It was Proposed and Seconded that Councillor Tom Ashton be appointed Chairman for this Meeting only.

COUNCILLOR TOM ASHTON IN THE CHAIR

Apologies were received from Councillors William Gray, Adam Grist, Craig Leyland and Graham Marsh.

No disclosure of interests were received.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 7 May 2025.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 7^th May 2025 were confirmed as a correct record.

To receive an update on work done so far and consider approval for the use of allocated capacity funding provided by MHCLG to develop a new Regeneration Plan and Investment Plan for Skegness for submission as per Government guidance. 

·       That the release of all revenue capacity funding provided by Central Government, to support the development of a new ten-year regeneration plan for Skegness be agreed.

·       That the Director of Economic Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy and the Neighbourhood Board for Skegness be delegated authority to agree and expend all capacity funding provided by the Government.

·       That the Director of Economic Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy and the Neighbourhood Board for Skegness be delegated to approve and enter all of the necessary contractual arrangements to progress the submission of a ten-year Regeneration Plan and four-year investment plan for Skegness.

·       That the Director of Economic Development, in consultation with the interim Director of Finance and Portfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy be delegated authority to the drawdown of up to £40,000 from the Economic Growth Reserve in order to meet the proposed spend outlined at 3.3.

·       That the Director of Economic Development, in consultation with the interim Director of Finance and Portfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy be delegated authority to draw down additional sums from the balance sheet account up to £210,000 to deliver the Plan.

A report was presented to provide an update on work undertaken so far and to consider approval for the use of allocated capacity funding provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to develop a new Regeneration Plan and Investment Plan for Skegness for submission as per Government guidance.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy advised Members that the report provided an update on the Plan for Neighbourhoods (formerly known as Long Term Plan for Towns) for Skegness.  The recommendations sought Executive Board approval for the Council to accept and release all capacity funding provided by MHCLG, for the purposes of developing the Plan for Neighbourhoods submission requirements.  It also sought approval to delegate authority to the Director of Economic Growth to expend all capacity funding expenditure in accordance with the Council’s relevant procurement, financial and contract procedure rules.  The use of the available capacity funding would also be determined in consultation with the Neighbourhood Board for Skegness and in line with any subsequent policy guidance issued by MHCLG.  An update report would be presented back to Members by the 28^th of November 2025 deadline for the Council to endorse the submission of the agreed Plan for Skegness and to consider the delegation of further permissions to relevant officers to implement the delivery phase.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 to 5 of the report, pages 12 to 17 of the Agenda refer.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning expressed his support for the project and was pleased to see that it had survived a change of government.

RESOLVED

·       That the release of all revenue capacity funding provided by Central Government, to support the development of a new ten-year regeneration plan for Skegness be agreed.

·       That the Director of Economic Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy and the Neighbourhood Board for Skegness be delegated authority to agree and expend all capacity funding provided by the Government.

·       That the Director of Economic Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy and the Neighbourhood Board for Skegness be delegated to approve and enter all of the necessary contractual arrangements to progress the submission of a ten-year Regeneration Plan and four-year investment plan for Skegness.

·       That the Director of Economic Development, in consultation with the interim Director of Finance and Portfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy be delegated authority to the drawdown of up to £40,000 from the Economic Growth Reserve in order to meet the proposed spend outlined at 3.3.

·       That the Director of Economic Development, in consultation with the interim Director of Finance and Portfolio Holder for the Coastal Economy be delegated authority to draw down additional sums from the balance sheet account up to £210,000 to deliver the Plan.

Reasons

To enable officers to progress the development of the Plan for Neighbourhoods. submission for Skegness to meet the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

To consider approval of an update to the ELDC Markets Policy and the introduction of the ELDC Markets Severe Weather Policy.

1. That the draft Market Policy (Appendix 2) and Severe Weather policy (Appendix 3) as provided in this report be approved. 

