The South Holland District Council meeting scheduled for 26 February 2026 was set to address a range of significant financial and strategic matters, including the approval of the annual budget, council tax levels, and the pay policy statement. The meeting agenda also included consideration of the South & East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy and proposals for aligning terms and conditions across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

Annual Budget and Financial Strategy

A key item on the agenda was the approval of the Annual Budget Report for 2026/27. This encompassed the General Fund Budget and HRA Budgets, alongside the Medium Term Financial Strategy, Capital Programme and Capital Strategy, and the Treasury Management Policy/Strategy. The Annual Delivery Plan was also to be considered, with a particular focus on the approval of Council Tax levels for the upcoming year. In accordance with The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote was scheduled for budget recommendations. Members were reminded of their obligation to declare if they were two months or more in arrears with council tax payments, as this would preclude them from voting on budget-related items. The Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) was responsible for presenting this comprehensive financial report.

Council Tax Setting 2026/27

Following the budget approval, the council was scheduled to set the specific amounts of Council Tax for 2026/27 across all valuation bands and within each part of the district. This decision, also presented by the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer), would directly impact residents' household bills. Similar to the budget discussions, a recorded vote was anticipated for these recommendations, with the same stipulations regarding council tax arrears applying to members.

Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27

The meeting agenda included a proposal for the approval of the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27. This statement outlines the council's policies relating to the pay of its staff, particularly senior management. The Chief Executive was responsible for presenting this report.

South & East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy

Recommendations from the Cabinet meeting on 17 February 2026 concerning the South & East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy were to be considered. This strategy likely outlines plans and initiatives aimed at improving safety and reducing crime across the South & East Lincolnshire area.

Terms and Conditions Alignment

Proposals for aligning further Terms and Conditions across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership were scheduled for discussion. The aim was to agree on commencing the delivery of these aligned terms and conditions, which would affect employees working within the partnership. The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development (PSPS) was to present this item.

Portfolio Holder Updates

Councillors were to receive updates on the work being undertaken within each of their respective portfolios. These updates, presented by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Charles Worth, and other Portfolio Holders such as Councillor Jim Astill (Corporate and Environmental Services), Councillor Henry J W Bingham (Assets and Strategic Planning), Councillor Tracey Carter (Strategic and Operational Housing), Councillor Anthony Casson (Public Protection), and Councillor Elizabeth Jane Sneath (Health and Wellbeing, Conservation and Heritage), would provide insight into ongoing council activities.

Committee Minutes

The meeting was also scheduled to receive minutes from various committees and panels, including the Governance and Audit Committee, the Planning Committee (with minutes from meetings on 7 January 2026 and 11 February 2026), and the Joint Performance Monitoring Panel/Policy Development Panel (Budget Scrutiny).

Key Decision Plan

The current Key Decision Plan was to be presented for the council's review. This plan outlines decisions that are significant and require formal council approval.

Health Scrutiny for Lincolnshire Report

Councillor Glynis P Scalese was scheduled to provide an update to South Holland District Council following the latest meeting of the Health Scrutiny for Lincolnshire Committee.

Nominations and Constitution Changes

The agenda indicated that nominations for Committees and other seats would be received from political groups, and any proposed changes to the Council's Constitution were to be considered.

Other Business

The agenda also included provisions for any other urgent items that the Chairman, Councillor Jan Whitbourn, might decide should be considered, provided special circumstances were specified. Finally, a restricted minute from the 28 January 2026 Full Council meeting was to be signed as a correct record, with provisions for the exclusion of the press and public if exempt information was to be discussed.