Agenda and minutes

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.

There were no questions or statements from members of the public.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors:

Helen Crawford

Steven Cunnington

Graham Jeal

Jane Kingman

Bridget Ley

Paul Martin

Penny Robins

Ian Stokes

It was noted that due to the apology submitted by Councillor Paul Martin, the motion at item 9c of the agenda would be not debated in his absence in accordance with the constitution.

Councillor Richard Litchfield declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Item 9b of the agenda having an active interest in a public house referred to in Dry Doddington, referenced in the motion.

Having declared the interest, Councillor Litchfield stated that he would leave the meeting for the duration of debate on the item and would rejoin once the item had concluded.

Minutes of the two previous meetings held on 21 May 2026 (Extraordinary and AGM).

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2026 at 12 noon were proposed, seconded and agreed as a correct record.

The minutes of the AGM held on 21 May 2026 at 2pm were proposed, seconded and agreed as a correct record subject to the following amendments: Item 14 – Question 14 – Councillor Matt Bailey asked the question not Councillor Max Sawyer as printed. The amended version of the minutes had been published on the website.

The Council noted the Chairman’s engagements.

The Chair congratulated Lucy Bonshor – Democratic Services, on her 40 years of service with South Kesteven District Council.

Karen Bradford as Head of Paid Service reported that Kirkby Underwood Parish Council had recently received resignations from 4 of its 5 members and was no longer quorate.  A minimum of 3 members was needed for the Council to conduct business and hold meetings. Where a Parish Council is inquorate and unable to operate, the District Council can make temporary appointments to enable the Parish Council to progress urgent business.

Making temporary appointments to Town and Parish Councils is delegated to the Chief Executive and any appointments are required to be reported to the next meeting of Council for information.

The Head of Paid Service advised members that she had used those powers to make two temporary appointments to Kirkby Underwood Parish Council. Councillor Nick Robins and County Councillor Martin Hill had been appointed on a temporary basis until two new Parish Councillors have been elected or co-opted and taken up office.

The Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture announced that three of Grantham’s parks had been given the Green Flag award.

The Cabinet Member for Property and Public Engagement noted that a contract had been signed to allow a banking hub to operate within the Stamford Arts Centre which was anticipated to open in Autumn 2026.

The Leader of the Council spoke on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and thanked the officers for their hard work on the ‘Best for Greater Lincolnshire’ proposal that had been submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). It was explained that this was one of four proposals put forward, the Lincoln City proposal having been accepted by Government. This ‘horseshoe’ arrangement was the least favourable option of the four proposals and had only the support of one of the seven districts and Cabinet would, as a collective, be looking to challenge the outcome whether through lobbying or through legal means and will be looking to the other Lincolnshire Leaders about a joint approach to challenge the decision.

The Chair of the Council informed the meeting that convention at the Authority does not to permit debate on communications. However, as Chairman of the Authority one of the roles under Article 5, Para. 5.2(b)(iii) was 'to ensure that the Full Council meeting is a forum for the debate of matters of concern to the Local Community in accordance with the Council Procedure Rules.' It was evident to all that the Government announcement on LGR was an extraordinary event and a matter of genuine concern to the Local Community.

Whilst there was no Council Procedure Rule which expressly forbade debate on announcements, discretion was exercised by Chairman permitting Members to debate the communication by the Leader on LGR in the normal manner subject to a 90 second time limit for each Member.

Councillor Ben Green stated that no one wanted the Lincoln ‘doughnut’ and was, he considered to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

To consider the acceptance of the additional Warm Homes Social Housing Fund (WH-SHF) grant of £999k which the Council has been awarded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the associated Council match funding requirement and a budget increase to the HRA Capital Programme.

The Cabinet Member for Housing proposed the report to consider the acceptance of the additional Warm Homes Social Housing Fund (WH-SHF) grant of £999k which the Council has been awarded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), with the associated Council match funding requirement plus the necessary budget increase to the HRA Capital Programme.

In response to questions asked, the following was noted:

·         The deadline for which the grant to be spent is March 2027

·         People living in private-rented accommodation could apply for assistance through the private sector grant scheme

Having been proposed and seconded and following a vote it was AGREED:

DECISION:

That Council

a)    Recommend that Cabinet accept the additional £999k Warm Homes Social Housing Fund grant which has been awarded to the Council by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

b)   Note there is a match funding requirement attached to the grant.

c)    Upon acceptance of the grant approve a budget increase to the HRA Capital Programme of £1.598m and approve the transfer of £599k from the HRA Priorities Reserve in order to comply with the match funding condition.

