The Policy Development Panel was scheduled to discuss several key policy updates and reviews. These included proposed amendments to the Council's Health and Safety Policy, the final report of the Derelict and Untidy Sites Task Group, and updated policies on Anti-Social Behaviour and Hate Crime, Damp, Condensation and Mould, and Graffiti and Street Art. The Panel was also set to review the Debt Write Off Policy and the Council's Work Programme.

Health and Safety Policy – General Statement of Intent and Arrangements

The Panel was scheduled to consider proposed amendments to the Council's Health and Safety Policy. The report highlighted the Council's commitment to the health, safety, and welfare of its employees and others affected by its activities, in line with the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The policy is reviewed periodically to ensure compliance and alignment with best practice. Amendments have been made to align with the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (S&ELCP) arrangements, ensuring continuity across the partnership. The proposed changes were to be recommended to Cabinet for approval.

Final Report of the Derelict and Untidy Sites Task Group

The Panel was scheduled to consider the final report of the Derelict and Untidy Sites Task Group. This task group was established to assess the effectiveness of the Derelict and Untidy Sites Policy, introduced in 2022. The report indicated that the policy was largely duplicative of existing statutory powers available to various council teams, such as Planning and Environmental Health, and had not demonstrably improved outcomes. The task group's conclusion was that the existing policy should be retired and replaced with a concise, 2-3 page guidance signpost document for Members and Parish Councils. This document would outline how to identify relevant issues, gather information, contact the correct service, and manage expectations regarding timescales.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service

The Panel was scheduled to consider the new Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Hate Crime Policy for the Housing Landlord Service. This policy aims to provide a clear and consistent approach to preventing, managing, and responding to ASB and hate incidents affecting Council tenants. It reflects strengthened regulatory requirements from the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and incorporates feedback from tenants gathered through various engagement activities. The policy sets out statutory responsibilities, service standards, partnership arrangements, and expectations for tenants, residents, and perpetrators. It includes a structured case management model with defined timescales and a victim-centred approach. The policy also outlines the Council's approach to supporting victims and perpetrators, as well as the tools and powers available for intervention.

Housing (HRA) Damp, Condensation and Mould Policy

The Panel was scheduled to consider the updated Damp, Condensation and Mould (DCM) Policy 2026. This policy has been updated to comply with legislative amendments related to Awaab's Law, which came into effect in September 2025. The policy has been further strengthened by integrating tenant feedback gathered through focus groups and surveys. Key changes include improved communication strategies, clearer expectations on response and repair timescales, greater performance transparency, and tailored advice for tenants. The policy also clarifies landlord and tenant responsibilities and includes a follow-up mechanism six months after works are completed.

Graffiti and Street Art Management Policy

The Panel was scheduled to consider a review of the existing combined Graffiti and Street Art Management Policy. The proposal was to separate the policy into two distinct areas: a standalone Street Art Management Policy, administered by the Community Leadership Team, and to retain graffiti enforcement within the Corporate Enforcement Policy. This separation aims to remove duplication, provide clarity for internal teams and the public, and ensure a consistent framework for both enforcement and creative activity. Graffiti is considered criminal damage and is already governed by national legislation and the Corporate Enforcement Policy. The new Street Art Management Policy would provide a framework for assessing, approving, and managing street art proposals, supporting high-quality, authorised street art while protecting local environments and heritage assets.

Debt Write Off Policy

The Panel was scheduled to review the Debt Write Off Policy. This policy supports effective processes for instances where debt is considered irrecoverable. The report noted that the policy was last reviewed in 2017 and had largely remained the same due to a lack of significant changes in relevant legislation. However, in January 2026, Cabinet approved an increase in the delegated write-off limit for the Section 151 Officer to £5,000, recognising that the previous limit of £1,050 was out of step with the sector. A comparison with other Lincolnshire authorities indicated that SHDC's delegation limit remained relatively low. The Debt Write Off Policy itself is not for publication due to its sensitive nature.

Policy Development Panel Work Programme

The Panel was scheduled to review its Work Programme for 2025/26 and consider proposed items for future meetings, including updates on the Tenant Engagement and Influence Strategy, Carbon Footprint, Housing Complaints Policy, Employee Policies, Destination Management Plan, ICT Policies, Communications Strategy, PSPS Transformation Programme, Vulnerable Person and Reasonable Adjustment Policy, Disabled Aids and Adaptations Policy, AI Policy, Partnership Safeguarding Policy, and Social Media Policy. The report also outlined the status of various task groups, including the Derelict and Untidy Sites Task Group and the Business Frontage Task Group.