In the last 7 days (since Saturday 08 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

• Governance and Audit Committee on Tuesday, 11 June 2024
• Planning Committee on Wednesday, 12 June 2024

Governance and Audit Committee

The Governance and Audit Committee meeting on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, covered several key topics, including internal audit reports, the year-end Treasury management outturn, and the draft annual governance statement.

Internal Audit Reports

The committee reviewed the internal audit report for the fourth quarter of 2023-2024. The report highlighted five reviews, with one area—procurement—receiving a limited assurance rating. This rating indicates significant gaps or weaknesses in the system of governance, risk management, and control.

Key Points from the Discussion

• Councillor Brockway expressed dissatisfaction with the limited assurance rating, arguing that the issues identified were peripheral and should not have resulted in such a severe judgment.
• Emma Foy, the finance officer, acknowledged the concerns but emphasized the importance of addressing the recommendations and ensuring compliance with the new Procurement Act.

Year-End Treasury Management Outturn

Peter Davey presented the year-end Treasury management outturn, noting that the council had benefited from increased interest rates on its investments, generating £1.144 million during 2023-2024. This exceeded the budget by £567,000.

Key Points from the Discussion

• Councillor Brockway inquired about the council's approach to managing its capital financing requirement and the implications of not repaying the minimum revenue provision (MRP). Peter Davey explained that failing to repay the MRP would breach statutory guidance and negatively impact future taxpayers.

Draft Annual Governance Statement

The draft annual governance statement for 2023-2024 was presented, outlining the council's governance framework, key achievements, and updated risks. The committee agreed to review the document over the summer and provide feedback before the final version is approved in September.

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, focused on a single planning application for the erection of nine dwellings on land off Northumberland Avenue and Westmoreland Avenue in Scampton.

Presentation of the Application

The Planning Officer presented the application, noting that it was an outline application with all matters reserved except for access. The site is located within the southwest of RAF Scampton, specifically in a small area of modified grassland at the junction of Northumberland and Westmoreland Avenues.

Public Speakers

• Marcus Tams, representing the applicant, addressed concerns raised in previous meetings, including ownership, tree removal, and infrastructure management. He emphasized that the proposed development aligns with the biodiversity net gain matrix and national requirements.

Committee Discussion

Several councillors expressed concerns about the application:

• Councillor Fleetwood questioned the impact of the development on residential amenity, particularly the potential for new dwellings to overlook existing properties.
• Councillor Smith acknowledged the applicant's cooperation but highlighted ongoing legal disputes involving the Ministry of Defence and the management company responsible for the site's infrastructure.

Decision

The committee voted to approve the outline application, with the understanding that detailed matters such as scale, appearance, layout, and landscaping would be addressed in subsequent applications.

Implications and Themes

The Governance and Audit Committee's focus on internal audit reports and treasury management underscores the council's commitment to financial oversight and risk management. The discussions around procurement and the draft annual governance statement highlight ongoing efforts to improve governance and compliance.

The Planning Committee's decision to approve the outline application for housing development in Scampton reflects the council's careful consideration of infrastructure and community impact. The approval, despite concerns, indicates a willingness to support development while ensuring that detailed matters are thoroughly addressed in future applications.

Looking Ahead

The council's ongoing efforts to address governance, financial management, and community development will likely continue to be central themes in future meetings. The implementation of recommendations from the internal audit report and the detailed planning applications for the Scampton development are areas to watch, as they have significant implications for the council's operations and community well-being.

The East Lindsey Council held three meetings this week: the Prosperous Communities Committee on Tuesday, 04 June 2024, the Licensing Committee on Thursday, 06 June 2024, and the Regulatory Committee on Thursday, 06 June 2024.

Prosperous Communities Committee

The Prosperous Communities Committee meeting was the most impactful this week, focusing on the council's performance and delivery report for the fourth quarter of 2023-2024.

Progress and Delivery Report

The key item discussed was the progress and delivery report, which covers the council's performance from January to March 2024. Claire Bailey introduced the report, highlighting that 83% of all measures were either exceeding or within agreed tolerance of their targets. However, there was a slight reduction compared to the previous quarter.

