No apologies for absence were received.

At this point in the Meeting, Members were invited to declare any relevant interests. None were received.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 18^th September 2025.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 18 September 2025 were agreed as a correct record.

Actions from the previous Meeting(s).

Members were referred to the updated Action Sheet and the actions were noted as in hand.

The Chairman provided a brief update, confirming that the Belchford and Fulletby Neighbourhood Development Plan approved at the previous meeting had progressed through the Executive Board and was now moving forward.

To receive a presentation from the Environment Agency.

The Chairman welcomed Andy Bailey from the Environment Agency who was in attendance to present Members with an overview of the Fens 2100+ Programme.  Mr Bailey outlined the historical context, current challenges, and future strategic direction for flood risk and water management across the Fens landscape.

Key points included:

• The Fens as a man-made, low-lying landscape below sea level, requiring constant water management.

• The ageing infrastructure, including embankments and pumping stations, many of which were built in the mid-20th century or earlier.

• The increasing frequency of flood events and the impact of climate change, including sea level rise and subsidence.

• The critical importance of the Fens to national food security, with a significant proportion of Grade 1 agricultural land located within the area.

• The need for strategic investment and long-term planning to sustain the landscape and its infrastructure.

• The role of the Fens 2100+ partnership, which includes local authorities, drainage boards, farming unions, and national agencies.

Mr Bailey emphasised that the programme was evidence-led and aimed to proactively address future challenges rather than react to crises.  He noted that the Environment Agency was working with partners to develop a case for change and a decade of action, with key documents expected to be published in early 2026.

A copy of the presentation is attached at Appendix A to the Minutes.

NB. Councillor Daniel McNally joined the Meeting at 6.16pm.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• A Member raised concerns about the scale of investment required, suggesting that without government funding, difficult decisions would need to be made about which areas could continue to be defended.  Mr Bailey acknowledged the scale of the challenge and confirmed that the partnership was preparing a costed programme and business case to present to government.

• Members queried the extent of engagement with central government and suggested that a representative from national government should be involved in the partnership.  Mr Bailey confirmed that the Fens 2100+ Programme was established under the national flood strategy and that engagement with ministers and MPs was planned for the coming months.

• Questions were raised about how Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) might affect the programme.  The Assistant Director – Planning and Strategic Infrastructure advised Members that future spatial development strategies under mayoral authorities could help align infrastructure and growth planning and Local Plans would have to be prepared in accordance with them.  Members were further advised that every single district still had their own housing target and East Lindsey’s target had gone up by a significant amount earlier this year.

Mr Bailey added to the discussion, stating that while LGR presented challenges, it also offered opportunities for more strategic planning and coordination.  He further explained that with regards to funding, different ways needed to be found in order to fund what would be required.

• Members discussed the implications of LGR on Internal Drainage Board (IDB) funding.  Mr Bailey acknowledged the complexity and confirmed that funding models were under review.  Clarification was given on the current financial arrangements  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

To receive a verbal update.

Phil Norman, Head of Planning, provided Members with an update regarding NHS requests for Section 106 contributions in relation to caravan sites.  The Integrated Care Board had confirmed that it continued to review its approach, with funding applications typically made in relation to sites providing permanent residential accommodation.

Members expressed concern about the long-standing nature of this issue and the lack of clarity regarding the impact of seasonal populations on local healthcare services, particularly in areas such as Skegness.

The Committee noted the response and requested that the NHS be invited to attend a future meeting to discuss the matter further.

The date of the next Meeting was confirmed as Thursday 20th November 2025.