At a special cabinet meeting, Boston Borough Council agreed to partner with East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council in developing a proposal for local government reorganisation, and also approved operational arrangements for a home energy advice service. The cabinet also discussed and approved a finance update, a performance and risk report, and an update on the Plan for Neighbourhoods.

Local government reorganisation

The cabinet agreed to become a partner in developing 'A Greater Lincolnshire for All' proposal for local government reorganisation (LGR), allocating up to £42,000 to support the proposal's development. Councillor Dale Broughton, leader of the council, explained that Greater Lincolnshire was one of several areas invited by the minister for local government to submit a proposal for LGR.

Councillor Callum Butler, portfolio holder for environmental services, said that of all the proposals, this was the best one for Lincolnshire as a whole, as others would create a rich and a poor or a rich district and a poor district which I just don't agree with. He added that while he felt democracy would be lost to a certain extent, the council had no say in the matter as it was being imposed by the government, so it was important to support the best option.

Councillor Sarah Sharpe, portfolio holder for heritage, culture and tourism, said that the proposal met the government's requirements, and Councillor Mike Gilbert, deputy leader of the council, added that it was not politically or selfishly motivated, but motivated for the best interests of south Lincolnshire.

The final proposal must be submitted by 28 November 2025, with Greater Lincolnshire earmarked to implement new arrangements in April 2028.

Home energy advice and retrofit team

The cabinet approved East Lindsey District Council acting as the lead authority and accountable body for the Warm Homes Local Grant programme and the Home Energy Advice Service on behalf of Boston Borough Council. They also approved entering into a written agreement with East Lindsey District Council for the delivery of the two programmes, and the continuation of a programme monitoring board.

Councillor Claire Rylott, portfolio holder for green spaces and travel, introduced the report, explaining that £5,639,746 had been secured from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) for the next three years to deliver the Warm Homes Local Grant programme across south and east Lincolnshire, with around 22% of this funding for the Boston area.

A further £362,720.15 had been secured to roll out the services of the Home Energy Advice Service into Boston and South Holland, following a successful pilot in east Lindsey. This would include a mobile electric energy van, alongside four home energy advice officers.

Councillor John Baxter, portfolio holder for housing, welcomed the report, particularly the home energy advice officers and the mobile energy van, Eric the energy van , for rural areas. He also welcomed the training budget to help local volunteers act as community energy champions.

Councillor Chris Mountain was pleased that the scheme would incorporate on-gas properties as well as off-gas properties, which would make a huge difference to people's lives.

The main eligibility criteria for the grant programme was that properties with mains gas would now be eligible for funding again. Landlords would receive one fully funded property, with subsequent properties requiring a 50% financial contribution. The energy advice service is open to anyone interested in saving money on their energy bills.

2024-25 Q4 finance update

The cabinet noted the improved out-turn position for 2024-25, including a £1.015 million revenue surplus, and recommended to full council that the surplus be transferred to the volatility reserve. They also noted the BTAC surplus of £86,000 and approved its transfer to the BTAC reserve.

Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, portfolio holder for finance and economic growth, presented the report, stating that the council had closed the year with a revenue surplus of £1.015 million, a significant improvement from the Q3 forecast of £627,000. This was driven by underspends across most service directorates, totalling £746,000, and strong investment income performance.

Councillor Callum Butler, portfolio holder for environmental services, noted the positive investment performance, and Councillor Dale Broughton, leader of the council, praised the strong financial management and the return of monies to reserves.

The report noted that against an efficiency target of £846,000, the council had delivered £656,000 in savings, representing 78% of the goal. The council had also received £431,000 in government support to offset Internal Drainage Board¹ (IDB) levy pressures. Total reserves had increased by £3.343 million, up to £19.345 million.

Quarter four 24-25 performance and risk report

The cabinet noted the quarterly performance and risk information for quarter four. Councillor Dale Broughton, leader of the council, presented the report, highlighting that performance was good overall, with the majority of key performance indicators (KPIs) being on or better than target. The only red measure at the end of the financial year was the average answer rate for revenues and benefits, due to an increase in the duration and complexity of calls.

Councillor Dale Broughton, leader of the council, said that ending 2024-25 with strong and consistent performance was something officers and members should be very proud of.

One risk, relating to technology infrastructure failure, was queried. The report stated that the risk was high, but Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, portfolio holder for finance and economic growth, felt it should be medium. An officer responded that while the impact of failure would always be high, the mitigation in place reduced the likelihood, and the risk score was at the target level due to the mitigations in place.

Update on plan for neighbourhoods

The cabinet agreed to accept and release all revenue capacity funding provided by central government to support the development of a new 10-year regeneration plan for Boston, delegating authority to the director of economic development to agree and expend all capacity funding, and to approve and enter all necessary contractual arrangements. They also delegated authority to the interim director of finance to draw down additional sums from the balance sheet account.

Councillor Mike Gilbert, deputy leader of the council, presented the report, explaining that the funding was to further develop key aspects of Boston borough and its infrastructure over a 10-year period from 2026. The interim funding would enable consultation to build the plan.

Councillor Callum Butler, portfolio holder for environmental services, noted that the fund had to be spent within the Boston town built-up area, but encouraged everyone to join in with the consultation. Councillor John Baxter, portfolio holder for housing, highlighted the number of times consultation was mentioned in the report, and said it was fantastic that the council was consulting its people.