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.

Before commencing with the business of the meeting, the Chairman paid his respects to former Councillor Mike Taylor who had recently passed away. Councillors Harrish Bisnauthsing, Graham Jeal, Charmaine Morgan and Jane Kingman also paid their respects to Councillor Taylor.

The Chairman proposed a motion without notice to vary the order of the agenda so that the Motions on Notice were considered prior to Members’ Open Questions. This was seconded. Following a vote, it was AGREED to vary the order of the agenda.

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors:

Matt Bailey

James Denniston

Patsy Ellis

Paul Fellows

Nick Robins

Penny Robins

Rob Shorrock

Mark Whittington

No interests were disclosed.

Note:  Councillor Rosemary Trollope-Bellew left the Council Chamber and did not return.

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 January 2026 were proposed, seconded and agreed as a correct record.

The Council noted the Chairman’s engagements. The Chairman highlighted the Grantham Rotary Swimmarathon as a wonderful event.

The Cabinet Member for Planning gave an update on Lincolnshire County Council’s (LCCs) removal of £2 million of funding to Grantham High Street. Their Overview and Scrutiny Management Board had recommended to the Executive the formal reinstatement in the proposed capital programme of the money. However, the Executive chose not to follow this recommendation and the £2 million for Grantham High Street was not part of LCC’s Budget agreed on 20 February 2026.

LCC’s latest position was no formal commitment to the scheme, but that it would be considered when Grantham’s Southern Relief Road was completed. The Leader of SKDC, the Chief Executive and others were continuing to lobby LCC on this issue.

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

Members considered the requirements placed on Full Council for the appointment of Members to its Committees and Panels.

Since the previous meeting in January there had been further group makeup changes. Group leaders met on 17 February 2026 and had endorsed amendments to the makeup of the Council’s committees and panels.

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

DECISION

That Full Council:

1. Note the changes in political proportionality of the Council and the consequent allocation of seats on committees.

2. Delegate the appointment of the Reform UK seat on Licensing Committee to the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Group Leader of the Reform UK group. This appointment was to take place as soon as possible.

3. Appoint Members to its Committees and Panels, in accordance with political balance:

Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Democratic Independent Group lose one seat, gained by the South Kesteven Independent Group. However, the South Kesteven Independent Group have gifted it back to the Democratic Independent Group.

Employment Committee

Conservative group lose one seat, gained by Reform UK group (Councillor David Bellamy). The SK Independent Group will gift their seat to the Conservative Group.

Licensing Committee

South Kesteven Independent Group lose one seat (currently a gift to the Conservative Group) and Reform UK group gain.

Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Kyle Abel to replace Councillor Ben Green as the Reform UK group representative.

Rural & Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Kyle Abel to replace Councillor David Bellamy as the Reform UK group representative.

Members considered the draft budget proposals and estimates for 2026/2027 for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

The Leader of the Council proposed the report, and highlighted the following points:

·         The HRA was mainly comprised of rent collected from tenants and the sale of council houses through the ‘right to buy’ scheme. The HRA was ringfenced; it could not be cross subsidised from the General Fund, and tenants’ money from the HRA could not be spent on General Fund purchases.

·         At Finance & Economic Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) on 24 February 2026 the long-term outlook of the HRA was discussed. Meeting government standards on housing and working through repair backlogs required significant funding.

·         The recommendations within the report had been robustly scrutinised by the Joint Budget OSC and Cabinet.

The report was seconded.

Comments raised during debate included the level of increase of council-owned housing rent (4.8% rise), the improving performance of the Housing team at SKDC, and the use of reserves to fund housing work.

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

DECISION

That Council:

1.    Approve the HRA budget for 2026/2027 and indicative proposals for 2027/2028 and 2028/2029 (Appendix A of the report).

2.    Approve an increase of 4.8% for 2026/27 for the social housing dwellings.

3.    Approve the proposed increase of 2% for garage rents and 3.8% increase for service charges.

4.    Approve the HRA Capital Programme and financing statement 2026/27 to 2028/29 (Appendix B of the report).

5.    Approve the HRA Capital Programme budget carry forward of £10.416m from 2025/26 (Appendix B).

6.    Approve the movements in HRA Reserves (Appendix C of the report).

Members considered the final budget proposals and estimates for 2026/2027 for the General Fund.

It was proposed, seconded and AGREED that Standing Order 11.5 would be suspended for the Leader of the Council in order that he could speak for longer than five minutes when introducing the report.

In proposing the report, the Leader of the Council gave a presentation and linked the Corporate Plan priorities to the Budget Proposals:

1.    Connecting Communities

-       Communities were connected in several ways. There had been several flag raisings at SK House, Grantham over the course of the year, including Merchant Navy Day, Pride, Armed Forces Day, Emergency Services Day. Lincolnshire Day, anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, and Tamil celebrations.

