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Weekly updates
Boston debates £20m plan, HMO enforcement & renters rights
This week in Boston:
£20 Million Neighbourhood Plan Sparks Debate Over Community Benefit
The Boston Borough Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss the government's Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, which will allocate £20 million to Boston over the next 10 years. While the funding is welcomed, concerns were raised about ensuring the projects truly benefit the community and address long-standing issues.
- Funding Breakdown: Pranali Parikh, Director of Economic Development, explained that 75% of the funding is earmarked for capital projects and 25% for revenue, with a plan submission deadline of November.
- Community-Led Approach: The plan is to be prepared by Boston’s communities, particularly the Boston Town Board, and will be reviewed annually.
- Town Board Concerns: Councillor Mike Gilbert expressed reservations about the Town Board, stating that members
tend to sort of have members of the town board who identify projects which are of benefit to the members of the town board and don't necessarily benefit the town.
He requested council oversight of proposed projects. - Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of the council, responded that the board is in a transition phase, and that the government expects local people to have a stronger voice in the town board and the projects that evolve from it. She committed to bringing a regular report back to the scrutiny committee to ensure councillors have a voice.
- Education Focus Urged: Councillor Anton Dani emphasized the importance of focusing on education within the plan and collaborating with the county council to improve infrastructure.
- Inflation Concerns: Councillor Stephen Woodliffe questioned whether the funding was inflation-proofed, as £2 million a year may not hold the same value in the future.
- Public Access Limited: Councillor Andy Izard sought clarification on the Town Board's final composition and whether the public could attend its meetings. Councillor Dorrian confirmed that the final board makeup would be finalized by the end of the year or the beginning of next year, and that members of the public cannot attend town board meetings.
- Town Centre Focus: Councillor Alison Austin inquired whether the plan applied to the town centre or the wider area, given the opening of a Marks and Spencer's store at Chainbridge. Councillor Dorrian clarified that the focus is very much on the town centre, with government data and metrics used for measurement.
- Engagement Concerns: Councillor Paul Gleeson, Chair of the committee, noted that while the council seems more prepared to engage and listen to people, the mechanisms for that to come back to the council are not yet in place.
- Community Outreach: Councillor Martin suggested knocking on doors to gather input from residents who may not be active on social media or able to attend surgeries.
HMO Enforcement and Renters Rights Bill Take Center Stage
The committee also received an update on the council's approach to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), including enforcement activity and the upcoming Renters Rights Bill, which aims to strengthen tenant protections.
- Enforcement Focus: Jonathan Challen, Safer Communities Service Manager, highlighted the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) as the foundation for the council's enforcement efforts, noting that HMOs present the highest risk to tenants.
- Renters Rights Bill: Luke Settle provided an overview of the Renters Rights Bill, calling it the biggest shake up in the private rented sector within the last 20 years. Key provisions include a private sector database requiring landlord registration, increased investigatory powers for councils, higher fines for civil penalties, extended Rent Repayment Orders, Awaab's Law extension to the private sector, a 12-month no re-let period for landlords, and a £7,000 fine for rental bidding online.
- HMO Numbers a Concern: Councillor Izard expressed disappointment that the report focused on enforcement rather than the increasing number of HMOs. He suggested policies to refuse HMOs in areas with high concentrations, require contained garbage and recycling, and mandate planning permission for every HMO.
- Letting Agency Involvement: Councillor Dani suggested involving letting agencies in managing properties and ensuring residents in all HMOs receive the same protections as those in licensed HMOs.
- HMO Quality: Councillor Gilbert stated that most HMOs are reasonably decent places and that delinquent behavior and fly-tipping are not exclusive to HMOs.
- Housing Crisis Concerns: Councillor Woodliffe acknowledged the need to drive out rogue landlords but cautioned that reducing the number of rental properties could worsen the housing crisis.
- Asylum Seeker Housing: Councillor Austin inquired whether the council inspects properties rented by the government for asylum seekers.
- Recurring Issues: Andy Fisher reflected that the issues discussed at the meeting mirrored those from 20 years ago, highlighting the persistent challenges and the lack of optimal solutions due to financial constraints.
