Agenda and draft minutes

Up to 15 minutes are allowed for public participation.  Participants are restricted to 3 minutes each.

There was no public participation.

The Chairman explained there were three sets of minutes, one for approving and two for noting.

Having been moved and seconded it was

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee held on Thursday, 12 February 2026 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

With no comments or questions, the minutes of the meetings of the Joint Staff Consultative Committee held on Thursday, 27 November 2025, and Thursday 3 March 2026, were NOTED.

Members may make declarations of Interest at this point or may make them at any point in the meeting.

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

Setting out current position of previously agreed actions as at 8 April 2026

With no comments or questions, the Matters Arising Schedule, setting out the position of previously agreed actions as at 8 April 2026, was DULY NOTED.

The Committee gave consideration to a report presented by the Head of Policy and Strategy, seeking approval to spend the Building Safety Levy New Burdens Funding to develop and implement a compliant administration system. It was explained that the Building Safety Levy (BSL) was introduced by Section 58 of the Building Safety Act 2022, which amended the Building Act 1984 to give the Secretary of State powers to impose the charge. The BSL was a key component of the government's response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017.

Members heard that the government aimed to raise funding from applicable developments across the country to support the remedial works required to make a number of high-rise buildings safe for residents. The Council was required to have arrangements in place to calculate charges, apply exemptions, issue notices, collect payments, and provide accurate reporting and audit information to central government.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) confirmed on 27 January 2026 Building Safety Levy – New Burdens funding of £132,900, payable in 2026/2027. It was explained that the revenue costs of developing the system would be met through the BSL New Burdens funding. Members were presented with a selection of options, however, it was highlighted that by approving option two, that being to utilise Microsoft Power Platform and Dataverse, it was unlikely there would be any additional revenue costs usually associated with a new commercial system, as this would be covered under an existing professional services agreement with the Council.

The Committee heard that any additional costs, including licence fees, would be covered by the BSL administration fee which was calculated on a cost recovery basis and included officer time, software subscriptions and any other activities associated with the processing and administering of the BSL. The initial expenditure was classified as revenue spend as the system was cloud based and a SAAS (software as a service) agreement. This meant, as with other cloud based systems, the Council would not retain ownership of the software and it was therefore not possible to capitalise the expenditure.

The Head of Policy and Strategy reiterated the request for approval to spend the Building Safety Levy New Burdens Funding to develop and implement a compliant administration system, and offered to answer questions from the Committee.

Members expressed their views on the introduction of the levy, whilst recognising there was a requirement on the Council for implementation. Concerns were raised regarding how the levy may impact the speed and extent of new developments in the district, and for ensuring cross-authority working partnerships were effective in the provision of housing.

In response, the Head of Policy and Strategy explained that in setting policy and whole plan viability for the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan (CLLP), a buffer was included for costs over which authorities had no control of which this was a prime example. Members heard that the broader mitigation was the desire to review the CLLP, with the levy having been implemented, for the wider impact  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107.

The Committee heard from the Healthy and Accessible Homes Team Leader with a report regarding an update on the progress of the Good Homes Alliance work, and seeking approval for funding for an extension of the project. Members also welcomed Mr Adam Newman-Pring, the Healthy and Accessible Homes Lead for Lincolnshire and the Lead for the Good Home Alliance Project. The report set out the key findings from the first year of operations, and the funding contributions required to continue the advice and casework pilot for a further 21 months from 1 July 2026, which was when the current pilot and funding period ended, to 31 March 2028.

The Chairman highlighted that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had received a presentation from Mr Newman-Pring regarding the work of the alliance, and invited Councillor J McGhee, as Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to put forward her comments. She reiterated the support from the Committee, and summarised their areas of attention, namely how to increase referral numbers in West Lindsey, options of best practice for retrofitting properties, and lobbying government for improved grant systems.

Members of the Committee enquired as to the proportionality of referrals from West Lindsey, to which it was explained that there had been targeted activity in the area to raise awareness and encourage referrals. Should the pilot be extended, this work would continue. In response to a question regarding measurable benefits of the scheme, it was explained that the commissioned report into the first year of activity had demonstrated sufficient benefit to prove value for money, however the final evaluation, including cost analysis, would not be completed until after 30 June 2026, the outcome of which would be presented in due course.

Members enquired as to where that outcome report would be presented, to which it was confirmed that any decision-making request would be referred through the relevant policy committee, with the option for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to also receive the evaluation report.

With Members reiterating their support for the scheme, and the Chaiman issuing thanks to all involved, and Mr Newman-Pring for his time with the Committee, the recommendations within the report were duly moved and seconded. On taking the vote it was

            RESOLVED that

a)    the positive impact of the Good Homes Alliance work to date be acknowledged; and

b)    it be agreed to fund the Good Homes Alliance for a further two years to 31 March 2028 to the sum of £33,871 from the Health and Wellbeing reserve.

The Committee gave consideration to a report which stood recommended from the Joint Staff Consultative Committee (JSCC). The Chairman invited Councillor P. Key, as Chairman of JSCC, to make comment. Councillor Key confirmed that the policy had been vigorously scrutinised by the JSCC and received full support, He recommended approval and adoption of the reviewed policy to the Committee.

