Apologies were received from Councillors Sarah Devereux, Martin Foster, Adam Grist and Thomas Kemp.

Members were invited to disclose any interests.

Councillor Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction asked it be noted that he was ELDC’s Outside Body Appointee to Alford Manor House, Item 5 ‘East Lindsey Investment Fund and Capital Reserves’ refers.

Councillor Stave Kirk, Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy asked it be noted that he was a Director on Invest East Lindsey’s Board, Item 15 ‘Update on Invest East Lindsey Limited refers.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 2 July 2025.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 2^nd July 2025 were confirmed as a correct record.

No outstanding actions for this Meeting.

There were no Actions from the meeting held on 2^nd July 2025.

To consider allocation of funding from the approved East Lindsey Investment Fund as described within the report.

1.     That the use of up to £1.65 million from the Council’s Capital Reserve to fund the Public Convenience refurbishment/replacement works set out in this report be recommended to  Full Council for approval.

2.     That the use of £45,000 from the ELIF Programme’s approved but unallocated funds to support an Alford Manor Development Project Grant be approved.

3.     That the use of £25,000 from the ELIF Programme’s 2% enabling engagement budget to contribute towards the costs of a Communications Officer, who will lead on the promotion of the East Lindsey Investment Fund be approved.

4.     That delegated authority be given to the Deputy Chief Executive, Programme Delivery and Assistant Director, General Fund Assets, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder(s) and the Section 151 Officer for all Council PC refurbishment and replacement contracting.

A report was presented to consider allocating funding from the East Lindsey Investment Fund and Capital Reserves as described within this report.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy advised Members that the report sought approval for £45,000 additional grant funding from the East Lindsey Investment Fund (ELIF) to be made available to the Alford Manor House project to sustain operations throughout the approved development works and that £25,000 be allocated from the Fund to contribute towards the costs of a Communications Officer who would lead on the promotion of the East Lindsey Investment Fund

It also recommended the use of £1.5 million of the Council’s Capital Reserves for the full refurbishment of six sets of Public Conveniences (PCs) across East Lindsey and the replacement of a seventh set with a new modular unit.  In addition, £150,000 was proposed as a contingent sum in delivery of these works funded from the same Capital Reserves.

The PCs identified for traditional refurbishment were:

Spa Road PCs, Woodhall Spa.

St. Lawrence Street PCs, Horncastle

Market Place, Wragby

High Street PCs, Spilsby

Pullover PCs, Anderby Creek

Brooks Walk PCs, Wainfleet All Saints

Castle Lane PCs, Coningsby, had been identified for replacement with a modular suite.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 and 2 of the report, page 3 of the Supplementary Agenda refers.

At this point in the Meeting, Councillor Graham Marsh asked it be noted that he was ELDC’s Outside Body Appointee to Alford Manor House, however he had no management duties or control in relation to this.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing Communities and Better Ageing stated that he was happy to support the paper and considered it was great news that the Council was in a position to use over £1.5m of the Capital Reserve to fund the full refurbishment of its public conveniences and highlighted how important this was to the residents of East Lindsey, its businesses and visitors.  He further highlighted the ongoing work of Vital and Viable and the High Street Task Force when it came to Horncastle which identified how important public conveniences were to the town.

In response, the Leader of the Council stated that as Ward Member, he was equally pleased to see the renovation of the public toilets in Woodhall Spa and the money was being spent across the district from the coast and inland.

RESOLVED

1. That the use of up to £1.65 million from the Council’s Capital Reserve to fund the Public Convenience refurbishment/replacement works set out in this report be recommended to Full Council for approval.

2. That the use of £45,000 from the ELIF Programme’s approved but unallocated funds to support an Alford Manor Development Project Grant be approved.

3. That the use of £25,000 from the ELIF Programme’s 2% enabling engagement budget to contribute towards the costs of a Communications Officer, who will lead on the promotion of the East Lindsey Investment Fund be approved.

4. That delegated authority be given to the Deputy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 112.

To consider information relating to the Council’s performance and risk monitoring for Quarter 1 of 2025/26.

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 1 2025/26 (as at 30 June 2025).

During his introduction of the report, the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services 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 21 to 56 of the Agenda refer.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 to 4 of the report, pages 12 to 17 of the Agenda refer.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

Councillor Tom Ashton, Portfolio Holder for Planning highlighted that all of the planning indices continued to confirm that the performance of the Council as a planning authority was among the very best and that all of its major and non-major planning applications were determined within timescales, both well above the government and KPI target figures, page 21 of the Agenda refers.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning asked that his profound thanks went to the Building Control team who were successful in winning the staff awards for the Partnership Team of the Year.

