Agenda and draft minutes

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 28 January 2026 (copy enclosed).

Consideration was given to the open and restricted minutes of Full Council held on 28 January 2026.

AGREED:

That both the open and restricted minutes of Full Council held on 28 January 2026 be signed as a correct record.

(Where a Councillor has a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest the Councillor must declare the interest to the meeting and leave the room without participating in any discussion or making a statement on the item, except where a Councillor is permitted to remain as a result of a grant of dispensation.)

There were none.

The Chairlady reported her attendance at the following events across the district:

• Spalding Sea Cadets Open Evening at the United Reform Church;
• The Chairlady’s Charity Race Night at Welland Yacht Club; and

Upcoming events included:

• A Flower Arranging Competition on 28 March 2026 as part of the Spring into Spalding event. Local participation was encouraged; and
• The Chairlady’s Civic Reception at the Cley Hall Hotel on 2 May 2026.

To note Portfolio Holder updates on work being undertaken within each of their Portfolios (report of the Leader enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Leader which asked the Council to note Portfolio Holder updates on work being undertaken within each of their Portfolios.

Members were reminded that the report was for noting only and that any questions arising from its contents should be raised under Agenda item 8 – Questions Without Notice.

DECISION:

That the Portfolio Holder updates be noted.

The Leader did not make any announcements.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Environmental Services announced the following:

The Lincolnshire Waste Partnership had recently announced that it would fund the provision of paper and card bins for South Holland. This represented a capital saving of £1.4 million, as the Council would no longer need to use or borrow that sum. In addition, this created a reduction of £70,000 per annum in revenue costs. The Portfolio Holder thanked Councillor Brookes at the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership for working with SHDC to secure this outcome.

There were none.

Question to: Councillor Casson

Question from: Councillor Barnes

Subject: Fly-tipping

Councillor Barnes referred to data from the reporting website ‘FixMyStreet’, noting that 366 reports of fly?tipping had been recorded in the previous year and that 14 reports had been made in the past week. He commented that, when projected across a full year, this would equate to approximately 728 incidents. He queried the provision that would be made to Kingdom (the council’s enviro-crime contractor), or any other enforcement contractor, to increase capacity in response to the projected rise. He also requested a breakdown of the locations of fly?tipping reports across the district to determine whether the correct areas were being targeted.  In response, Councillor Casson acknowledged the concerns regarding rising fly?tipping levels, noting both the national trend and recent severe cases featured in the media. He stated that many incidents were not reported and encouraged residents to do so, as Kingdom could only investigate cases that had been formally logged. He explained that, where no evidence could be found such as within loads of bricks or rubble, enforcement action was often not possible. He confirmed that Kingdom investigated all reports received and had recently secured successful prosecutions. 

As a related supplementary question, Councillor Barnes reiterated that reports were being made, as evidenced by the recorded figures, and sought clarification on where those incidents were occurring and how many were being properly investigated. He acknowledged that some types of fly?tipping, such as sofas or rubble, might not yield evidence, but emphasised the need to understand how many cases were nonetheless subject to investigation. He further noted that, with the maximum fine for fly?tipping now increased to £1,000, it was in Kingdom’s interest to investigate more incidents, which could have implications for future enforcement capacity. In response, Councillor Casson advised that fly?tipping reports were received by Waste Services, who then liaised with the Enforcement Team. Councillor Astill, as the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services was invited to respond, and added that existing statistics indicated a decrease in fly?tipping, confirming that figures by ward area would be circulated. He explained that although reports submitted via FixMyStreet were actioned by Waste Services, the system interacted differently with internal SHDC processes and was not updated in the same way as Lincolnshire County Council’s highway?related reporting system. He advised that the most effective and preferred method for residents to report incidents was via the Council’s own website and forms.

Question to: Councillor Worth

Question from: Councillor Chapman

Subject: Withdrawal of funding from the Food Enterprise Zone

Councillor Chapman referred to Lincolnshire County Council’s withdrawal of funding from the Food Enterprise Zone at Holbeach and asked the Leader for his assessment of the likely impact on the site and wider business confidence.  In response, Councillor Worth stated that the withdrawal of funding would have a significant impact. He reported that the Executive Member for Economic Development at the County Council had suggested that the Food Enterprise Zone was underused;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

To receive the minutes of the following Committees and Panels:

a)    Governance and Audit Committee – 29 January 2026

b)    Planning Committee – 7 January 2026

c)    Joint Performance Monitoring Panel/Policy Development Panel (Budget Scrutiny) – 13 January 2026

d)    Planning Committee – 11 February 2026

The minutes of the following Committees and Panels were noted:

• Governance and Audit Committee – 29 January 2026
• Planning Committee – 7 January 2026
• Joint Performance Monitoring Panel/Policy Development Panel (Budget Scrutiny) – 13 January 2026
• Planning Committee – 11 February 2026

To receive the current Key Decision Plan (copy enclosed).

