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Cabinet - Wednesday, 24 June 2026 - 6.00 pm
June 24, 2026 at 6:00 pm Cabinet View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Cabinet of Boston Council met on Wednesday 24 June 2026, approving the council's draft financial outturn for the 2025-26 year, which showed an underspend, and agreeing to consult on retaining the current Council Tax Support Scheme for 2027-28. The meeting also saw the approval of the South and East Lincolnshire Destination Management Plan and the Boston Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, alongside a Traditional Building Design Guide.
Draft Outturn 2025/26
Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Economic Growth, presented the draft outturn for the 2025-26 financial year. The council achieved an underspend of £64,000, a significant improvement from earlier forecasts. This positive position was attributed to robust budget monitoring and identified savings opportunities. Investment income also exceeded its budget by £336,000. The capital programme, however, showed an underspend of £17.147 million, with £17.075 million of this needing to be rephased into future years due to the nature of large-scale projects. Cabinet approved the rephasing of these capital schemes and noted the final Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) revenue position, with its surplus transferred to the BTAC reserve.
Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2027/28 - Consultation
Councillor Ghosh also presented the report on the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2027-28. Billing authorities are required to develop a scheme to support low-income working-age households. The current scheme, which provides up to 90% support for lone-parent households, 80% for couples with children, and 75% for other households, was deemed financially sustainable and aligned with the council's objectives. Cabinet approved the proposal to consult on retaining the current scheme, updated in line with the Department for Work and Pensions' annual up-ratings for 2027-28. This approach was preferred to avoid confusion for claimants, particularly amidst cost of living pressures and upcoming local government reorganisation.
South and East Lincolnshire Destination Management Plan
Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Tourism, presented the South and East Lincolnshire Destination Management Plan (DMP) 2026-2030 and the associated Boston Destination Management Action Plan. The DMP aims to recognise the visitor economy as a key driver for growth, pride, and regeneration. Boston's plan focuses on heritage-led regeneration, the cultural quarter, improved visitor information, nature tourism linked to The Wash, and enhanced food and cultural experiences. The plan is not requesting new spending but provides a framework to guide delivery, support funding bids, and align partners. Cabinet approved both the DMP and the Boston Action Plan, delegating authority to the Service Director for Culture & Regeneration to make minor amendments and oversee delivery.
Public Spaces Protection Order for Dog Controls
Councillor Callum Butler, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, proposed the extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog controls for a further three years, as it was due to expire on 1 October 2026. The PSPO covers dog fouling, exclusion of dogs from fenced children's play areas, compliance with directions to put dogs on a lead if out of control, and the requirement to carry means to pick up dog faeces. Extensive public consultation showed overwhelming support for the continuation of these controls, with 98% supporting fixed penalty notices for failing to pick up after a dog, and 95% supporting the requirement to keep dogs on a lead when directed by an authorised officer. Cabinet approved the extension of the PSPO and the maintenance of the Fixed Penalty Notice charge at £100, the statutory maximum.
Strategy / Policy Review and Development
Councillor Dale Broughton, Leader of the Council, presented a report on the Strategy Policy Review and Development. In light of the anticipated Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), a revised approach to managing the council's strategies and policies was proposed to maintain effective governance while reducing pressure on officer capacity. The proposal involves extending relevant policies until March 2028 and delegating authority to Service Directors, in consultation with portfolio holders and the Monitoring Officer, to make minor, non-material, or legislative updates. This delegation would cease if LGR did not proceed. Cabinet approved the recommendations to extend the policies and delegate authority for minor updates.
Quarter 4 25/26 Performance and Risk Report
Councillor Broughton also presented the Quarter 4 2025-26 Performance and Risk Report. The report indicated strong overall performance, with all targeted indicators on track or within tolerance. The risk position was stable, with strategic partnership and operational risks regularly reviewed and managed. Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Tourism, took the opportunity to thank officers for securing significant external funding for the restoration of the Guildhall. Cabinet noted the quarterly performance and risk monitoring information.
Adoption of Boston Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan
Councillor Chris Mountain, Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure, presented the final Boston Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan. The appraisal recommends boundary changes to ensure the conservation area retains its special architectural and historic interests. Public consultation had been undertaken, and comments were incorporated into the final documents. Cabinet approved the adoption of the plan and the revised conservation area boundaries.
South and East Lincolnshire Traditional Building Design Guide
Councillor Mountain also presented the South and East Lincolnshire Traditional Building Design Guide. This guide, which has also undergone public consultation, aims to provide consistent advice across the partnership regarding traditional buildings, not just those within conservation areas. It is intended as a self-help guide for residents and businesses on how to repair historic buildings. Cabinet approved the adoption of the guide.
Lincolnshire Good Home Alliance and Disabled Facilities Grant Funding
Councillor John Baxter, Portfolio Holder for Housing, presented a report on the Lincolnshire Good Home Alliance and Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funding. The alliance, launched in September 2024, supports residents to live safely, warmly, and independently. An independent evaluation by the London School of Economics has shown positive outcomes. Cabinet accepted the additional DFG allocation of £55,211 and approved the use of £26,989 to extend the Good Home Alliance service for 21 months and £28,222 to support DFG and Discretionary Housing Financial Assistance delivery. Cabinet also approved amendments to the council's capital and revenue budgets.
Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 4 for the provision of Temporary and Resettlement Homes
Councillor Baxter also presented the report on the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 4. This report sought approval to accept government funding and match funding to deliver two temporary accommodation homes and one resettlement home in Boston. The LAHF programme aims to reduce reliance on expensive temporary accommodation and increase the supply of affordable housing. Cabinet agreed to participate in the programme, approved the approach to spend the funds, delegated authority to officers to finalise the Memorandum of Understanding with MHCLG, and recommended to Council that the 2026/27 capital programme be amended to reflect the required match funding of £365,000 from the council's reserves, bringing the total scheme value to £667,000.
Cabinet Appointments to Outside Bodies 2026/27
Councillor Dale Broughton, Leader of the Council, presented the report on Cabinet Appointments to Outside Bodies for 2026-27. The appointments ensure appropriate representation on key external organisations and reflect current cabinet responsibilities. Cabinet approved the appointments as set out in Appendix 1 and confirmed that these appointments would remain in place until the Leader determined otherwise or the appointed member ceased to be a member of the authority.
The meeting then moved to consider exempt items of business.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Public Spaces Protection Order for Dog Controls
Recommendations ApprovedBoston Borough Council's Cabinet approved the extension of the dog controls Public Spaces Protection Order for three years from 1st October 2026. The Fixed Penalty Notice charge of £100 will be maintained. The decision included approving the extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order and maintaining the Fixed Penalty Notice charge at £100.
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Supporting the delivery of new affordable homes on Heron Park Phase 5
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Boston Council decided to approve appointments to outside bodies as set out in Appendix 1. These appointments will remain in place until the Leader determines to make alternative appointments or where the appointed Member ceases to be a Member of the authority. The decision was made on 24/06/2026.
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Adoption of Boston Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve appointments to outside bodies. These appointments will remain in place until the Leader determines to make alternative appointments or the appointed Member ceases to be a Member of the authority. The Cabinet approved the appointments as set out in Appendix 1.
The Cabinet approved the adoption of the Boston Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, including the revised Conservation Area boundary. This decision was made on 24th June 2026. The adoption of the plan will be published in the local press and The London Gazette, and updates will be made to the land charges register.
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Quarter 4 25/26 Performance and Risk Report
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet approved the Quarter 4 25/26 Performance and Risk Report on 24/06/2026. The report provided an update on performance and risk as at the end of March 2026.
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Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 4 for the provision of Temporary and Resettlement Homes
Recommendations ApprovedBoston Council's Cabinet decided on 24/06/2026 to accept Local Authority Housing Fund Round 4 funding to acquire three properties for temporary and resettlement homes. The Cabinet approved the spending strategy and recommended amending the capital programme to match fund the grant. Authority was delegated to the Service Director – Strategic Growth & Development and the Portfolio Holder to finalise the MOU terms with MHCLG.
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Strategy / Policy Review and Development
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve appointments to outside bodies and confirmed these appointments will remain until the Leader determines otherwise or an appointed Member ceases to be a Member of the authority. The Cabinet also approved an approach to future strategy and policy review and development, delegating minor or non-material amendments to Service Directors in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder and Monitoring Officer. This delegation is to be exercised only after informal notification to Overview and Scrutiny members, allowing them an opportunity to request scrutiny.
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South and East Lincolnshire Traditional Building Design Guide
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet approved appointments to outside bodies as set out in Appendix 1 on 24 June 2026. These appointments will remain in place until the Leader determines to make alternative appointments or the appointed Member ceases to be a Member of the authority.
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Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2027/28 - Consultation
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve appointments to outside bodies as listed in Appendix 1. These appointments will remain in place until the Leader determines to make alternative appointments or the appointed Member ceases to be a Member of the authority. The Cabinet approved the appointments on 24 June 2026.
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Cabinet Appointments to Outside Bodies 2026/27
Recommendations ApprovedBoston Council Cabinet approved appointments to outside bodies on 24/06/2026. These appointments will remain in place until the Leader makes alternative appointments or an appointed Member ceases to be a Member of the authority. The approved appointments include Councillor Izard to Boston In Bloom and Boston Woods Trust, Councillor Broughton to East Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership, East Midlands Councils, and Local Government Association General Assembly, Councillor Cantwell to Local Government Association Coastal Special Interest Group, Councillor Izard to PATROL, and Councillor Staples to South and East Lincolnshire Council's Partnership Healthy Living Board.
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Draft Outturn 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Boston Council decided to approve reserve transfers and the rephasing of capital schemes into future financial years. They also noted the draft outturn revenue and capital positions for 2025/26. The decision was made on 24/06/2026.
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South & East Lincolnshire Destination Management Plan
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Boston Council approved the South & East Lincolnshire Destination Management Plan and the Destination Management Action Plan for 2026-2030 on 24 June 2026. Authority was delegated to the Service Director – Culture & Regeneration to make minor amendments to the Action Plan and oversee its delivery.
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Lincolnshire Good Home Alliance and Disabled Facilities Grant Funding
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the use of £55,211 in Disabled Facilities Grant funding. This funding will contribute to a 21-month extension of the Lincolnshire Good Home Alliance advice and casework service and support the delivery of Disabled Facilities Grant and Discretionary Housing Financial Assistance. The Council's capital and revenue budgets will be amended to reflect these decisions.
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