The Full Council of Boston Council met on Monday 12 January 2026 to discuss a range of important financial, governance, and community matters. Key agenda items included the review of the Council's annual scrutiny report, proposed amendments to contract procedure rules, and the future of local council tax support schemes.

Annual Scrutiny Report 2024/2025

The council was scheduled to receive the joint annual scrutiny report for 2024/2025, compiled by the Environment & Performance Committee and the Corporate & Community Committee. This report was intended to provide an overview of the work undertaken by these committees during the previous municipal year, acting as a signpost for further information available on the Boston Borough Council website. The report was previously considered by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 9 December 2025.

Democratic Arrangements – Appointment to Outside Body 2025/26

A report was presented regarding appointments to outside bodies for the 2025/26 civic year. Following the annual meeting in May 2025, a vacancy had arisen on the Sir Thomas Meddlecott and Others Charity Trust (Skirbeck Quarter Charities). The council was invited to consider nominations and make an appointment to this vacancy, with the appointment set to cease at the end of the civic year.

Community Governance Review – Stage 1 Consultation Outcomes and Draft Recommendations

The council was scheduled to consider draft recommendations from the Community Governance Review (CGR) Working Group, following the Stage 1 consultation. The review, initiated due to the Local Government Reorganisation programme, explored the potential establishment of a new Parish Council for the unparished area of Boston. The draft recommendations included establishing a single parish for Boston, altering the Wyberton parish boundary, setting the council size for the parish of Boston at 22 councillors, dividing the parish into seven wards aligned with existing borough ward boundaries, and scheduling the first elections for May 2027. These recommendations were proposed for publication and a second phase of public consultation.

Proposed Amendments to the Council's Contract Procedure Rules

A report was presented detailing proposed amendments to the Council's Contract Procedure Rules (CPRs). These amendments were intended to ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, reflect best practice, and address practical challenges identified since the last update. Key changes included updated procurement thresholds, a reduction in the minimum number of quotations required for mid-value contracts, new sections on conflicts of interest and pre-market engagement, and the integration of frameworks and dynamic markets. The Audit & Governance Committee had considered these amendments on 17 November 2025, and Cabinet had approved the revised delegations to officers on 10 December 2025.

2025/26 Mid-Term Treasury Report

The council was to receive an update on the Council's Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy for 2025/26. The report provided an economic update for the first half of the financial year, interest rate forecasts, and a review of the Council's capital expenditure, borrowing, and investment positions. It also detailed the repayment of a LOBO loan with State Street and its replacement with a PWLB loan, highlighting projected savings. The report confirmed compliance with treasury and prudential indicators and noted no changes in the Council's risk appetite.

Quarter 2 2025/26 Capital Forecast Outturn

This report presented the Capital Programme for 2025/26 and sought approval for proposed amendments. Table 1 detailed revisions to the capital programme and progress against the approved programme, including projected outturns. Table 2 outlined specific changes to approved capital budgets, primarily relating to the reallocation of funds within Levelling Up Fund (LUF) projects to align with current scheme delivery, with an acceleration of £100k into the 2025/26 budget from 2026/27.

Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

The council was asked to determine the Local Council Tax Support scheme for 2026/27. Following a fundamental review the previous year, the current scheme provides a maximum support level of 100% for households with children and 85% for other households. The report presented three options for consultation, including retaining the current levels, reducing support to 90% for lone parents, 80% for couples with children, and 75% for others, or further reducing it to 70% for other households. The recommendations put forward for approval involved revising the scheme to 90% for lone parents, 80% for couples with children, and 75% for all other households, with annual uprating in line with DWP allowances.

Motion on Notice: Amendment to Council Procedure

A motion was scheduled for consideration regarding an amendment to Council Procedure Rules to limit members to one question per member at Full Council meetings. This was proposed to improve the efficiency and fairness of proceedings.

The meeting also included preliminary items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, communications, deputations and petitions, and questions from elected members and the public. Draft minutes from the Audit & Governance Committee meeting held on 17 November 2025 were also to be received.