Work Programme and Future Discussions
The committee discussed its work programme and agreed to hold an informal workshop on 3 July 2025 to discuss potential topics in a more open and collaborative setting. Councillor Gould said that the workshop would be an opportunity to raise the issue of bins on streets and gating orders. Councillor Staples suggested that members submit their concerns to the chair in advance of the meeting.
Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below. These are included to help you inform readers about what is coming up.
- Unknown committee on July 1st will discuss topics in a more open and collaborative setting. Link to meeting.
Boston Licensing Policy Update: Drink Spiking, Modern Slavery
This week in Boston:
Boston Council to Consult on Updated Licensing Policy Addressing Drink Spiking and Modern Slavery
The Boston Borough Council Licensing Committee has approved a draft Statement of Licensing Policy for public consultation, a move required every five years under the Licensing Act 2003. The updated policy includes guidance on public safety, safeguarding, modern slavery, counter-terrorism, and the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in Boston Town Centre.
- Public Safety Focus: The policy now includes measures to protect patrons from drink spiking, advising staff training, door supervisors, awareness of local taxi providers, safe spaces, drug prevention, CCTV, and informative materials. It also encourages participation in schemes like Ask for Angela, Best Bar None, and Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI).
- Safeguarding Advice: A new section offers advice on promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, recommending risk assessments and staff training on signs of abuse and neglect.
- Modern Slavery Emphasis: The policy addresses modern slavery, advising applicants and licence holders to consider the matter, train staff, implement protocols, and deter exploitation.
- Counter-Terrorism Measures: Following the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025 (Martin's Law)[^1], a new paragraph addresses counter-terrorism, providing links to resources like the Protect UK website and app.
- PSPO Integration: The policy reflects the PSPO in Boston Town Centre, advising applicants and licensees of the order and suggesting measures to reduce street drinking, such as no sales of high-strength lagers or ciders, restricting sales of single cans and bottles, staff training, and a Challenge 25 scheme.
Concerns Raised Over PSPO Effectiveness and Enforcement
Despite the comprehensive updates, councillors voiced concerns about the practical enforcement of the policy, particularly regarding the PSPO and its impact on larger retailers.
- Enforcement Worries: Councillor Amy Baxter raised concerns about the enforcement of the policy, particularly regarding the Public Space Protection Order and how it would be applied to larger retailers.
- Supermarket Loophole: Councillor Stephen Woodliffe echoed these concerns, noting that a major supermarket outside the PSPO zone could sell high-strength alcohol without restrictions, undermining the order's effectiveness.
There is an inherent weakness in this PSPO. It's, as it designed, perhaps it needs to be reconsidered to include perhaps one or two obvious areas of sale,
he said. - Manpower Shortage: Councillor Chris Mountain also raised concerns over the lack of manpower to enforce the conditions.
Consultation to Begin, Final Policy Due in September
Following the committee's approval, an eight-week consultation will commence on June 23rd. Responses will be presented to the committee in September, and a final draft policy will be referred to the council for adoption.
Councillor John Baxter proposed that the draft Statement of Licensing Policy be approved for consultation, and Councillor Jonathan Noble seconded the proposal. The committee voted in favor of the proposal.
Upcoming Meetings
- The Overview & Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on June 17th to discuss an update on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) within the borough, and a discussion on the Plan for Neighbourhoods regeneration programme. The committee will also review its work programme for the year. Link to meeting.
Boston: Surplus Funds Approved, Park Improvements Discussed
This week in Boston:
BTAC Chair and Vice-Chair Elected, Surplus Funds Approved
The Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) convened this week and elected Councillor Patsy Marzen as chair and Councillor Paul Gleeson as vice-chair. The committee also approved the transfer of a surplus of £86,213 to its reserves, marking a significant financial turnaround.
- Financial Turnaround: Lazarus Mafuco, interim finance manager, reported a
strong turnaround
from an £18,000 shortfall in Quarter 2 to an £86,213 surplus by the end of Quarter 4. This was attributed to focused efforts in reducing recharges from Boston Council related to ground maintenance, assistant director work, accountancy, and street cleaning. - Reserve Boost: BTAC's reserves increased to £293,825, with £14,801 earmarked for future expenses, well above the recommended minimum reserve of £70,000.
