Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman welcomed Members and Officers to the meeting.

 

A warm welcome was also extended to Mr Richard Quirk Chairman of the Independent Remuneration Panel, who would later present his Panel’s recommendations in respect of Members Allowances for the next Civic Year.

 

Before Moving on to the first agenda item the Chairman advised Members that he had agreed to take an urgent item of business

 

The Urgent item was an update to the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules which stood recommended from the Governance and Audit Committee, with the reason for urgency being the Procurement Act 2023 would come into force on the 28 February 2025.  The updated procedure rules enabled compliance with the new Act and with Council not due to meet again until 3 March (which falls after the date by which the Council must comply).

 

The urgent item would be the last agenda item of the evening and had been published by way of supplement. 

 

 

To confirm and sign as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of Full Council held on 4 November 2024.

 

 

Having been proposed and seconded, on being put to the vote it was:

 

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of Full Council held on 4 November 2024 be confirmed, approved and signed as a correct record.

 

 

Members may make any declarations of interest at this point and may also make them at any point during the meeting.

 

 

 

There were no declarations of interest made at this point in the meeting.

 

 

Setting out the current position of previously agreed actions as at 17 January 2025.

 

 

The Chairman introduced the report advising Members that it would be taken “as read” unless Members had any questions that they wished to raise.

 

With no comments or questions and with no requirement to vote, the matters arising were DULY NOTED.

 

 

i)               Chairman of Council

ii)              Leader of the Council

iii)            Head of Paid Service

 

 

Chairman

 

The Chairman addressed the Council, referencing briefly some of the events in which he had been involved and attended since Council last met, in what had been a busy period.

 

These had included attending a variety of different Christmas, New Year's events, carol services, concerts, craft fairs and general fundraisers. The outstanding events being the Trinity Arts pantomime, Snow White, Seven Dwarfs and Basil Brush, the Market Rasen community event at the Festival Hall where the opening of the new banking hub amongst other things had been celebrated and Christmas lunch at the Blues Club at Gainsborough on

Christmas Day.

 

In mid -December the Chairman had been privileged to deliver a gift of chocolates or fruit to various departments at West Lindsey, providing opportunity to thank all the staff for their work during the year. It had also given the Chairman an opportunity to congratulate the crematorium and street cleaning teams on their successes in various national awards.

 

On 9 December along with the Crematorium Manager a cheque for £11,600 was presented to the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance at their Bracebridge Heath depot. The money raised was contributions from being part of a national metal recycling scheme run by crematoriums, since January 2020, the Chairman was pleased to advise that Lea Fields had contributed nearly £85,000 to local charities, something he considered a tremendous effort over four years.

 

Members were reminded of the forthcoming open day at the Crematorium which would also mark the fifth anniversary of the crematorium and invited to attend.

 

On Thursday 16 January along with some other Members and stakeholders, the Chairman had attended a meeting of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority's STEP nuclear fusion programme, centred on the West Burton power station. It had been both a fascinating and illuminating evening and had learnt a lot about the potential growth opportunities for Gainsborough and the Greater West Lindsey which would arise from project.  Thanks were expressed to Councillor Rollings and Officers for staging that event.

 

And finally, the Chairman concluded his announcements by congratulating Emma Foy, Section 151 Officer, who was attending her last Council meeting before starting new employment. Members joined the Chairman in wishing Emma all the best in the new chapter of her life.

 

 

Leader

 

The Leader made the following address to Council: -

 

“Welcome to tonight's meeting 

 

The Local Government Financial Settlement 25/26 - After years of this Labour government telling us that more financial support was desperately needed to support public services, it was extremely disappointing that in the first settlement announcement for West Lindsey we received no increase in the core spending, adding yet more pressure on our ability to deliver services.

 

In real terms with the cost increasing, this creates a significant shortfall for the authority. The promise of protection to public sector employers regarding the increase of national insurance was also not put in place, and we received only 50% of what was promised.

 

Providing services in a very large geographical area like West Lindsey is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

Questions, if received, under this Scheme will be published by way of supplement following closure of the deadline.

 

 

The Chairman advised the meeting that no public questions had been received.

