No apologies for absence were received.

Members were invited to disclose any interests.

·       In relation to Item 13 - ‘Invest East Lindsey income Share Agreement’, Councillor Steve Kirk asked it be noted that he would leave the room.

·       In relation to Item 13 - ‘Invest East Lindsey income Share Agreement’, Councillor Martin Foster asked it be noted that he had been involved in the Invest East Lindsey Scrutiny Panel and would leave the room.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 22 January 2025.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 22^nd January 2025 were confirmed as a correct record.

To confirm Actions following the Meeting held on 22^nd January 2025.

The action following the Meeting held on 22^nd January 2025 was confirmed as complete.

To consider approval for the allocation of funding for the East Lindsey Investment Fund Plan.

1.     That the following allocations of budget from the East Lindsey Investment Fund (financed from the Corporate Priorities Reserve) be approved:

·       That £1m to launch the grant scheme for Pride in Place theme be approved and authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy to agree the grants policy to and to finalise the budget allocation between capital and revenue once this is known.

·       That £830,000 for the activities identified in Appendix 2 of the report referred under the Communities Development theme be approved.

·       That £2m to support the Tourism and Events theme and delivering the activities identified in Appendix 4 of the report referred be approved and it be noted that a further report will be brought for consideration by the Executive Board relating to unauthorised occupancy in Holiday caravans.

·       That £500,000 for business engagement and inward investment activities identified in Appendix 3 of the report referred under the theme of Business Support be approved and  the intention to bring forward proposals for the remaining activities in Appendix 3 of the report referred be noted.

2.     That the allocation of budget from the East Lindsey Investment Fund of £1m to provide grant support to the Woodland Trust as detailed in Appendix 5 of the report referred be approved, and authority be given to the Deputy Chief Executive (Programme Delivery) to enter that agreement subject to further legal due diligence.

3.     That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director theme leads in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder to utilise the above funds, as set out, to undertake delivery of activities and projects as identified in Appendices 1 to 5 of the report referred, including the procurement and appointment of consultants/contractors, provide staffing resource and award grants to achieve the objectives of each theme.

4.     That authority be delegated to the S151 in conjunction with the Director of Economic Development to agree the final split of resources required as an addition to the budget in respect of revenue and capital as required.

A report was presented to approve the allocation of funding for the East Lindsey Investment Fund Plan.

During his introduction, the Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy highlighted that Executive Board approved the £10m East Lindsey Investment Fund (ELIF) in September 2024, Minute No. 20 refers to support the priorities of making East Lindsey’s places welcoming, supporting events and attracting visitors, community development, and supporting business growth.  A budget allocation of £1m was allocated in December 2024 for the grant funds to communities across the East Lindsey district by extending the current GRASSroots programme.

Members were advised that the report presented the next phase of allocation of funding for the East Lindsey Investment Fund which had received a great deal of interest.  As set out in the report, it was proposed to allocate a further sum of £7.83m across all four priority themes.  The proposal included a wide range of activities and projects as well as increasing capacity within the team for accelerating delivery.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 and 2 of the report, pages 13 to 15 of the Agenda refer.

In addition to the four themes set out in Section 4 (Pride in Place, Community Development, Business Support and Tourism and Events), the Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy was pleased to see that £1m to provide grant support to the Woodland Trust was included, as detailed in Appendix 5 of the report.

Thanks were also expressed to all involved for the hard work undertaken with the fund.

The Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy highlighted that this funding cut across all portfolios of the Council and should be aptly renamed ‘Better East Lindsey Fund’ as it looked to make every life better.  He further referred to the funding for the Woodland Trust and suggested that a portion of this could be partitioned off for biodiversity and net gain units to sell on and make a return on the investment.  However, he acknowledged that there was a lot of work to be done with some themes being more detailed than others and that as an ongoing piece of work, other priorities may come forward or may change along the way.

The Portfolio Holder for Partnerships stated that it was a fantastic paper and represented the district with ‘bells and whistles’ and was exactly what Councillors needed to represent their communities and was a progressive step forward.  She also asked that her thanks be noted to the officers and Councillors who had worked hard on this funding initiative.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning highlighted that East Lindsey was a well-run district council and that he was proud to support the paper.  With regards to the ELIF Action Plan – Tourism and Events ‘Holiday Caravans’ at Appendix 4, page 28 of the Agenda refers, he advised that he had been part of positive conversations with colleagues and this would be a legacy to the Council as there had been issues with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

To consider adoption of the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Private Sector Housing Strategy and to commit to supporting the delivery of the vision, priorities and commitments set out within it.