- Savings Breakdown: Savings were achieved across various service areas, including open spaces, Central Park, public conveniences, events, and town centre management.
- Councillor Scrutiny: Councillors raised questions about specific budget items, including a
business rights and then refund related
item, cash collection services costs, and a potential refund from Anglian Water regarding sewage charges at Central Park. - Pride Funding: Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader, clarified that the Pride event is primarily funded through UKSPF funding, with a smaller £10,000 budget from BTAC.
- Music Event Missed: Councillor Jonathan Noble expressed disappointment that a music event did not proceed, highlighting the opportunity it would have provided for young bands.
Park Improvements and Town Council Formation on the Agenda
The committee also discussed its work programme, focusing on improvements to park facilities and the ongoing efforts to form a Town Council.
- Park Enhancements: Councillor Gleeson suggested improving facilities in park areas, particularly INGELO, and ensuring football pitches are installed. Councillor Andy Izard echoed this sentiment, suggesting that some of the savings should be reinvested in park equipment.
- Town Council Update: Councillor Stephen Woodliffe requested regular updates on the progress of forming a Town Council and suggested that BTAC should purchase Angelo Park to ensure it remains under their control.
- Play Area Plea: Councillor Woodliffe highlighted the lack of a council play area in his ward and suggested that BTAC should consider installing one in the Mayflower area.
- Information Boards: Councillor Izard inquired about the ownership and use of electrical boards in the park and Bargate, with Councillor Dorrian clarifying that they are owned by the council and will be used for public information, community safety messages, and advertising.
Upcoming Meetings
- Unknown committee on June 10th will discuss a review of the draft Statement of Licensing Policy, prior to a public consultation. Link to meeting.
- Unknown committee on June 17th. Link to meeting.
Boston Council debates equality plan & enviro-crime contract
This week in Boston:
EDI Strategy Sparks Debate Over Real Impact
Boston Borough Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss a proposed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy and Action Plan for the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP). While the strategy aims to ensure council services are accessible to all and promote inclusion, it faced criticism for potentially missing the mark on addressing the root causes of inequality.
- The Plan: The strategy outlines four key objectives, including understanding community needs, creating diverse leadership, ensuring accessible services, and fostering an inclusive workplace.
- The Pushback: Councillor Goodwood voiced strong opposition, arguing that such policies often
take organizations and others eyes off the real causes of inequality,
such as income and political engagement. He suggested these policies can be aBlair era strategy
that distracts from the real issues. - Census Concerns: Councillor Gilbert questioned the accuracy of census data presented in the report, particularly regarding race and non-UK identity figures. He also asked whether representatives from various communities in Boston, such as Lithuanian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, and Romanian, were consulted.
- Cost Questioned: Councillor Izard inquired about the implementation cost, learning that Boston's share for a part-time contract to oversee the action plan would be just over £7,000, including on-costs.
- Measuring Success: Councillor Welbury questioned how results would be measured and suggested focusing on the aging population, aligning with census data.
- Accessibility for All: Rachel Robinson, group manager, organisational development, clarified that the benefit would be in terms of accessibility to the community, recognizing that not everyone has the same starting point in life and that some people face additional barriers.
- The Verdict: The committee agreed to note the report but felt it needed revisions and more scrutiny involvement in its development.
Enviro-Crime Contract Under Scrutiny
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee also reviewed the partnership enviro crime enforcement contract with Kingdom, which began in 2023. The contract covers street cleaning, fly tipping removal, and CCTV operation.
- Positive Impact: Councillor Scoot reported that Boston Borough Council had benefited greatly from the contract, due to pre-existing ties with Kingdom.
- App Concerns: Councillor Reyzer asked how reports from the Fix My Street app were integrated into the system. An officer clarified that Fix My Street is a county council app, and fly tipping should be reported directly to the relevant council's website for the quickest action.
- Bin Woes: Councillor Goodwood suggested extending the role of enforcement officers to address the issue of wheelie bins left on streets, particularly with Boston 400 approaching.
