The Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Boston Council met on Thursday 30 April 2026 to discuss the Section 19 Flooding Investigation Report for Wyberton West Road and Park Road, Boston, review the council's scrutiny arrangements, and consider the Quarter 3 2025/26 performance report. The committee also reviewed its work programme and forward plan.

Section 19 Flooding Investigation Report, Wyberton West Road / Park Road, Boston

The committee received a report detailing the Section 19 investigation into the flooding that occurred on 6 January 2025, which internally flooded 38 residential properties on Wyberton West Road and Park Road, Boston. Representatives from the Environment Agency and Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board attended to explain how they are responding to the recommendations in the report.

Matthew Harrison, Flood and Water Manager for Lincolnshire County Council, explained the Section 19 investigation process, noting that these reports identify causes of flooding but do not enforce recommendations. He highlighted the increasing frequency and scale of flooding events across Lincolnshire in recent years. Mr. Harrison also discussed the Property Flood Resilience Grant, noting a low uptake in Boston, and introduced the Project Groundwater initiative, which aims to improve understanding of groundwater flooding and includes the installation of telemetry devices for early flood warnings.

Morgan Ray, Area Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, outlined the agency's responsibilities for managing flood risk from main rivers and the coast. He confirmed that a bespoke flood warning area for the downstream reaches of the South Forty Foot Drain (SFFD) had been created following the January 2025 flooding. Mr. Ray also discussed the review of the SFFD modelling, which broadly aligned with 2016 findings, and noted that catchment conditions, such as frozen ground, were a significant factor in the increased water levels. He also mentioned ongoing investigations into flood defences in Boston, including potential refurbishment of the Maud Foster sluice outfall.

Daniel Withnall, Chief Executive of the Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board, explained the board's updated emergency plan, which now allows for remote control of pumping stations to hold back water within the Black Sluice drains during high river levels. He highlighted the upgrade to a 4G/5G telemetry system for improved reliability. Mr. Withnall also discussed the possibility of linking systems to stop pumping stations closer to Boston when tide-locked.

Kim Pickett, Community Resilience Officer for Lincolnshire, and Steve Eason-Harris, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Officer, presented on community resilience initiatives. Ms. Pickett explained her role in supporting communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from hazards, including flooding, by developing community emergency plans and providing support and resources. Mr. Eason-Harris added that they are looking at resilient community hubs and ensuring all emergency plans are linked and systemic.

During the discussion, Councillor David Scoot questioned why more investigations were being done rather than repairs, and Councillor Alison Austin asked about public awareness of events like the Lincolnshire Flood Resilience and Mental Health Wellbeing Roadshow. Andy Izard raised concerns about the enforceability of Section 19 recommendations and the low uptake of the Property Flood Resilience Grant. Morgan Ray clarified that flood maps showed the potential for tidal flooding, but a specific warning for fluvial flooding in the affected area was not in place at the time.

Andy Robinson, a resident of Wyberton West Road, shared his experience of the flooding, criticising the complexity and lack of empathy in the Property Flood Resilience Grant application process. He also highlighted concerns about the wall sections along Wyberton West Road being too low and the need for better communication from the council. Councillor Barry Robert Andrew Dacia, County Councillor for Boston South, expressed a desire for more coordination between different authorities and for transparency in rectifying flood-related issues.

The committee resolved to note and comment on the report, with all comments recorded by officers. Councillor Alison Austin proposed that the committee meet again in six months to review the implementation of recommendations, which was agreed.

Scrutiny Arrangements Review

The committee received a report on the review of the council's scrutiny arrangements following the move to a single-committee model in May 2025. The review, based on consultation with members and officers, indicated a strong preference for continuing with a single Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Respondents cited improved visibility of scrutiny activity, greater continuity in discussions, and a more manageable and predictable workload. The report outlined two options: continuing with the single committee or returning to a two-committee model, with the former being the preferred choice based on the consultation feedback. The committee noted the report and considered the findings.

Quarter 3 25/26 Performance Report

Suzanne Rolfe, Group Manager for Insights and Transformation, presented the Quarter 3 performance report, which covers the period up to 31 December 2025. The report showed that 27 targeted Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were either on or within tolerance of their targets, with one waste target being an annual measure. 65 indicators were trend measures without set targets. Councillor Andy Izard questioned the council tax collection rates, and Councillor Ralph Pryke asked for guidance on how to make targets more stretching. Suzanne Rolfe explained the annual process for reviewing KPIs and targets and assured members that she would review the data for the year-end report. Councillor David Scoot enquired about the separate reporting of food waste collections, and Suzanne Rolfe indicated that a decision had not yet been made but more data would be collected. The committee noted and commented on the report.

Work Programme and Forward Plan

Christian Allen, Service Director – Regulatory, presented the committee's work programme and forward plan. He noted that this was the last meeting of the civic year and any new items for consideration would need to be brought forward for the new arrangements after the AGM. Councillor Andy Izard requested that in-depth analysis of council tax and business rates collection rates be included in the work plan, and that the flood resistance follow-up be scheduled for November 2026. Councillor Alison Austin proposed looking into the rate arrangements for the visitor economy, given the demise of Destination Lincolnshire. Councillor Neil Drayton expressed his willingness to help with any initiatives. The committee noted and commented on the work programme and forward plan.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the guests and members for their attendance and contributions. The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday 4 June 2026.