Members heard that the report presented a revised policy which outlined the Council's approach to preventing and responding to anti money laundering and now incorporated the prevention of financial crime. The previous Anti Money Laundering Policy had been in place for a number of years and, following an audit of the council’s fraud policies and processes, a review of the existing policy was recommended, specifically, to combine the Prevention of Financial Crime Policy and the Anti-Money Laundering Policy.

The revised policy provided a clear framework for the Council to undertake necessary, legal, and proportionate actions where evidence supported an investigation into an allegation of money laundering or financial crime, and set out that the Council would seek to deal with cases brought to its attention. The policy detailed the Council’s no tolerance stance to all forms of money laundering and financial crime, and referenced the policy framework with which staff, contractors, members and suppliers must comply. Reporting mechanisms were also included.

With Members expressed their thanks to the JSCC for their consideration and recommendation of the policy, the paper was duly seconded and voted upon. It was

            RESOLVED that

a)    the recommendation from the Joint Staff Consultative Committee be accepted, and the revised Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime Prevention Policy be approved; and

b)    minor housekeeping amendments be delegated to the Section 151 Officer following consultation with the Chairman of the JSCC and CP&R Committees.

Members heard from the Director of Finance and Assets (S151 Officer) who presented a new Community Asset Transfer Policy for approval. He explained that Community Asset Transfer was the permanent or temporary transfer of land or buildings from the Council into the stewardship and/or ownership of a voluntary or community organisation or Town or Parish Council. The Council did not have a formal community asset transfer policy, and therefore the report sought approval of a new policy as set out at appendix one of the report.

It was highlighted that the policy looked to put in place a framework and an objective way of assessing if and when a transfer was appropriate, and whether it met certain criteria. When looking at asset transfer requests the Council must fully consider the risks and benefits of any transfer whilst ensuring community assets were protected. The General Disposals Consent (England) 2003 allowed the Council to transfer the ownership and management of land and buildings they owned to local communities at less than best consideration (less than the full market value) where it could demonstrate the promotion of social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Any decision to dispose at less than market value would need to be a transparent and evidenced decision.

In seeking approval for the policy, it was concluded that, if approved, it would be publicised to community groups, and parish and town councils around the district. A full list of the assets owned by the Council was available on the Council’s website.

During the course of debate, Members supported the premise of the policy, however concerns were raised regarding the clarity of wording. For example, Members questioned the reference to no asset being used solely for religious purposes, highlighting that many groups of a religious nature focused on the promotion of social, economic, and environmental wellbeing, rather than only religious activity. Likewise, it was felt the same could be said for some groups that may fall under the category of a political group.

Additionally, whilst Members welcomed the inclusion of consultation with Ward Members, it was requested that the consultation be extended, for example to all Members in the relevant town or parish. Concerns were also raised that Member consultation should be prioritised within the application process, proceeding to Committee if required, however the policy was worded in such a way as to suggest Officer determination.

Further comments were made regarding the review of the policy, with Members requesting that, in light of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), there was likely to be need of early review of the policy.

Given the nature of concerns raised, it was enquired as to whether approval of the policy could be deferred, potentially for review by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to return for approval at a later date. Advice was given by the Democratic Services Officer and Section 151 Officer, that the policy could be approved subject to the amendments as discussed within the meeting, and those would be enacted through consultation with the Chairman.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110.

The Chairman introduced the committee timetable detailing the schedule of meetings for the upcoming civic year. With no comments or questions, the recommendation was proposed, seconded, and voted upon. It was

            RESOLVED that the timetable for the 2026/27 civic year be approved.

Please note, the work plan will be generated subject to approval of the Committee Timetable.

The Chairman advised the work plan would be formalised subject to the committee timetable being approved.

To resolve that under Section 100 (A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3 & 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED that under Section 100 (A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

Note:             The meeting entered into closed session at 8.00pm

The Committee heard from the Section 151 Officer regarding the Surestaff / WLDC Staffing Services Business Plan 2026/2027.

Members discussed the impact of international factors, noting significant changes since the report had been written, such as rates of inflation, as well as local factors such as Local Government Reorganisation.

The importance of business continuity was noted, and Members heard that under a new local government structure, the shareholder roles would be transferred to the new council.

With no further comments or questions, the recommendations contained within the report were moved, seconded, and voted upon. It was

RESOLVED that

a)    the contents of the Business Plan 2026/2027 provided in Appendix 1 be approved; and

b)    the vacancy on the board following the departure of the Interim Director be noted, with a further paper required to be considered by the committee on completion of the review of the Council’s Senior Structure.

The Committee heard from the Monitoring Officer regarding an update on the current position relating to the legal action being pursued by Thurrock Borough Council. The contents of the report were for noting only, and, following relevant discussion, the report was DULY NOTED.

Prior to bringing the meeting to a close, the Chairman expressed his thanks to all involved with the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee, past and present, at this, its last meeting. He noted it had been a valuable committee, and he looked forward to the implementation of the new committee structure from May onwards.

With repeat thanks all round, the meeting was closed.