The Policy Development Panel was scheduled to consider a range of policy updates and reviews, including proposed amendments to the Health and Safety Policy, and new or revised policies on Anti-Social Behaviour, Damp, Condensation and Mould, and Graffiti and Street Art. The panel was also set to review the Debt Write Off Policy and the final report of the Derelict and Untidy Sites Task Group, alongside noting the Council's Policy Registers and the Panel's Work Programme.

Health and Safety Policy

The Panel was scheduled to consider proposed amendments to the Council's Health and Safety Policy, referred to as version 5.0. This policy, which is aligned across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (S&ELCP), sets out the Council's commitment to the health, safety, and welfare of its employees and others affected by its activities. The proposed amendments aim to ensure the policy remains compliant, fit for purpose, and reflects current best practice and guidance, particularly in light of organisational changes within the S&ELCP. The report highlighted that failure to maintain a fit-for-purpose health and safety policy presents a legal, financial, and reputational risk to the Council.

Derelict and Untidy Sites Policy Review

A final report from the Derelict and Untidy Sites Task Group was scheduled for consideration. The task group was established to assess the effectiveness of the Council's 2022 Derelict and Untidy Sites Policy. The report indicated that the existing policy was largely duplicative of statutory powers already available to departments such as Planning, Environmental Health, and Building Control, 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 appropriate service, and manage expectations regarding timescales, with links to public reporting methods.

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

The Panel was to consider a 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 under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and incorporates feedback from tenants gathered through various engagement activities, including focus groups and surveys. The policy introduces a victim-centred approach, a structured case management model with defined timescales, and strengthened reporting routes. Tenant feedback specifically influenced revisions to timescales for responses and communication, the inclusion of a person reporting designation before transitioning to victim, and the exploration of providing key service contact information via fridge magnets.

Housing (HRA) Damp, Condensation and Mould Policy

The Panel was scheduled to review an updated Damp, Condensation and Mould (DCM) Policy for 2026. This policy has been revised following amendments made in September 2025 to comply with new legislation, including Awaab's Law. The updated policy incorporates significant tenant feedback gathered through focus groups, surveys, and the Tenant Influence Panel. Key changes include specifying communication stages and preferences, setting clear Service Level Agreements (SLAs) at triage, enhancing performance transparency through publications on the Council website and at tenant events, and providing tailored advice considering individual tenant circumstances. The policy also clarifies landlord and tenant responsibilities and includes a six-month follow-up to check for recurring issues.

Graffiti and Street Art Management Policy

The Panel was to consider a proposal to separate the existing combined Graffiti and Street Art Management Policy into two distinct governance areas. The rationale behind this separation is to remove duplication and provide clarity. Graffiti, being an act of criminal damage, would remain governed by national legislation and the Council's Corporate Enforcement Policy, overseen by the Public Protection Team. A new, standalone Street Art Management Policy, owned by the Community Leadership Team, would be introduced to provide a framework for assessing, approving, and managing street art proposals. This approach aims to support legitimate street art while ensuring robust enforcement against illegal graffiti.

Debt Write Off Policy

The Panel was asked to review the Council's 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 unchanged due to a lack of significant legislative shifts. However, Cabinet had recently approved an increase in the write-off level delegated to the Section 151 Officer to £5,000, recognising that the previous limit of £1,050 was out of step with the wider sector. A comparison with other Lincolnshire authorities indicated that South Holland's delegation, even after the increase, remained relatively low. The Debt Write Off Policy itself is not for publication due to its sensitive nature.

SHDC Policy Register and SELCP Policy Register

The Panel was scheduled to note the South Holland District Council (SHDC) Policy Register and the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (S&ELCP) Policy Register. These registers provide an overview of the Council's policies, their review cycles, and their current status. The report indicated that several policies listed were on the agenda for consideration and review, and that the registers were in a healthy position.

Policy Development Panel Work Programme

The Panel was to review its Work Programme for 2025/26 and indicative items for 2026/27. This report allows the Panel to monitor progress on identified issues and consider any new items for inclusion. The Work Programme includes a calendar of future meetings with proposed items, and a list of ongoing task groups, detailing their objectives, membership, and reporting dates. Notably, the Data Protection Task Group was suggested for removal, while the Business Frontage Task Group was agreed to remain. An additional meeting on 9 February 2026 for Waste Policies follow-up was also to be noted.