The Overview & Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Section 19 Flooding Investigation Report for Wyberton West Road and Park Road, Boston, and to hear how risk management authorities are responding to its recommendations. The committee also reviewed the effectiveness of its current single-committee scrutiny arrangements and considered the Quarter 3 performance report for 2025/26.

Section 19 Flooding Investigation Report, Wyberton West Road and Park Road, Boston

The committee received an update on the Section 19 Flooding Investigation Report, which investigated the internal flooding of 38 residential properties on Wyberton West Road and Park Road, Boston, in January 2025. Representatives from the Environment Agency (EA) and Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board (IDB) presented their responses to the report's recommendations.

Matthew Harrison, Flood and Water Manager for Lincolnshire County Council, explained the Section 19 investigation process, noting that these reports identify causes and recommend actions but do not legally enforce them. He highlighted the increasing frequency of flooding events across Lincolnshire and detailed the council's £1 million Property Flood Resilience Grant, of which only nine out of 40 eligible properties in Boston took up the offer. Harrison also introduced the Project Groundwater initiative, which aims to install telemetry in watercourses for early flood warnings.

Morgan Ray, Area Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency, confirmed that a bespoke flood warning area for the downstream reaches of the South Forty Foot Drain (SFFD) had been created following the flooding. He also discussed the review of EA modelling for the SFFD, which found no major concerns with the 2016 modelling, but noted that catchment conditions, such as frozen ground, were significant factors in the January 2025 event. Ray also mentioned that funding had been secured for investigation works into flood defences in Boston, including potential measures to address seepage and settlement.

Daniel Withnell, Chief Executive of Black Sluice IDB, explained the board's updated emergency plan, which now allows for remote control of pumping stations. He highlighted the possibility of linking systems to stop pumping stations near Boston when the water level is tide-locked, a complex but potentially beneficial development.

Kim Pickett, Community Resilience Officer for Lincolnshire, and Steve Eason-Harris, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Officer, discussed community resilience initiatives, including the development of community emergency plans and the provision of emergency kits. They acknowledged the low uptake of some resilience measures and expressed a desire to understand the reasons behind this.

During the public question session, Andy Robinson, a resident of Wyberton West Road, expressed frustration with the complexity and lack of empathy in the Property Flood Resilience Grant application process. He also highlighted a lack of communication regarding the Section 19 report and the need for better information sharing with residents. Councillor Barry Robert Andrew Dacia, the County Councillor for Boston South, raised concerns about a lack of coordination between risk management authorities and requested greater transparency.

The committee resolved to note and comment on the report, with a recommendation to revisit the topic in six months to review the implementation of recommendations.

Scrutiny Arrangements Review

The committee reviewed the effectiveness of its current single-committee scrutiny model, which was adopted in May 2025. The review, based on consultation with members and officers, found a clear majority preference for continuing with a single Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Respondents cited improved visibility of scrutiny activity, greater continuity in discussions, and a more manageable workload compared to the previous two-committee structure. The report recommended continuing with the single-committee model, focusing on refining existing practices, including work programming and member development.

Quarter 3 2025/26 Performance Report

Suzanne Rolfe, Group Manager for Insights and Transformation, presented the performance report for Quarter 3 of 2025/26. The report indicated that 27 targeted Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were either on or within tolerance of their targets, with one waste target being an annual measure. 65 indicators were trend measures, without set targets. Councillor Andy Izard raised concerns about the council tax and business rates collection rates, questioning why targets were not met more consistently. Councillor Ralph Pryke suggested that some targets might not be stretching enough, leading to a high number of green indicators. Officers explained the process for reviewing and setting KPI targets annually and committed to reviewing the data for the year-end report. Councillor David Scoot inquired about the reporting of household waste for recycling and composting, particularly with the introduction of new food waste collections.

Work Programme and Forward Plan

The committee reviewed its work programme and forward plan for 2025-26 and the draft programme for 2026-27. Councillor Pryke noted that the Town Centre Task and Finish Group report was expected soon. Councillor Alison Austin suggested scrutinising rate arrangements for the visitor economy, given the demise of Destination Lincolnshire . Councillor Andy Izard requested more in-depth analysis of council tax and business rates collection, and for the flood resilience topic to be scheduled for review in six months. Councillor Austin also proposed investigating the collection and use of data on indelible labelling on alcohol cans sold to licensed premises, and for the committee to invite different teams to discuss strategies for improving public engagement. The committee agreed to incorporate these items into the work programme.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the guests and a note that the next meeting would be on Thursday, 4th June 2026.