheme be noted.

3.                  That the central fund income be used to support civic community pride events designed to celebrate and promote voluntary and community sector activity, including the act of volunteering within the borough of Boston and the East Lindsey and South Holland Districts.

4.         That the details of a data security incident on 8th November 2023 be noted.

Reasons:

To continue to raise funds for local voluntary and community groups across South and East Lincolnshire via the South and East Lincolnshire Community Lottery Scheme.

To promote and encourage voluntary and community sector activity within the borough of Boston and East Lindsey and South Holland Districts.

Other options:

Draw the current scheme to a close (not recommended) and seek alternative fund raising activities.

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 contained within the Exempt Report be approved.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented an Exempt Report by virtue of paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 due to it containing information relating to an individual, and information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person including the authority holding the information.

Following which it was

RESOLVED

That the recommendations contained within the Exempt Report be approved.

Reasons:

As contained in the Exempt Report.

Other options:

As contained in the Exempt Report.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of this Board will be 20^th March 2024.