The Full Council of Boston Borough Council met on Monday 13 July 2026, approving a significant investment in housing and appointing a new trustee to a local charity. The meeting saw the council agree to allocate £365,000 from its reserves to secure government funding for the provision of temporary and adapted accommodation.

Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 4

The council approved the amendment of the 2026/27 Capital Programme to include the LAHF 4 capital scheme, with a total value of £667,000. This scheme will be funded by £302,000 of external grant funding from the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) and £365,000 from the council's Capital Funding Reserve. The purpose of this funding is to provide three new homes: two for temporary accommodation and one for resettlement, specifically aimed at households requiring accessible and adapted properties. This initiative is intended to reduce the reliance on expensive bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation and improve outcomes for vulnerable residents.

Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Economic Growth, presented the proposal, highlighting that the government funding is time-limited. He explained that officers would have until March 2027 to find and acquire suitable properties, allowing for the creation of full business cases and consideration of potential impacts before any final spending decisions. Councillor Dale Broughton, Leader of the Council, supported the recommendation, stating that Affordable and temporary housing is needed in Boston. Councillor Stephen Woodliffe also voiced his support, adding, If the government's going to throw money at us, we should take it with both hands. He further elaborated on the cost-effectiveness of council-owned properties compared to other temporary accommodation options, citing figures that demonstrated significant savings. A question was raised by Councillor Ghosh regarding whether the resettlement property would be a new build or a secondhand property, which Councillor John Baxter, Portfolio Holder for Housing, was asked to clarify.

Democratic Arrangements – Appointment to Outside Body

The council also made an appointment to the Thomas Sanderson Charity. Councillor Dale Broughton nominated Councillor Mike Gilbert for a trustee vacancy on the charity. The nomination was seconded, and following a vote, Councillor Gilbert was appointed. The Thomas Sanderson Charity aims to support mariners, former mariners, and their widows in the Borough of Boston who are in need, hardship, or distress. The council is responsible for appointing up to two trustees, each for a four-year term.

The meeting also included the presentation and noting of the Annual Treasury Report 2025/26, which detailed the council's capital expenditure, borrowing, and investment activities for the financial year. The report indicated a net income of £2,448,156 for the year, exceeding the budget by £195,552. The average rate of return on the council's treasury investments was 4.75%, with property funds achieving a net rate of 2.84%. The report also noted that the council maintained an under-borrowed position throughout the year, utilising internal cash balances to fund capital expenditure.