This report provides a summary of the work undertaken by all Overview and Scrutiny Committees during 2025/2026.

Councillor Gareth Knight proposed the report that provided a summary of the work undertaken by all Overview and Scrutiny Committees during 2025/2026. Councillor Gareth Knight thanked Councillor Bridget Ley for her work on the Finance and Economic Overview and Scrutiny Committee (FEOSC).

The Leader thanked all members appointed to the various scrutiny committees and expressed his appreciation of the work undertaken.

Thanks were also given to Officers of the Council for their contributions and the Democratic Services Officer for assisting in drafting the report.

In response to a question raised, it was noted that there was some cross over between the Scrutiny Committees noting that a review of the Constitution was underway to address the structure of the Committees.

Having been proposed and seconded, and following a vote it was AGREED:

DECISION:

That Full Council:

Notes the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report.

Note: The meeting adjourned for a short break before reconvening. Councillors Emma Baker and Mark Whittington left the Council Chamber and did not return

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.

Question 1

In response to a question from Councillor Murray Turner, the Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste explained that in June 2026, SKDC emptied around 670,000 receptacles for waste, including bins and caddies. Missed bins were up but there were 70,000 more bins being collected this year. Missed bins accounted for 0.00132% of collections.

Question 2

In response to a question from Councillor Ian Selby to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Ashley Baxter congratulated Harrowby United having won the South Kesteven Charity Cup.

Question 3

In response to a question from Councillor Gareth Knight to the Leader of the Council, asking if LGA membership was ‘good value’ for money, Councillor Ashley Baxter commented that the LGA provided training and advice to members and officers, noting that there was room for improvement with regards to spend and value for money within the organisation.

Question 4

In response to a question from Councillor Sue Woolley to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, Councillor Rhys Baker reported that he had not been contacted by any member of the Reform-led Lincolnshire County Council to discuss if there was any more SKDC can do in supporting the reduction of fly-tipping since the introduction of a refuse booking-system.

Queston 5

In response to a question from Councillor Matt Bailey to the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Stokes congratulated the Lincolnshire Tamil Community and other groups whose cultures are celebrated across South Kesteven and thanked Councillor Bailey for his continued support of the Lincolnshire Tamils.

Queston 6

In response to a question from Councillor Sarah Trotter to the Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Virginia Moran stated that she was unaware why SKDC were endorsing the businesses of ‘Fraser and Fraser’ and ‘Auction House’ when other genealogists and auction companies were available. However, she would endeavour to get an explanation as to how the decision was made and would relay the information to Councillor Trotter in due course.

Queston 7

In response to a question from Councillor Harrish Bisnauthsing to the Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Virginia Moran reported that regarding the concerns about Circles’ Houses in Multiple Occupancies (HMOs) in the region, all the properties had been visited and inspected. The Chief Executive explained that a further report would be presented in due course. The report would explain that all properties have been re-inspected with regards to those with category 1 and 2 concerns, with all having passed the re-inspection.

Queston 8

In response to a question from Councillor Ben Green to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Ashley Baxter explained that the term ‘Kesteven’ had been in existence for more than 1000 years and that any successor authority should be given a name that is easily understandable but the term ‘Kesteven’ would continue to be used regardless whether it is part of the title of a new local authority or not.

Queston 9

In response to a question from Councillor Max Sawyer to the Leader of the Council, with regards to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

Motion: Local Government Reorganisation and the Name of Any Successor

Authority

A. This Council notes that:

1.    Local Government Reorganisation is being advanced by Central Government with the stated aim of replacing two-tier local government with larger unitary authorities.

2.    If reorganisation proceeds, South Kesteven District Council is likely to become part of a much larger unitary authority.

3.    Proposals under consideration include a successor authority comprising North Kesteven, South Kesteven and South Holland.

4.    Lincolnshire is not merely a compass-point geography, but a county of deep historic identities, including the historic Parts of Kesteven, Holland and Lindsey.

5.    Cabinet has already provided the Council’s formal response to Government concerning the suggested name for a successor authority as part of its representations on the detailed contents of the Structural Changes Order. This motion does not seek to overturn that decision rather it provides an opportunity for the wider body of Members to express their view on this issue and have that view communicated to Government.

B. This Council believes that:

1.    Local Government Reorganisation risks weakening local democracy by replacing councils rooted in recognisable communities with larger and more remote institutions.

2.    The suggested financial savings from reorganisation remain uncertain and must be weighed against transition costs, disruption to hard-working council officers, and the potential loss of local knowledge.

3.    South Kesteven, North Kesteven and South Holland are not administrative blank spaces to be tidied away by Whitehall. They are places with histories, loyalties, civic inheritance and names which matter.

