The Joint Performance Monitoring Panel and Policy Development Panel were scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 21 October 2025. The agenda included an update on the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme and a presentation on the contracting of leisure facilities. Councillors were also expected to consider whether to exclude the public from the meeting whilst the leisure facilities contract was discussed.

Plan for Neighbourhoods Programme (Pride in Place)

The Director of Economic Development was scheduled to provide an update on the work being done with the Spalding Town Board to develop a new Regeneration Plan and submission for Spalding, in line with government guidance.

The report pack noted that in late 2023, Spalding was announced as one of 75 places to receive investment under the Long-Term Plan for Towns programme. The submission date was paused due to the General Election, and in March 2025, the new government published a Plan for Neighbourhoods prospectus, which shifted the programme's focus to:

• Revitalising areas with better amenities and high-quality infrastructure
• Rebuilding relationships and fostering a sense of belonging
• Empowering local people to shape their community's future

The total funding allocation would provide up to £20 million of new investment over ten years, split between capital and revenue projects.

The council was required to submit a Regeneration Plan for Spalding by 28 November 2025, outlining how it would improve the physical and social infrastructure of the community. The Regeneration Plan was expected to include a 10-year vision and a 4-year investment plan.

The report pack stated that the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme must evidence significant stakeholder and resident engagement. A public consultation was held in the summer of 2025, building on previous consultations from 2024. The consultation captured feedback from 507 valid responses, with targeted engagement with young people, older residents, businesses, and community groups.

Feedback from the consultation indicated that residents valued Spalding's heritage and riverside setting but perceived a decline in cleanliness, safety, and retail offerings. The main priorities emerging from the feedback were:

• Tackling anti-social behaviour and improving safety
• Creating more things to do and attract visitors
• Town-centre renewal, particularly the market area and waterfront
• Youth and community infrastructure
• Cleanliness and maintenance

The report pack included a Vision for Spalding document, which presented proposals for making the town centre safer, strengthening the market, finding new uses for empty buildings, and improving connections to the river and key gateways. The document highlighted several areas for potential intervention, including the Market, Bridge Street, the River front, The Crescent, Sheep Market, Swan Place, New Road/Hall Place, Broad Street, Albion Road/Westlode Street, Priory Road/Old Johnson Hospital, Bus Station, and Train Station.

The report pack stated that in response to the consultation responses, the council had worked with the Spalding Town Board to consider issues and opportunities presented to Spalding. A further consultation document was released, identifying opportunities for future investment and intervention under the Plan for Neighbourhoods Programme.

The report pack stated that council officers would continue to collate consultation comments and prepare the Regeneration Plan requirements. Cabinet would consider the final draft documents for submission on 24 November, with the submission to MHCLG¹ via online portal on 28 November.

Contracting of Leisure Facilities

The agenda included consideration of the award of a contract under an agency agreement for the operation and lifecycle maintenance of the council's leisure facilities. Members were scheduled to receive a presentation, and the Head of Special Projects (Leisure), the Assistant Director – Leisure and Local Services, and the Leisure Services and Contracts Manager were expected to be in attendance to answer questions. The agenda stated that councillors would consider resolving to exclude the public from the meeting for this item due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.