To receive a report from the Assistant Director (Corporate).

The Chairman welcomed Suzanne Rolfe, Group Manager - Insights and Transformation to deliver a presentation to Members on the Draft Sub-Regional Strategy for the South & East Lincolnshire Council’s Partnership (SELCP), pages 71 to 76 of the Agenda refer.

Members were advised that when the SELCP formed, the business case identified opportunities for greater alignment and closer working on a range of strategic issues that were common for each Council area within the sub-region. Since the existing Corporate Strategies for each of the Councils were reaching the end of their life, or were due for review, these would be replaced by the development of a Sub-Regional Strategy. Moving to a single Sub-Regional Strategy would cement the positive joint working between the three Councils and positioned the Partnership well for the future.

The draft Sub-Regional Strategy for the SELCP identified specific priorities where these were a matter of importance to one sovereign Council within the Partnership, pages 77 – 112 of the Agenda refer.

The emerging strategy had been developed by officers in consultation with Members. Consultation remained ongoing, with further Member input being sought before it was finalised and brought forward to Council for approval.

Members were invited to put their comments and questions forward.

• A Member queried where the vision was for taking the overarching strategy through to the next generation and up to 2050, when a more robust strategy would be needed to tackle serious problems, such as defending the district’s coastline. In response, the Group Manager - Insights and Transformation stated that elements were already included in the strategy for the coast as an environmental priority, and it was hopeful that the final document would encapsulate long term visions.

• A Member referred to the consultation with Parish Councils and sought clarification on the timeline to ensure they were able to respond.  In response, the Group Manager - Insights and Transformation confirmed the consultation had been sent out to Parish Councils, with most meeting in October or November. The aim was to continue working with Parish Clerks to ensure the meeting dates could be accommodated and to obtain the comments in time.

• A Member further highlighted the significant issues of coastal erosion, rising sea levels and the need to protect the Council’s assets, including the Council’s commitment to repair and maintain these, page 111 of the Agenda refers. In response, the Group Manager - Insights and Transformation stated that these issues were expected to be included in the investment plan for the coast as part of local priorities, and feedback would be provided to those who were involved in shaping the plan.

• A Member expressed dissatisfaction that the rural inland areas of East Lindsey should not be dismissed only as being dominated by agriculture, also stating that Market Towns were the backbone of inland areas and deserved greater involvement and consultation.

• A Member highlighted issues with accessing the consultation weblink which may discourage users from participating. In response, the Group Manager of Insights and Transformation confirmed that the issue would be addressed to ensure the link was more accessible.

• A Member sought clarification whether the Sub-Regional Strategy would return to the Overview Committee or go straight to the Executive Board. In response, the Group Manager - Insights and Transformation confirmed that it would be presented to the Executive Board following further meetings with groups who had not yet had the opportunity to comment. In follow-up, the Assistant Director (Corporate) clarified that it was for Council approval on this document and Executive Board was making the recommendation to Council.

No further comments or questions were received.

The Chairman thanked the Group Manager - Insights and Transformation for her presentation and stated she would look forward to receiving a progress report at the next meeting.