The Cabinet of South Holland Council met on Tuesday 30 June 2026, approving a range of initiatives including the use of the Local Authority Housing Fund to provide new homes, the adoption of conservation area appraisals for Holbeach and Spalding, and a new Destination Management Plan for South and East Lincolnshire. The Cabinet also noted the council's draft financial outturn for 2025/26, which showed an underspend, and approved updates to several housing policies.

Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 4 for Temporary and Resettlement Homes

The Cabinet agreed to participate in the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 4 programme, aiming to bring three properties into council ownership to address housing needs within the district. This initiative will provide two temporary accommodation homes and one resettlement home. The council will accept £345,000 in LAHF funding, supplemented by £70,000 from previous LAHF round underspends and £434,477 from S106 affordable housing reserves, bringing the total scheme value to £849,477. The decision was made to meet the short-term needs of homeless households, increase the council's housing stock, and reduce reliance on costly temporary accommodation options like bed and breakfasts. The Cabinet also delegated authority to the Service Director of Strategic Growth & Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to finalise the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Holbeach and Spalding Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans

The Cabinet approved the adoption of the Holbeach Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, including revised boundary proposals. Similarly, the Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, with its own revised boundary, was also approved. Additionally, the Spalding Shop Front Design Guide was approved to be published as an appendix to the Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan. These documents are intended to demonstrate the council's commitment to protecting and enhancing the built environment, serving as evidence for future Local Plan decisions and acting as material planning considerations. The adoption of these plans follows extensive public consultation, with feedback incorporated into the final versions.

South & East Lincolnshire Destination Management Plan

The Cabinet approved the South & East Lincolnshire Destination Management Plan (DMP) and its accompanying Action Plan for 2026–2030. These plans aim to provide a strategic framework for developing the visitor economy across Boston, East Lindsey, and South Holland. The DMP outlines a vision for a year-round visitor economy, focusing on strengthening place identity, improving visitor experiences, and supporting business engagement. For South Holland specifically, the Action Plan highlights strengths in food and agritourism, waterways, heritage, and market town experiences, proposing activities such as destination branding and heritage interpretation. Authority was delegated to the Service Director for Culture & Regeneration, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, to make minor amendments to the Action Plan and oversee its delivery.

Strategy / Policy Review and Development

The Cabinet agreed to extend the expiry date of certain policies and strategies listed in Appendix A to 31st March 2028, where their current expiry date is sooner. This decision was made in anticipation of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which is expected to lead to significant pressure on the council's internal capacity. Furthermore, a delegation was agreed to Service Directors, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder and Monitoring Officer, to update these policies for minor, non-material, or consequential legislative amendments. This delegation is contingent on informally notifying Policy Development Panel members of proposed amendments, allowing them the opportunity to request scrutiny. This delegation will cease if LGR does not proceed.

2025/26 Draft Outturn Finance Report

The Cabinet noted the General Fund draft outturn position for 2025/26, which showed an underspend of £258,000. They also approved reserve transfers as detailed in Appendix A, including the use of £130,000 from the Neighbourhoods reserve in 2026/27 to support future Neighbourhood service delivery costs. The final Spalding Special Expenses revenue position of £76,000 was approved, with the surplus to be transferred to the Spalding Special Expenses reserve. The Cabinet also noted the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) draft outturn for 2025/26, which indicated an underspend of £3.130m, and approved its transfer to the HRA General Reserve. Recommendations for a capital addition of £2m to the HRA for 2026/27 to fund energy efficiency improvements were also approved for referral to Full Council.

Social Housing Regulation – Q4 2025/2026 update

The Cabinet noted the progress made in addressing areas of weakness identified in the Regulator of Social Housing's C2 judgement against the council's Consumer Standards. They also approved changing the reporting frequency for this update and its accompanying Tenant Engagement and Impact Assessment report to six-monthly, with the HRA Governance Framework to be updated accordingly. The quarterly Tenant Engagement Impact Assessment Report was also noted.

