This week in South Holland:

Chief Officer Employment Panel Meeting Cancelled

The Chief Officer Employment Panel, scheduled for Wednesday 25 March 2026, was cancelled. The panel was due to discuss the recruitment and appointment of a new Assistant Director, Finance, Deputy Section 151 Officer. This role is critical for the council's financial management and oversight.

The meeting was intended to consider a report from the Director of Finance, Section 151 Officer, regarding the permanent appointment to this key position. Discussions on such appointments often involve sensitive information, and the agenda indicated that the press and public might be excluded from parts of the meeting to discuss exempt information, as permitted under the Local Government Act 1972.

The cancellation means that the process for filling this important role will be delayed. The panel members scheduled to attend were Councillor P A Redgate, Portfolio Holder for Finance; Councillor C N Worth, Leader of the Council; and Councillor P Barnes, Leader of the South Holland Independents Group.

You can find more details about the originally scheduled meeting in the Chief Officer Employment Panel meeting information.

This week in South Holland:

• The Governance and Audit Committee was scheduled to review the council's financial policies, audit plans, and risk management framework.

Governance and Audit Committee - Thursday 19 March 2026

The Governance and Audit Committee of South Holland Council was scheduled to meet on Thursday 19 March 2026. The committee's agenda included a review of the council's financial policies, audit plans, and risk management framework.

Indicative External Audit Plan and Strategy for the Year Ended 31 March 2026

The committee was scheduled to consider the Indicative External Audit Plan and Strategy for the year ending 31 March 2026, presented by KPMG LLP. This plan outlines the approach and scope of the external audit for the financial year, detailing significant risks such as the valuation of land and buildings, management override of controls, and the valuation of post-retirement benefit obligations. The auditor's responsibilities regarding going concern, fraud, and value for money arrangements were also to be addressed.

Accounting Policies 2025/26

A review and agreement of the Accounting Policies for inclusion in the Financial Statements for 2025/26 was scheduled. These policies are the specific principles, bases, conventions, rules, and practices applied by the council in preparing its financial statements. A key change for the 2025/26 financial year is the adoption of a five-year rolling programme for the revaluation of property, plant, and equipment, with annual indexation applied in the intervening years.

Q3 Treasury Report 2025/26

The committee was to receive an update on Treasury Management performance and activity for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. This report provides an economic update, interest rate forecasts, and a review of the council's investment portfolio and borrowing strategy, alongside compliance with treasury and prudential indicators. The report indicated that treasury investments achieved an average rate of 4.560% for the year to date, and the net treasury position showed a favourable variance of £800,897 at Quarter 3.

Quarter 3 Risk Report 2025/26

An update on the council's risk management as at the end of December 2025 was scheduled for discussion. This report details strategic and operational risks, including those related to the implementation of the Environment Act 2021, waste collection pressures, and the council's budget. While many risks were being managed at their target level, some, such as the Environment Act 2021 implementation and waste collection pressures, required further mitigation.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 – Annual Update

The committee was to be advised of any RIPA regulatory activity in the past 12 months and any necessary work to ensure compliance across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership. The report indicated that no RIPA-approved activity was undertaken by any of the three councils in the last year, and a nil return was submitted to the Investigatory Powers Commissioners Office (IPCO). A Partnership Body Worn Video Policy has been introduced, and plans are in place to develop a new Partnership CCTV Policy for non-public realm systems.

Internal Audit Annual Plan 2026/27

The committee was to consider and approve the annual plan of internal audit activity for 2026/27. This plan is developed based on risk assessments and aims to provide assurance over the council's risk management, control, and governance processes. Key areas for audit in the upcoming year include risk management training, payroll controls, waste management change management, and compliance with the Procurement Act.

Internal Audit Progress Report – March 2026

A summary of internal audit activity as at March 2026 was to be provided. The report indicated that 81.55% of the 2025/26 audit plan was completed, with the team adequately resourced. Several audit reviews were finalised, including those on the Identification and Monitoring of Savings, Risk Register Review, and ICT Cyber Security. The report also detailed overdue management actions, with a focus on ensuring these are addressed to mitigate residual risks.