 

 

Questions, if received, under this Scheme will be published by way of supplement following closure of the deadline.

 

 

The Chairman advised the meeting that two questions had been received pursuant to Procedure Rule No.9, both from Councillor Lesley Rollings, Ward Member for Scotter and Blyton.   The questions had been circulated to all Members, separately to the agenda, and published on the website.

 

The Chairman invited, Councillor Lesley Rollings to put her first question to the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Councillor Matthew Boles, as follows:-

 

“The unfinished housing development at Hemswell Cliff (Wellington Way,) raises significant concerns regarding urban planning and residents' welfare. As the demand for housing continues to grow, it is imperative that West Lindsey District Council prioritises the completion of these projects and ensures they are delivered in a safe and proper manner.

 

The developer on this site went into administration, leaving footpaths and roads unfinished.  This has caused severe damage to several vehicles and left some residents injured through contact with dangerous extruding drain covers and kerbing, which causes particular problems in darkness. Also, thousands of tonnes of building material has been dumped adjacent to nearby residents properties which can only be described as an environmental disaster.

 

Despite efforts in recent months by the WLDC enforcement team, the developer now trading under a different business name has failed to keep to their promise of finishing the site and removing the tonnes of building material.  The large mound has become overgrown, with building debris dangerously jutting out, causing a particular danger to anyone who might climb on it - particularly children.

 

Unfinished developments often become eyesores that negatively impact local aesthetics and property values. The implications extend beyond mere economics - they affect community morale and cohesion. Residents deserve a vibrant living environment that reflects their aspirations for growth and stability. Therefore, it is crucial for West Lindsey District Council to provide transparency regarding the reasons behind these delays and outline a concrete plan for moving forward.

Addressing the unfinished housing development at Hemswell Cliff is not just an administrative duty but a moral obligation towards fostering sustainable communities.

 

The council must take decisive action to resume construction efforts and effectively communicate with stakeholders about progress and challenges.

 

Could the Chairman of Planning please explain why the WLDC enforcement team have not taken firmer action against the developer and outline what legal action can be taken to protect the interests of the local community and restore this site to a safe condition.

 

Thank you”

 

Concluding the question Councillor Rollings advised that since its submission, work appeared to have started on the actual road and pavement, with good progress being made. However, other areas still posed a danger and were somewhat of eyesore in her opinion.

 

The Chairman thanked Councillor Rollings for her question, and invited Councillor Matthew Boles, in his capacity as Chairman of the Planning Committee, to respond, with the response being as follows: -

 

Firstly, I am very sorry to hear of the issues that the residents of Wellington Way are experiencing and would like to thank Cllr Rollings for bringing this matter  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

Motion 1 - Protecting British Family Farms and Preserving Rural Communities.

“West Lindsey District Council notes with concern the proposed changes to inheritance tax announced by the Labour Government in the recent Autumn budget of 2024. These changes would scrap Agricultural Property Relief (APR), which has been instrumental in allowing British family farms to remain intact across generations, supporting food security, sustaining rural communities, and aiding environmental stewardship.

 

This tax is estimated to impact over 70,000 family farms, leaving the average farming family with a tax bill of at least £240,000. It forces many to sell portions of their land or close entirely, paving the way for corporate ownership and lifestyle buyers over family ownership.

 

This Council believes this inheritance tax will have severe impacts on:

 

1)   Food Security: Selling off land or closing farms will risk our national food independence when global stability is already fragile. British family farms are critical to ensuring a steady supply of homegrown food.

2)   Rural Community Stability: Family farms are the foundation of West Lindsey District Council, and rural Britain, contributing to local jobs, schools, and essential services. Labour's proposed tax risks destabilising communities, eroding the rural way of life, and causing a negative ripple effect across the countryside.

3)   Environmental Stewardship: Farms cover 70% of the UK's land, with family farms playing a leading role in nature recovery, biodiversity enhancement, water quality improvement, and sustainable land management. The sale and fragmentation of these lands would hinder conservation efforts and undermine efforts to combat climate change.

 

As such I request the Chief Executive and Leader of Council, on behalf of this Council write to the Chancellor, setting out the District Council’s view on this matter and the very negative impacts it will bring to our communities.

 

I so move

Cllr John Barrett”

 

 

Motion 2 -Banking Hub

“Council I note the continuing trend of closing banks across the country. I further note that whilst many people are comfortable and able to bank online, some (often the older generation) still rely on banking in person.

 

The worrying trend of closing bank branches means people having to travel substantial distances when many are in poor health, unable to drive and therefore having to rely on disjointed public transport links or friends and relatives.

 

The Market Rasen area recently opened a banking hub in a centrally located building, thanks in part to the support of the Chairman of the Council Stephen Bunney. This banking hub is already proving to be an essential part of the community.

 

With this in mind, I ask the Chief Executive on behalf of the Council, to consider as part of the wider market place regeneration, a review of the banking facilities available in the Gainsborough and surrounding area and provide a report to CP&R by November 2025 on whether or not a banking hub, similar to that in Market Rasen is necessary and deliverable.

 

I so move the motion

Cllr Mandy Snee”

 

 

Motion 3

West Lindsey District Council transferred the  ...  view the full agenda text for item 54.

The Chairman advised the meeting that three Motions had been submitted pursuant to Council Procedure Rule No. 10 and these were set out in the agenda.

 

As the mover of the first motion, Councillor Barrett was invited to read aloud his motion to the meeting, as follows: -

 

Motion 1 - Protecting British Family Farms and Preserving Rural Communities.

 

“West Lindsey District Council notes with concern the proposed changes to inheritance tax announced by the Labour Government in the recent Autumn budget of 2024. These changes would scrap Agricultural Property Relief (APR), which has been instrumental in allowing British family farms to remain intact across generations, supporting food security, sustaining rural communities, and aiding environmental stewardship.

 

This tax is estimated to impact over 70,000 family farms, leaving the average farming family with a tax bill of at least £240,000. It forces many to sell portions of their land or close entirely, paving the way for corporate ownership and lifestyle buyers over family ownership.

 

This Council believes this inheritance tax will have severe impacts on:

 

1)     Food Security: Selling off land or closing farms will risk our national food independence when global stability is already fragile. British family farms are critical to ensuring a steady supply of homegrown food.

 

2)     Rural Community Stability: Family farms are the foundation of West Lindsey District Council, and rural Britain, contributing to local jobs, schools, and essential services. Labour's proposed tax risks destabilising communities, eroding the rural way of life, and causing a negative ripple effect across the countryside.

 

3)     Environmental Stewardship: Farms cover 70% of the UK's land, with family farms playing a leading role in nature recovery, biodiversity enhancement, water quality improvement, and sustainable land management. The sale and fragmentation of these lands would hinder conservation efforts and undermine efforts to combat climate change.

 

As such I request the Chief Executive and Leader of Council, on behalf of this Council, write to the Chancellor, setting out the District Council’s view on this matter and the very negative impacts it will bring to our communities.

 

I so move

Cllr John Barrett”

 

With the motion duly seconded, debate ensued with Members from all political parties united on the subject.

 

There were strong views expressed regarding the current Government’s lack of support or understanding of rural communities, with it suggested that if something did not change Lincolnshire as it was known would be decimated.  Family farms of generations would be lost, employment would be lost.  Food security, which was already a concern, would worsen. Lincolnshire’s way of life would be lost.

 

Members spoke of the significant contributions farmers made to local communities, clearing roads and rescuing vehicles in times of snow and flooding and considered the tax a blatant attack on rural communities, and an attempt to redistribute wealth rather than rewarding those who had worked hard to earn it.

 

Several Members spoke of farmers in the local community, who had farmed for generations and of the impact this tax would have on them and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

The Chairman again welcomed Mr Richard Quirk, Chairman of the Independent Remuneration Panel to the meeting and invited him to introduce the report.

 

The process undertaken and the factors considered, in making the recommendations, were detailed in the report. 

 

Three recommendations had arisen from the Panel’s work these being:

 

(1)    That the Basic Allowance Payable to all Members be increased by 5.67% (£382.73) in line with the increase received by the lowest paid staff (From £6750  to £7,132.73).

