The Policy Development Panel was scheduled to discuss a range of policy updates and reviews, including significant revisions to the Damp, Condensation and Mould Policy, the Anti-Social Behaviour and Hate Crime Policy, and the Graffiti and Street Art Management Policy. The panel was also set to review the Council's Health and Safety Policy, the Debt Write Off Policy, and the final report of the Derelict and Untidy Sites Task Group. Additionally, the panel was to receive updates on the SHDC Policy Register and the Policy Development Panel's Work Programme.

Health and Safety Policy

The panel was scheduled to consider proposed amendments to the Council's Health and Safety Policy. The report highlighted the Council's commitment to the health, safety, and welfare of its employees and others affected by its activities, as mandated by the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The policy, reviewed in collaboration with the Assistant Director – Regulatory, aims to ensure continued compliance and alignment with best practices across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (S&ELCP). The proposed revisions, detailed in Appendix 1 of the report, were intended to be recommended to Cabinet for approval.

Final Report of the Derelict and Untidy Sites Task Group

A review of the existing Derelict and Untidy Sites Policy, introduced in 2022, was scheduled for discussion. The Task Group's findings indicated that the policy largely duplicated existing statutory powers available to departments such as Planning, Environmental Health, and Building Control, and had not demonstrably improved outcomes. The report recommended retiring the current policy and replacing it with a concise, 2-3 page guidance signpost document for Members and Parish Councils. This document would outline how to identify relevant issues, gather information, contact the appropriate service, and manage expectations regarding timescales, with links to public reporting methods.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service

The panel was to consider a new Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service. This policy aims to provide a clear and consistent approach to preventing, managing, and responding to ASB and hate incidents affecting Council tenants, aligning with strengthened regulatory requirements from the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and tenant feedback. The policy incorporates a victim-centred approach, structured case management with defined timescales, and enhanced partnership working. Tenant feedback, gathered through focus groups and surveys, informed revisions to communication, timescales, and support mechanisms.

Housing (HRA) Damp, Condensation and Mould Policy

An updated Damp, Condensation and Mould (DCM) Policy for 2026 was scheduled for review. This policy builds upon previous considerations and amendments made in response to Awaab's Law, focusing on integrating tenant feedback to enhance its effectiveness. Tenant engagement highlighted the need for clearer communication, timely updates, follow-up after works, and better contractor management. The revised policy includes specific stages for tenant updates, tailored advice, and a landlord responsibilities section. Performance transparency, including publishing compliance statistics, was also a key focus.

Graffiti and Street Art Management Policy

The panel was to consider a proposed separation of the existing combined Graffiti and Street Art Management Policy. The rationale behind this separation is to create a standalone Street Art Management Policy, administered by the Community Leadership Team, while retaining graffiti enforcement within the Corporate Enforcement Policy. This approach aims to remove duplication, provide clarity, and ensure a consistent framework for both enforcement against criminal damage and support for legitimate street art. The proposed Street Art Management Policy outlines criteria for assessing applications, including considerations for public visibility, offensive content, environmental impact, and heritage assets.

Policy Development Panel Work Programme

The panel was to review its Work Programme for 2025/26 and consider proposed items for future meetings. Appendix 1 details the schedule of meetings with proposed items, while Appendix 2 outlines the active task groups, their objectives, membership, and reporting dates. The panel was invited to identify any additional items for inclusion to ensure the Work Programme remains relevant and up-to-date.

Debt Write Off Policy

The panel was scheduled to review the Council's Debt Write Off Policy. The report noted that the policy had been largely unchanged since its adoption in 2017, with a recent increase in the delegated write-off limit for the Section 151 Officer to £5,000 approved by Cabinet in January 2026. A comparison with other Lincolnshire authorities indicated that South Holland's delegation limit remained relatively low. The policy, which is not for publication due to its sensitive nature, outlines procedures for identifying and writing off irrecoverable debts. The panel was asked to provide any observations or recommendations for Cabinet consideration.