4.    Any successor authority should have a name that reflects the historic geography, identity and civic inheritance of the area it serves.

5.    A generic compass-point name such as “South Lincolnshire Council” would not adequately reflect the historic identities of Kesteven and Holland.

6.    Should this Council’s ‘Best4GreaterLincolnshire’ LGR proposal be favoured by Government, the name of the successor authority comprising North Kesteven, South Kesteven and South Holland should be “Kesteven and Holland Council.”

7.    Should either of the ‘Greater Lincolnshire Local Government Reorganisation - People, Place, Prosperity’ or the ‘Your Lincolnshire’ LGR proposals be favoured by Government, the name of the successor authority of which South Kesteven will form part should be “Kesteven, Holland and Lindsey Council”

C. This Council therefore resolves to:

1.    Place on record its regret at the direction of travel towards Local Government Reorganisation and the potential abolition of district councils such as South Kesteven.

2.    Request that the Leader of the Council write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to make them aware that further to the Council’s formal representation on this issue (which remains unchanged), a majority of Members present at this meeting of Full Council have expressed the view that any successor authority should be named as set out in Paras. B(6)-B(7) of this motion.

3.    Invite other relevant councils to consider making the same representations to Central Government.

Councillor Ben Green proposed the following motion:

A. This Council notes that:

1.    Local Government Reorganisation is being advanced by Central Government with the stated aim of replacing two-tier local government with larger unitary authorities.

2.    If reorganisation proceeds, South Kesteven District Council is likely to become part of a much larger unitary authority.

3.    Proposals under consideration include a successor authority comprising North Kesteven, South Kesteven and South Holland.

4.    Lincolnshire is not merely a compass-point geography, but a county of deep historic identities, including the historic Parts of Kesteven, Holland and Lindsey.

5.    Cabinet has already provided the Council’s formal response to Government concerning the suggested name for a successor authority as part of its representations on the detailed contents of the Structural Changes Order. This motion does not seek to overturn that decision rather it provides an opportunity for the wider body of Members to express their view on this issue and have that view communicated to Government.

B. This Council believes that:

1.    Local Government Reorganisation risks weakening local democracy by replacing councils rooted in recognisable communities with larger and more remote institutions.

2.    The suggested financial savings from reorganisation remain uncertain and must be weighed against transition costs, disruption to hard-working council officers, and the potential loss of local knowledge.

3.    South Kesteven, North Kesteven and South Holland are not administrative blank spaces to be tidied away by Whitehall. They are places with histories, loyalties, civic inheritance and names which matter.

4.    Any successor authority should have a name that reflects the historic geography, identity and civic inheritance of the area it serves.

5.    A generic compass-point name such as “South Lincolnshire Council” would not adequately reflect the historic identities of Kesteven and Holland.

6.    Should this Council’s ‘Best4GreaterLincolnshire’ LGR proposal be favoured by Government, the name of the successor authority comprising North Kesteven, South Kesteven and South Holland should be “Kesteven and Holland Council.”

7.    Should either of the ‘Greater Lincolnshire Local Government Reorganisation - People, Place, Prosperity’ or the ‘Your Lincolnshire’ LGR proposals be favoured by Government, the name of the successor authority of which South Kesteven will form part should be “Kesteven, Holland and Lindsey Council”

C. This Council therefore resolves to:

1.  Place on record its regret at the direction of travel towards Local Government Reorganisation and the potential abolition of district councils such as South Kesteven.

2.  Request that the Leader of the Council write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to make them aware that further to the Council’s formal representation on this issue (which remains unchanged), a majority of Members present at this meeting of Full Council have expressed the view that any successor authority should be named as set out in Paras. B(6)-B(7) of this motion.

3.  Invite other relevant councils to consider making the same representations to Central Government.

The motion was seconded.

Members debated the motion.

A procedural motion ‘that the question be now put’ was proposed and seconded. The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

Council notes that:-

?     Public houses are often among the last remaining community facilities in rural settlements, playing a vital role in reducing social isolation, supporting local employment, encouraging tourism and strengthening community cohesion.

?     The loss of a public house can have a significant adverse impact on the social and economic wellbeing of towns and villages across South Kesteven.

?     South Kesteven has experienced a number of pub closures in recent years, with some sites subsequently proposed for residential development.

?     Once a pub is lost, it is often impossible to replace – particularly in villages, where it may be the last remaining meeting place.

?     Recent losses and closures affecting our communities include the Houblon Arms, Oasby (within my Ward); the Cross Swords, Skillington; the Springfield Arms, Grantham (closed prior to 2024); and the Wheatsheaf Inn, Dry Doddington (closed February 2023).