Housing Annual Complaints and Service Improvement Report and Self-Assessment against the Housing Ombudsman Code. SHDC Housing Comments, Compliments and Complaints Policy

The Cabinet adopted the revised Housing Comments, Compliments and Complaints Policy, and delegated authority for minor operational and legislative amendments to the Service Director for Housing in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing. They also noted and endorsed the Complaints Performance and Improvements planned, as reflected in the Housing Annual Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report for 2025/26, and noted the Annual Housing Ombudsman Self-Assessment form. The draft governing body response on slide 4 of Appendix 4 was also agreed.

Adoption of the Housing (HRA) Damp Condensation and Mould Policy

The Cabinet adopted the revised Housing Damp Condensation and Mould (DCM) Policy 2026-2029. They also delegated authority for minor operational and legislative amendments to this policy to the Service Director for Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing. The revised policy incorporates tenant feedback to strengthen its relevance and effectiveness, aiming to improve trust and satisfaction.

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

The Cabinet adopted the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service. Minor operational amendments and/or legislative changes to the policy were delegated to the Service Director for Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing. The updated policy reflects strengthened regulatory requirements and tenant aspirations for an improved service, demonstrating the council's commitment to responding to ASB and contributing to safer communities.

Derelict and Untidy Sites - Task Group Report

The Cabinet agreed to retire the existing Derelict & Untidy Sites Policy and replace it with a concise 2–3-page Member and Parish Council Guidance Signpost Document. This document will cover how to identify relevant issues, what information to gather, which service to contact, realistic expectations of timescales, and links to public reporting methods. The aim is to help councillors understand departmental roles in addressing untidy or derelict sites within their wards.

Quarter 4 Performance and Q3 Risk Report 25/26

The Cabinet considered and noted the quarterly performance for Quarter 4 (as at the end of March 2026) and risk monitoring information for Quarter 3 of 2025/26 (as at the end of December 2025). The report highlighted areas of underperformance, including the percentage of corporate complaints responded to within timescales and the percentage of homelessness prevention cases that successfully prevented homelessness. The strategic risk register was also reviewed, with most risks managed at target levels, although health and safety, Environment Act implementation, waste collection round pressures, and budget capacity were noted as areas requiring further attention.

The Spalding Heritage Strategy, and South and East Lincolnshire Traditional Buildings Design Guide

The Cabinet approved the Spalding Heritage Strategy 2026-2035, its accompanying Action Plan and Theory of Change. They also approved the South and East Lincolnshire Traditional Buildings Design Guide. These documents aim to protect and enhance the built environment, support heritage areas, guide owners and developers, and champion heritage in town centres. The adoption of these documents follows extensive public consultation.

Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2027/28 - Consultation

The Cabinet approved the consultation to retain the current Council Tax Support scheme for 2027/28, updated in line with Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) annual up-ratings. This decision aims to provide stability and consistency for affected households, acknowledging the ongoing impact of the cost of living. The alternative of not uprating the scheme was considered but rejected due to potential confusion and a lack of support for those most in need.

Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 4 for the provision of Temporary and Resettlement Homes

The Cabinet agreed to participate in the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 4 programme, with the aim of acquiring three properties for temporary accommodation and resettlement. This initiative will be supported by £345,000 in LAHF funding, £70,000 from previous LAHF round underspends, and £434,477 from S106 affordable housing reserves, totalling £849,477. The decision aims to increase the supply of council-owned temporary and resettlement homes, meet the needs of homeless households, and reduce reliance on costly external accommodation. Authority was delegated to the Service Director of Strategic Growth & Development, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder, to finalise the MOU with MHCLG.

Holbeach and Spalding Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans

The Cabinet approved the adoption of the Holbeach Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, including revised boundary proposals. They also approved the Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, with its revised boundary, and the Spalding Shop Front Design Guide, which will be appended to the Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan. These adoptions fulfil statutory duties to preserve and enhance conservation areas and will be published locally and in The London Gazette.