 

This equated to £7.36 per week or £1.51 per day.  Consideration had been given to the Authority’s financial position but also recognised that remuneration was there to ensure no one was prevented from being a Councillor due to out-of-pocket expenses.

 

(2)    That Vice Chairs of Governance & Audit Committee, Overview & Scrutiny and Corporate Policy & Resources Committee to each receive the full Special Responsibility Allowance for the role (£1,537) as opposed to the current sharing arrangement.

 

This recommendation had been made the previous year but rejected by Council. The Panel considered all Vice-Chairman should be paid the same rate and any deviation from that was a political decision as such the recommendation had again been made. 

 

(3)    That the wording of the Member Allowance Scheme should be updated to provide additional clarity for both Members and Officers.

 

The Panel had been made aware that the prefacing wording of the Allowance Scheme had not been reviewed for a considerable length of time and therefore had considered and been supportive of suggestive updates presented by the 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer which served to provide additional clarity.

 

Debate ensued with a Member of the Opposition indicating they could not be supportive of recommendation two.  Questioning the rationale for there being two such positions, particularly given the size of the Council and the Committees in question. But in the event two Vice-Chairmen were in post, she believed the allowance should be shared, moving such as an amendment.

 

A Member currently appointed to one such position outlined why the decision had been made to have two vice-chairmen.  It had allowed Members with family and/or work commitments to undertake roles that they might not otherwise be able to, and for this reason they currently shared the allowance.

 

The Monitoring Officer advised Members that no amendment was required, given it was a direct negative of the motion, Members simply needed to vote the motion down, if it was moved and seconded, or Members could simply not move the recommendation and the status quo would remain, with the allowance currently being on a shared basis.

 

The Leader of the Council along with other Members thanked Mr Quirk for the report, indicating the rationale on which the increase in basic allowance was one that could be accepted. General discussion ensued with Members generally being of the view that they should have no role in the setting of their allowances, speaking of the conflict it often brought, but acknowledged it was a legislative requirement.  It was further acknowledged that needing to be able  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

To note Group Leaders of each Group and the number of Members to be appointed to serve on each Committee in accordance with the provisions of Section 15 of the Local Government Act.

 

 

The Chairman presented the report which set out details of the political groups on the Council, the number of Members to be appointed to serve on each Committee, and the allocation of seats on each of the Committees based on political groupings.

 

Members were advised of the reasoning for the review, as detailed in section 1.3 of the report.

 

This was a matter which had been determined by the Head of Paid Service under his delegated authority, in Consultation with the Group Leaders, and as such, there was no requirement for a vote.

 

With no questions posed, the following was DULY NOTED: -

 

(a)    the details of the political groups, as set out in Appendix A of the report;

 

(b)    the number of Members to be appointed to serve on each committee, arising from the Head of Paid Service’s delegated decision; and

 

(c)    the allocation to the different political groups of seats on committees, arising from the Head of Paid Service’s delegated decision, as set out in Appendix B of the report.

 

 

In accordance with the provisions of Section 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, to appoint Members to Committees for the Civic Year, in accordance with the wishes expressed by the Political Groups.

 

*A report with completed appointments will be issued by way of supplement.

 

 

As result of the committee allocations having been amended under Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, the Council was required to reappoint to its Committees to reflect the new allocations.

 

The Chairman of the Council presented the report which set out the wishes expressed by the political Groups, based on their allocations, in respect of the appointment of Members to serve on each of the Council’s formal Committees for the remainder of 2024/25 Civic Year.

 

At the time of the report’s publication, 4 nominations were awaited from the Administration Group, the Chairman provided these verbally to the meeting as follows: -

 

Corporate Policy and Resources – Councillor Velan

Prosperous Communities Committee – Councillor Mullally

Planning Committee- Councillor Swift

Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Councillor Bailey

 

With no questions or comments, having been proposed and seconded it was: - 

 

RESOLVED that in accordance with the provisions of section 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, and the wishes expressed by political groups, Members be appointed to serve on the Council’s Committees for the remainder of 2024/25 civic year as follows: -

 

Chief Officer Employment Committee (8 Members)

 

Councillor Owen Bierley  

Councillor Mrs Jackie Brockway  

Councillor Jeanette McGhee 

Councillor Peter Morris  

Councillor Mrs Lesley Rollings

Councillor Mrs Mandy Snee 

Councillor Moira Westley 

Councillor Trevor Young  

 

 

Corporate Policy and Resources Committee (14 Members)

 

Councillor Owen Bierley  

Councillor Matthew Boles  

Councillor Trevor Bridgwood

Councillor Frazer Brown  

Councillor Stephen Bunney  

Councillor Ian Fleetwood  

Councillor Paul Key

Councillor Roger Patterson  

Councillor Mrs Lesley Rollings 

Councillor Tom Smith  

Councillor Mrs Mandy Snee  

Councillor Paul Swift

Councillor Baptiste Velan

Councillor Trevor Young

 

 

Governance and Audit Committee (8 Members)

              

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Mrs Jackie Brockway

Councillor John Barrett 

Councillor Christopher Darcel  

Councillor David Dobbie 

Councillor Sabastian Hague  

Councillor Mrs Angela Lawrence  

Councillor Baptiste Velan

 

Licensing Committee (11 Members)

 

Councillor John Barrett  

Councillor Eve Bennett  

Councillor Liz Clews  

Councillor David Dobbie  

Councillor Mrs Angela Lawrence  

Councillor Paul Lee  

Councillor Maureen Palmer

Councillor Mrs Diana Rodgers 

Councillor Jim Snee  

Councillor Mrs Mandy Snee

Councillor Baptiste Velan                           

 

 

Regulatory Committee (11 Members)

 

Councillor John Barrett  

Councillor Eve Bennett  

Councillor Liz Clews  

Councillor David Dobbie  

Councillor Mrs Angela Lawrence  

Councillor Paul Lee  

Councillor Maureen Palmer

Councillor Mrs Diana Rodgers 

Councillor Jim Snee  

Councillor Mrs Mandy Snee

Councillor Baptiste Velan                           

 

Planning Committee (14 Members)

 

Councillor Emma Bailey  

Councillor John Barrett 

Councillor Owen Bierley

Councillor Matthew Boles

Councillor Karen Carless  

Councillor David Dobbie  

Councillor Ian Fleetwood  

Councillor Sabastian Hague  

Councillor Peter Morris

Councillor Roger Patterson 

Councillor Roger Pilgrim

Councillor Tom Smith 

Councillor Jim Snee 

Councillor Paul Swift               

 

Prosperous Communities Committee (14 Members)

 

Councillor Emma Bailey 

Councillor Owen Bierley  

Councillor Frazer Brown  

Councillor Stephen Bunney  

Councillor Karen Carless

Councillor Chris Darcel  

Councillor Jacob Flear  

Councillor Paul Lee 

Councillor Jeanette McGhee 

Councillor Peter Morris

Councillor Lynda Mullally

Councillor Roger Patterson  

Councillor Mrs Lesley Rollings 

Councillor Trevor Young 

 

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (14 members)

 

Councillor Emma Bailey

Councillor John Barrett

Councillor Eve Bennett

Councillor Trevor Bridgwood

Councillor Liz Clews

Councillor Adam Duguid  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

*A report with completed appointments will be issued by way of supplement.

 

 

Having re-appointed the Committees, the report under consideration sought to appoint Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen to each of the Committees.

 

A Member of the Opposition addressed the Administration over what she described as a lack of transparency and poor governance, questioned the Leader and Deputy over the number of positions they held, and the allowances connected to these positions. It was raised that the Administration had not offered any chairmanships to the Opposition Group, as a result it was suggested opportunity was not provided to share experience at a senior level nor did it allow for proper scrutiny and opposition insight.

 

For these reasons, she proposed two amendments as follows:

 

(1)        That Councillors Young and Rollings withdraw from their proposed chairman and vice-chairmanships, giving one chairmanship and vice-chairmanship to other LibDems, and the other chair and vice-chair to the Opposition group.

 

(2)        West Lindsey District Councillors should receive remuneration for only one SRA (Special Responsibility Allowance), regardless of however many chairmanships, vice-chairmanships, or other positions they may hold on the council, beyond that of councillor'.

