The Cabinet of Boston Council was scheduled to discuss the South & East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy and the Annual Budget Report for 2026/27, which includes the Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme, Treasury Management Policy, and Annual Delivery Plan.

South & East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy

The meeting was scheduled to consider the South & East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy, a report by Emily Spicer, Assistant Director – Communities & Housing Services. This strategy outlines the areas of focus identified by the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership. The report details the duties placed on local authorities and other statutory agencies in relation to crime and disorder, as set out in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. It also explains how the South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership works with the county Safer Lincolnshire Partnership to address crime and disorder and fulfil statutory duties. The strategy was refreshed following a strategic review process. Cabinet was asked to approve the strategy and recommend its adoption by Full Council. Recommendations included noting the work of partners in addressing crime and disorder, recommending the adoption of the Community Safety Strategy, and authorising the executive to make future amendments as required.

Annual Budget Report 2026/27, Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme and Capital Strategy Treasury Management Policy/Strategy, and Annual Delivery Plan

A comprehensive report by Russell Stone, Director of Finance (S151 Officer), was scheduled for discussion, covering the Annual Budget Report for 2026/27, the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) up to 2030/31, the Capital Programme and Capital Strategy, the Treasury Management Policy/Strategy, and the Annual Delivery Plan. The report included the recommended level of Council Tax for 2026/27. The draft budget included identified efficiencies to support the short and medium-term financial strategy. The report also detailed the Council Tax Base for Boston Borough Council and Boston Special Expenses, the Revenue Estimates for the General Fund and Boston Special Expenses, and the additions to and use of reserves. The Capital Programme and Capital Strategy, Treasury Management Policy Statement, Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy, Annual Investment Strategy, and Treasury Management Practices were also included for approval. A report from the S151 Officer on the robustness of the estimates and adequacy of financial reserves was to be noted. The proposed Council Tax for a Band D property in 2026/27 was set out, along with the Annual Delivery Plan for 2026/27. Cabinet was asked to delegate further amendment of the budget document to the Director of Finance in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance in preparation for Council on 2 March 2026.

Other Items

The agenda also included standing items for recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC). Members of the public were also given the opportunity to ask written questions. The meeting also included preliminary items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting.