The Cabinet of Boston Borough Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 5th May 2026 to discuss significant funding programmes aimed at enhancing the town and its communities. Key agenda items include the delivery of the ten-year Pride in Place programme, the allocation of the Pride in Place Impact Fund, and arrangements for attending the Local Government Association Annual Conference.

Pride in Place Programme Delivery

A significant focus of the meeting will be the delivery of the ten-year Pride in Place programme for Boston. The Cabinet is expected to consider accepting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from the UK Government, which will enable Boston Borough Council to act as the lead contracting and accountable body for this initiative. This programme, formerly known as the Plan for Neighbourhoods and Long Term Plan for Towns, aims to drive meaningful change within communities, reflecting local priorities. The council will be responsible for ensuring the lawful and effective use of public funds allocated to the programme, which is set to receive up to £20 million over ten years. The Boston Neighbourhood Board will have decision-making responsibility on how the funding is spent, with the Council providing oversight and assurance.

Pride in Place Impact Fund

The Cabinet will also consider the allocation of the £1.5 million Pride in Place Impact Fund. This fund, separate from the main Pride in Place programme, is intended to support quick, practical enhancements that boost local community pride, wellbeing, and identity. The report outlines a proposed funding model that prioritises investment into three key themes: Community Spaces, Public Spaces, and High Street and Town Centre Revitalisation. The fund will be distributed through grants, with allocations for Pride in Place Impact Grants (£750,000) and Borough High Streets and Town Centre Revitalisation (£700,000). A contingency fund of £50,000 is also included for additional support. The report indicates that all funding must be committed by the end of March 2027.

Local Government Association Annual Conference

The meeting agenda also includes a discussion on arrangements for attending the Local Government Association (LGA) Annual Conference. The Cabinet is asked to review the current arrangements, which limit attendance to the Leader of the Council, the Deputy Leader, and the Leader or spokesperson of the largest opposition group. The report notes that the conference provides an opportunity to debate key challenges facing local government and includes policy discussions and ministerial speeches. The Cabinet will consider whether to retain these existing arrangements or make amendments, particularly in response to requests from opposition Members. The cost for an LGA member delegate is £599 plus VAT, with additional travel and accommodation expenses.

The meeting will also address standing items, including recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC), although no specific recommendations are listed for these items in the provided agenda.