The Cabinet of South Holland Council met on Tuesday 28 April 2026. The meeting agenda included discussions on the council's financial performance, market policies, housing strategies, and a regeneration programme for Spalding. Updates on performance and risk, health and safety, and data protection were also scheduled.

Quarter 3 Performance and Risk Report 2025/26

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive an update on the council's performance and risk management as of the end of December 2025. The report detailed areas of underperformance, with a particular note on the percentage of corporate complaints responded to within set timescales, which had dropped to 77.5% against a target of 95%. Overall, 87% of the council's performance metrics were reported as being in a positive position against targets, with 10% slightly below and 3% significantly under target. The report also provided an overview of the strategic and operational risk registers for South Holland District Council, the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, and fraud risks, as well as the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) risks.

2025/26 Quarter Three Finance Update

A report was presented outlining the council's financial position at the end of the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The forecast revenue position indicated a projected underspend of £187,000 for 2025/26, with a projected surplus of £890,000 for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The report also detailed the HRA Capital Programme position and proposed amendments to the General Fund Capital Programme. Additionally, it noted that the council had undertaken debt restructuring on HRA borrowing in March 2026, which was expected to result in significant savings on interest payments.

South Holland District Council (SHDC) Markets Policy Review

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider an update to the existing SHDC Markets Policy and the introduction of a new SHDC Markets Severe Weather Policy. These updates were intended to support the implementation of an updated online booking and payment system and to ensure the market is operated efficiently, consistently, and safely. Key changes to the Markets Policy included a new classification of traders as regular or casual, the introduction of promotional fees for special markets, new requirements for risk assessments, and updated disciplinary procedures. The Severe Weather Policy aimed to outline the decision-making process for restricting or closing markets due to adverse weather conditions, with a primary focus on protecting the safety of the public, traders, and staff.

Lincolnshire Good Home Alliance and Disabled Facilities Grant Funding

The Cabinet was asked to consider the use of additional Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funding received from Lincolnshire County Council. This funding was intended to contribute to a 21-month extension of the Lincolnshire Good Home Alliance advice and casework service from July 2026 to March 2028. The remaining portion of the funding was proposed for use in supporting the delivery of DFG and Discretionary Housing Financial Assistance (DHFA). The report highlighted the positive outcomes of the first year of the Good Home Alliance pilot, noting its value for money and the potential for significant benefits in reducing hazards and improving client wellbeing.

Extension of the Housing Landlord Strategy

A report was presented recommending a one-year extension to the Housing Landlord Strategy (2024-2027). This extension was proposed to align with ongoing service transformation activities and to allow for more comprehensive tenant engagement in shaping the next iteration of the strategy. The report detailed progress made against the current strategy's four themes: Culture and Operational Excellence, Accountability and Transparency, Quality Homes and Connected Neighbourhoods, and Tenant Voice and Opportunity. It noted the council's C2 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing and outlined actions being taken to address identified weaknesses, particularly in tenant engagement.

Housing Landlord Service - Access to Service

The Cabinet was scheduled to review an analysis of how tenants, across various protected characteristics, access the council's housing landlord services. The report aimed to assess whether service provision remained accessible, fair, and compliant with the Regulator of Social Housing's Consumer Standards. The analysis indicated that services were generally accessible across different protected characteristics, although some marginally lower access rates were observed for specific ethnic minorities, nationalities, and age groups. An action plan was attached to address these areas for improvement.

Housing Stock Condition Survey

This report presented the findings from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) stock condition surveys undertaken between October 2024 and January 2026. The surveys covered 90.33% of the council's stock and provided data on property condition, Decent Homes assessments, Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) surveys, and energy assessments. The findings were being used to inform the HRA Business Plan and future investment programmes, with a strategy proposed for maintaining up-to-date data on the condition of homes.

Health and Safety Policy – General Statement of Intent and Arrangements

The Cabinet was asked to consider amendments to the Health and Safety Policy (V5.0). The report highlighted the council's commitment to the health, safety, and welfare of its employees and others affected by its activities, in line with the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The proposed amendments aimed to ensure the policy remained compliant, fit for purpose, and reflected current best practices and guidance, aligning it more closely with the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) arrangements.

Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy

The Cabinet was asked to consider revised Data Protection and Records Management Policies. These policies had been reviewed to ensure compliance with the latest statutory requirements, including the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and the new Data Use and Access Act 2025. The policies were also being aligned across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) to ensure consistency. Key updates included provisions for lawful access and reuse of public-sector datasets, management of AI-generated records, and updated complaint-handling procedures.

Pride in Place Programme Delivery

The Cabinet was asked to consider the UK Government's Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable the delivery of the ten-year Pride in Place programme for Spalding, commencing in 2026/27. This programme aims to provide new investment into the Spalding town boundary. The report requested consideration of delegated authority for the Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer to sign the MoU and to approve expenditure decisions recommended by the Spalding Neighbourhood Board, following due diligence. The programme is expected to deliver significant capital and revenue funding over ten years.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, the minutes of the previous meeting, declarations of interest, and questions from the public.