-       Art was another way of bringing the community together. An art project known as the ‘Whale’ had visited all four towns.

-       It was almost 300 years since the birth of Sir Isaac Newton. The council aimed to deliver a community festival. For this, £20,000 was ringfenced within the Events Budget; however, this money may become available via the year’s financial underspend.

-       Major budget increases were planned for an Events Officer post, Community Grants (£100,000), Safer Streets patrols (£41,494) and Safer Streets CCTV cover.

2.    Sustainable South Kesteven

-       This priority included areas such as Parks, Trees, Culture and Waste.

-       Leisure Centres in Bourne, Grantham and Stamford were facing cost pressures. However, gratitude was expressed to the Board of Leisure SK Limited for their work in this area.

-       The Environmental Crime Partnership had been shortlisted for an award at the Local Government Chronicle Awards.

-       Solar panels were in place on roofs at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre and the new depot at Turnpike Close. There were other energy saving measures in place, which helped to future proof these buildings.

-       Major budget increases were planned for tree planting for SKDC open spaces (£62,000), tree maintenance for SKDC open spaces (£66,150). Vehicle replacement (£1,046,000), wheelie bin replacement (£155,000). EV charging points (£55,000) and mobile CCTV cameras (£10,000).

3.    Enabling Economic Opportunity

-       Investment in South Kesteven was happening. It was also a great place to visit to see some wonderful stately homes.

-       Markets in Grantham and Stamford were thriving; there were plans to assist Bourne with their market.

-       Major budget increases were planned for an Events Officer post, the events budget (£100,000, to include Newton 300 preparations), town centre vitality and viability (£20,000), Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire (£33,000), car park improvements (£120,000), Wharf Road car park refurbishment (£650,000) and additional apprenticeships (£100,000).

4.    Housing

-       The 21-home development at Swinegate, Grantham was award winning and a great place to live.

-       External funding would be secured to assist with the development of South Kesteven’s Local Plan.

-       Major budget increases were planned for body worn cameras (£10,000), Spitalgate garden village (£30,000), disabled facility grants (£975,000) and new posts; Private Sector Housing Officer/Rough Sleeper Support Officer/Housing Options Officer.

5.    Effective Council

-       Staff and teams had been shortlisted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114.

To seek Full Council approval for the HMO licensing fee structure for the 2026/2027 financial year, to take effect from 1 April 2026. Two cost-recovery models are presented for consideration, reflecting current and enhanced enforcement approaches. Where the enhanced model is approved, the report also seeks approval for the associated allocation of funding to support implementation.

Note:  Councillors Vanessa Smith, Jane Wood and Paul Wood did not return to the Council Chamber following the adjournment.

Members considered the Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing fee structure for the 2026/2027 financial year, to take effect from 1 April 2026. Two cost-recovery models were presented for consideration, reflecting current and enhanced enforcement approaches.

The following points were highlighted during debate:

·         This report had come back to Full Council following additional research undertaken by officers on the levels of fees associated with HMOs.

·         There were two options proposed (options 1 and 2). Option 2 was a copy of Option 1, with the addition of compulsory inspections for HMOs. Option 2 would also require an additional member of staff, with £55,000 needed for this post. This was not the exact salary for this post, as it included national insurance and pension contributions. The post could not be funded by HMO fees alone; the intention would be to recruit a full-time member of staff. Using the General Fund, this member of staff would assist the Private Sector Housing team with their new responsibilities, which had arisen due to the new Renters’ Rights Act.

·         Fees for HMOs had to be set for cost recovery only.

·         ‘Unlicensed HMOs’ could be a loaded phrase and could give the impression of wrongdoing; HMOs with less than five occupants were not required to be licensed.

·         You must have a mandatory HMO licence if:

o   The property is occupied by 5 or more people

o   The tenants form 2 or more separate households

o   The tenants share facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet

·         Increasing HMO fees to discourage the creation of new HMOs was not permitted.

Option 1 within the report was proposed and seconded:

Current Cost Recovery Model - the HMO licensing fees as set out in the Fees and Charges report considered by Council on 29 January 2026 reflecting the full cost recovery model based on current levels of service delivery and enforcement.

On being put to the vote, this option was not agreed and therefore FELL.

Option 2 within the report was proposed and seconded – the following points were highlighted whilst debating this proposal:

·         It was concerning that in wider society there were people that want to look down on the residents of HMOs. There was a wide cross-section of society living in HMOs.

·         Grantham had an increasing number of HMOs.