That the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Private Sector Housing Strategy be adopted and commitment be given to supporting the delivery of the vision, priorities and commitments set out within it.

A report was presented on the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Private Sector Housing Strategy that set the context as to how the Council intended to meet the private sector housing challenges and opportunities confronting the service and to set out the key priorities for action and delivery.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing explained that the strategy set out the strategic direction for Private Sector Housing within the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership sub region. The Partnership’s priorities would focus on:

·       Raising standards in the private sector, paying particular attention to ensuring fire safety in Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) and removing or reducing serious hazards across both single and multiple households.

·       Working with private landlords to encourage and support them to improve standards and increase the supply of affordable accommodation.

·       Taking robust action against landlords who fail to remedy hazards, licence HMOs or comply with property management regulations.

·       Maximise existing housing stock by focused interventions to return empty homes to use with the development of an Empty Homes Policy.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 and 2 of the report, pages 32 to 33 of the Agenda refer.

The Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing highlighted that this was an important document and another example of the Partnership’s shared approach and vision.  He further asked that his thanks went to the Safer Communities Service Manager and his team for the work undertaken.

The Assistant Director - Wellbeing and Community Leadership advised Members that this was the first Partnership Private Housing Strategy and was delighted to bring this forward.  Members were advised that the Council had mixed stock across East Lindsey with some of it below standard in places and it was important to provide support and assistance where needed.  There was also an issue with empty homes in East Lindsey with numbers higher than average and as identified, there would be subsequent policies to follow as part of the strategy to enable the Council to undertake its duties around empty homes and also Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licensing.

The Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy considered the report covered all matters succinctly and highlighted the relevant actions and how these would be delivered and was happy to support this.

The Portfolio Holder for Partnerships stated that it was good to see a clear and concise document.  It was considered that the strategy hinged on Commitment 1 ‘We proactively and effectively tackle poor conditions across the private housing sector’ and highlighted that Members should be aware of issues across their communities.  It was stressed that strong enforcement and collaborative working was key to this and it was important that all Members got behind this and supported the strategy.  The ramifications from poor living standards was massive and went way beyond issues like damp and mould, but created ill health conditions and mental health issues.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

Report to follow.

a) That the results of the Public Consultation process (Appendix 7 to the report referred) and the minute of the Overview Committee held on 28th January 2025 (Appendix 8 to the report referred) be noted.

b) That the following recommendations for onward referral to Full Council on 5th March 2025 be approved:

1.       That the Revenue Estimates for the General Fund 2025/26 (Appendices 1, 1a and 1b) be approved.

2.       That the Council Tax for a Band D property in 2025/26 be set at £171.54 (£4.95 per annum increase on 2024/25 levels).

3.       That the additions to and use of reserves (as detailed at Appendix 1 to the report referred) be approved.

4.       That the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (at Appendix 1 to the report referred) be approved.

5.       That the Capital Programmes and Capital Strategy (Appendices 1, 2 and 3 to the report referred) be approved.

6.       That the Section 25 addendum (Appendix 1 to the report referred) be noted.

7.       That the Treasury Management Policy Statement and Treasury Management Strategy Statement including MRP Policy (at Appendix 4 to the report referred) be approved.

8.       That the Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26 (Appendix 5 to the report referred) be approved.

9.       That the Annual Delivery Plan for 2025/26 (Appendix 6 to the report referred) be approved.

A report was presented to consider approval of the General Fund Budget for 2025/26 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 including the approval of Council Tax levels for recommendation to Full Council.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Finance highlighted that the creation of the 2025/26 budget had been extremely challenging for East Lindsey with increasing costs such as pay, contract costs and the IDB levy, plus reductions in government support. This was at a time when the Council was seeking to support those most vulnerable, to create a vibrant district for its residents to live in, to encourage growth in the significant visitor economy and facilitate businesses to grow.

Despite these challenges, as part of this budget the Council was providing more support to its residents as part of the new Council Tax Support Scheme, through the deployment of Long-Term Towns Funding and the delivery of the hugely significant programme of activity that the Council currently had underway funded mainly through grant.  The £54.1m Capital Programme was one of the most significant seen in recent years. In addition to this, the new East Lindsey Investment Fund of £10m would support the Council’s communities over the next few years and was all hugely positive for the District.

