The full Council is made up of all 56 Councillors and meets roughly every two months.

The Council is chaired by the Chairman who is supported by a vice-Chairman. The Chairman of the district council is its civic figurehead.

Council business

There are some topics that only Council can decide, for example setting the Council’s budget and approving the level of Council tax.

The Council is responsible for agreeing the ‘policy framework’ which includes those plans and strategies the Council must adopt by law forming the framework around which the Council develops its policies. The documents that make up the policy framework are:

·         The Corporate Plan

·         The Medium Term Financial Strategy

·         The Local Plan documents currently consisting of the Core Strategy and Development Plan Documents

·         Sustainable Communities Strategy

·         Pay Policy Statement

·         The Gambling Statement of Licensing Principles

The full Council is also responsible for appointing Councillors to committees and policy development groups and as representatives to outside bodies.

At full Council meetings, Members of the Council have the opportunity to put forward motions on notice. This is an opportunity for Councillors to debate topical matters that affect South Kesteven. Motions on notice must be about matters for which South Kesteven District Council is responsible or that directly affect the district.

Councillors are also permitted to submit questions without discussion on any matter in which the Council has powers or duties or which affect the district. All questions are referred to the relevant Policy Development Group where they will be discussed. The answer will be sent directly to the questioner.

Are Council meetings open to the public?

All Council meetings are open to the public and you are welcome to attend. Members of the public also have the opportunity to speak during a public open forum session at Council meetings.

On rare occasions members of the public may be excluded from the meeting because exempt information is being discussed. Exempt information can include: personnel matters, commercially sensitive information or confidential legal advice.