Governance and Audit Committee Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review its Work Programme for the upcoming year. This programme outlines the regular reports to be considered, such as those from Internal and External Audit, and identifies any ad hoc items. An appendix detailing training undertaken by committee members and suggested future topics was also to be reviewed.

This week in South Holland:

Crowland Development Sparks Debate Over Flood Risk and Infrastructure

A proposed development of nine new homes on Land off Postland Road in Crowland has highlighted significant concerns regarding flood risk and the capacity of local infrastructure. The Planning Committee met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to discuss the application, which has faced objections from Anglian Water and the Environment Agency.

• The Stakes: This development raises critical questions about balancing housing needs with environmental safety. For residents in Crowland, a community already susceptible to flooding, the adequacy of drainage and sewerage systems is paramount. Inadequate infrastructure could lead to increased flood risk, impacting homes and livelihoods, particularly for those in lower-lying areas or with properties less resilient to water damage.
• Infrastructure Concerns: Anglian Water initially objected due to insufficient capacity at the Crowland Water Recycling Centre. While a revised proposal to connect to the public foul drainage network was made, it was subject to a Grampian condition[^5] to ensure adequate headroom. The Environment Agency also raised reservations about private sewerage treatment systems, citing concerns about their reliability and environmental performance compared to public sewers.
• Flood Risk: The site is located within Flood Zone 3, and the Environment Agency advised that demountable defences were not appropriate for new-build developments. Crucially, the report pack indicated that the proposal was considered to have failed the sequential test for flood risk, as other reasonably available sites at lower flood risk were identified.
• Public Reaction: Eight letters of representation were received from the public, with seven objections. Concerns included the impact on flooding, loss of biodiversity, inadequate infrastructure capacity, impact on archaeology, and road safety.
• Recommendation: Despite proposed mitigation measures, the report recommended refusal of the application on the grounds that it was contrary to Policy 1 of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan, 2019, regarding development in the countryside, and that it failed the sequential test for flood risk.

You can find more details about this application in the Planning Committee meeting public reports pack.

Council Performance Under Scrutiny: Housing Access and Complaint Handling Highlighted

The Performance Monitoring Panel met on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, to review the council's performance in the third quarter of the 2025-26 financial year. The discussions revealed areas of concern, particularly regarding access to housing services for certain groups and the timely resolution of corporate complaints.

• The Stakes: Ensuring equitable access to housing services is vital for all residents, especially those from protected characteristics who may face additional barriers. Delays in complaint handling can leave residents feeling unheard and can erode trust in the council's ability to address their concerns effectively.
• Housing Access: An analysis of the accessibility of the Housing Landlord Service across key protected characteristics showed generally proportionate access. However, the report noted some marginally lower access rates for specific ethnic minorities, nationalities, and age groups. This suggests a need for targeted outreach and support to ensure these groups can fully engage with essential housing services.
• Complaint Handling: A key performance indicator revealed a drop in the percentage of corporate complaints responded to within set timescales, falling to 77.5% against a target of 95%. This underperformance could mean longer waits for residents seeking resolutions to their issues.
• Other Performance Areas: The Panel also reviewed updates on housing stock condition surveys, which indicated that most components were achieving their expected lifespan. An update on implemented planning decisions noted that no new issues were raised at a recent Planning Committee meeting regarding previous reviews.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Performance Monitoring Panel meeting.

Other Matters

• Planning Appeals: The Planning Committee also received an update on recent planning appeal decisions. The report indicated that two appeals had been dismissed, one had been allowed, and none had been part-allowed. This provides insight into how planning decisions are being reviewed by external bodies.

This week in South Holland:

Council Faces Scrutiny on Audit, Finances, and Housing Plans

South Holland District Council's Governance and Audit Committee and the full Council convened this week, tackling critical issues from financial oversight and audit findings to the long-term strategy for the council's housing stock. These meetings are vital for ensuring the council operates efficiently, transparently, and in the best interests of its residents, particularly those who rely on council services.

