The Cabinet of Boston Council met on Wednesday 25 March 2026 to review the council's financial performance and risk management, and to approve updated data protection and records management policies. Key decisions included noting a projected revenue deficit for the 2025/26 financial year and approving amendments to the capital programme.

Quarter 3 2025/26 Performance and Risk Report

The Cabinet received an update on the council's performance and risk monitoring for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, ending in December 2025. The report, presented by James Gilbert, Assistant Director – Corporate, detailed 92 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across various council priorities, including Growth and Prosperity, Safe and Resilient Communities, Environment, and Efficiencies and Efficacies.

Performance against targeted indicators was generally on track, with most marked as 'Green' or 'Amber'. However, some areas showed 'Red' indicators, requiring attention. The report also detailed the strategic risk register, noting that most strategic risks were being managed at their target level. Notably, the risk associated with the Implementation of the Environment Act 2021 was identified as 'High' and 'Not at Target'. The report also highlighted risks related to Local Government Reform (LGR) and Cyber Incidents as 'High'. The Cabinet noted the contents of this report.

Quarter 3 2025/26 Forecast Outturn

Russell Stone, Director of Finance (S151 Officer), presented the forecast outturn for the 2025/26 financial year as of the end of Quarter 3 (December 2025). The report indicated a projected net deficit of £0.457m for the General Fund Revenue Budget. This deficit is attributed to increasing income pressures in areas such as Planning, Cremation services, and Markets, which are partially offset by savings from Senior Leadership Officer posts, reduced computer costs, and anticipated additional car parking income.

The council has an efficiency target of £1.429m for 2025/26, with £0.778m (54%) identified to date, including £0.654m from Internal Drainage Board (IDB) funding. The forecast balance of specific and general reserves is £18.412m. In treasury management, investment income is forecast to exceed the budget by £0.196m.

Regarding the Capital Programme, as of 31 December 2025, capital expenditure totalled £14.023m against a full-year budget of £37.422m. Amendments to the approved capital budget totalling £1.141m were noted. The report detailed planned spending across various projects, including the Geoff Moulder Leisure Centre, Disabled Facilities Grants, Waste Vehicles and Caddies, IT Systems, and Pride in Place initiatives. The Cabinet noted the forecast revenue position and the amendments to the Capital Programme.

Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy

John Medler, Assistant Director – Governance & Monitoring Officer, presented revised Data Protection and Records Management Policies for approval. These policies have been updated to ensure compliance with the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and the new Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA). The policies have been aligned across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) and incorporate feedback from overview and scrutiny committees.

The Data Protection Policy outlines how personal data is handled, emphasizing the seven UK GDPR principles and the DUAA's commitments to lawful access, interoperability, and transparency. It details roles and responsibilities, individual rights, data sharing protocols, automated decision-making, and security measures. The Records Management Policy establishes a framework for managing all recorded information throughout its lifecycle, from creation to disposal, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, security, and appropriate retention. It also addresses the management of AI-generated records and integration with digital initiatives.

The Cabinet approved the draft Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy, and delegated authority for future amendments to the Assistant Director Governance and the Data Protection Officer, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, to reflect changes in ICO guidance.

Recommendations from Overview and Scrutiny and Boston Town Area Committee

There were no recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee or the Boston Town Area Committee to be considered by the Cabinet at this meeting.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting held on 18 February 2026 were approved as a correct record.

Questions from Members of the Public

No written questions were received from members of the public by the deadline.