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 track, with 10% slightly below target and 3% significantly under target. The report also outlined the strategic risk register, highlighting areas such as service delivery, the implementation of the Environment Act 2021, waste collection round pressures, and the overall budget as high risks that were not currently at their target status. Partnership risks were also detailed, with funding and staffing identified as high risks not on target. Fraud risks were also reviewed, with procurement contracts and contract payments identified as medium risks. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) risks included staffing for emergency repairs, tenant engagement resource, and minimum energy efficiency standards as not at target. Feedback from the Performance Monitoring Panel and the Governance and Audit Committee was also included, addressing concerns about performance indicators, trends, AI governance, and the frequency of risk reporting.

2025/26 Quarter Three Finance Update

The Cabinet was presented with the Council's financial position at the end of the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated 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 HRA Capital Programme was forecasted at £15.226 million against a full-year budget of £20.356 million. The Council's Treasury Management performance showed a forecast outturn for investment income of £1.931 million against a budget of £1.098 million, attributed to increased balances and interest rates. The report also detailed the Council's sundry debt analysis as of 31 December 2025, amounting to £657,772. Council Tax collection stood at 82.19% and Business Rates collection at 80.84% for the year to date.

South Holland District Council (SHDC) Markets Policy Review

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider an update to the existing SHDC 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 to the Markets Policy included classifying traders as regular or casual, introducing promotional fees for special markets, requiring risk assessments for self-provided stalls, clarifying payment procedures, and allowing charity stalls to stand free of charge once per quarter. The Severe Weather Policy aimed to provide a clear framework for decisions on restricting or closing markets due to adverse weather, prioritizing the safety of the public, traders, and staff.

Lincolnshire Good Home Alliance and Disabled Facilities Grant Funding

The Cabinet was asked to accept and approve the use of additional Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funding received from Lincolnshire County Council. This funding was proposed to be used for a 21-month extension of the Lincolnshire Good Home Alliance advice and casework service from July 2026 to March 2028. The remaining portion of the grant 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. It noted the Council's C2 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing and the ongoing work to address identified weaknesses, particularly in tenant 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 analysis, based on data from repairs, complaints, anti-social behaviour reports, rent arrears, and other services, indicated that access was generally proportionate across different demographics. However, marginally lower access rates were observed for some specific ethnic minorities, nationalities, and age groups, particularly concerning the repairs service. An action plan was proposed to address these identified areas for improvement, focusing on enhancing communication pathways and accessibility.

Housing Stock Condition Survey

The Cabinet was presented with the findings from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) stock condition surveys, which covered 90.33% of the Council's housing stock. The report indicated that most components were meeting or exceeding their expected lifespans, with only a small percentage requiring earlier replacement. The findings confirmed that property type and location did not significantly impact component wear. The report also detailed the Council's compliance with the Decent Homes standard and outlined the strategy for maintaining up-to-date stock condition data, including a continuous programme of property assessments and a rolling five-year survey cycle.

Health and Safety Policy – General Statement of Intent and Arrangements

The Cabinet was asked to approve amendments to the Council's Health and Safety Policy (V5.0). The review was undertaken to ensure the policy remained compliant, fit for purpose, and reflected current best practices, particularly in light of the maturing South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP). The proposed amendments aimed to align health and safety arrangements across the partnership and ensure a positive health and safety culture.

Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy

The Cabinet was asked to consider and approve revised Data Protection and Records Management Policies. These policies had been updated 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 amendments aimed to align these policies across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) and included updated provisions for lawful access, interoperability, transparency registers, and risk assessments for data sharing.

Pride in Place Programme Delivery

The Cabinet was asked 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 outlined the funding allocations over ten years, totalling £19.535 million, and detailed the governance arrangements for ensuring the lawful and effective use of public funds.