The Cabinet of Boston Council met on Tuesday 27 January 2026 to discuss and approve several key policies. Decisions were made regarding a new Partnership Social Media Policy, an Action Plan for the Trees & Hedgerow Strategy, a unified Safeguarding Policy for the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, a revised Housing Allocations Policy for Boston Borough Council and East Lindsey District Council, and a suite of Housing Standards Policies.

Partnership Social Media Policy

Councillor Dale Broughton, Leader of the Council, presented the Partnership Social Media Policy, which was approved by the Cabinet. This policy aims to provide a coordinated and consistent approach to the use of social media across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership. It addresses strategic objectives for each platform, content planning, moderation, response protocols, and security measures. The policy also includes guidance for staff on social media use and a commitment to evaluating platform effectiveness.

Trees & Hedgerow Strategy Action Plan

Councillor Claire Rylott, Portfolio Holder for Green Spaces and Travel, presented the Tree and Hedgerow Strategy Action Plan, which was adopted by the Cabinet. This plan outlines the approach to managing, protecting, and enhancing trees and hedgerows across the sub-region, aligning with the 2022 Tree and Hedgerow Strategy's vision to Protect, Plant and Participate. The plan includes actions to reinvigorate Tree Warden networks, identify planting opportunities, improve biosecurity, and engage communities. It also acknowledges the lower tree and hedgerow cover in South and East Lincolnshire compared to national averages and aims to address this through evidence-based targets.

South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Safeguarding Policy

Councillor Helen Staples, Portfolio Holder for Communities, presented the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Safeguarding Policy, which was adopted by the Cabinet. This unified policy standardises the approach to safeguarding children and adults across the three councils following the creation of a single workforce. It outlines responsibilities under the Children Act 1989 and the Care Act 2014, emphasizing a person-centred approach, professional curiosity, and clear reporting pathways. The policy includes mandatory training, regular reviews, and delegation of authority for minor amendments to the Assistant Director in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.

Revised Housing Allocations Policy BBC/ELDC

Councillor John Baxter, Portfolio Holder for Housing, presented the revised Housing Allocations Policy for Boston Borough Council (BBC) and East Lindsey District Council (ELDC), which was approved by the Cabinet. This policy update incorporates recent changes in national legislation and guidance, particularly the Allocation of Housing (Qualification Criteria for Victims of Domestic Abuse and Care Leavers) (England) Regulations 2025. Key amendments include the removal of local connection and residency requirements for victims of domestic abuse needing to relocate and for care leavers up to the age of 25. The revised policy also aims to streamline processes, improve fairness and transparency, and support the strategic housing priorities of both councils.

Housing Standards Policies

Councillor John Baxter, Portfolio Holder for Housing, presented a suite of Housing Standards Policies, which were approved by the Cabinet. These policies include the Empty Homes Policy, the Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licensing Policy, and the Housing Standards Enforcement Policy. Developed collaboratively across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, these policies aim to ensure consistent and robust regulation of housing standards, bringing empty properties back into use, strengthening HMO regulation, and providing a clear enforcement framework. The policies emphasize early intervention and advice, with a clear escalation process for non-compliance.

The Empty Homes Policy introduces a scoring matrix to prioritise properties of greatest concern, while the HMO Licensing Policy establishes a consistent fee structure across the Partnership. The Housing Standards Enforcement Policy revises fixed penalty notice amounts in line with the Renters' Rights Act.