Consideration was given to the Key Decision Plan.

DECISION:

That the Key Decision Plan be noted.

To consider recommendations of the Cabinet in respect of:

·         South & East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy 

(report of the Cabinet enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Cabinet meeting hold on 17 February 2026 which sought approval for the Cabinet’s recommendations.

The Portfolio Holder for Public Protection introduced the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy, which set out how South Holland, Boston and East Lindsey District Councils would work collaboratively 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 South and East Lincolnshire.

Members were advised that the strategy fulfilled the Council’s statutory duties under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and aligned with countywide activity undertaken through the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership.

It was noted that the strategy had been informed by police data, health data and public feedback, and was structured around the following four Priority Areas:

• Tackling antisocial behaviour in communities; 
• Understanding the fear of crime;
• Adopting a place?based approach; and
• Encouraging increased reporting of crime and antisocial behaviour.

The Portfolio Holder confirmed that the strategy underpinned the corporate priority of ‘creating safe and resilient communities’ and would strengthen the Council’s reputation for responding effectively to local concerns.

Members were informed that the Council’s Scrutiny Committee had reviewed the strategy and expressed its support.

DECISION:

That Council:

1)     Adopted the Community Safety Strategy which set out the areas of focus identified by the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership; and

2)     Authorised the Executive of the authority to make further amendments to the Strategy as required to meet emerging needs identified.

To approve: The General Fund Budget and HRA Budgets 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 (report of the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) enclosed).

(Please note that in accordance with The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote will be taken on Budget recommendations).

(Members are reminded that if they are two months or more in arrears, they must disclose the fact and not vote on any item to set tax or any decision which may affect its calculation).

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) to approve the General Fund Budget and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budgets for 2026/27, including the use of reserves, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme and Strategy, Treasury Management Policy/Strategy, the Annual Delivery Plan and Living Wage Supplement, including the approval of Council Tax levels.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance introduced the report by thanking the Finance Team for their diligent work in producing a balanced budget, and expressed appreciation to Cabinet Members, Assistant Directors and officers for their commitment throughout the process. The following main points were highlighted:

• The Annual Delivery Plan document reflected the anticipated impacts of Local Government Reorganisation and set out a broad programme of activity to support communities;
• Ongoing partnership work continued to influence national discussions on Local Government Reorganisation and Internal Drainage Board (IDB) levies;
• Investment in a new Local Plan was highlighted, as were savings achieved through the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership which had exceeded the initial £42m savings target, and the recent procurement of a leisure operator, which would deliver further efficiencies;
• It was noted that the budget had been prepared amid significant financial pressures, changes to the Local Government Finance system, increased reliance on Revenue Support Grant and locally raised Council Tax;
• Provision had been made for the introduction of a food waste collection service, and members were advised of continued Internal Drainage Board (IDB) pressures, with the 2026/27 levy exceeding £3.7m and accounting for 55% of the Council Tax retained by the authority;
• Despite challenges, the proposed budget delivered a balanced and sustainable position with no in-year efficiency target for 2026/27 whilst protecting services and maintaining capacity for investment. The Capital Programme totalled over £25m, and Treasury Management activity had supported the balanced position through increased returns;
• The proposed Council Tax of £214.92 for a Band D property equated to an increase of 12 pence per week from the 2025/26 position. Members were asked to note that 74% of properties in South Holland fell within the A to C Council Tax brackets and therefore increases were lower, as follows: Band A, 8 pence; Band B, 10 pence; and Band C, 11 pence;
• The following minor amendments to Fees and Charges at Appendix 5 were to be noted:
  • In respect of ‘Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licences’ at page 225 of the agenda pack, the word ‘renewal’ needed to be added at the second row, with the 2026/27 fee amended to £229 instead of £240; and
  • In respect of ‘Scrap Metal’ at page 226 of the agenda pack, the third row needed to be removed; and
• Further proposals included a significant investment in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and HRA Capital Programme, focussing on Decent Homes and Major Adaptations and Green Homes Energy Efficiency. Use of the Spalding Special Expense Reserve for parks and play areas was also proposed, with a detailed plan to follow.

In conclusion, the Portfolio Holder stated that the budget responded  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

To set the amounts of Council Tax applicable for 2026/27 for each valuation band and in each part of the district (report of the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) enclosed).