2. That the Assistant Director, Leisure & Local Services Division in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder be delegated to make future minor policy revisions as might be needed to ensure the continued good running of the markets.

A report was presented for Members’ consideration of an update to the ELDC Markets Policy and the introduction of the ELDC Markets Severe Weather Policy.

The Assistant Director, Leisure and Local Services Division was invited to introduce the report.  It was highlighted that the review of the current ELDC Markets Policy (attached at Appendix 1) was to support the implementation of a new online bookings and payments system to replace a redundant intranet-based system, and the introduction of a new Severe Weather Policy.

The review was required as the service evolved, to ensure the market was operated efficiently, consistently and safely.  The report detailed the draft of the new policies for the service, covering the Council’s Charter Markets in Louth, Horncastle and Spilsby.

The purpose of the new Markets Policy (attached at Appendix 2) and Severe Weather Policy (attached at Appendix 3) was to set out the matters the Council would take into account when undertaking its power to provide and manage its markets, detailing the responsibilities of the Council and its expectations of the Market Traders.

The policies within the report were also considered by Overview Committee at its meeting held on 17^th June 2025, Minute No. 12 refers with no further formal recommendations arising from this meeting.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 to 3 of the report, pages 24 to 28 of the Agenda refer.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning was pleased to see the report come through and was reassured following the consultation with market traders.  He added that he was pleased Overview Committee had endorsed the report and considered the markets to be special and highlighted the need for them to be looked after and supported to move forward.

The Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy highlighted that the Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy had been a champion of markets for a long time and was pleased to see that a modern online booking system had been implemented, and that the Communications Team was involved with posting adverts to promote the markets.  It was highlighted that East Lindsey market towns were seeing a resurgence and provided an ‘Olde World’ charm in the 21^st century.

The Portfolio Holder for Operational Services added that he hoped the tradition of markets continued for many years.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning added that he supported the new modern and dynamic approach for the markets to develop economically.

RESOLVED:

1. That the draft Market Policy (Appendix 2) and Severe Weather policy (Appendix 3) as provided in this report be approved. 

2. That the Assistant Director, Leisure & Local Services Division in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder be delegated to make future minor policy revisions as might be needed to ensure the continued good running of the markets.

Reasons

To enable Members to review, comment and challenge the information presented, and consider the new measures being proposed.

Other Options

To not progress the reviewed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

Report to follow.

1.     That moving £150,000 from Business Support theme to Tourism and Events theme be approved.

2.     That  £55,000 grant support to Lincolnshire Police to create a multi-agency hub on the foreshore of Mablethorpe be approved and the Director of Economic Development be delegated authority to sign the grant funding agreement.

3.     That the allocation of additional £95,000 to deliver activities previously delivered by the Local Visitor Economic Partnership (LVEP) be approved and the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy and the Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy be delegated authority to secure resources and expertise for the delivery of these activities.

A report was present to consider reallocating funding from Business Support theme to Tourism and Events theme of the East Lindsey Investment Fund to support additional activities as identified in this report.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy highlighted that Executive Board approved the £10m East Lindsey Investment Fund (ELIF) at its Meeting held on 18 September 2024, Minute No. 20 refers to support the priorities of making the district’s places welcoming, supporting events and attracting visitors, community development, and supporting business growth.  At its meeting held on 20 February 2025, Executive Board approved the allocation of £7.83m for the four themes of activities, Minute No. 69 refers. 

This report sought approval of additional activities under the theme of Tourism and Events and sought approval to move underspend from Business Support theme to fund these additional activities.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 and 2 of the report, pages 2 to 4 of the Supplementary Agenda refer.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

The Portfolio Holder for Partnerships highlighted that the Council was currently working with Lincolnshire Police on partnership projects and was pleased that a permanent structure for a multi-agency hub had been proposed which would enable other partner agencies to be involved.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance was pleased to see that the proposal would benefit local communities and stated that it was a fine example of using Council funds to enhance projects in the communities.