In response, the Leader of the Council endorsed the comments made.

RESOLVED

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

Reason

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

Other Option

Alternative reporting arrangements.

To report on the Council’s Finances as at the end of Quarter 1 - 2025/26.

1.     That the forecast revenue position of a £280k overspend for 2025/26 as detailed in Table 1 of Appendix A of the report referred and the need for continued focus on the savings and efficiency programme be noted.

2.     That the amendments to the Capital Programme as detailed in Appendix B - Table 3 - Section A of the report referred be approved.

That the following recommendation for onward referral to Full Council on 8^th October 2025 be approved

3.     Recommends to Council to approve amendments to the Capital Programme as detailed in Appendix B – Table 3 – in Section B of the report referred.

On behalf of the Portfolio Holder for Finance, the Leader of the Council presented the Q1 2025/26 Draft Outturn Finance report which set out a summary of the current financial position for the Council at the end of the first quarter of 2025/26 forecasting to the year end for Members’ consideration.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 and 2 of the report, pages 58 to 59 of the Agenda refer.

During his introduction of the report, the Leader of the Council referred Members to the recommendations as set out in the report which were to ensure that the Council's forecast financial position with 2025/26 was considered and related to decisions approved.  Furthermore, it was important that the Executive was aware of the financial position of the General Fund to ensure that it could make informed decisions that were affordable and financially sustainable for the Council.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

The Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy requested a breakdown on the forecast revenue position of £282k overspend for 2025/26 as detailed in Table 1, Appendix A and queried whether this was as a result of budgeting incorrectly in previous years.

Brendan Arnold, Interim Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer, directed Members to page 64 of the Agenda pack, drawing attention to Appendix A of the report.  This Appendix included a table outlining where budget variances were located within the budget structure, with most areas currently forecasting an underspend.

However, two service areas, Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services were identified as having particular challenges.  In response to questions about whether these issues were linked to agency staff costs or pay budget variances, Members were informed that the Leadership Team had already implemented a process to manage additional recruitment-related costs.

Further analysis would be undertaken once the Quarter 2 figures (up to the end of September) were available, with a focus on controlling agency staff expenditure, which remained significant.

Members were also advised that a key issue affecting the Council’s financial position was the need to fully achieve the efficiency target set in the current year’s budget.  Progress had been made toward the £2.2 million target, notably through government funding received for Internal Drainage Board pressures.  The remaining gap was approximately £1.1 million.

To address this, a Transformation Board had been established to strengthen the identification and delivery of savings, aiming to meet the target by year-end.  Additionally, the Council expected to receive further investment income from available cash balances as the year progressed.

With these measures in place, the Interim Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer expressed confidence that the Council would continue to reduce the current forecast overspend.  While not considered a strategic risk, Members agreed that the issue warranted close attention to ensure the budget was balanced, or as close to balance as possible by the end of the financial year.

In response, the Portfolio Holder for Economy thanked the Interim Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114.

To agree consultation options for the local Council Tax Support scheme 2026/2027.

(i)              That consultation be agreed on the following options:

Option 1 - Retain the current maximum level of support for Households with Children 85% and Other Households 75% and find savings elsewhere.

Option 2 - Reduce the maximum level of support to 70% for Households with Children, and 60% for Other Households.

And

(ii) That the Section 151 Officer in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Finance be    delegated authority for oversight and approval of the consultation approach.

On behalf of Councillor Tom Kemp, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Craig Leyland, Leader of the Council presented a report to agree consultation options for the local Council Tax Support Scheme, 2026/27.

The report provided an update on the current scheme and having regard to the financial pressures on the Council, presented options for Executive Board consideration to take forward to consultation with major preceptors and other interested persons.  Responses from the consultation would be provided back to Executive Board at a later meeting for consideration to help inform its final 2026/27 scheme recommendation to Full Council. 

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 to 4 of the report, pages 76 to 79 of the Agenda refer.

No comments or questions were received.

RESOLVED

(i)  That consultation be agreed on the following options:

Option 1 - Retain the current maximum level of support for Households with Children 85% and Other Households 75% and find savings elsewhere.

Option 2 - Reduce the maximum level of support to 70% for Households with Children, and 60% for Other Households.

And

(ii) That the Section 151 Officer in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Finance be delegated authority for oversight and approval of the consultation approach.

Reason

This will enable a period of consultation with major preceptors and the public on the scheme options for 2026/27, with feedback from the consultation process helping Executive Board to make its final recommendation to Full Council in respect of the scheme for 2026/27.

Other Options

No Change, carry forward the current scheme, uprated in line with DWP.

