The Full Council of Boston Borough Council met on Monday 2nd March 2026, approving the annual budget for 2026/27, including a Council Tax increase, and adopting the South & East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy. The Council also approved revised Contract Procedure Rules and agreed to undertake a Community Governance Review for Fosdyke Parish.

The Council's annual budget for 2026/27 was approved, which includes a £7.83 per annum increase for a Band D property, bringing the total to £231.48 for Boston Borough Council services. This budget also incorporates the Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme, Treasury Management Policy, Annual Delivery Plan, Living Wage Supplement, and Pay Policy Statement. The Council Tax for 2026/27 was set, with Boston Borough Council's element increasing by 3.50% to £231.48 for a Band D property, and Boston Special Expenses increasing by 1.67% to £82.44.

The South & East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy was adopted, outlining key areas of focus including tackling anti-social behaviour, particularly neighbour disputes, developing a better understanding of fear of crime, working with the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership on a place-based approach to project delivery, and encouraging the reporting of local issues to build intelligence. The Council also authorised the executive to make future amendments to the strategy as needed.

In a significant procedural change, the Council voted to amend its Council Procedure Rule 11.2, limiting Members to submitting only one question on notice at each Full Council meeting. This decision, recommended by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, aims to improve the efficiency and focus of meetings.

The Council also approved the commencement of a Community Governance Review for Fosdyke Parish, following a request from the Parish Council to increase its number of councillors from five to seven. The review will assess whether this change would ensure effective and convenient local government and reflect community identities and interests.

Furthermore, the Council approved revised Contract Procedure Rules, which had been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and to reflect changes in legislation and good practice. The revised rules include updated procurement thresholds and strengthened requirements around conflict of interest and pre-market engagement.

Other matters discussed included the adoption of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership's revised Memorandum of Agreement, which updates governance arrangements to reflect the Partnership's maturity, and the approval of the Fees and Charges Schedule for 2026/27, detailing increases across various council services. The Council also received and noted the Audit and Governance Committee's Annual Report for 2024/2025, summarising its oversight activities.