RESOLVED

1.     That moving £150,000 from Business Support theme to Tourism and Events theme be approved.

2.     That £55,000 grant support to Lincolnshire Police to create a multi-agency hub on the foreshore of Mablethorpe be approved and the Director of Economic Development be delegated authority to sign the grant funding agreement.

3.     That the allocation of additional £95,000 to deliver activities previously delivered by the Local Visitor Economic Partnership (LVEP) be approved and the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy and the Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy be delegated authority to secure resources and expertise for the delivery of these activities.

Reasons

The Council is keen to support and promote safe and sustainable visitor experience for all holiday makers who visit the coast of Skegness and Mablethorpe.  Coastal tourism is a key economic sector for the area bringing in a significant amount of spend in the economy, supporting thousands of jobs.

The activities delivered by LVEP need to be continued to ensure this key economic sector and its growth is supported and enhanced.

The increased number of tourists and tourism related activities results into increased level of crime and anti-social behaviour in this area, adding pressure on rescue and emergency services.  This also has a negative impact on the quality of life of residents and the experience of visitors and businesses in our coastal areas.

The Council has also considered engagement and enforcement of holiday caravans as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 102.

To consider accepting the Examiner’s recommended modifications on the Belchford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan.

a)    That the Examiner’s recommended modifications in respect of the Belchford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan, with the exception of the recommendation on Policy BF3 : Protected Local Green Spaces as it relates to the removal of site 1 – land to the rear of the Blue Bell Inn be accepted.

b)    That, in accordance with The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, the Belchford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan be subject to a further round of public consultation, the responses to which will be reported to a future meeting of this committee for consideration.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning presented a report for Members to consider the modifications recommended by the examiner of the Belchford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan.  These modifications and the Council’s response to them, are set out in Appendix 1 to this report.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 to 4 of the report, pages 74 to 79 of the Agenda refer.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning passed his congratulations to Belchford and Fulletby Parish Council for getting to this stage of the process and acknowledged the crux of the matter was the land at the rear of the Bluebell Inn.  The Interim Local Lead – Planning and Strategic Infrastructure referred Members to Recommendation 1 relating to the protection of green space, page 73 of the Agenda refers.

Members were further informed that the report had been reviewed by the Planning Policy Committee at its meeting held on 26 June 2025, Minute No. 7 refers who fully supported the recommendations.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning referred Members to Paragraph 2.7, page 75 of the Agenda refers in relation to a number of recommendations made by the Examiner to modify the Belchford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan and was confident that a further round of consultation would firm this up.

The Portfolio Holder for Partnerships appreciated how much work went into developing a Neighbourhood Plan and stressed that the feedback from the consultation must be considered as these findings were important.

RESOLVED

a)    That the Examiner’s recommended modifications in respect of the Belchford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan, with the exception of the recommendation on Policy BF3: Protected Local Green Spaces as it relates to the removal of site 1 – land to the rear of the Blue Bell Inn be accepted.

b)    That, in accordance with The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, the Belchford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan be subject to a further round of public consultation, the responses to which will be reported to a future meeting of this committee for consideration.

Reasons

To ensure that the Belchford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan meets the Basic Conditions and to put in place the procedures necessary to make the Belchford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan part of the Council’s Development Plan.

Other Options

To accept all of the Examiner’s Recommendations.

To consider the 2024/25 Draft Outturn Finance Update.

1.     That the General Fund draft outturn position for 2024/25 being an underspend of £874k as detailed in Table 1 of Appendix A of the report referred be agreed and it be recommended to Full Council to agree the transfer of the surplus to the Investment Volatility Reserve.

2.     To recommend to Full Council that the reserves transactions and balances as set out in Appendix A - Table 3 of the report referred for 2024/25 be approved.

