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Summary
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The Cabinet of Boston Borough Council met on Wednesday 10 December 2025, approving a new Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy and recommending amendments to the Council's Contract Procedure Rules to Full Council. The meeting also noted the Quarter 2 2025/26 financial forecast, which indicated a £0.571 million deficit, and recommended amendments to the Capital Programme for approval.
Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy Approved
The Cabinet approved a new Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy, aiming to align procedures across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (S&ELCP). The policy reinforces the Council's zero-tolerance approach to fraud, bribery, corruption, and theft, outlining responsibilities for staff, councillors, and partners. Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Economic Growth, highlighted that the policy is crucial for safeguarding public funds and aligns with the national 'Fighting Fraud and Corruption Locally' strategy. The S151 Officer, Russell Stone, was delegated authority to make minor amendments to the policy to reflect legislative changes.
Contract Procedure Rules Recommended for Adoption
Amendments to the Council's Contract Procedure Rules were recommended for adoption by Full Council. John Medler, Assistant Director for Governance & Monitoring Officer, presented the revised rules, which aim to ensure robust, up-to-date procedures that provide clarity for officers, members, and potential suppliers. The changes are necessary due to updates in public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023. Councillor Sandeep Ghosh noted that these amendments are vital for maintaining a clear and consistent approach to contract awards, safeguarding public trust, and promoting accountability. The Cabinet also approved revised Delegations to Officers, which set out authorisation for decision-making in relation to these rules.
Quarter 2 Financial Forecast Shows £0.571m Deficit
The Cabinet noted the Quarter 2 2025/26 financial forecast, which projects a £0.571 million deficit for the year. Russell Stone, Director of Finance, presented the report, highlighting that while income pressures exist in areas such as Planning, Cremation, and Commercial Waste, these are partially offset by savings from senior leadership vacancies, reduced IT costs, and anticipated additional car parking income. The Council's reserves are forecast to remain healthy at £18.371 million. The report also detailed amendments to the Capital Programme, totalling £0.100 million, which the Cabinet recommended for approval by Full Council. Key areas of continued investment include the Geoff Moulder Leisure Centre, Disabled Facilities Grants, Waste Vehicles and Caddies, and IT Systems.
Council Tax Support Scheme Consultation Results Noted
The Cabinet noted the results of the consultation on the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27. The consultation explored options for reducing the maximum level of support for working-age claimants to balance the Council's budget. While 35% of respondents favoured retaining the current support levels, 43% supported a reduction. The report indicated that reducing support could lead to increased Council Tax payments for claimants and potentially higher levels of debt and non-payment. Councillor Sandeep Ghosh emphasised the need to balance the Council's financial position with the support provided to vulnerable households. The Cabinet recommended a specific option to Full Council, which aims to balance financial needs while minimising the impact on claimants.
Other Business
The Cabinet also received reports on the Quarter 2 2025/26 Performance and Risk Report, and the Council / Public Sector Partnership Services Transformation and Service Modernisation Programme. Decisions on the latter two items were made in exempt session.
The meeting was attended by Councillor Dale Broughton (Leader) and Councillor Mike Gilbert (Deputy Leader), along with other councillors and council officers.
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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South and East Lincolnshire Council's Partnership - Contracting of Leisure Facilities with an external operator as agent for service delivery
Recommendations Approved...to approve the recommendations outlined in the exempt report regarding the contracting of leisure facility operations and lifecycle maintenance to an external operator under an agency agreement, subject to call-in.
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Proposed Amendments to the Council's Contract Procedure Rules
Recommendations Approved... to recommend the draft revised Contract Procedure Rules to Full Council for adoption and to approve the Delegations to Officers that sets out the authorisation for decision making in relation to Contract Procedure Rules, subject to a Council decision to amend the Contract Procedure Rules.
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Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27
Recommendations Approved...to recommend to Full Council to approve changes to the Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27, setting maximum support levels at 90% for lone parents, 80% for couples with children, and 75% for all other households, with the scheme uprated in line with DWP's annual allowances and premiums update, and to delegate the development of the 2026/27 scheme rules to the Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer.
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Council / Public Sector Partnership Services Transformation and Service Modernisation Programme
Recommendations Approved...to approve the recommendations outlined in the exempt report regarding the Council/Public Sector Partnership Services Transformation and Service Modernisation Programme, subject to call-in.
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Quarter 2 25/26 Performance and Risk Report
Recommendations Approved... that the Cabinet of Boston noted the quarterly performance and risk monitoring information for Quarter 2 of 2025/26.
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Quarter 2 2025/26 Forecast Outturn
Recommendations Approved...to approve the Quarter 2 2025/26 forecast outturn, noting a potential £0.571m deficit and amendments to the Capital Programme, and to recommend these Capital Programme changes to Full Council for final approval.
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Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy
Recommendations Approved...to approve the updated Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy and delegate authority to the S151 Officer to make minor amendments reflecting changes in legislation, statutory guidance, or contact details, following consultation with the portfolio holder.
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