 

The Administration expressed their strong discontent, at what was deemed to be a personal attack on two Members and the wider Administration.  The Deputy Leader outlined the high level of new Councillors the Administration had from May 2023, great time had been given to try and afford new Members experience whilst they gained knowledge.  Strong assurance was given that all Members of the Administration who wished to hold a position did so, with many having working commitments which made this more difficult.

 

Further political exchanges ensued, with the Chairman bringing Members back to the amendments. With the required number of Members requesting the amendments be dealt with by recorded vote, amendment 1: -

 

That Councillors Young and Rollings withdraw from their proposed chairman and vice-chairmanships, giving one chairmanship and vice-chairmanship to other Lib Dems, and the other chair and vice-chair to the Opposition group.

 

was put to the vote, with votes cast in the following manner: -

 

For: Councillors Barrett, Bierley, Bridgwood, Brockway, Brown, Fleetwood, Lee, Morris, Palmer, Patterson, Pilgrim and Smith. (12)

 

Against:  Councillors Bailey, Bennett, Boles, Bunney, Carless, Clews, Dobbie, Flear, Hague Mullally, Rollings, Snee J, Snee M, Swift, Velan, Westley and Young (17)

 

Abstentions: Councillors Darcel, Duguid, Lawrence and Rodgers (4)

 

With a total of 12 votes cast in favour of the amendment, 17 votes against and 4 abstentions.

 

The amendment was declared LOST.

 

Again, with the required number of Members requesting the amendment be dealt with by recorded vote, amendment 2: -

 

West Lindsey District Councillors should receive remuneration for only one SRA (Special Responsibility Allowance), regardless of however many chairmanships, vice-chairmanships, or other positions they may hold on the council, beyond that of councillor'.

 

was put to the vote, with votes cast in the following manner: -

 

 

For: Councillors Bierley, Brockway, Brown, Fleetwood, Lawrence, Morris, Palmer, Pilgrim and Smith. (9)

 

Against:  Councillors Bailey, Bennett, Boles, Bunney, Carless, Clews, Dobbie, Flear, Hague Mullally, Rollings, Snee J, Snee M, Swift, Velan, Westley  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

The Chairman introduced the report which set out the declaration of the estimated surplus on the Council’s Collection Fund relating to Council Tax at the end of March 2025 and how it was to be shared amongst the constituent precepting bodies.

 

The report also set out the Council Tax base calculation for 2025/26. The tax base was a key component in the calculating of both the budget requirement and the Council Tax charge.

 

Both of these matters were a legal requirement as set out in the Local Government Finance Act.

 

The estimated surplus on the Collection Fund relating to Council Tax was stated at £1,868,700 of which £275,600 was related to West Lindsey. This amount would be included in the Council’s base budget for 2025/26.

 

For context, the Chairman advised the surplus for West Lindsey for 2023/24 had been £290,100.

 

The taxbase had increased from 2024/25 by 2.07% which was as a result of a number of factors including new build properties, discounts available, exempt dwellings, the amount of Council Tax support offered and the estimated collection rate.

 

The collection rate had been set at 98.3% for 2025/26 which would be closely monitored during the year for the impact of the cost of living on households.

 

Appendix 1 set out the Council Tax base calculation and the taxbase per parish area.

 

With the recommendations moved and seconded on being put to the vote it was

 

RESOLVED that:-

 

(a)    the estimated surplus of £275,600 be accepted and declared as accruing in the Council’s Collection Fund at 31 March 2025 relating to an estimated Council Tax surplus;

 

(b)    the Council uses its element of the Collection Fund surplus/deficit in calculating the level of Council Tax in 2025/26; and

 

(c)    in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) Regulation 1992 (as amended) the amount calculated by the Council, as its Council Tax Base for the whole of the District area for 2025/26 be set at 32,756.75 as detailed in this report and appendices.

 

 

The Chairman of the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee presented the report to Council, which sought approval of the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2025/26, on recommendation from the Corporate Policy Resources Committee.

 

Members noted that the scheme had not been amended significantly since 2019/20 due to the implementation of Universal Credit, the Covid pandemic and cost of living crisis. 

 

Data available showed that the Scheme had been an effective one and that the collection rate for last year had been 97.8% which was top quartile performance.

 

Given the ongoing cost of living crisis, if any significant changes were to be made to the scheme for 2025/26 it was probable that it would have a negative impact on the collection rate as residents struggled to make payments.

 

As such the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee had considered the report and had recommended to Full Council that Option 1 be implemented.

 

The recommendation was duly moved and seconded and on being put to the vote it was

 

RESOLVED that the Recommendation from the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee be accepted and Option 1 of the report, be adopted as the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for West Lindsey District Council for 2025/26. That being: -

 

To make no changes to the current council tax support scheme apart from to apply any new legislative requirements and the uprating of the non-dependant charges, applicable amounts and household allowances and deductions used in the calculation of the reduction in accordance with the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) annual upratings.

 

To also apply any additional changes to government welfare benefit regulations during the year which are intended to increase the income of benefit recipients to avoid unintended consequences to customers.

 

To accept a Full Universal Credit claim received via the Department for Work and Pensions as a claim for Council Tax Support.

 

 

The Chairman of the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee presented the report, which sought approval of the Mid-Year Treasury Report 2024/25 and changes to prudential indicators.

 

The report had been presented to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee, where it had been fully considered and debated and stood referred to Council for approval.

 

Members were advised that the report was required to comply with the CIPFA code of practise on treasury management and also served to keep Members updated with the current situation.

 

Members noted that since the report was written the UK base rate had reduced to 4.75% from 5%

 

The report also showed the movements in the Council’s prudential indicators which had changed as a result of two things. The first being the Council had closed its accounts for 2023/24 after the original strategy had been written. The second being as a result of a revised capital programme for 2024/25.

 

There had been no breaches of the Council’s prudential indicators in the first half of the year.

 

Appendix B set out the latest list of approved countries for investment as at 30^th September but typically the Council only invested within the UK.

 

With the recommendation duly proposed and seconded, on being put to the vote it was

 

RESOLVED that the recommendation from the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee be accepted and as such the Mid-Year Treasury Management Report and treasury activity be noted and the changes to Prudential Indicators as detailed at Sections 5.2, 6.1 and 6.2 of the report be approved.

 

 

The Chairman of the Chief Officer Employment Committee presented the report which sought approval for the interim appointment to one of the Council’s Statutory Roles, the Section 151 Officer, following the resignation of the current Post Holder and until such time as a permanent Officer was recruited.

 

Members were advised of the statutory requirement placed on local authorities to have a Section S151 Officer in place at all times, in order to ensure that their necessary roles and functions were delivered effectively, furthermore the appointment must be made Full Council.

 

The Chief Officer Employment Committee, at their meeting on 7 January considered and approved recruitment to a permanent but slightly revised role, and the process had begun on 20 January.

 

The Committee had also considered interim arrangements, whilst recruitment to the role was undertaken, and as a result had made the recommendation to Council.

 

With recommendations proposed and duly seconded, on being put to the vote it was

 

RESOLVED that the recommendation from the Chief Officer Employment Committee be accepted and in doing so

 

(a).   Council formally appoint Peter Davy as interim Section 151 Officer with effect from 18 February until a permanent Officer is recruited and approved by Council on recommendation from the Chief Officer Employment Committee; and

 

(b)    the Constitution be amended, as necessary, to reflect this revised appointment.

 

 

Members considered the Urgent Item, with the reasons for urgency having been stated at the outset of the meeting.

 

The Chairman in his capacity of Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee introduced the report which stood recommended from his Committee on 21 January.

 

The Contract Procedure Rules had been amended to ensure the Council were compliant with the new Procurement Act which would come into force on the 28 February 2025.  Key changes to the procedure rules were set out in Section 3.1 of the covering report.

 

With the recommendation having been proposed and duly seconded, on being put to the vote it was

 

RESOLVED that the recommendation from Governance and Audit Committee be accepted and the revised Contract Procedure Rules as attached at Appendix 1 of the report, be approved for adoption and implementation.