(Please note that in accordance with The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote will be taken on Budget recommendations).

(Members are reminded that if they are two months or more in arrears, they must disclose the fact and not vote on any item to set tax or any decision which may affect its calculation).

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) to set the amounts of Council Tax applicable for 2026/27 for each valuation band and in each part of the district.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the report and noted that:

• Since Council Tax affected all households, residents experiencing financial difficulty were strongly encouraged to contact the Council for support and advice; and
• Following approval of the Council's budget at agenda item 12, the Council Tax Setting report incorporated the relevant resolutions necessary to bring together all elements for the setting of the Council Tax for 2026/27, as summarised at point 4.1 of the report and detailed in Appendices A to E. In this respect the Council was fulfilling its obligations as a billing authority in the manner specified by law and regulation.

DECISION:

That the formal Council Tax resolutions for 2026/27 as set out in Appendix A and summarised in paragraph 4.1 (and detailed below) and the accompanying appendices B to E  be approved

4.0  COUNCIL TAX RESOLUTIONS

4.1 The required resolutions for the approval of the levels of Council Tax are set out at Appendix A. The figures relating to the District Council and the average of the parishes are summarised in the following table:

Council is recommended to approve the following resolutions:

1.         It is to be noted that on 23 December 2025 the Council calculated: -

(a)   The Council Tax Base for 2026/27 for the District as 31,567 (item T in the formula in section 31B(3) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended) and;

(b)   Dwellings in those parts of the district to which a Parish precept relates as shown in Appendix B

2.         Calculate that the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes             for 2026/27 (excluding Parish precepts) is £6,784,380.

3.         That the following amounts be calculated by the Council for the year 2026/27             in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act             1992 as amended (the Act): -

To seek approval of the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/2027 (report of the Chief Executive enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Executive which sought approval of the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Environmental Services presented the report and outlined the statutory requirement under Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011 for the statement to be approved annually by Council. He highlighted the remuneration information that must be included, as outlined at point 1 of the report, and the need to publish the final Statement by 31 March 2026.

No issues were raised.

DECISION:

That the Pay Policy Statement, at Appendix 1, be approved.

To bring forward the proposals for aligning further Terms and Conditions and to agree to commence delivery (report of the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development (PSPS) enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Human Resources & Organisational Development (PSPS) which brought forward proposals for alignment of further Terms and Conditions and sought Council agreement to commence delivery.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Environmental Servicespresented the report which detailed the next phase of the Partnership’s Terms and Conditions alignment work. He stated that several terms, conditions and employment policies had previously been aligned and a shared pay structure had been implemented for shared officers. The report proposed further alignment of seven terms and conditions and three employment policies as summarised at point 2 of the report, with relevant full policy documents set out at Appendices A, B and C. It was noted that the report had been considered by the Policy Development Panel and if approved by Council, would proceed to consultation.

• Members referred to the recommendations and queried whether any constraints applied to the delegated authority given to the Chief Executive to make future revisions.
  • The Assistant Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer) clarified that: recommendation ‘a’ granted delegated authority to undertake consultation on the proposed changes; and recommendation ‘b’ allowed implementation after consultation, provided the changes did not exceed those approved by Council. Therefore, the delegation did not allow unrestricted or enhanced changes beyond those set out in the report.

DECISION:

That Council:

a)     Delegated authority to the Head of Paid Service: to lead the employment consultation(s) (excluding those related to the Chief Executive) to further revise Terms and Conditions of employment to seek greater alignment across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership; and to implement an enhanced on-call provision for the Housing Landlord Services Team at South Holland District Council who undertake emergency repairs outside of working hours;

b)     Delegated authority to the Head of Paid Service, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to implement revised Terms and Conditions (excluding those that impact the Chief Executive), after staff and union consultation taking into consideration any changes that arise through consultation from the workforce and unions, provided changes are less than or equal to those approved by Council. This includes approving any new policies and policy updates required for implementation; and

c)     Approved an amendment to the Pay Policy Statement 2026/27, if following a period of consultation, the proposed changes were implemented as set out in this report, specifically for South Holland District Council, the details related to: ‘Redundancy and Severance Payments’ would be amended.

To provide South Holland District Council with an update following the latest meeting of the Health Scrutiny for Lincolnshire Committee (report of Councillor G Scalese enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of Councillor G Scalese which provided South Holland District Council with an update following the latest meeting of the Health Scrutiny for Lincolnshire Committee.

DECISION:

That the report be noted.

To receive, from political groups, nominations for any changes to Committees and other seats and to consider any proposed changes to the Constitution.

There were none.

There were none.