Performance Improvement Plans

Several measures were discussed in detail, including:

• Recycling Rate: The recycling rate was reintroduced this quarter due to the resumption of garden waste collection in March. This measure will be annual going forward to account for seasonal fluctuations.
• Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs): The committee expressed frustration over the long timeframes for completing DFGs, which often take over a year. Councillor Young emphasized the need for a fairer distribution of funding from the Better Care Fund to improve this situation.
• Market Stalls: The introduction of the antique market in Gainsborough was discussed. Despite its initial success, the market organizers had to step back due to personal reasons. The committee expressed a desire to continue this initiative, given its positive impact on local businesses.

Key Points from the Discussion

• Councillor Young: We need to understand why the funding formula is disadvantaging our community and lobby for a fairer share.
• Councillor Bunny: Raised concerns about the cleanliness of Gainsborough Leisure Centre, despite high customer satisfaction rates.

Licensing Committee

The Licensing Committee meeting was held on Thursday, 06 June 2024. The agenda and discussions from this meeting were not detailed in the transcript provided.

Regulatory Committee

The Regulatory Committee also met on Thursday, 06 June 2024. Similar to the Licensing Committee, specific details of the discussions were not included in the transcript.

Implications and Themes

The Prosperous Communities Committee's focus on performance and delivery highlights the council's commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. The discussions around DFGs and market stalls reflect ongoing efforts to address community needs and support local businesses. The committee's frustration with the current funding formula for DFGs and the desire to continue the antique market initiative indicate a proactive approach to problem-solving and community engagement.

Looking Ahead

The council's ongoing efforts to improve performance and address community concerns will likely continue to be a central theme in future meetings. The challenges with DFGs and the success of the antique market initiative are areas to watch, as they have significant implications for community well-being and local economic activity.

The East Lindsey Council held two meetings this week: the Planning Committee on Wednesday, 22 May 2024, and the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee on Thursday, 23 May 2024.

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee meeting focused on two main topics: updates on planning policy and a planning application for housing development in Scampton.

Update on Planning Policy

The Planning Officer provided an update on recent changes in government and local planning policy. The key point was the expansion of Class Q development rights, which now allow agricultural buildings to be converted into up to 10 dwellings without requiring full planning permission. However, this does not apply to protected areas such as the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB.

Planning Application for Housing Development in Scampton

The main topic of discussion was a planning application (reference 147639) for the erection of nine dwellings on land off Northumberland Avenue and Westmoreland Avenue in Scampton.

Presentation of the Application

The Planning Officer presented the application, noting that it was an outline application with all matters reserved except for access. The site is located within the southwest of RAF Scampton, specifically in a small area of modified grassland at the junction of Northumberland and Westmoreland Avenues.

Public Speakers

1. Chris Boutil, Chairman of the Scampton Parish Council, objected to the development, citing conflicts with the West Lindsay District Council plan and the lack of infrastructure to support additional housing.
2. JD Jackson, a local resident, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the strain on existing infrastructure, including roads, schools, and medical facilities.
3. Councillor Paterson, the ward member for Scampton, also objected, highlighting the poor condition of the roads and the lack of community facilities.

Committee Discussion

Several councillors expressed concerns about the application:

• Councillor Fleetwood proposed a site visit to better understand the location and its challenges, noting the poor condition of the roads and the potential impact of construction traffic.
• Councillor Bailey questioned whether the impact on the A15 had been fully considered, given the additional traffic from the proposed development and the existing 60 refurbished houses.
• Councillor Smith raised concerns about compliance with policy S75, which requires a master plan for major developments.
• Councillor Dobby suggested that the Scampton Parish Council should develop a neighbourhood plan to better protect green spaces in the future.

Decision

The committee voted in favor of conducting a site visit to better assess the application. The site visit was scheduled, and the meeting moved on to the next agenda item.

Conversion of a Building in Gainsborough

The second significant topic was a planning application (reference 148059) for the conversion of a building at 16 Silver Street, Gainsborough, into three flats.

Presentation of the Application

The Planning Officer presented the application, noting that it involved converting the upper floors of the building into three flats. The application included two car parking spaces and some minor changes to the building's exterior.

Committee Discussion

Councillors were generally supportive of the application, emphasizing the importance of regenerating town centers and making use of vacant upper floors.

Decision

The committee voted unanimously to approve the application.

Corporate Policy and Resources Committee

The Corporate Policy and Resources Committee meeting focused on several key topics, including the approval of the Household Support Fund 5, the launch of a customer experience strategy, and a review of market fees and charges.