- Disability Impact: Councillor Gilbert linked the issue to EDI, noting the impact of bins on narrow streets on disabled people and mothers with pushchairs, and suggested considering the Disability Discrimination Act.
- Financials: An officer clarified that Kingdom retains 90% of the income from fixed penalty notices (FPNs), with the councils retaining 10%. Councillor Evans asked for statistics on the financial return to the council over the three years of the contract.
- Recommendations Approved: The committee agreed with 13 recommendations aimed at improving the contract's effectiveness.
Other Matters
- Work Programme: The committee discussed its work programme, with Councillor Gleeson advocating for a more bottom-up approach. Topics added to the programme include the Lincolnshire Police PEEL report[^10], highways issues, and accessibility of licensing and planning application forms.
Upcoming Meetings
- Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) on June 5th will discuss the BTAC's financial outturn report for Quarter 4 of 2024/25, and to review and update its work programme for the current year. Link to meeting.
- Unknown committee on June 10th. Link to meeting.
- Unknown committee on June 10th. Link to meeting.
Boston to get weekly food waste collections. Plus, new mayor
This week in Boston:
- The annual meeting of the Full Council included the election of the The Worshipful Mayor of Boston and Deputy Mayor, and discussion of a new waste services delivery model.
- The Regulatory and Appeals Sub Committee was scheduled to discuss an application for a private hire vehicle driver licence.
- The Regulatory and Appeals Sub Committee met to discuss an application for a private hire vehicle driver licence, and to consider excluding the public and press from the meeting.
Full Council - Monday 19 May 2025
The annual meeting of the Full Council of Boston Borough Council was scheduled to include the election of the The Worshipful Mayor of Boston and Deputy Mayor. Councillors were also scheduled to discuss scrutiny and democratic arrangements, a finance update, a new waste services delivery model, partnership performance, and an animal welfare licensing policy.
Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor
At the annual meeting, councillors were scheduled to elect the The Worshipful Mayor of Boston and Deputy Mayor. A vote of thanks for the retiring mayor and deputy mayor was also on the agenda.
Scrutiny Arrangements
Councillors were to discuss a report by John Medler, Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer, which proposed changes to the council's scrutiny arrangements1. The report recommended moving to a single, standalone Overview and Scrutiny Committee with 15 members, replacing the existing two committees. This follows similar discussions in the Overview & Scrutiny - Corporate & Community Committee on 8 May 2025, where councillors voted to recommend moving to a single scrutiny committee.
Democratic Arrangements
Councillors were scheduled to discuss a report by John Medler, Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer, regarding the democratic arrangements for the upcoming municipal year. The items for discussion included the establishment of committees, the allocation of seats to political groups, and the appointment of chairmen and vice-chairmen.
Use of Special Urgency Provisions
Councillors were to note a report from John Medler, Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer, detailing executive decisions taken under special urgency provisions, meaning they were not subject to call-in.
Finance Update
Brendan Arnold, Interim Director of Finance (Acting S151), was scheduled to present the 2024/25 Quarter Three Finance Update. The report included the general fund revenue budget, the general fund reserves position, the capital programme for 2024/25, and the treasury management performance for the year.
Waste Services Delivery Model
Councillors were to consider a report by Jason King, Director of Communities, regarding the waste services delivery model. The report sought approval for amendments to the Capital Programme to fund vehicles required for the introduction of weekly food waste collections across the borough, as required by the Environment Act 2021. This follows a similar discussion in the cabinet on 7 May 2025, where councillors approved ordering 14 food waste collection vehicles and ending the policy of allowing extra waste bags next to bins.
South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Performance Report
Councillors were scheduled to discuss a report providing a six-monthly update on the performance of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP).
Animal Welfare Licensing Policy
Councillors were to discuss a report by Christian Allen, Assistant Director – Regulatory, regarding the adoption of a new Animal Welfare Licensing Policy.
Regulatory and Appeals Sub Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025
The Regulatory and Appeals Sub Committee of Boston Borough Council was scheduled to meet on 21 May 2025. The agenda included an application for a private hire vehicle driver licence. The committee was also expected to elect a chair for the meeting.