Whilst it was intended a review of the new scheme implemented in 2025/26 would take place after the first full year of the new scheme (i.e. in 2026/27), to support this council with its financial planning it must now consider cost reduction options to reach a balanced budget for 2026/27.

N.B.  Sharon Hammond, Head of Revenue and Benefits, PSPS Limited left the Meeting at 6.23pm.

To consider approval for a Partnership Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy.

(i)              That the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan at Appendices A and B of the report referred be approved.

(ii)             That a contribution be made to a 2-year fixed term officer role to provide expertise and to oversee the implementation of the high-level action plan.

A report was presented to seek approval for a Partnership Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Strategy for the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) for 2025-2028.  A copy of this is attached at Appendix A to the report, pages 89 to 102 of the Agenda refer.

During his introduction of the report, the Leader of the Council informed Members that the strategy, developed following extensive consultation and as a key recommendation from the Local Government Association Peer Challenge process, aimed to further develop service provision to ensure services were accessible to all.  It included a high-level action plan to implement the strategy effectively.  A copy of this is attached at Appendix B to the report, pages 103 to 112 of the Agenda refer.

Members were referred to the four key objectives set out at Section 2.3, page 85 of the Agenda as follows:

-        Understand the needs of our communities and bring local people together.

-        Create a diverse and inclusive leadership team and embed inclusion in decision-making.

-        Ensure council services meet the diverse needs of residents and make it easy for local residents to access services.

-        Be an inclusive and fair employer with a diverse workforce at all levels.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 and 2 of the report, pages 81 to 84 of the Agenda refer.

The Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy stated that he believed the timing of this initiative was absolutely right as currently it felt both nationally and locally that people were becoming less tolerant than they once were and there were groups that seemed intent on dividing and setting people against one another.  He hoped that this initiative not only achieved its intended outcomes, but also sent a strong message that ELDC was an inclusive and not a divisive council.

The Leader of the Council thanked the Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy for his comments and believed many colleagues would wholeheartedly agree.  He highlighted that residents of East Lindsey faced some of the most significant health inequalities in the country, and many of the Council’s residents were dealing with serious challenges.  In today’s climate, it was more important than ever to ensure the Council was supporting all its residents, regardless of their background, religion or beliefs and this initiative was a meaningful step toward reinforcing that commitment within the authority.

RESOLVED

(i)              That the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan at Appendices A and B of the report referred be approved.

(ii)             That a contribution be made to a 2-year fixed term officer role to provide expertise and to oversee the implementation of the high-level action plan.

Reason

·       To ensure East Lindsey District Council further the development of service provision to ensure services are accessible to all and is committed to promoting inclusion within its workforce and the communities it serves.

·       To comply with legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.

·       To enhance the reputation of East Lindsey District Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 116.

To note the annual updates on the Carbon Footprint for 2022 and 2023 and consider approval of the revised Carbon Reduction Action Plan.

·       That the findings of the Carbon Footprint for 2022 and 2023 and progress against the Council’s Net Zero target be noted.

·       That the updated Carbon Reduction Action Plan, in line with the Partnership’s commitment to reducing its carbon emissions to net zero by 2040 be approved.

A report was presented to provide annual updates on the Carbon Footprint for 2022 and 2023, and the revised Carbon Reduction Action Plan.  A copy of the Carbon Footprint Presentation 2022-2023 is attached at Appendix 1, pages 123 to 128 of the Agenda refer.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction highlighted 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 aims of the Sub-Regional Strategy.  The report and accompanying analysis sought to provide annual updates for 2022 and 2023, on the Council’s progress towards these targets as well as providing an updated Carbon Reduction Action Plan (attached at Appendix 2, pages 129 to 138 of the Agenda refer), which outlined the programme of work needed to deliver ongoing carbon reductions.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 and 2 of the report, pages 114 to 118 of the Agenda refer.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction referred to the following pertinent points:

·       The Council’s carbon footprint was calculated using a nationally recognised toolkit.  In 2023, East Lindsey District Council’s total carbon emissions decreased by 7%, and the Council had already met its 2027 target of a 45% reduction from the 2019 baseline, excluding Scope 3 emissions such as water, which were only brought into scope from 2020/21.

·       The most significant reduction in 2023 came from gas usage, following the disposal of Skegness Town Hall and Tedder Hall, and the relocation to the purpose-built Hub.  This new facility was designed with sustainability in mind, and further reductions are expected in the 2024 footprint once the full benefits of these asset disposals are realised.

·       A point raised during Overview Committee discussions concerned the future carbon impact of buildings that the Council had vacated.  There was a suggestion that the Council should retain some control over their future emissions, however it was considered that once these assets were disposed of, they were no longer within the Council’s remit, and it would be inappropriate to dictate how they were managed.

