This week, Boston Borough Council's Cabinet met to discuss a range of issues including the Borough's new Growth and Prosperity Plan, a new Street Art Policy and the council's Productivity Plan. The meeting took place at Municipal Buildings on Wednesday 26 June 2024 at 10:30. You can watch a recording of the meeting here: http://opencouncil.network/meetings/24746.

The Cabinet is responsible for making decisions on most aspects of the council's work. The Cabinet comprises the Leader of the Council and a number of other councillors who are appointed by the Leader. The Cabinet meets in public at least ten times a year, and its meetings are open to the public. You can find out more about the role of the Cabinet, who the members are and when their next meeting will take place on the council's website.

The Growth and Prosperity Plan was introduced by Councillor Anne Dorrian, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Commercialisation. Councillor Dorrian described the plan as fundamental to the economic well-being of the Borough and a statutory requirement of the [Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2022](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/2/contents/enacted).

Councillor Dorrian explained that the Growth and Prosperity Plan had been developed with the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership and was a high-level strategic document that identified the shared ambition for growth across the sub-region. The plan identified a number of key sectors for growth in the area including food, logistics, visitors and tourism. The plan also set out the need for partnerships between local government, businesses and education to achieve growth and improve the skills of the local population.

Councillor Brian Rush, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning, argued that the plan would give potential developers confidence in the council's plans for growth.

Councillor Paul Skinner, Portfolio Holder for Waste and Climate Change, said that the plan would bring jobs and investment to the area.

The Cabinet voted unanimously to approve the plan.

Councillor Dale Broughton, Portfolio Holder for Housing, introduced the new Street Art Policy. He said that street art could

bring many social, economic and cultural benefits to Boston, attracting tourism and increasing footfall in the town centre

He argued that a policy was necessary to provide a balance between

providing opportunities for street artists and ensuring that street art is located in appropriate places, is of a high quality and does not cause nuisance or offence.

Councillor Broughton explained that the policy set out how the council would encourage street art, for example through a programme of commissioned murals, and by making it easier for businesses and individuals to get permission for murals.

Councillor Baxter said that he welcomed the report and argued that

We are not talking about graffiti, we are talking about street art... this is art in the format that is acceptable in this day and age

Councillor Butler argued that the policy struck the right balance between being permissive and controlling. Councillor Ghosh echoed these comments and said that he looked forward to seeing more art in the Borough.

The Cabinet voted unanimously to approve the policy.

Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, Portfolio Holder for Business and the Visitor Economy, presented the council's Productivity Plan. The plan set out how the council planned to make efficiency savings over the coming year.

Councillor Baxter said that he

very much welcomed the report in terms of where we are going as a council

but argued that it lacked detail and that

we do need to be looking at our outputs.

Councillor Ghosh replied that it was too early to be more specific about where savings might come from.

The Cabinet voted unanimously to note the plan.