Application for a Private Hire Vehicle Driver Licence
The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for a private hire vehicle driver licence.
Exclusion of Public and Press
The sub-committee was to consider a resolution to exclude the public and press from the meeting during the discussion of the application for a private hire vehicle driver licence. This was justified on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.
Regulatory and Appeals Sub Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025
The Regulatory and Appeals Sub Committee of Boston Borough Council met on Wednesday 21st May 2025. The agenda included the election of a chair, apologies for absence, declarations of interest and an application for a private hire vehicle driver licence. The committee also considered a resolution to exclude the public and press from the meeting during the discussion of the application for a private hire vehicle driver licence.
Application for a Private Hire Vehicle Driver Licence
The Sub-Committee were scheduled to discuss an application for a Private Hire Vehicle Driver Licence.
Exclusion of Public and Press
The Sub-Committee were scheduled to consider a resolution to exclude the public and press from the meeting during the discussion of the application for a private hire vehicle driver licence. The reason cited for this exclusion was that the discussion was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.
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Scrutiny is the process by which local authorities hold their executives to account. ↩
Recent meetings
Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 17th June 2025 6.30 pm
The Boston Borough Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Plan for Neighbourhoods and an update on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The committee heard that Boston is to receive £20 million over the next 10 years as part of the government's Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, and that the council has received £450,000 in capacity funding to help prepare the plans. The committee also received an update on the council's enforcement activity in relation to HMOs, and discussed the upcoming Renters Rights Bill. The committee agreed to note the report on HMOs and the Plan for Neighbourhoods, and to discuss them further at a workshop on 3 July 2025.
Licensing Committee - Tuesday 10th June 2025 2.00 pm
The Licensing Committee of Boston Borough Council met to discuss and approve a draft statement of licensing policy, which is required to be reviewed every five years under the Licensing Act 2003[^1]. The committee approved the draft policy for consultation, which will run for eight weeks, commencing on 23 June. After the consultation, the committee will consider the responses and approve a final draft to be referred to the full council for adoption.
Regulatory & Appeals Committee - Tuesday 10th June 2025 2.00 pm
This meeting has been cancelled.
Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) - Thursday 5th June 2025 6.30 pm
The Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) met to elect a chair and vice-chair, discuss the financial outturn report for the last quarter of the financial year, and review the work programme for the coming year. Councillor Patsy Marzen was elected chair of the committee, and Councillor Paul Gleeson was elected vice-chair. The committee approved the transfer of a surplus of £86,213 to its reserves.
Planning Committee - Tuesday 3rd June 2025 10.00 am
This meeting has been cancelled.
Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 29th May 2025 6.30 pm
The Boston Borough Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss an equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy, a joint scrutiny of the Partnership Enviro Crime Enforcement Contract, and the committee's work programme. The committee agreed to note the Enviro Crime Enforcement Contract report and its recommendations, and to alter and bring back the EDI report with more input from scrutiny. The committee also discussed adding the Lincolnshire Police's Peel report and highways issues to the work programme.
Regulatory and Appeals Sub Committee - Wednesday 21st May 2025 2.00 pm
The Regulatory and Appeals Sub Committee of Boston Borough Council was scheduled to meet on 21 May 2025. The agenda included an application for a private hire vehicle driver licence. The committee was also expected to elect a chair for the meeting.
Regulatory and Appeals Sub Committee - Wednesday 21st May 2025 1.00 pm
The Regulatory and Appeals Sub Committee of Boston Borough Council met on Wednesday 21st May 2025. The agenda included the election of a chair, apologies for absence, declarations of interest and an application for a private hire vehicle driver licence. The committee also considered a resolution to exclude the public and press from the meeting during the discussion of the application for a private hire vehicle driver licence.
Annual Meeting, Full Council - Monday 19th May 2025 6.30 pm
Councillor Barry Pierpoint was elected as the 490th Mayor of Boston, and Councillor Patricia Marson was elected as Deputy Mayor. Councillors also voted to consolidate the council's two scrutiny committees into one and approved the establishment of committees, subcommittees and panels for the 2025/26 municipal year. Additionally, the council approved drawing forward £2.010 million from the capital programme to fund food waste collection vehicles.