Governance and Audit Committee Reviews Financial Health and Risk Management

The Governance and Audit Committee met on Thursday, 29 January 2026, to examine the council's financial standing and internal controls. The committee reviewed the External Audit Year End Report for 2024/2025, which, while largely positive, flagged an anticipated modified opinion due to issues with prior year balances. This means that while the current year's finances are in good order, there are lingering concerns from previous audits.

• The Stakes: Robust financial oversight is paramount. For residents, this means confidence that public money is being managed responsibly. For vulnerable groups, it ensures that essential services funded by the council remain secure and available.
• Key Findings: The audit found no new issues in the 2024/25 financial year that would alter the audit opinion. However, seven non-significant control deficiencies were identified, and progress on prior-year recommendations was noted.
• Treasury Management: The committee also scrutinised the proposed Treasury Management Strategy for 2026/27. This strategy outlines how the council will manage its borrowing and investments. The proposed increase in borrowing limits, from £111m to £115m for operational boundaries and £115m to £119m for authorised limits, is intended to provide flexibility for borrowing when market conditions are favourable. This is a delicate balancing act, as increased borrowing can fund vital projects but also increases financial risk.
• Risk Management: An update on the Council's risk register was presented, detailing strategic and operational risks. Enhancements to the reporting now include target statuses for strategic risks and tracking of mitigation actions. This proactive approach to identifying and managing risks is crucial for preventing potential crises that could impact service delivery.
• Whistleblowing Policy: An updated Whistleblowing Policy was considered, aiming to provide a clear and safe channel for staff and others to report concerns about suspected wrongdoing. This is a cornerstone of good governance, encouraging transparency and accountability.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Governance and Audit Committee meeting.

Council Discusses Housing Future and Financial Procedures

The full South Holland District Council met on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, to discuss significant plans for its housing stock and to review financial procedures.

• Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan: A major focus was the HRA Business Plan for 2026-2056 and the HRA Asset Management Strategy 2026-2035. This 30-year plan outlines a substantial investment in the council's housing stock, described as the largest investment programme in the history of the South Holland HRA. The goal is to ensure council homes are safe, decent, and energy-efficient, meeting government standards and tenant expectations.
  • The Stakes: For the thousands of residents living in council homes, this plan is about the quality and safety of their living environment for decades to come. It addresses critical needs like energy efficiency, which can significantly impact household bills, and the overall upkeep of their homes.
  • Investment: The plan includes increased borrowing to fund this ambitious programme, which is deemed both affordable and necessary. The Asset Management Strategy details a capital investment programme focused on meeting the Decent Homes Standard by 2035 and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) by 2030.
  • Tenant Voice: The strategy incorporates feedback from tenants, aiming to improve neighbourhoods and provide support for those needing adaptations. Plans for acquiring and developing new homes are also included.
• Contract Procedure Rules: Proposed amendments to the Council's Contract Procedure Rules were also on the agenda. These rules govern how the council procures goods, services, and works, ensuring fairness, transparency, and value for money. Updates are essential to maintain best practice and compliance.
• Local Council Tax Support Scheme: The council reviewed its Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27. This scheme provides financial assistance to low-income residents struggling to pay their council tax. Decisions here directly impact the financial well-being of many households, particularly those on fixed or low incomes.
• Housing Rents: Proposals for housing rent increases for 2026/27 were also considered. Any increase in rent can place additional pressure on tenants, especially those already facing financial challenges.

You can read more about these discussions in the South Holland District Council meeting.

Other Matters

• Policy Development Panel: The Policy Development Panel met on Tuesday, 3 February 2026. Key discussions included an extension to the Housing Landlord Strategy, updates to data protection and records management policies, and a review of the council's Markets Policy. The panel also considered heritage documents for Spalding and Holbeach, and reviewed the next phase of aligning terms and conditions across partner councils. More details can be found in the Policy Development Panel meeting.