·         This option was not an attack on tenants, nor about demonising HMOs, it was concerning the council not running an underfunded service. Enforcement was necessary to enable yearly welfare checks on residents within HMOs, who should always feel safe and supported.

·         Residents living in these HMOs could be vulnerable. It was important to remember the role that HMOs played in the provision of housing for single people. HMOs provided vital housing – last summer the district witnessed people living in tents. Nobody should have to live in a tent.

Having previously been proposed and seconded, following a vote it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 115.

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.

Councillor Graham Jeal proposed the following motion:

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.

In proposing the motion, Councillor Jeal informed all present that he had been touched by comments from members of the public, who recalled the ways Councillor Ray Wootten had supported the public. Recognising a public servant was important.

The motion included public consultation on a potential renaming of the Park. The Friends of Wyndham Park group could have a role in any consultation process.

There would be some modest costs attached to any renaming of the Park.

The motion was seconded.

The following points were highlighted whilst debating this motion:

·         The timing wasn’t right, however if the motion were agreed it was right to hold a public consultation.

·         Wyndham Park was a special place for the residents of Grantham. Most of the park was within Grantham St. Vincents’ ward, with a portion being within Grantham St. Wulframs’ ward.

·         Wyndham Park was already named after Lt. Wyndham, killed in action in World War One. The Park and Visitor Centre were a lasting memorial to the young man. His mother donated a significant sum of money for the Park. It was opened in 1924 as the Grantham’s war memorial, with many members of the Wyndham family attending the centenary of the Park’s opening in 2024.

·         Geoplace provided guidance on street naming;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 117.

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.

Note:  Councillors Barry Dobson and Bridget Ley left the Council Chamber and did not return.

Councillor Ben Green proposed the following 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.

In proposing the motion, Councillor Green raised the following points related to Sir Isaac Newton:

·         Woolsthorpe Manor was a place of pilgrimage. Physicists and mathematicians made the journey here.

·         99 years ago in 1927 leading scientific lights of the day were attracted here. A wreath was laid outside Newton’s statue on St. Peter’s Hill.

·         Newton was also an alchemist and theologian.

·         There were few finer ways to spend the day than to visit the Newton related attractions within the district.

The motion was seconded.

The following points were highlighted during debate:

·         Preparations for ‘Newton 300’ were underway; this issue had been discussed at meetings of Culture and Leisure OSC, as well as being addressed by the Leader in his speech introducing the Budget for the upcoming year.

·         There was graffiti in North Witham Church that was said to have been created by Sir Isaac Newton himself.

An amendment to the motion was proposed and seconded – everything after ‘This Council notes…’ was to be removed, so the motion would read:

This Council notes and welcomes that preparatory work is already underway in relation to Newton 2027 and refers the matter to the appropriate Portfolio Holder and Committee for structured scoping and partnership engagement.

The proposer and seconder of the original motion accepted this amendment; therefore,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 118.

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.

Note:  Councillors Emma Baker, Pam Byrd and Robert Leadenham left the Council Chamber and did not return.

Councillor Kyle Abel moved the following motion:

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

Council notes that:

1. Local democracy is founded on the regular, lawful, and timely election of councillors by the communities they serve;
2. The right of citizens to choose their representatives through free and fair elections is a cornerstone of British democracy;
3. The cancellation or postponement of scheduled future local elections whenever they may be scheduled, undermines public trust in democratic institutions, weakens local accountability;
4. It has been suggested that local elections may be cancelled or postponed in up to 60 local authority areas.

Council believes that:

5. 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;
6. Elections should never be suspended or avoided simply because legacy political parties fear electoral defeat or voter dissatisfaction;
7. 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;
8. 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;
9. 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:

10. Publicly reaffirm its commitment to the principle that local elections should not be cancelled or delayed except in the most extreme and unavoidable circumstances;
11. 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;
12. Call on all political parties to respect the electorate and allow voters to pass judgment at the ballot box rather than avoiding democratic accountability;
13. 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;
14. Request the Chief Executive to circulate this resolution to the Local Government Association and neighbouring authorities for information.

In moving the motion, Councillor Abel highlighted the following points:

·       The motion was designed to assure that all residents that under no circumstances would SKDC cancel future elections.

·       SKDC did not have any district council elections in 2026; however, residents in Aveland ward wanted reassurance that elections in 2027 would not be cancelled.

·       Elections should not be cancelled because political parties fear electoral defeat. Previously cancelled elections in 2026 were a denial of a democratic right to vote.

The motion was seconded.

An amendment was proposed to remove bullet points 7, 8 and 9. This amendment was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 119.

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.

There were no Open Questions from Members due to time constraints.

The meeting closed at 5:32pm.