·       The Council continued to identify and implement measures to reduce its carbon footprint.  Examples included the installation of solar panels at the Hub, upgraded lighting systems, and other carbon reduction initiatives at operational sites.  The Council was also transitioning its vehicle fleet to electric models where feasible, although limitations remained for heavy goods vehicles due to current technology constraints.

·       At the Mobile Business Centre, LED lighting upgrades had resulted in annual savings of approximately £11,500, following a £31,000 investment with a projected four-year return.  At the Vehicle Maintenance Unit, despite increased build costs between 2023 and 2024 due to rising energy prices, a £8,700 investment in upgrades led to a six-month electricity consumption reduction of 4,465 kWh, equating to a cost saving of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 117.

To consider approval for a new Body Worn Video Policy for the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership to ensure arrangements are compliant with its legal obligations and data protection controls.

(i)              That the report, policy and any feedback from Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted and that the Body Worn Video Policy be approved.

(ii)             That delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director Regulatory/Senior Responsible Officer, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder 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.

A report was presented to seek approval from Executive Board for a new Body Worn Video Policy for the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership to ensure arrangements are compliant with our legal obligations and data protection controls.

A copy of the draft Body Worn Video Policy 2025 is attached at Appendix A, pages 145 to 166 of the Agenda refer.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction advised Members that the purpose of the new policy was to ensure that the operational use of Body Worn Video (BWV) was lawful, proportionate, legitimate and necessary; that it would only be used when deemed necessary for the purposes of violence reduction or evidence collection by trained staff in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.  It set out roles and responsibilities, provided staff with the correct procedures for collecting, downloading, processing and presenting video evidence.  The policy would ensure all BWV devices were used reasonably, justifiable and proportionately and that the product of BWV devices was stored, retained, reproduced and disposed of appropriately.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 to 4 of the report, pages 140 to 141 of the Agenda refer.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing Communities and Better Ageing stated that he fully support the policy.  He considered that having a clear policy in place to guide these situations was both sensible and responsible as unfortunately there were occasions when officers must deal with particularly challenging individuals, and in such cases, the use of protective equipment may be necessary.

The Leader of the Council agreed and highlighted that if officers were out in the community doing their jobs and found themselves in situations where additional protection was needed, it was the Council’s duty to ensure that support was available to them and that everything must be in place to safeguard staff while they carried out their roles.

RESOLVED

(i)              That the report, policy and any feedback from Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted and that the Body Worn Video Policy be approved.

(ii)             That delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director Regulatory/Senior Responsible Officer, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder 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 legislation and best practice guidance with regard to the use of BWV and the requirement to adopt policies, processes and procedures that are up to date, relevant and fit for purpose.

Ensuring Members are informed BWV activity, policy and procedures demonstrates good governance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 118.

To consider the responses to the consultation under Regulation 18 of The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 in respect of 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 it be agreed that the Belchford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan proceed to referendum.

A report was presented to consider the responses to the consultation under Regulation 18 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 in respect of Belchford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan.

During his introduction, the Portfolio Holder for Planning advised Members that Executive Board had accepted the Examiner’s recommendations regarding the Belford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan, with one exception, the recommendation to remove Site 1- land at the rear of the Blue Bell Inn from Policy SP3, which designated protected local green spaces, Minute No. 103 from the Meeting held on 2^nd July 2025 refers.

On that occasion, and following advice from the Planning Policy Committee, the Executive Board resolved to refer this specific recommendation back out for public consultation.  This decision reflected the strong views of the local community, the Planning Policy Committee and the Executive itself, that the site in question did meet the criteria for designation as a protected local green space.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning referred in particular to Paragraphs 2.8 and 2.9 of the report to reaffirm the basis of the Executive decision.  Following the Executive’s decision in July, the consultation had now been completed and the results reaffirmed the community’s view that this land was of local significance and worthy of protection.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 to 3 of the report, pages 168 to 172 of the Agenda refer.

In response, the Leader of the Council stated that he believed many residents would be pleased with this outcome, given the concerns raised during consultation and the importance of this green space to the local community.

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 it be agreed for the Belchford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan to proceed to referendum.

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.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of this Board will be Wednesday 5 November 2025.

The next meeting of Executive Board was noted as Wednesday 5^th November 2025.

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 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.

An Exempt report was presented for consideration.

RESOLVED

That the recommendations contained within the Exempt report be approved.

Reason

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 for consideration.

RESOLVED

That the recommendations contained within the Exempt report be approved.

Reason

As contained within the Exempt Report.

Other options

As contained within the Exempt Report.