Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sarah Devereux and Craig Leyland.

Members were invited to disclose any interests.  None were received.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 21^st January 2026.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 21^st January 2026 were confirmed as a correct record.

No actions from the previous Meeting.

There were no actions from the meeting held on 21^st January 2026.

To consider approval and referral to Council on 4 March 2026: The General Fund Budget for 2026/27, including the use of reserves, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme and Strategy, Treasury Management Policy/Strategy and the Annual Delivery Plan including the approval of Council Tax levels.

That Executive Board approve the Draft Budget 2026/27 including all appendices and it be forwarded to Council on 4 March 2026 for consideration and approval with the following specific recommendations:

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

2. That the Council Tax Base for East Lindsey District Council of 49,379 (Band D equivalent) set for 2026/27 on the 23 December 2025 by the Director of Finance & Section 151 Officer under officer delegation in line with the Constitution be noted.

3. That the Revenue Estimates for the General Fund for 2026/27 (Appendices 1, 1a, and 1b to the report referred) be approved.

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

5. The Capital Programme and Capital Strategy (Appendices 2 and 3 to the report referred) be approved.

6. That the Treasury Management Policy Statement Treasury Management Strategy Statement MRP Policy and Annual Investment Strategy and Treasury Management Practices (Appendix 4a, 4b and 4c to the report referred) be approved.

7. The Fees and Charges Schedule 2026/27 (Appendix 5 to the report referred) be approved.

8. That the report of the Section 151 Officer, under Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003 on the robustness of the estimates made for the purposes of the budget calculations and adequacy of proposed financial reserves be noted (Paragraph 10).

9. That the Council Tax for a Band D property in 2026/27 be set at £176.67 (£5.13 per annum increase on 2025/26 levels) for East Lindsey District Council.

10. That £10 million to be set aside from the Corporate Priorities Reserve to fund ‘ELIF 2’ as outlined in Section 7 of Appendix 1 be noted.

11. That the recommendations detailed in paragraph 7.3 of Appendix 1 with regards to the management and delivery of ‘ELIF 2’ be agreed.

12. The Annual Delivery Plan for 2026/27 (Appendix 6 to the report referred) be approved.

13. That Executive Board grant delegated authority to the Director of Finance & Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance for the further amendment of this document (where needed to ensure financial integrity and reconciliation) in preparation for Council on 4^th March 2026.

A report was presented to consider approval and referral to Council on 4 March 2026 of the General Fund Budget for 2026/27, including the use of reserves, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme and Strategy, Treasury Management Policy/Strategy and the Annual Delivery Plan including the approval of Council Tax levels, pages 11 to 22 of the Agenda refer.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Finance highlighted that the creation of the budget for the forthcoming year had been challenging, which had been due in large part to the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the government’s ‘Fairer Funding Review’, the conclusions of which had not become clear until mid?December 2025.  In addition, errors had been identified in the methodology used by the government to calculate the figures and as a result, further adjustments had been required within the final Local Government Settlement, which had only been released late on the previous Wednesday.

Key points were highlighted as follows:

·       With regard to the General Fund budget, the Portfolio Holder explained that while the move to multi?year settlements improved medium?term financial visibility, the immediate impact for district councils had included a reduction of £1.6m in central funding, followed by a further £1.4m reduction in 2027/28.

·       The reset of business rates and the revaluation exercise being undertaken had materially reduced locally retained income, placing greater reliance on Revenue Support Grant and transitional protections provided directly by the government.  This had come at a time when the Council was seeking to support the most vulnerable in the community, create a vibrant district for residents and foster an environment in which businesses could grow.

·       The budget included expenditure for the introduction of the food waste collection service, for which no additional government funding had been received, however the Council had managed to accommodate the service within existing resources.

·       Internal Drainage Boards continued to present significant financial pressures, with their overall levy having increased by more than 43% since 2021/22.  The total cost for 2026/27 would amount to £5.45m,  representing 61% of the Council Tax retained by the authority.

