The Policy Development Panel was scheduled to consider a range of policy updates and reviews, including significant revisions to the Damp, Condensation and Mould Policy, and the Anti-Social Behaviour and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service. The panel was also set to review the Debt Write Off Policy and the Health and Safety Policy, alongside proposals to separate the Graffiti and Street Art Management Policy.

Health and Safety Policy

The panel was scheduled to consider proposed amendments to the Council's Health and Safety Policy. The report highlighted the statutory duty for employers to review their health and safety policies to ensure they remain compliant and reflect current best practices. The proposed amendments aim to align the policy across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (S&ELCP) to ensure continuity in health and safety arrangements. The policy, which was last reviewed in 2023/24, seeks to maintain a positive health and safety culture across the partnership.

Derelict and Untidy Sites Policy

A final report from the Derelict and Untidy Sites Task Group was scheduled for consideration. The task group was established to assess the effectiveness of the existing policy, which was introduced in 2022. The report indicated that the policy was largely duplicative of existing statutory powers available to departments such as Planning, Environmental Health, and Building Control. The task group's findings suggested that the policy had not demonstrably improved outcomes or operational efficiency. The recommendation was to retire the existing policy and replace it with a concise guidance signpost document for Members and Parish Councils, detailing how to identify issues, gather information, and contact the relevant services.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service

The panel was due to consider a new Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service. This policy aims to provide a clear and consistent approach to preventing, managing, and responding to ASB and hate incidents affecting Council tenants. The report highlighted strengthened regulatory requirements under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and feedback from tenants indicating a need for improvements in communication, clarity of process, and timeliness of updates. The policy incorporates a victim-centred approach, structured case management with defined timescales, and strengthened partnership working. Tenant feedback was integrated into the policy, including revisions to timescales and the introduction of a person reporting terminology in initial contact.

Housing (HRA) Damp, Condensation and Mould Policy

An updated Damp, Condensation and Mould Policy for 2026 was scheduled for review. This policy follows amendments made in September 2025 to comply with new legislation, including Awaab's Law. The report detailed tenant feedback gathered through focus groups and surveys, which highlighted a need for clearer communication, timely updates, follow-up after works, and better contractor management. Changes proposed include specifying key stages for tenant updates, clarifying Service Level Agreements at triage, and improving performance transparency. The policy also includes a new section on Landlord Responsibilities and aims to provide tailored advice and support to tenants.

Graffiti and Street Art Management Policy

The panel was to consider a proposal to separate the existing combined Graffiti and Street Art Management Policy. The rationale behind this separation is to provide distinct governance for street art and graffiti enforcement. Graffiti, being criminal damage, would remain under the Corporate Enforcement Policy, while a standalone Street Art Management Policy, owned by the Community Leadership Team, would be introduced. This aims to clarify what is permitted, establish a clear application and approval process, and distinguish between illegal graffiti and authorised artwork.

Debt Write Off Policy

The panel was scheduled to review the Debt Write Off Policy. The report noted that the policy, last reviewed in 2017, had largely remained unchanged due to a lack of significant legislative shifts. However, a recent Cabinet decision in January 2026 increased the delegation level for write-offs to the Section 151 Officer to £5,000, recognising that the previous limit of £1,050 was out of step with the wider sector. A comparison with other Lincolnshire authorities indicated that South Holland's delegation, even after the increase, remained relatively low. The policy itself is not for publication due to its sensitive nature.

Policy Development Panel Work Programme

The panel was presented with its Work Programme for 2025/26 and indicative items for 2026/27. This report allows the panel to monitor progress on existing items and identify any new items for inclusion. The work programme includes a list of upcoming topics such as the SHDC and S&ELCP Policy Registers, the Carbon Footprint Update, and reviews of various employee and ICT policies. It also outlines the status and reporting dates for ongoing task groups, including the Derelict and Untidy Sites Policy Task Group and the Business Frontage Task Group.