2025/26 Draft Outturn Finance Report

The Cabinet noted the General Fund draft outturn position for 2025/26, showing an underspend of £258,000. They approved reserve transfers as detailed in Appendix A, including the use of £130,000 from the Neighbourhoods reserve in 2026/27 for future Neighbourhood service delivery costs. The final Spalding Special Expenses revenue position of £76,000 was approved, with the surplus to be transferred to the Spalding Special Expenses reserve. The Cabinet also noted the HRA draft outturn position for 2025/26, showing an underspend of £3.130m, and approved its transfer to the HRA General Reserve. Recommendations for a capital addition of £2m to the HRA for 2026/27 to fund energy efficiency improvements were approved for onward referral to Full Council.

Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2027/28 - Consultation

The Cabinet approved the consultation to retain the current Council Tax Support scheme for 2027/28, with annual up-ratings in line with Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures. This decision aims to provide stability and consistency for households, acknowledging the ongoing cost of living pressures. The alternative of not uprating the scheme was considered but rejected due to potential confusion and reduced support for vulnerable residents.

Strategy / Policy Review and Development

The Cabinet agreed to extend the expiry date of policies and strategies listed in Appendix A to 31st March 2028, where their current expiry date is sooner. This decision is in preparation for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). A delegation was also agreed to Service Directors, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder and Monitoring Officer, to update these policies for minor, non-material, or consequential legislative amendments. This delegation is conditional on informally notifying Policy Development Panel members of proposed amendments, allowing them the opportunity to request formal scrutiny. This delegation will cease if LGR does not proceed.

Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 4 for the provision of Temporary and Resettlement Homes

The Cabinet agreed to participate in the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 4 programme, with the aim of acquiring three properties for temporary accommodation and resettlement. This initiative will be supported by £345,000 in LAHF funding, £70,000 from previous LAHF round underspends, and £434,477 from S106 affordable housing reserves, totalling £849,477. The decision aims to increase the supply of council-owned temporary and resettlement homes, meet the needs of homeless households, and reduce reliance on costly external accommodation. Authority was delegated to the Service Director of Strategic Growth & Development, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder, to finalise the MOU with MHCLG.

Holbeach and Spalding Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans

The Cabinet approved the adoption of the Holbeach Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, including revised boundary proposals. They also approved the Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, with its revised boundary, and the Spalding Shop Front Design Guide, which will be appended to the Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan. These adoptions fulfil statutory duties to preserve and enhance conservation areas and will be published locally and in The London Gazette.

Social Housing Regulation – Q4 2025/2026 update

The Cabinet noted the progress made in addressing areas of weakness identified in the Regulator of Social Housing's C2 judgement against the council's Consumer Standards. They also approved changing the reporting frequency for this update and its accompanying Tenant Engagement and Impact Assessment report to six-monthly, with the HRA Governance Framework to be updated accordingly. The quarterly Tenant Engagement Impact Assessment Report was also noted.

Housing Annual Complaints and Service Improvement Report and Self-Assessment against the Housing Ombudsman Code. SHDC Housing Comments, Compliments and Complaints Policy

The Cabinet adopted the Housing Comments, Compliments and Complaints Policy, and delegated authority for minor operational and legislative amendments to this policy to the Service Director for Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing. They also noted and endorsed the Complaints Performance and Improvements planned, as reflected in the Housing Annual Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report for 2025/26, and noted the Annual Housing Ombudsman Self-Assessment form. The draft governing body response on slide 4 of Appendix 4 was also agreed.

Adoption of the Housing (HRA) Damp Condensation and Mould Policy

The Cabinet adopted the revised Housing Damp Condensation and Mould (DCM) Policy 2026-2029. They also delegated authority for minor operational and legislative amendments to this policy to the Service Director for Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing. The revised policy incorporates tenant feedback to strengthen its relevance and effectiveness, aiming to improve trust and satisfaction.

