The Policy Development Panel met on Wednesday 9 September 2026 to discuss the council's carbon footprint, review HR policies, and consider a new housing compensation policy. The panel recommended the updated Carbon Reduction Action Plan to Cabinet for approval and supported the adoption of the South Holland District Council Housing Compensation Policy.

Carbon Footprint 2024/25 Update

The Panel received an update on the council's carbon footprint for the financial year 2024/25 and the revised Net Zero Action Plan. Total emissions for the year reduced by 2.5%, with most savings attributed to improvements in housing stock, such as the installation of solar panels and air source heat pumps. While fleet emissions saw a slight reduction, gas usage increased, requiring further investigation. The council remains on track to meet its net zero target by 2040, but ongoing work across all services is necessary. Future priorities include enhancing data collection, securing funding, reviewing gas usage, and exploring additional carbon reduction projects. Upcoming initiatives include fleet upgrades, potential trials of lower-carbon fuels like HVO, a review of sewage treatment works, continued housing stock improvements, and a feasibility study for solar panels at the South Holland Centre.

The Panel recommended the updated Carbon Reduction Action Plan to Cabinet for approval, aligning with the Partnership's commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2040.

Housing Compensation Policy

A new Housing Compensation Policy was considered to support the delivery of the Complaints Service. This policy was developed following a recommendation from the Housing Ombudsman to have a standalone compensation policy. Compensation will not be automatic and will only be awarded in cases of service failure by the Council or the Landlord. The policy outlines four types of compensation: mandatory/statutory payments, loss of amenities or part of the home, quantifiable losses, and discretionary compensation. Compensation and complaint data will be reported quarterly to a working group and the Tenant Panel, and annually to the Performance Monitoring Panel (PMP) and Cabinet.

The Panel recommended the adoption of the South Holland District Council Housing Compensation Policy to Cabinet and supported delegating minor operational amendments or legislative changes to the Service Director – Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing.

Review of HR Policies

The Panel reviewed the proposed HR policy on Travel & Expenses as part of a wider employee policy review. The key update to this policy is the inclusion of the new HMRC mileage rate of 55p per mile. The policy has been reviewed by employees, trade union representatives, and the senior leadership team. Members expressed satisfaction with the increase in the mileage rate from 45p to 55p. It was clarified that the policy applies only to employees, not councillors. Any additional expenditure resulting from the increased mileage rate is expected to be managed within existing service budgets, with the policy also reinforcing the directive for travel to be economical and practical. The policy encourages car sharing, and a recent review of pool car arrangements means any shared South Holland District Council employee can now access the service. The Group Manager – Organisational Development agreed to provide a response outside of the meeting regarding the potential increase in the burden of revised evidence and licensing checks.

The Panel noted the policy.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/2026

The Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/2026 was presented prior to its submission to Council. Members made no comments on the report and were content to recommend it to Council for approval.

The Panel noted the report and recommended it to Council for approval.

Policy Development Panel Work Programme

The Panel reviewed its Work Programme for 2026/27, which included a schedule of meetings and outlined the Panel's task groups. It was noted that the Joint Performance Monitoring and Policy Development Panel meeting scheduled for 15 September had been cancelled.

The Panel noted its Work Programme.

PSPS Ltd Transformation and Service Modernisation Plan Update

An update was provided on the PSPS Ltd Transformation and Service Modernisation Plan, which was initially approved by Cabinet in January 2025. The Chief Executive (PSPS) presented an overview of the work undertaken.

The Panel noted the update provided.