Key areas were highlighted as follows:

·       Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) continued to be an ever-increasing pressure with an additional requirement for 2025/26 of £80k.  This equated to a 42% increase since 2021/22 which was clearly not sustainable on a now £5.39m a year bill for the Council to pick up.  Executive Board would be aware that the Council had been in detailed discussion with government officials regarding this difficult position over the past 2-3 years, as well as working through the Special Interest Group (SIG) to lobby heavily on this matter.  Extra funding for councils increasing in 2025/26 to £5m had now been confirmed by government as part of the final settlement and in respect of which the Council was very grateful, however allocations were yet to be confirmed.

·       Due to these pressures the Council was proposing to increase its Council Tax by the 2.97% equating to a £4.95 increase for a Band D property which equated to 9.5p a week. It was highlighted that the vast majority of properties in East Lindsey were band A/B and C so would see increases lower than this.

·       Two efficiency targets were included in the budget, one in respect of the IDB’s and the second relating to a need for general efficiencies of £711k.  Whilst this would be challenging, plans were in place to address this.

·       The budget also included a new grant in respect of the Extended Producer Responsibility funding that the Council had been awarded for costs it already incurred in the waste system.  This would be available to support the budget in 2025/26 if needed, or indeed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

To consider the findings of the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge and an associated action plan.

1.       That the findings from the LGA’s Corporate Peer Challenge at Appendix A to the report referred be noted.

2.       That the action plan at Appendix B to the report referred be approved.

A report was presented to receive the findings of the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge and an associated action plan.

During his introduction of the report, the Leader of the Council highlighted to Members that in November 2024, East Lindsey District Council welcomed Peers from the Local Government Association (LGA) to undertake a Corporate Peer Challenge.  The report brought forward the findings from the Corporate Peer Challenge (Appendix A) and the Council’s Action Plan (Appendix B) in response.  Members were further advised that the findings and action plan had been reviewed by Overview Committee. 

The full background and details were included at Section 1 of the report, page 62 of the Agenda refers.

The Leader of the Council advised Members that the Peer Challenge team would revisit to check on progress of the action plan and this was also being monitored by Overview Committee.  The Leader added that the Peer Review reflected very well on the Council and its officers, the Executive Board and the leadership it displayed, and the management of all work undertaken.

Members noted that during the review a number of issues were picked up in relation to communications, Recommendation 2 on page 69 of the Agenda refers. The Leader highlighted the importance of the Action Plan and welcomed progress made as a result of the feedback provided by the Peer Review Panel.

The Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy considered that the recommendations that came forward from the review were fair, however was frustrated with the issue of communication as whilst the Council, its officers and elected Members did much work in their communities people did not get to hear about this, and highlighted Recommendation 8 ‘Share the good practice and achievements from ELDC more widely’, of the Peer Review report, page 72 of the Agenda refers.  He provided an example of a previous suggestion for a photo opportunity for Community Grants, to get better recognition of great work undertaken which would also assist in dispelling negative feedback.  He repeated his previous request for certificates to be provided for successful community grant awards.

In response, the Leader of the Council agreed that a large difference was being made through various grants given out, for example the GRASSroots funding that had made an incredible difference to communities across East Lindsey.  The Leader further highlighted the new Station Road Sports Centre in Mablethorpe and highlighted the importance of recording all the benefits this had provided, including reference to areas of deprivation and challenges faced with health issues and the vast difference it had made to the lives of people in Mablethorpe.

The Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy highlighted that there was a lot of good work undertaken by the Council and it was frustrating when negative information was put out on social media.  With regards to the East Lindsey Investment Fund, it was stressed that it was important to get the communications around this rolled out over the coming weeks.  He further referred to the positive comments  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

To consider information relating to the Council’s performance and risk at the end of Quarter 3 - 2024/25 (as at 31 December 2024).

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 3 2024/25 (as at 31 December 2024).

During his introduction of the report the Leader of the Council highlighted that it was important for the relevant Portfolio Holders to keep an eye on their various areas of work and responsibilities.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning asked that his thanks be noted to the Planning Team for getting back on track with the Key Performance Indicators as set out in Appendix 1, pages 109 to 111 of the Agenda refers.

The Leader of the Council highlighted the performance in relation to communication turnaround from residents, however advised Members that PSPS colleagues were aware where the challenges were.

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.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of this Board will be Wednesday 2^nd April 2025.

The next meeting of Executive Board was noted as Wednesday 2^nd April 2025.

N.B.  Councillors Martin Foster and Steve Kirk and James Gilbert, Assistant Director (Corporate) left the Meeting at 7.00pm.

To consider excluding the public and press for the following items and if appropriate the Chairman to move:-

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).

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).

Exempt report to follow.

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.