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

The Cabinet adopted the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service. Minor operational amendments and/or legislative changes to the policy were delegated to the Service Director for Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing. The updated policy reflects strengthened regulatory requirements and tenant aspirations for an improved service, demonstrating the council's commitment to responding to ASB and contributing to safer communities.

Derelict and Untidy Sites - Task Group Report

The Cabinet agreed to retire the existing Derelict & Untidy Sites Policy and replace it with a concise 2–3-page Member and Parish Council Guidance Signpost Document. This document will cover how to identify relevant issues, what information to gather, which service to contact, realistic expectations of timescales, and links to public reporting methods. The aim is to help councillors understand departmental roles in addressing untidy or derelict sites within their wards.

Quarter 4 Performance and Q3 Risk Report 25/26

The Cabinet considered and noted the quarterly performance for Quarter 4 (as at the end of March 2026) and risk monitoring information for Quarter 3 of 2025/26 (as at the end of December 2025). The report highlighted areas of underperformance, including the percentage of corporate complaints responded to within timescales and the percentage of homelessness prevention cases that successfully prevented homelessness. The strategic risk profile was reviewed, with most risks managed at target levels, although health and safety, Environment Act implementation, waste collection round pressures, and budget capacity were noted as areas requiring further attention.

South & East Lincolnshire Destination Management Plan

The Cabinet approved the South & East Lincolnshire Destination Management Plan (DMP) and its accompanying Action Plan for 2026–2030. These plans aim to provide a strategic framework for developing the visitor economy across Boston, East Lindsey, and South Holland. The DMP outlines a vision for a year-round visitor economy, focusing on strengthening place identity, improving visitor experiences, and supporting business engagement. For South Holland specifically, the Action Plan highlights strengths in food and agritourism, waterways, heritage, and market town experiences, proposing activities such as destination branding and heritage interpretation. Authority was delegated to the Service Director for Culture & Regeneration, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, to make minor amendments to the Action Plan and oversee its delivery.

Holbeach and Spalding Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans

The Cabinet approved the adoption of the Holbeach Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, including revised boundary proposals. They also approved the Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, with its revised boundary, and the Spalding Shop Front Design Guide, which will be appended to the Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan. These adoptions fulfil statutory duties to preserve and enhance conservation areas and will be published locally and in The London Gazette.

The Spalding Heritage Strategy, and South and East Lincolnshire Traditional Buildings Design Guide

The Cabinet approved the Spalding Heritage Strategy 2026-2035, its accompanying Action Plan and Theory of Change. They also approved the South and East Lincolnshire Traditional Buildings Design Guide. These documents aim to protect and enhance the built environment, support heritage areas, guide owners and developers, and champion heritage in town centres. The adoption of these documents follows extensive public consultation.

Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2027/28 - Consultation

The Cabinet approved the consultation to retain the current Council Tax Support scheme for 2027/28, with annual up-ratings in line with Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures. This decision aims to provide stability and consistency for households, acknowledging the ongoing cost of living pressures. The alternative of not uprating the scheme was considered but rejected due to potential confusion and reduced support for vulnerable residents.

2025/26 Draft Outturn Finance Report

The Cabinet noted the General Fund draft outturn position for 2025/26, showing an underspend of £258,000. They approved reserve transfers as detailed in Appendix A, including the use of £130,000 from the Neighbourhoods reserve in 2026/27 to support future Neighbourhood service delivery costs. The final Spalding Special Expenses revenue position of £76,000 was approved, with the surplus to be transferred to the Spalding Special Expenses reserve. The Cabinet also noted the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) draft outturn position for 2025/26, which indicated an underspend of £3.130m, and approved its transfer to the HRA General Reserve. Recommendations for a capital addition of £2m to the HRA for 2026/27 to fund energy efficiency improvements were approved for onward referral to Full Council.