The Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Boston Borough Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026 to discuss the South & East Lincolnshire Destination Management Plan, the extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order for dog controls, and a proposed approach to strategy and policy review during Local Government Reorganisation. The committee also reviewed the council's work programme and forward plan.

South & East Lincolnshire Destination Management Plan

The committee received a report on the South & East Lincolnshire Destination Management Plan (DMP) for 2026-2030, presented by Maria Cotton, Service Director for Culture & Regeneration. The DMP outlines a vision for a confident, year-round visitor economy across Boston, East Lindsey, and South Holland, with four strategic priorities: Great Places, Quality Experiences, Targeted Marketing, and an Engaged & Vibrant Sector. The plan identifies five thematic pillars: Sport & Active Leisure, Heritage & Culture, Nature & Outdoors, Seaside & Family Experiences, and Food, Drink & Local Produce.

Councillor Anne Dorrian questioned the analysis and evaluation undertaken to inform the plan, noting that several priorities had been consistent for the past three years. Councillor Cotton explained that engagement with stakeholders, including the Pride in Place initiative and consultations with residents, had informed the plan, and that the turnover of officers had previously impacted progress. She also highlighted the recent launch of the Culture Compact, supported by the Arts Council, as a positive step forward. Councillor Dorian also inquired about concrete, measurable economic outcomes, to which Councillor Cotton responded that Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would be set by a steering group, and that she had not included her own targets in the document to allow for external input. The discussion also touched upon the use of shared branding, with Councillor Cotton stating that examples were not yet available but that a South East Lincolnshire branding was envisioned, with Boston as the hero word. Concerns were raised about ensuring smaller communities benefit from tourism investment, and Councillor Cotton assured the committee that outreach to parishes was underway, with plans for church trails and exploring local community access to tourism offerings.

Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Tourism, was praised for her work in a challenging role, with Councillor Barrie Pierpoint, The Worshipful Mayor of Boston, commending her passion and leadership. Maria Cotton was also recognised as a tower of strength.

Strategy / Policy Review and Development

James Gilbert, Service Director for Corporate Services, presented a report proposing a refined approach to managing the council's strategies and policies in the lead-up to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The proposal suggests delegating minor or non-material amendments, and consequential amendments due to legislative changes, to Service Directors in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder and Monitoring Officer. This aims to free up officer capacity to focus on LGR preparations.

Councillor Anne Dorrian expressed concern about how changes made through delegation would be reported to the scrutiny committee. James Gilbert confirmed that a process could be implemented to notify the committee of proposed amendments before they were agreed, allowing for scrutiny if deemed necessary. Councillor Dorian also suggested a belt and braces approach, with pre-decision emails and an addendum to future scrutiny reports detailing changes made. Councillor Dorian also raised surprise that the AI policy was not expected to require significant changes, given its rapid development. The report also noted that if LGR were delayed or did not proceed, existing arrangements would remain in place, and safeguards could be built into the delegation to ensure it expired if LGR did not happen. Councillor Alison Austin inquired about the CCTV policy, and it was confirmed that Boston's policy would be used as good practice for the wider partnership.

Public Space Protection Order for Dog Controls

Donna Hall, Group Manager for Public Protection, presented a report on the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog controls, which was due for review and potential extension. The current order, in place since 2017, covers dog fouling, exclusion of dogs from children's play areas, requiring dogs to be on leads when directed, and requiring owners to carry means to pick up faeces. A public consultation showed strong support for continuing the controls, with 98% supporting fixed penalty notices for failing to remove faeces, 95% for requiring dogs on leads when directed, and 94% for banning dogs from fenced children's play areas.

Councillor David Scoot and Councillor Richard Austin BEM both expressed support for the order, highlighting improvements in dog fouling and the importance of keeping play areas safe. Councillor Austin suggested increased publicity for the £100 fine for not carrying a receptacle. Councillor Ralph Pryke added that more publicity was needed regarding the fact that dog poo bags can be deposited in ordinary bins, not just dedicated dog bins. Donna Hall confirmed that a year-long communications campaign was planned, which would include these messages. Councillor Barrie Pierpoint raised concerns about the availability of dog bins and the need for clearer signage. Councillor Anne Dorrian noted the absence of the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, Councillor Callum Butler, and requested their presence for political scrutiny. The Chair explained that attendance was not compulsory. Councillor Suzanne Welberry raised an issue about the difficulty in obtaining dog fouling signs, which Donna Hall acknowledged and stated was being reviewed.

Work Programme and Forward Plan

Andy Izard, a member of the committee, presented the work programme and forward plan. He emphasised that the committee's work programme is driven by the committee's requests. Councillor Ralph Pryke made two suggestions for future scrutiny: a report on developer contributions (Section 106 agreements and similar) over the last 10 years, and a report on rubbish collection changes related to the implementation of the food waste system. Councillor Barrie Pierpoint expressed dissatisfaction with the Highways Authority's repeated absence from meetings and proposed a formal complaint. The committee noted these suggestions and concerns.