Agenda and minutes

The Cabinet welcomes engagement from members of the public. To speak at this meeting please register no later than one working day prior to the date of the meeting via democracy@southkesteven.gov.uk

There were no public speakers.

There were none.

There were none.

Minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2025 were AGREED as a correct record.

Purpose of report

To explain the Council Tax Base for the financial year 2026/27.

Decision

That Cabinet recommends to Council:

1. The Council Tax Base for 2026/27 of 50,762.3 in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Alternative options considered and rejected

No other options were considered, as the Council was legally required to set a Council Tax Base.

Reasons for the decision

Were the recommendation to be supported by Full Council, it would be used in the calculation and budget preparations for 2026/27. 

Purpose of report

To consider a request from the Deeping Sports and Social Club for a contribution of £200k to support a bid to the Football Foundation to provide a 3G pitch in the Deepings.

Decision

Cabinet agreed to:

1. Approve the allocation of £200k to support a funding application by Deeping Sports and Social Club to the Football Foundation to provide a 3G pitch in the Deepings.

2. Approve the funding of the £200k from the following reserves:

• Leisure and Community Reserve £100k;

• Local Priorities Reserve £100k

3. Confirm the funding allocation is subject to the following conditions:

• confirmation of sufficient funding from other sources to meet the total project costs

• a successful application to the Football Foundation

• an agreed programme of use with a fair and balanced allocation of hours to both Deeping Rangers and Deeping United football clubs.

4. Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and s151 Officer, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, to authorise the release of funds when the above criteria have been met.

Other options considered

Cabinet could have decided not to support the request for a funding contribution. This would have put the project at risk because it would have been very difficult for Deeping Sports and Social Club to secure the necessary matched funding from other sponsorship and funding raising activity.

Reasons for the decision

The Council received a request from Deeping Sports and Social Club for £200k matched funding to support an application to the Football Foundation to provide a 3G pitch. The Deepings had been identified as the priority area for a pitch to be developed in South Kesteven.

There were a significant number of teams which required training facilities within the Deepings area. The Football Foundation and the Lincs FA had identified that it was key for both Deeping Rangers and Deeping United to benefit from any investment. Consequently, it was recommended that any contribution by the Council to the matched funding required was conditional on both Deeping Rangers and Deeping United securing an appropriate amount of time on the programme of use. Evidence of this should be required prior to the release of funding.

During discussions, Members commented on the following:

-       Members welcomed the focus given to the Deepings in this matter and a Member expressed their ambition for a second 3G pitch to be secured in the future.

-       The Leader urged collaborative working between Deeping Rangers and Deeping United to secure the application and noted the positive effect that the 3G facility would have on the personal character, confidence and social development of the individuals who would use the facility.

Purpose of report

To update the Discretionary Council Tax Payment (DCTP) Policy 2026/27 and Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) Policy 2026/27 and to request Cabinet approval for both policies.

Decision

Cabinet approved the Discretionary Council Tax Payment Policy for 2026/27.

Cabinet approved the Discretionary Housing Payment Policy for 2026/27.

Other options considered

Removal of the DCTP fund, which would have had a negative impact on those

recipients of the fund and could have impacted collection of Council Tax due.

Reasons for decision

The recommendations were in line with Council’s practices and legal duty to review the financial allocation and eligibility of each policy.

As the policies for 2026/27 did not contain any material amendments, there were no legal implications. However, the Council was adhering to best practice by reviewing the policies and keeping them up to date.

This report highlights matters on the Cabinet’s Forward Plan.

It was agreed to add the following to the Forward Plan for the 10 February 2026 meeting:

• Housing Asset Management Strategy
• Voids Policy
• Tenants Voice Strategy

The Forward Plan was noted by the Cabinet.

Question One – Councillor Elvis Stooke to Cabinet Member for Housing

Councillor Stooke queried SKDC’s position about pets in social housing.

The Cabinet Member confirmed that new restrictions were to be included in tenancy agreements for new tenants, but this would not be applied retrospectively to existing tenants who maintained the previously existing guidelines.

Councillor Stooke also queried whether the height restrictions relating to trees within the new tenancy agreements also applied to hedges.

The Cabinet Member agreed to provide a written response following the meeting.

Following the questions to Cabinet Members, the visiting Chairman of the Council expressed appreciation to officers involved in arranging the Grantham Christmas lights switch on.

The meeting concluded at 16.28.