The Boston Borough Council's Constitution was scheduled for discussion at the meeting on Thursday 12 March 2026. The constitution outlines how the council operates, makes decisions, and ensures efficiency, transparency, and accountability. It is divided into ten parts, covering the articles of the constitution, responsibility for functions, rules of procedure, codes of practice, members' allowance schemes, and management structure.

The Council's Constitution

The report pack detailed the structure and purpose of the Council's Constitution, which serves as a single point of reference for how Boston Borough Council operates. It is derived from Acts of Parliament, decisions of the Council, and decisions of the authority's Cabinet. The constitution is divided into ten parts, outlining the basic rules governing the Council's business.

Part 1: The Constitution

This part provides a summary and explanation of the constitution's purpose. It outlines how the Council operates, including its composition of 30 councillors, their accountability to residents, and the adopted Code of Conduct for Members. It also describes how decisions are made, with the Council responsible for setting the budget and principal policies, and the Leader/Cabinet responsible for most day-to-day decisions.

Part 2: The Articles of the Constitution

This section details the 15 Articles that set out the fundamental rules governing the Council's business. Key principles underpinning the constitution include enhancing service performance, accountability, transparency, community representation, increasing community involvement, and corporate working. It also outlines the eligibility, election, and roles of councillors, as well as residents' rights and responsibilities in their dealings with the authority.

Part 3: Responsibility for Functions

This part details the allocation of responsibilities for various council functions. It outlines which body or individual is responsible for local choice functions, council and non-executive functions, and executive functions. It also sets out the terms of reference for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Regulatory Committees (Planning Committee and Licensing/Regulatory and Appeals Committee), and the Audit and Governance Committee. The Scheme of Delegation to Officers is also appended to this part.

Part 4: Rules of Procedure

This section contains the detailed rules of procedure that the Council follows for its meetings. This includes rules for Council meetings (Annual, Ordinary, and Extraordinary), the appointment of substitute members, the time and place of meetings, notice requirements, and rules of debate. It also covers procedures for public participation, questions from members and the public, deputations, presentation of petitions, and voting.

Part 5: Codes and Protocols

This part includes the Codes of Practice and Protocols adopted by the Council. These cover the Members' Code of Conduct, Officer Code of Conduct, Protocol on Member and Officer Relations, Protocol on the Monitoring Officer, Planning Code of Good Practice, Whistleblowing Policy, Surveillance Policy and Procedures, Members' Protocol on Data Protection, Grievance Policy, and Executive/Scrutiny Protocol.

Part 6: Members' Allowance Scheme

This part details the scheme for the payment of allowances to the members of the Council. It outlines the Basic Allowance, Special Responsibility Allowances, Co-optee Allowance, and provisions for Travel and Subsistence Expenses, including limits and conditions for claims.

Part 7: Management Structure

This part includes a chart of the Council's management structure, showing how officers are organised. However, it was noted that this chart was unavailable following the agreement to enter into the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, and a new shared management structure was being established.

Part 8: Councillors' Contact Details

This section provides a link to the Council's website where details for Members can be found.

Part 9: Membership of Committees

This document shows the membership of the Council's Committees and their political balance where appropriate.

Part 10: Programme of Meetings

This outlines the programme of meetings for the 2025/26 municipal year.