Agenda

This meeting can be watched as a live stream, or at a later date, via the SKDC Public-I Channel

For those Councillors who wish to attend, prayers will be held at 1:55pm before the commencement of the meeting. Please be seated by 1:50pm.

The public open forum will commence at 2.00 p.m. and the following formal business of the Council will commence at 2.30 p.m. or whenever the public open forum ends, if earlier.

To consider the latest political balance, and the appointment of Councillors to committees.

A 45-minute period in which members may ask questions of the Leader, Cabinet Members, the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees and opposition group leaders excluding the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee, Licensing and Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment Licensing Committees and Governance and Audit Committee.

Council notes:

That Councillor Ray Wootten served the residents of Grantham St Wulfram’s Ward and South Kesteven with great distinction for many years, representing his community in a cross-party manner with dedication, compassion, and good humour.

That during his time in public service, Cllr Ray Wootten played a significant role in supporting local causes, mentoring colleagues, improving community facilities, serving as Mayor of Grantham, Chairman of South Kesteven District Council, Lincolnshire County Councillor, and promoting civic pride across the district.

That Wyndham Park holds a special place in the life of Grantham as a much-loved public space which continues to attract visitors from near and far. Wyndham Park is shared between the wards of Grantham St Vincent’s and Grantham St Wulfram’s, and would therefore be an appropriate place for South Kesteven District Council to recognise the contribution made by Cllr Wootten to the people of Grantham.

Council further notes:

That there is currently no formal public recognition of Cllr Wootten’s long service and contribution to the life of our community following his passing in 2023.

Council therefore resolves:

1.    That a public consultation be launched to seek views on renaming the Wyndham Park Visitor Centre as the “Ray Wootten Visitor Centre”, in recognition of his many years of service to the people of Grantham and South Kesteven.

2.    That the consultation be publicised through the Council’s website, social media channels, and local media outlets, ensuring that residents, park users, and the Friends of Wyndham Park volunteer group have the opportunity to share their views.

3.    That following the consultation, a report be presented by the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure to the Culture and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee outlining the findings and recommendations for consideration.

Motion: Recognition of the 300th Anniversary of the Death of Sir Isaac Newton (1727 – 2027)

This Council notes that:

·       2027 will mark the 300th anniversary of the death of Sir Isaac Newton, one of the most significant figures in the history of science, whose life and work are deeply connected to South Kesteven and the surrounding area.

·       Sir Isaac Newton was born in Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth and educated at The King’s School, Grantham, and his legacy forms an important part of the District’s historical, cultural, and educational heritage.

·       The tercentenary represents a significant opportunity to celebrate South Kesteven’s contribution to world history, to engage local communities, schools, and visitors, and to promote learning, heritage, and place-based pride.

This Council therefore resolves to:

1.    Commit in principle to recognising the 300th anniversary of Sir Isaac Newton’s death in 2027, including on or around the anniversary date of 31 March 2027.

2.    Request that officers fully mobilise and work collaboratively with relevant partners and stakeholders to explore appropriate commemorative activity, including but not limited to:

-       Colsterworth and District Parish Council

-       The National Trust, including at Woolsthorpe Manor and other relevant sites

-       St. Wulfram’s Church, Grantham

-       The King’s School, Grantham

-       Local schools, heritage organisations, academic institutions, and community groups

-       local councillors

3.    Encourage a coordinated, district-wide approach that is proportionate, inclusive, and reflective of South Kesteven’s historical connection to Sir Isaac Newton, with a focus on education, heritage, and community engagement.

4.    Request that a brief update be brought to the appropriate committee or Council in due course outlining potential options for recognition and partnership working.

South Kesteven District Council Defends Local Democracy and the Right to Vote

Council notes that:

·       Local democracy is founded on the regular, lawful, and timely election of councillors by the communities they serve;

·       The right of citizens to choose their representatives through free and fair elections is a cornerstone of British democracy;

·       The cancellation or postponement of scheduled future local elections whenever they may be scheduled, undermines public trust in democratic institutions, weakens local accountability;

·       It has been suggested that local elections may be cancelled or postponed in up to 60 local authority areas.

Council believes that:

·       Whilst South Kesteven are not part of those councils presently considering cancellation scheduled elections, the general principle of cancelling local elections for reasons of political convenience rather than genuine necessity represents a serious democratic failure;

·       Elections should never be suspended or avoided simply because legacy political parties fear electoral defeat or voter dissatisfaction;

·       The current unpopularity of both Labour and Conservative parties reflects years of policy failure, mismanagement, and a perceived managed decline in national governance. Fourteen years of Conservative government have coincided with rising taxes, strained public services, weakened border control, and declining living standards;

·       Since the last General Election, the Labour Party has demonstrated poor governance, broken promises, rising taxes on working people and an increasing disconnect from the priorities of the British people;

·       Voters must not be denied their democratic voice simply because the electorate wishes to hold political parties to account for years of failure.

Council resolves to:

·       Publicly reaffirm its commitment to the principle that local elections should not be cancelled or delayed except in the most extreme and unavoidable circumstances;

·       Request that this Council will not support, request, or acquiesce in the cancellation or postponement of its own scheduled local elections at some date in the future;

·       Call on all political parties to respect the electorate and allow voters to pass judgment at the ballot box rather than avoiding democratic accountability;

·       Request the Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to express this Council’s opposition to the cancellation of local elections and to request the protection of local democratic rights;

·       Request the Chief Executive to circulate this resolution to the Local Government Association and neighbouring authorities for information.