The Cabinet of South Holland Council met on Tuesday 28 April 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the Council's financial performance, housing strategies, and market policies. Key topics included the Quarter 3 finance update, an extension to the Housing Landlord Strategy, and proposed amendments to the Health and Safety Policy. The meeting also covered the findings of housing stock condition surveys and the adoption of new data protection and records management policies.

Quarter 3 Performance and Risk Report 2025/26

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive an update on the Council's performance and risk management as of the end of December 2025. The report detailed that 87% of the Council's performance metrics were on target, with 10% slightly below and 3% significantly under target. The report also outlined the strategic risk register, highlighting areas such as service delivery, technology infrastructure failure, cyber incidents, and budget as medium or high risks. Partnership risks were also detailed, with funding and staffing identified as high risks. Fraud risks were assessed, with procurement and national non-domestic rate fraud noted as medium risks. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) risks included business continuity, health and safety, and tenant engagement. Feedback from the Performance Monitoring Panel and the Governance and Audit Committee was also to be considered.

2025/26 Quarter Three Finance Update

This report was intended to provide an overview of the Council's financial position at the end of the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. It was expected to detail a projected revenue underspend of £187,000 for the General Fund, with a projected surplus of £890,000 for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The report also covered the HRA Capital Programme, treasury management performance, and debt collection analysis. Recommendations included noting the forecast revenue positions, approving amendments to the Capital Programme, and noting the debt restructuring on HRA borrowing.

South Holland District Council (SHDC) Markets Policy Review

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider an update to the SHDC's existing Markets Policy and the introduction of a new SHDC Markets Severe Weather Policy. These updates were prompted by the implementation of an updated online booking and payment system (GOSS). Key changes proposed in the Markets Policy included classifying traders as regular or casual, introducing promotional fees, requiring risk assessments for trader-provided equipment, and allowing charity stalls to stand free of charge once per quarter. A new Severe Weather Policy was also presented, outlining procedures for restricting or closing markets due to adverse weather conditions, with guidance from the Met Office and the Council's insurers.

Lincolnshire Good Home Alliance and Disabled Facilities Grant Funding

This report sought approval to accept an additional allocation of £67,398 in Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funding from Lincolnshire County Council (LCC). The proposal was to use £32,946 to fund a 21-month extension of the Lincolnshire Good Home Alliance advice and casework service from July 2026 to March 2028. The remaining £34,452 was to support the delivery of DFG and Discretionary Housing Financial Assistance (DHFA). The report highlighted the positive outcomes of the first year of the Good Home Alliance pilot, noting its value for money and the potential for significant benefits in reducing hazards and improving client wellbeing.

Extension of the Housing Landlord Strategy

The Cabinet was asked to adopt a one-year extension to the Housing Landlord Strategy (2024-2027). This extension was proposed to align with ongoing service transformation activities and to allow for more comprehensive tenant engagement in shaping the next strategy. The report detailed progress made against the current strategy's four themes: Culture and Operational Excellence, Accountability and Transparency, Quality Homes and Connected Neighbourhoods, and Tenant Voice and Opportunity. Tenant feedback indicated support for the extension, recognising the value of deeper engagement.

Housing Landlord Service - Access to Service

This report presented an analysis of how tenants, across various protected characteristics, access the Council's housing landlord services. The aim was to ensure service provision remains accessible, fair, and compliant with the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) Consumer Standards. The analysis indicated that generally, tenants with differing characteristics could access services proportionately, although some marginally lower access rates were noted for specific ethnic minorities and age groups. An action plan was proposed to address these identified areas for improvement.

Housing Stock Condition Survey

The Cabinet was to receive an update on the findings from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) stock condition surveys, which had covered 90.33% of the Council's stock. The report detailed the condition of property components, compliance with the Decent Homes standard, identified hazards and repairs, and energy assessments. The findings were being used to inform the HRA Business Plan and future investment programmes, with a strategy in place to maintain up-to-date data on the condition of homes.

Health and Safety Policy – General Statement of Intent and Arrangements

This report sought approval for amendments to the Council's Health and Safety Policy (V5.0). The review was necessary to ensure the policy remained compliant, fit for purpose, and reflected current best practice and guidance, particularly as the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) matures. Amendments had been made following feedback from the Policy Development Panel, and similar changes had been adopted by Boston Borough Council and East Lindsey District Council to ensure alignment across the partnership.

Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy

The Cabinet was asked to consider and approve revised Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy documents. These policies had been reviewed to ensure compliance with the latest statutory requirements, including the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and the new Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA). The policies aimed to align across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) and included updates on lawful access, interoperability, transparency registers, and risk assessments for data sharing. Delegation was sought for minor amendments to reflect changes in ICO guidance.

Pride in Place Programme Delivery

This report sought approval to accept the UK Government's Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable the delivery of the ten-year Pride in Place programme for Spalding, commencing in 2026/27. The Council would act as the accountable body for the programme, with delegated authority requested for the Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer to sign the MoU and approve expenditure recommended by the Spalding Neighbourhood Board. The report detailed the funding allocations over ten years, totalling £19.535 million, and outlined the governance and assurance arrangements.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, the minutes of the previous meeting, declarations of interest, and questions from the public. Matters subject to call-in and arising from Policy Development and Performance Monitoring Panels were also scheduled for consideration.