The Full Council of Boston Council met on Monday 19 October 2026, where they approved significant amendments to the council's constitution regarding planning decision-making and voted to establish a new parish council for Boston. The meeting also saw the noting of annual reports from the Audit and Governance Committee and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and the approval of a revised Local Code of Corporate Governance.

Constitutional Amendments for Planning Decisions

The council approved amendments to its constitution to align with the new national scheme of delegation for planning functions, which came into effect on 31 October 2026. These changes dictate which planning applications are decided by officers and which are referred to the planning committee, ensuring the council's constitution reflects the new statutory framework.

Councillor Chris Mountain, Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure, expressed frustration that decisions affecting residents were being taken out of the hands of elected councillors, reducing local democratic accountability. However, he acknowledged the necessity of complying with the law. Councillor Dale Broughton, Leader of the Council, emphasised that the amendments were a requirement of central government and not a decision by Boston Borough Council, aiming to ensure legal compliance and protect the council from challenges.

Councillor Helen Staples, Portfolio Holder for Communities, voiced her disappointment, stating that the changes were taking away local democracy and leaving the town open to applications that residents do not want, citing the example of a potential reapplication for a gaming establishment. She declared her intention to abstain from the vote. Councillor Stephen Woodliffe agreed that the changes were being forced upon the council, impacting the role of councillors in representing the public interest. He also thanked John Medler, the Monitoring Officer, for his work on an amendment to the planning code of good practice, which he believed would protect councillors from potential misunderstandings when passing information to planning officers. Councillor Anton Dani expressed his dismay, feeling that the changes eroded fundamental British values of freedom of speech and democracy, and that the council was being ordered to accept something against its will. Councillor Peter Bedford, Chair of the Planning Committee, stressed the importance of passing resident comments to the Planning Department and thanked the planning team for their efforts. The Mayor, Councillor Jonathan Noble, noted that the new scheme's central principle is that decisions are delegated to officers, with referrals to committee being exceptional, and stated that the Planning Committee had been emasculated.

Despite the widespread concerns about the erosion of local democracy, the motion to approve the proposed amendments was carried.

Creation of Boston Parish Council

A significant decision was made to approve the creation of a parish council for Boston, to be known as Boston Parish Council. This followed a Community Governance Review initiated by a request from the Fosdyke Parish Council to increase its membership. The review process included two stages of consultation.

Councillor Mike Gilbert, Deputy Leader, introduced the report, explaining that the review was undertaken in anticipation of potential local government reorganisation that could remove local powers to manage the unparished area of Boston. He highlighted that a clear majority of respondents in the first consultation supported the creation of a parish council for Boston. The second consultation considered the geographical footprint, with 79% of respondents supporting the creation of a parish council for Boston. The proposed electoral arrangements include 22 parish councillors elected for seven parish wards. The anticipated first-year budget for the new parish council is £44,632. Councillor Gilbert stressed the importance of future-proofing the town for the long-term protection of its heritage, civic regalia, mayorality, and charters, especially given the government's ongoing considerations of local government reorganisation.

Councillor Stephen Woodliffe expressed his pleasure at the decision, having long advocated for a parish council for Boston. He congratulated Councillor Gilbert and the officers for their work. Councillor Anton Dani also supported the move, seeing it as a way for Boston to retain its history and reputation. Councillor Dale Broughton reiterated the thanks to those involved and stated that the review aimed to strengthen local democracy and ensure Boston had a dedicated voice. Councillor Chris Mountain also supported the proposal, particularly for the unparished areas of Wibberton, ensuring those residents would be fully represented. Councillor Alison Austin also spoke in support, highlighting the importance of engaging residents in the consultation process.

However, the Mayor, Councillor Jonathan Noble, raised concerns about the low response rate to the consultation (2% of properties contacted), questioning whether it represented clear support. He also expressed concern about potential tax increases and the duplication of representation, with councillors potentially serving on both the borough council and the new parish council. He questioned the inevitability of local government reorganisation and suggested that a town council framework could be implemented later if needed.

Despite these concerns, the motion to approve the creation of Boston Parish Council, its electoral arrangements, and the associated reorganisation order was carried.

Audit and Governance Committee Annual Report

The council noted the Audit and Governance Committee's annual report for 2025-26. Councillor Barrie Pierpoint, Chairman of the committee, presented the report, highlighting its role in supporting good governance, risk management, financial stewardship, and accountability. The report detailed the committee's work on internal and external audit, treasury management, risk management, financial reporting, and governance arrangements.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report

The council also noted the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's annual report for 2025-26. Councillor Suzanne Welberry, Vice-Chairman of the committee, presented the report, outlining its work in holding decision-makers to account, reviewing council services and policies, and supporting improvement across the authority. The report emphasised the contribution of scrutiny to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Local Code of Corporate Governance

The council approved a revised Local Code of Corporate Governance. Councillor Dale Broughton, Leader of the Council, explained that the revised code strengthens and updates the framework supporting the council's existing governance arrangements, aligning with national guidance and incorporating the latest standards for internal audit and governance assurance. He stated that the adoption of the revised code carried no significant financial implications and demonstrated the council's commitment to strong governance, openness, and continuous improvement. Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Economic Growth, noted that amendments suggested by the Audit and Governance Committee had been incorporated and highlighted in yellow, making them easier to follow. The motion to approve the revised code was carried.

Fosdyke Parish Community Governance Review

The council approved the final recommendation of the Community Governance Review for Fosdyke Parish Council. This decision increases the number of councillors for Fosdyke Parish Council from five to seven, with the revised electoral arrangements taking effect from the next ordinary election in May 2027. The Monitoring Officer, John Medler, introduced the report, stating that the review was initiated to strengthen the parish council's capacity, resilience, and local representation. Councillor Broughton proposed the motion, which was seconded by Councillor Stuart Evans. The motion was carried without further debate.