The Cabinet of Boston Council met on Wednesday 19 February 2025 to discuss and consider a new private sector housing strategy and the annual budget for 2025-26. The meeting also saw progress reported on the Guildhall action plan and the adoption of updated market and severe weather policies.

South and East Lincolnshire Council Partnership Private Sector Housing Strategy

The Cabinet adopted the South and East Lincolnshire Council Partnership's Private Sector Housing Strategy. This strategy aims to address challenges and opportunities within the private housing sector across the partnership area, which includes Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council, and South Holland District Council. The strategy outlines four key priorities: raising standards in the private sector, maximising the use of existing private sector stock, regulating the private sector, and fostering collaborative working.

Councillor John Baxter, Portfolio Holder for Housing, presented the report, highlighting that the strategy has been developed following the integration of housing standards teams from the three councils into a single, collaborative unit. Key commitments within the strategy include proactively tackling poor housing conditions, ensuring homes meet required standards, reducing the number of empty homes, and addressing unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

During the discussion, Councillor Callum Butler, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, expressed support for the strategy, particularly its focus on HMOs, noting that Boston has a higher number of licensable HMOs compared to other partner authorities. Concerns were raised about HMOs with fewer than five occupants not requiring a licence, with the possibility of this being reviewed in the future. The issue of unlicensed HMOs and the enforcement work undertaken by the council's small but proactive team was also discussed, with an appeal for public intelligence to help identify non-compliant properties.

Annual Budget Report 2025-26

The Cabinet approved the recommendations for the annual budget for 2025-26 to be referred to full council. The budget has been described as challenging due to increasing costs and reductions in government support. Councillor Anne Dorrian, Leader of the Council, presented the report, apologising for its late circulation and announcing that the Chief Executive of PSPS, Louis Stockett, would be invited to the next cabinet meeting to explain the reasons for the late submission for two consecutive years and outline future prevention plans.

Despite the financial pressures, the budget includes increased support for residents through a new Council Tax Support Scheme, enhancements to town events, and a significant capital programme of £4-8 million over five years for local area improvements. A notable concern is the increasing pressure from Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), with a 45% increase in costs since 2021-22. The council is proposing to increase Council Tax by the maximum allowed of 3%, equating to a £7.56 increase for a Band D property, or 15 pence per week.

The budget incorporates two efficiency targets totalling £511,000, with plans to address these through better use of technology and procurement power. The report also details the inclusion of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding, with £473,000 supporting the budget and a further £400,000 allocated to the funding volatility reserve.

During the discussion, councillors raised questions about the impact of efficiency targets on services, with officers explaining that the focus is on achieving better value for money through shared expertise, joint procurement, and IT improvements, rather than reducing service levels. The use of reserves was also discussed, with assurances that overall reserves stand at approximately £12 million, providing a buffer for volatility and property funds. The council tax increase was framed as a necessary measure to support vulnerable residents and maintain services, with the Council Tax Support Scheme and Council Tax Benefits highlighted as support mechanisms for those facing financial hardship.

A positive aspect of the budget is the proposed decrease in market stall charges, which Councillor Callum Butler noted would make Boston's market one of the most competitive in the county. This initiative, driven by a new markets manager, aims to support existing traders and attract new ones.

Update on the Guildhall Action Plan

Councillor Sarah Sharpe, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Tourism, presented an update on the Guildhall Action Plan, reporting positive progress one year after its approval. Visitor attendance figures are up by 15% compared to the previous year, with a significant 61% increase in November. Initiatives to boost visitor numbers and income include expanding merchandise, exploring online sales, installing a card machine, and relaunching social media accounts.

The exhibition programme has seen notable successes, including the Pilgrim Woman and DeGoul exhibitions, which garnered local and media attention. The upcoming exhibition for the 900th anniversary of the May Fair is also generating excitement. The Guildhall has also benefited from National Portfolio Organisation funding from the Arts Council, enabling the procurement of new museum display cases and the development of cultural programming.

The report noted that 14 actions are on target, one is completed, five have mitigations in place, and one is no longer required. The Cabinet was asked to note the progress, confirm the continuation of the action plan, and approve any new actions. During the discussion, councillors praised the increased visitor numbers and the positive impact of the action plan. Questions were raised about potential limitations on toilet facilities and preparation areas for weddings, with officers confirming that bespoke arrangements can be made and that the possibility of extending opening hours, potentially using volunteers, would be explored.

Boston Markets and Severe Weather Policies

Councillor Dale Broughton, Leader of the Council, presented revised market and severe weather policies for Boston Markets. These updates follow a review of the market service and aim to ensure efficient, consistent, and safe operation. The revised market policy includes new requirements for traders to provide risk assessments for their own stalls, new incentives for new and returning casual traders, and free standing for charity stalls once a quarter. It also introduces stricter monitoring of late invoice payments and disciplinary proceedings for breaches.

Key changes also include an increase in holiday entitlement by one day, doubled inclement weather day entitlement, and revised disciplinary procedures. Information on selling secondhand goods and the provision of electricity and generators has been added. Trading hours have been reduced by 30 minutes, with a strict compliance to pack away 30 minutes prior to the end of core trading hours, based on feedback that customer behaviour has shifted towards earlier market visits. Emergency procedures and health and safety inspection forms have been updated.

The severe weather policy has been separated into its own document and now clearly outlines the decision-making process for restricting or closing the market, including a decision-making matrix for traders. It sets out clear conditions for traders using equipment during restricted market periods and provides a stated time and day for decisions to be made, ensuring traders receive sufficient notice. The policy specifies that only the Met Office weather app will be used for decision-making to ensure a fair and consistent approach.

The Cabinet approved the updated market policy and the severe weather policy. Councillors welcomed the clarity and accessibility of the policies, particularly the revised trading hours and the severe weather provisions. There was a strong emphasis on the importance of supporting the market, with a reminder that if you don't use it, you lose it. The council expressed confidence that the new policies, along with planned improvements in POS systems and advertising, will help Boston Market flourish.