The Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) was scheduled to discuss proposals for the 2026/27 events programme, review the draft budget for the upcoming financial year, and consider an application for Green Flag status for Central Park. The committee was also due to review and update its work programme.

Review of 2025 Events and Funding Proposal for Events in 2026/27

The committee was scheduled to review the 2025 events programme and consider funding proposals for the 2026/27 events calendar. A report by Emily Spicer, Assistant Director, Communities and Housing Services, outlined two budget options for the upcoming year. Budget Option 1 proposed £41,500, which included a £17,000 contribution towards a three-day Christmas Festival. Budget Option 2 suggested a higher figure of £65,500, incorporating the Christmas Festival funding and an additional £24,000 contribution towards an inclusive music event. The report highlighted that the BTAC budget supports a wide range of services for residents, including a diverse events programme. The proposed events for 2026/27, under either option, were expected to include activities such as a Central Park beach event, the Central Park Skate Jam, and Boston Strongest competition. The report also noted that the Events team would continue to support external events like the Boston Bike Night, Boston Marathon, and Autumn Funfair, which are funded externally but contribute to the town's perception. The proposed events programme aims to support Boston's development as a town known for its events, fostering community cohesion, increasing footfall for local businesses, and promoting arts, culture, and heritage. The report also referenced the potential impact of Martyn's Law, also known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, which introduces security measures for public venues and events.

Draft Budget Setting 2026/27

A report by Russell Stone, Director of Finance and Section 151 officer, was scheduled to present the draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for BTAC, covering the period 2026/27 to 2030/31, with a specific focus on the 2026/27 budgetary position. The recommendations included noting the MTFP position and recommending it to Cabinet and Full Council for approval, proposing a Special Expense precept for 2026/27 at £779,470, and a Council Tax Band D charge of £82.44. Additionally, it was recommended to increase the minimum reserve balance from £70,000 to £100,000 for the period 2026/27 to 2030/31. The report detailed the projected movements on the BTAC reserve, showing an estimated available reserve balance of £267,207 for 2026/27, assuming the proposed increase in the minimum reserve. The MTFP outlined estimated expenditures and income across various service areas, including Open Spaces & Play Areas, Central Park, Public Conveniences, Events, Town Centre Maintenance, and Administration. The report indicated a projected net expenditure for 2026/27 of £687,320, with a precept income of £779,470, resulting in a surplus for the year of £92,150, which would contribute to reserves. The report also detailed the proposed Council Tax increases by band, with the Band D charge increasing by £1.35, or approximately 3 pence per week.

Central Park Green Flag Application

The committee was scheduled to consider a report by Phil Perry, Assistant Director Leisure and Local Services, regarding an application for Green Flag Award status for Central Park. The report highlighted that the Green Flag Award, managed by Keep Britain Tidy, provides national recognition for well-managed public parks and sets a benchmark for quality. The report detailed the significant investments made in Central Park, including a skate park, multi-use games area, refurbished children's play area with inclusive equipment, outdoor gym equipment, community and nature gardens, and improved accessibility with a Changing Places facility. Safety and security measures, such as increased CCTV coverage and patrols, were also noted. The report outlined the development of a comprehensive Management Plan, which has involved officer and member working groups, as well as public consultation, to inform priorities and future improvements. Achieving Green Flag status was presented as offering benefits such as national recognition, promotion of civic pride, encouragement of community involvement, support for health and wellbeing, and demonstration of commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. The report also mentioned that if the application were unsuccessful, detailed feedback would be provided to guide future enhancements. The associated Green Flag Management Plan for Central Park was also provided, detailing the park's history, site description, policy context, SWOT analysis, and objectives for maintaining and improving the park.

Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review and potentially update its work programme for the current year. The report indicated that a report on the Community Governance Review would be added to the Work Programme for mid-2026, allowing members to review progress and outcomes following the completion of the review process. The work programme listed several upcoming agenda items for future meetings, including financial outturns, small grants, updates from Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Housing Partnership, and a review of park and open spaces provision. Additional working groups, such as the Green Flag Award and Small Grants groups, were also noted as active.