LGA Corporate Peer Challenge

Boston Borough Council has published its action plan to help shape the future focus of the council following its Corporate Peer Challenge.

In May 2024, the Council welcomed Peers from the Local Government Association who spent three days talking to councillors, officers and stakeholders as part of the review.  

A Peer Challenge involves Councillors and officers from other local authorities who independently observe the council after first considering a detailed report and position statement before the visit.

All councils are encouraged to undergo a Peer Challenge every few years to support their improvement and development and they are always a good learning opportunity for all involved.

The Peers said of Boston Borough Council in its report:

• Following the May 2023 elections, the Council 'hit the ground running', with a clear and focussed leadership. Boston councillors have a strong desire to perform their roles well.
• The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership has brought huge benefits to Boston Borough Council and is 'punching above its weight', particularly in expertise and skills.
• The Council has had impressive success in securing £76.7m funding from the Government since 2021 to support regeneration and growth - many projects are well underway.
• Boston Borough Council is committed to revitalising the town centre and building upon community pride.
• The Council was praised on its positive focus to engaging with parishes, villages, residents and community organisations.  
• The Council has a strong performance culture which is helping to improve services for residents
• Boston 400 in 2030 - the 400-year anniversary of Boston, Massachusetts - provides a great opportunity for significant tourism and heritage benefits that will be long-lasting for the community. The Council is already working on this opportunity with partners.
• The council has a sound awareness of its finances and challenges, including the pressure from Internal Drainage Board levies. The Council is proactively addressing through a Special Interest Group of more than 30 councils lobbying Government for a change in how the Drainage Boards are funded as the current arrangement is not sustainable.
• The workforce of Boston Borough Council is passionate, committed and proud; particularly on its impact on communities.
• The Cabinet has a real focus on the community and to climate action.
• Peers were impressed by the Partnership's prioritisation on workforce development and staff retention

The peers in their recommendations did highlight some areas for improvement and development, which have been included in the action plan.

Recommendations include enhancing member development and training opportunities to support = members who have been elected for the first time.

A regular residents survey that will encourage participation from the whole community of the Borough is an important feature of the action plan to help shape policy for the Council.

Cllr Anne Dorrian, Leader of Boston Borough Council said: "The Peer Challenge process is about learning and improving and I would like to thank the Peers for spending a short time with us to learn about our organisation.

"I am immensely proud of the work of both Councillors and officers as we continue to drive forward an exciting and ambitious programme of improvements for our Borough.

"In their report, the Peer Team recognised the excellent work that has been undertaken to secure £76m of Government investment in recent years and many of these projects are now coming into fruition, including new leisure facilities, investment in heritage and culture and the regeneration of areas that have been long neglected. 

"Our ongoing effort to support improvements to the Town Centre through the new Town Centre Strategy was also recognised and we work hard to ensure the Town Centre, and wider Borough, are places our community can be proud of.

"As a new Council in May 2023, it was important we made an impact quickly and the Peer Team identify in their report that the administration has hit the group running with a clear focus on the community and a strong desire to engage with residents to deliver on their needs.  We intend to keep the momentum.

"The Peers have recognised there is a lot to be proud of and to celebrate within the Council, particularly our strong performance culture which is helping to drive improvements to our services.  

"Looking ahead, as well as the significant investments in the Borough, we have the 400-year anniversary of Boston, Massachusetts in 2030, which the Peers consider to be a great opportunity for us all to really shout about Boston - this anniversary is something we have been working on for some time and plans continue to be made to maximise this exciting opportunity."

Cabinet has approved an action plan following the Peer Challenge recommendations. The report and action plan can be viewed below: