The Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) was scheduled to discuss funding for town centre improvements, the financial outturn for the previous financial year, and potential enhancements to local play areas. The committee was also due to review its work programme for the upcoming year.

Pride in Place Impact Fund

The committee was scheduled to consider the proposed programme for the £1.5 million Pride in Place Impact Fund allocated to Boston. This fund, provided by Central Government, aims to support quick, practical enhancements that boost local community pride, wellbeing, and identity. The report outlined a proposed programme structure with priority themes, focusing on how investment in Boston town centre could be strengthened through partnership working and potential match funding. The committee was asked to note the priorities, consider where its own resources could align, and provide feedback on desired town centre projects for potential joint investment. The fund is divided into two main areas: £750,000 for Impact Grants (split into Small Grants of £5,000–£25,000 and Large Grants of £25,000–£75,000) and £700,000 for Borough High Streets and Town Centre Revitalisation. A cohort of students from Boston College was undertaking an audit of the town centre to identify areas for improvement.

2025/26 Draft Outturn Financial Position

A report was presented detailing the draft financial position for the Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) at the end of the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated an underspend of £104,153, which was to be transferred to the BTAC reserve. The projected reserve balance as of 31 March 2026 was £396,788. This included a minimum required reserve balance of £70,000 and £1,925 in ringfenced funds from previous small grants. The report provided a detailed breakdown of income and expenditure across various service areas, including Open Spaces and Play Areas, Allotments, Central Park, Public Conveniences, Events, Town Centre Maintenance, and Administration. Notable variances included an overspend in Public Conveniences due to vandalism and increased electricity consumption, and significant savings in the Events budget attributed to staffing changes.

BTAC Play Area Improvements 'Aspirations'

The committee was scheduled to discuss potential improvements to BTAC-managed open spaces and play facilities, based on observations from a tour conducted on 25 September 2025. The report highlighted a range of aspirations for enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and environmental value. Members were asked to prioritise which of these proposed improvements should be progressed to full costing, with the aim of seeking external funding. Specific sites mentioned included Woodville Row Play Park, where compacted stone pathways and sensory play features were suggested, and Central Park, where pathway restoration was identified as a priority. The report also noted the increasing costs associated with play equipment and safety surfacing, with indicative costings provided for various items.

Work Programme

The committee was due to review and potentially update its work programme for the current year. The agenda indicated that discussions would include the Boston Town Board, the Pride in Place Impact Fund, and the BTAC's financial outturn. Future items for consideration included updates on the Community Governance Review, the status of Ingelow Park, and BTAC Small Grants. A pending addition to the work programme was the provision of a skate/bike park.

The meeting also included preliminary items such as the election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the Municipal Year 2026/27, receiving apologies for absence, and declarations of interest. The minutes of the previous meeting were scheduled for confirmation, and an update on actions from those minutes was to be provided for information. Time was also allocated for public questions and public speaking.