·       Against this backdrop, the proposed budget delivered a balanced and sustainable financial position for 2026/27, supported statutory service delivery, protected financial resilience and maintained capacity for transformation and investment.  Despite the challenges, the Council continued to explore new opportunities, develop innovative approaches to service delivery, and identify efficiencies and new income streams to support the revenue budget.

·       Following the success of the East Lindsey Investment Fund (ELIF) 1, under which the outcomes for all four priority themes had been achieved, the Council proposed the establishment of a new scheme (ELIF 2) with a further £10m allocation and the four priority themes would remain unchanged.

Members were referred to the treasury management documents which set out the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for the forthcoming year, including the management of borrowing, investments and cash flows and demonstrated that robust arrangements were in place.  Treasury activities had delivered significantly increased in?year returns, contributing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 159.

To consider information relating to the Council’s performance and risk at the end of Quarter 3 – 2025/26 (as at 31 December 2025).

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 2025/26 (as at 31 December 2025).

During his introduction of the report, the Deputy Leader of the Council highlighted the following key information:

·       East Lindsey District Council had a total of 101 KPIs, set out by priority in Appendix A, following adoption of the Sub?Regional Strategy, pages 201 to 222 of the Agenda refer.

·       33 of these were target indicators within the Council’s direct control, with historic data or comparative information available to support target?setting.  Targets had been designed to stretch service performance.  Green indicators were on target, amber indicators were within tolerance, and red indicators were off target.  Commentary for all red indicators and those without available data was provided in Appendix A.

·       A further 68 KPIs were trend indicators, giving context for policy decisions and resource allocation, as detailed in Appendix A.  These had been reviewed to consider whether any could be converted into target indicators where historic data now existed, but no changes were proposed at this time.

·       The indicator relating to the percentage of waste recycled and composted had been removed and would instead be reported at year end.

·       From Quarter 3, the indicator relating to the number of homes improved through government grants had been reclassified from a target indicator to a trend indicator.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 to 4 of the report, pages 194 to 198 of the Agenda refer.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance asked that Portfolio Holders noted the details for their areas of responsibility and where relevant, considered any further action in respect to the performance and risk information contained within the appendices, pages 201 to 234 of the Agenda refer.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.  None were received.

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 Options

Alternative reporting arrangements.

To consider approval of a proposal for an ELIF-funded business support programme, aimed at supporting East Lindsey businesses with making smart and informed energy management decisions and investments.

1.     That the business support model and funding allocations, as set out within this report be approved.

2.     That delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director – Strategic Growth and Development, under consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy, to finalise detailed scheme design, enter into necessary contracts and launch the scheme as per the approach detailed within the report.

A report was presented to consider a proposal for an East Lindsey Investment Fund (ELIF) funded business support programme, aimed at supporting East Lindsey businesses with making smart and informed energy management decisions and investments.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy stated that he had been very pleased to present the proposal, which had originated as an idea developed jointly by himself and the Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy several months earlier.  The intention had been to support local businesses at a time when many across all sectors were experiencing considerable difficulties.

One of the most significant and pressing challenges facing both small and large businesses was the rising cost of energy.  While successive governments had implemented caps for domestic consumers, business energy tariffs continued to escalate, placing considerable pressure on commercial operations.  The Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy highlighted that many businesses within the district, particularly along the coast were heavily reliant on electricity, and that without it, many major employers could not function.

The Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy explained that officers had developed the initial idea into a comprehensive five pillar programme model, set out at Paragraph 2.17, page 239 of the Agenda refers which was designed to support businesses by enabling them to access and utilise renewable energy technologies.  He emphasised that the renewable energy sector had advanced significantly in recent years, yet many business owners lacked awareness of the opportunities available.  This lack of awareness, he stressed, was not due to ignorance but due to the highly specialist and fast?evolving nature of the field.