Household Support Fund 5

The main topic was the approval of the Household Support Fund 5. Angela presented the report, explaining that Lincolnshire County Council had offered £241,000 to be distributed by September 30, 2024. The fund aims to support households in need, with 60% of the money going to a charitable organization for distribution, 35% to voluntary organizations, food banks, and charities, and 5% reserved for internal administration and contingencies. The proposal was approved after a detailed discussion.

Customer Experience Strategy

Lynn introduced the new customer experience strategy, emphasizing the importance of consistent and high-quality service across all council interactions. The strategy aims to improve customer satisfaction by utilizing new technologies and ensuring smooth interactions. The strategy was well-received, and the recommendation was approved.

Market Fees and Charges

Lisa presented a report seeking to amend the fees and charges for market stalls. The proposal aimed to reduce the number of stalls required for a discount from 25 to 20, to encourage larger groups to participate in the market. The amendment was approved after a brief discussion.

Change of Meeting Date

There was a proposal to change the date of the next Corporate Policy and Resources Committee meeting from July 18, 2024, to a week later. The request was due to availability issues. However, after a vote, the proposal to change the date was not approved, and the meeting will remain on July 18, 2024.

Other Items

• Apologies for Absence: No apologies were received.
• Public Participation: There were no public questions or participants.
• Minutes of Previous Meetings: The minutes of the previous Corporate Policy Resources meeting and the Joint Staff Consultative Committee meeting were approved and noted, respectively.
• Declarations of Interest: Councillor Burley declared an interest in the Household Support Fund 5 due to his role as a trustee and director of Age UK Lindsay. Councillor Smith and Councillor Snee also declared interests but stated they would not benefit financially from the fund.
• Matters Arising Schedule: The schedule was noted without any comments.
• Committee Work Plan: The work plan was noted without any comments.

The meeting concluded with a resolution to exclude the press and public for the final item of business.

Implications and Themes

The approval of the Household Support Fund 5 highlights the council's ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable households, a theme we've discussed before. The focus on customer experience and market fees indicates a drive towards improving public services and local economic activity. The Planning Committee's decision to conduct a site visit for the Scampton housing development reflects the council's careful consideration of infrastructure and community impact, a recurring theme in their planning decisions.

The East Lindsey Council held its Annual Council Meeting on Monday, 13 May 2024. This meeting covered several important topics, including the election of council officials, reflections on the past year, updates on significant projects, and community initiatives.

Election of Council Officials

Councillor Stephen Bunny was elected as Chairman of the Council for 2024-2025. He expressed his commitment to promoting the good name of West Lindsey and engaging with people throughout Lincolnshire. Councillor Matt Bowles was re-elected as Vice Chairman, and Councillor Trebe Young was elected as the leader of the council, with Councillor Lizzie Rawlings as the deputy leader.

Reflections on the Past Year

The outgoing Chairman shared his experiences over the past year, highlighting visits to various businesses, environmental projects, and schools. He emphasized the importance of small community contributions and shared a poem by John Greenly Whitaker to illustrate the value of calm and steady work in the community.

Significant Projects and Initiatives

Councillor Trebe Young discussed ongoing projects, including the work around the former RAF Scampton site. The council has taken a strong stance against the government's decision to house 2,000 asylum seekers at the site, which could jeopardize a £300 million project. The council is also focused on improving Gainsborough's town center, bus station, and heritage buildings, and introducing a weekly antiques market.

Community Support and Development

The council has delivered significant grants to businesses and communities, including £719,000 in business grants and £650,000 in community grants. They are also working on a new cultural strategy and employing new cultural and sports development officers to enhance community participation.

Flooding and Environmental Concerns

The council continues to work with partners like the Environment Agency and Lincoln County Council to address flooding issues in the district. They aim to secure funding to minimize the impact of flooding on communities.

Governance and Audit Committee Report

The annual report from the Governance and Audit Committee was presented, highlighting governance matters and the appointment of lay members. The report was well-received, and the committee's work was praised.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Report

The committee's annual report was presented, detailing their work over the past year, including reviews of council performance and scrutiny of various projects. The committee received positive feedback for their efforts and training sessions.

Appointments to Outside Bodies

Several amendments were made to the appointments of council members to outside bodies, including changes to the Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire and the Housing Health Care and Delivery Group.

Community Engagement

The council emphasized the importance of connecting with communities and businesses to understand their challenges and support their development. They highlighted the success of the purple-lidded bins initiative and the importance of community grants.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to community development, effective governance, and addressing significant local issues.