3.     That the 2024/25 capital outturn position presented in Table 4a be approved.

4.     To recommend to Full Council that the capital phasing from 2024/25 to 2025/26 presented in Table 4c along with the capital additions for 2025/26 be agreed.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the 2024/25 Draft Outturn Finance report which set out a summary of the draft outturn position for the Council covering the year to 31^st March 2025 for Members’ consideration.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 and 2 of the report, pages 94 to 95 of the Agenda refer.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Finance made particular reference to the following points:

·       As at 31 March 2025, the general fund draft outturn position was an underspend of £874k and it was recommended that this was transferred to the Investment Volatility Reserve.  Budget pressures experienced by the services, largely as a result of the inflationary environment and outstanding efficiencies targets were offset by additional investment income earned due to high interest rates.

·       Section 2.4 of Appendix A provided details of the Council’s Treasury Investments as at 31 March 2025, page 108 of the Agenda refers.

·       The Council’s 2024/25 budget for net investment income was £2.745m, the draft outturn position for investment income at Q4 was £3.816m after moving £168k of interest to S106 Long Term Liabilities.

·       An efficiency target of £1.370m was included in the 2024/25 budget.  Saving opportunities were monitored throughout the year, this information was detailed in Appendix A – Table 1b, page 99 of the Agenda refers.  The position reflected the Internal Drainage Board (IDB) funding support and savings within IT, savings/income identified as part of the monitoring process and an apportionment of the unallocated balance against the outturn surplus.  In year monitoring identified £1.211m (88%) with a net saving requirement of £159k not matched against known schemes.

·       The total General Fund Capital Programme for 2024/25 was £56.329m, actual capital expenditure for Q4 2024/25 was £45.850m as presented in Table 4a, pages 103 to 104 of the Agenda refer.

·       General Fund Specific Reserves as at 31 March 2025 had balances totalling £36.312m (31 March 2024 £34.062m).  The General Fund Reserve Balance remained at £1.822m.  Further specific details were set out in Appendix A – Table 3 with associated narrative, page 101 of the Agenda refers.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

The Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy commented that in relation to Table 4c ‘Capital Programme Revised 2025/16’, on paper it appeared that a lot of money was being spent.  However, it was important to note that the Council had received huge sums of funding from central government and the money was already committed.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning considered it refreshing that the government continued to give money towards the Internal Drainage Board levies and hoped that it became permanent.

RESOLVED

1.     That the General Fund draft outturn position for 2024/25 being an underspend of £874k as detailed in Table 1 of Appendix A of the report referred be agreed and it be recommended to Full Council to agree the transfer of the surplus to the Investment Volatility Reserve.

2.     To recommend to Full Council that the reserves  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.

To consider the Council’s Quarter 4 2024/25 Performance and Risk report.

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 risk monitoring at the end of Quarter 4 2024/25 (as at 31 March 2025).

During his introduction of the report the Portfolio Holder for Finance asked that Portfolio Holders noted the details and where relevant, considered any further action in respect to the performance and risk information contained within the appendices, pages 125 to 176 of the Agenda refer.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 to 4 of the report, pages 118 to 122 of the Agenda refer.

No comments or questions were received.

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 consider appointment of representatives to the various outside bodies within the remit of the Executive Board, as required by the Council’s Constitution. 

1)              That appointments be made to the Outside Bodies detailed at Appendix A of the report referred for the remainder of the electoral term.

A report was presented to consider the making of appointments to the various Outside Bodies within the remit of the Executive Board, as required by the Council’s Constitution. 

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 to 2 of the report, pages 178 of the Agenda refers.  The appointees were listed at Appendix A to the report, pages 181 to 182 of the Agenda refers.

No comments or questions were received.

RESOLVED

That appointments be made to the Outside Bodies detailed at Appendix A of the report referred for the remainder of the electoral term.

Reasons

To support the work of outside bodies.

Other Options

Do not make the appointments or make alternative appointments.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of this Board will be Wednesday 24 September 2025.

The next meeting of Executive Board was noted as Wednesday 24th September 2025.