The five?point programme included providing information and early stage advice on available renewable energy options, undertaking professional audits of business premises, offering guidance and support in engaging with specialist private?sector providers, and continuing the existing business advice service. 

The proposed programme would therefore assist businesses in reducing energy costs, improving profitability and creating conditions that could lead to increased employment, business growth, and wider economic benefits.  The initiative would be available across the whole district and would be accessible to all types of businesses, including shops, factories, small industrial units, farms and any enterprise reliant on electricity.

In summary, the Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy advised that the proposal sought approval to use the remaining ELIF funding of £650k to deliver the programme.  He expressed the view that once operational, the programme would be something the Council could be proud to promote, demonstrating a clear commitment to supporting the business community, encouraging the adoption of renewable energy, reducing costs and contributing to a greener local economy.  He concluded by thanking officers for their work in developing the report.

The Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy concurred with the Portfolio Holder for Coastal Economy and considered that the Council had an opportunity to assist and make a meaningful difference.  He highlighted that the Council had strong and continually improving communication channels with the business community, supported by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 161.

To consider approval of the Community Safety Strategy and to recommend its adoption by Full Council.

a.     That the contents of the report and the work of partners in addressing crime and disorder in South and East Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire as a whole be noted.

b.     That the Community Safety Strategy which sets out the areas of focus identified by the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership be recommended to Full Council for adoption.

c.     That Full Council authorises the executive of the authority to make any future amendments to the Strategy as required to meet emerging needs identified and that subject to Full Council authorisation delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director, Communities and Housing Services, in consultation with relevant Portfolio Holders to amend the Strategy.

A report was presented to seek approval of the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy and to recommend its adoption by Full Council.

During his introduction of the report, the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction explained that the strategy set out how the councils of South Holland, Boston and East Lindsey would work with partners, including Lincolnshire Police, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, and the voluntary and community sector, to reduce crime, antisocial behaviour and the fear of crime across the sub?region.

The strategy fulfilled statutory duties under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and aligned with county?wide activity through the Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership.  A strategic review, incorporating police data, local health information, the Lincolnshire Strategic Needs Assessment and public feedback, had identified four priority areas for the Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership as follow:

1. Tackling antisocial behaviour within communities, with a particular focus on neighbourhood?related issues.

2. Developing understanding of fear and perceptions of crime and identifying underlying causes.

3. Working with the Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership to support a place?based approach to project delivery.

4. Encouraging increased reporting to strengthen the intelligence picture.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction highlighted that the Partnership ensured coordinated activity across the three districts, avoiding duplication and maximising shared resources.  Responsibilities such as public consultation, domestic abuse?related death reviews and county?wide public meetings were discharged jointly through the county?level Safety Partnership.  The strategic alignments were said to strongly support corporate priorities relating to safe and resilient communities and would enhance the Partnership’s reputation for responding to local safety concerns.

In conclusion, he added that the district had been the only area to retain its local antisocial behaviour (ASB) provision when such services were reviewed.  He reiterated that this decision had required foresight and stated in his view it had proven highly effective, paying significant dividends for the Council and its officers.

The full background and details were included at Sections 1 to 5 of the report, pages 252 to 256 of the Agenda refer.  A copy of the strategy and action plan were attached at Appendices 1 and 2 to the report, pages 261 to 286 of the Agenda refer.

The recommendations were duly proposed and seconded.

Members were invited to put their comments forward.  None were received.

The Assistant Director for Communities and Housing Services stated that officers were looking forward to progressing the strategy and the accompanying action plan.  She expressed enthusiasm for working closely with communities and delivering the level of impact that the Council aspired to provide and that residents deserved.

RESOLVED

a.     That the contents of the report and the work of partners in addressing crime and disorder in South and East Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire as a whole be noted.

b.     That the Community Safety Strategy which sets out the areas of focus identified by the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership be recommended to Full Council for adoption.

c.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 162.

The programmed date for the next Meeting of this Board will be Wednesday 1^st April 2026.

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday 1^st April 2026.