The Policy Development Panel is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, to consider a range of policy updates and reviews. Key discussions are expected to include an extension to the Housing Landlord Strategy, updates to data protection and records management policies, and a review of the council's Markets Policy.

Extension of the Housing Landlord Strategy

The Panel is set to consider a proposal for a one-year extension to the current Housing Landlord Strategy¹. This extension aims to align the strategy with ongoing service transformation activities and allow for deeper tenant engagement in shaping the next iteration of the strategy. The report highlights progress made against the current strategy's four themes: Culture and Operational Excellence, Accountability and Transparency, Quality Homes and Connected Neighbourhoods, and Tenant Voice and Opportunity. It also details the council's response to its C2 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing², including a root cause analysis and the acceleration of tenant engagement initiatives. The proposed revised strategy, detailed in Appendix 1³, includes updates to reflect the new end date, national context, regulatory judgement outcomes, and tenant satisfaction measures.

Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy

Updated policies on Data Protection and Records Management are scheduled for review. These revisions are intended to ensure compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)⁴, the Data Protection Act 2018⁵, and the new Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA)⁶. The Data Protection Policy⁷ outlines how personal data is handled, while the Records Management Policy⁸ establishes a framework for managing all records throughout their lifecycle. Key updates include provisions for lawful access and reuse of public-sector datasets, updated complaint handling processes, and the management of AI-generated records.

SHDC Markets Policy Review and Severe Weather Policy

An update to the council's existing Markets Policy and the introduction of a new Markets Severe Weather Policy are on the agenda. The revised Markets Policy⁹ aims to support a new online booking and payment system (GOSS) and clarify responsibilities for both the council and traders. Significant changes include the classification of traders as regular or casual, the introduction of promotional fees for special markets, and updated disciplinary procedures. A new Severe Weather Policy¹⁰ has been drafted to address the increasing impact of adverse weather on markets, outlining procedures for restricting or closing markets to ensure safety.

Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, Spalding Heritage Strategy, Holbeach Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, and SELCP Design Guide

The Panel will be consulted on the progress of public consultation for several heritage documents. These include the Spalding Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan¹¹ (with an appended Spalding Shopfront Design Guide), the Spalding Heritage Strategy¹², the Holbeach Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan¹³, and the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) Design Guide¹⁴. The report details suggested boundary changes for consultation in Spalding and Holbeach, and the management plans include recommendations for improving design and preventing the loss of historic fabric. The SELCP Traditional Building Design Guide is in its early stages and aims to provide advice on repair and maintenance of historic buildings.

Housing Comments, Compliments, Complaints and Compensation Policy

Amendments to the Housing Comments, Compliments, Complaints and Compensation Policy¹⁵ will be presented for review. These updates were developed in conjunction with tenants to ensure alignment with the Housing Ombudsman's Complaint Handling Code¹⁶ and the Regulator of Social Housing's Consumer Standards. Key changes include making tenant voice more prominent, clarifying the investigation process with Senior Officers and Managers handling complaints, and reordering the policy for better flow. The policy also outlines the process for compensation awards, including mandatory and discretionary payments.

Terms and Conditions Alignment – Next Phase

The Panel will be consulted on proposals for the next phase of aligning terms and conditions of employment across Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council, and South Holland District Council as part of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership. This phase focuses on changes to areas such as overtime, car loan assistance, redundancy pay, pay protection, first aid payments, annual leave, mobility clauses, and injury awards. If approved, a 45-day consultation period with unions and colleagues will follow.

SHDC and S&ELCP Policy Registers

The Panel is scheduled to review the SHDC Policy Register¹⁷ and the SELCP Policy Register¹⁸. These registers provide an overview of all council policies, their review dates, and current status.

Policy Development Panel Work Programme

The Panel will also consider its Work Programme¹⁹ for 2025/26, including future meeting dates and proposed items for discussion. This includes updates on existing task groups and pending items for future review.