?     Since April 2017, public houses have lost their previous permitted development rights: a change of use away from a pub, or its demolition, now requires a full planning application, giving councils and communities a formal opportunity to object. National planning policy and the Localism Act 2011 (via Assets of Community Value) provide further mechanisms to help protect valued community pubs.

Council believes that:-

?     Public houses which serve as valued community facilities should be retained wherever possible.

Council therefore resolves to:-

?     Reaffirm its support for the retention and protection of valued public houses and other community facilities throughout South Kesteven.

?     Request  that the Executive considers commissioning Officers to develop and make available guidance for Parish and Town Councils on the options available to help safeguard valued public houses – including planning policy protections, nomination of Assets of Community Value, community ownership opportunities, and relevant grant funding – to support our communities in their fight to save our great British pubs.

?     Request that the Rural & Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider the matter as part of its work programme and receive a report on progress within three months.

Councillor Sarah Trotter proposed the following motion:

Council notes that:-

·         Public houses are often among the last remaining community facilities in rural settlements, playing a vital role in reducing social isolation, supporting local employment, encouraging tourism and strengthening community cohesion.

·         The loss of a public house can have a significant adverse impact on the social and economic wellbeing of towns and villages across South Kesteven.

·         South Kesteven has experienced a number of pub closures in recent years, with some sites subsequently proposed for residential development.

·         Once a pub is lost, it is often impossible to replace – particularly in villages, where it may be the last remaining meeting place.

·         Recent losses and closures affecting our communities include the Houblon Arms, Oasby (within my Ward); the Cross Swords, Skillington; the Springfield Arms, Grantham (closed prior to 2024); and the Wheatsheaf Inn, Dry Doddington (closed February 2023).

·         Since April 2017, public houses have lost their previous permitted development rights: a change of use away from a pub, or its demolition, now requires a full planning application, giving councils and communities a formal opportunity to object. National planning policy and the Localism Act 2011 (via Assets of Community Value) provide further mechanisms to help protect valued community pubs.

Council believes that:-

·         Public houses which serve as valued community facilities should be retained wherever possible.

Council therefore resolves to:-

·         Reaffirm its support for the retention and protection of valued public houses and other community facilities throughout South Kesteven.

·         Request that the Executive considers commissioning Officers to develop and make available guidance for Parish and Town Councils on the options available to help safeguard valued public houses – including planning policy protections, nomination of Assets of Community Value, community ownership opportunities, and relevant grant funding – to support our communities in their fight to save our great British pubs.

·         Request that the Rural & Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider the matter as part of its work programme and receive a report on progress within three months.

Councillor Ben Green declared a personal non-pecuniary interest in the motion as a member of Skillington Parish Council working group who were seeking to get an Asset of Community Value notice for Cross Swords Public House in Skillington.

Councillor Ben Green submitted an amendment to insert the following bullet point after ‘Council notes that’:

·         “Between 2010 and 2024, the pub industry experienced a steep and sustained decline under successive Conservative Governments, with thousands of pubs and bars lost across Britain; and this decline has accelerated since 2024 as increases in employers’ National Insurance, statutory employment costs and business-rates burdens under the Labour Government have placed further pressure upon already vulnerable pubs.”

An alteration to the amendment was proposed and seconded as follows:

·         “Between 2010 and 2024, the pub industry experienced a steep and sustained decline with thousands of pubs and bars lost across Britain; and this decline has accelerated since 2024 as increases in employers’ National Insurance, statutory employment costs and business-rates burdens have placed further pressure upon already  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

Three million animals die each year on UK roadsides due to litter. Almost 1,000 people a year are injured on our roads due to animals. In Lincolnshire over 200 call outs a year are due to deer on our roads. There is a link between roadside litter, animal deaths, and some traffic accidents on our rural roads.

In recent months I have been in touch with both South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) and transport officers at Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) to bring the two councils together to work on roadside litter.

Our district council has not been collecting this litter due to issues with lane closures, equipment, health and safety and cost, but also cross council communication. I am very pleased to see that both SKDC and LCC are happy to work together to improve this situation.

This council agrees to use the existing funding in the A1 litter reserve (£45,000) and investigate other funding options to complement a programme of joint council litter collection on our litter strewn A and B road network. This will support motorists, tourism, and the environment by removing some of this never-ending stream of rubbish from our roadsides.

Apart from a win for nature this may ultimately save lives on our roads.

In the absence of Councillor Paul Martin, the motion was not heard.

The meeting closed at 5.34pm