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.

Prior to the commencement of business, Councillors held a minute’s silence for former Councillor Yvonne Gibbins who had recently passed away. Councillors Lee Steptoe and Charmaine Morgan both spoke of her time in office.

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

Apologies for absence were received from:

Councillor Matt Bailey

Councillor Helen Crawford

Councillor Patsy Ellis

Councillor Ben Green

Councillor Gloria Johnson

Councillor Jane Kingman

Councillor Nikki Manterfield

Councillor Chris Noon

Councillor Habib Rahman

Councillor Mark Whittington

Councillors Nick Robins, Penny Robins, Susan Sandall and Max Sawyer were running late and joined later in proceedings.

Note:  Councillors Nick Robins, Penny Robins and Sue Woolley joined the meeting.

The Monitoring Officer informed members that as the issue impacted on millions of people nationally, there was no need to declare an interest and leave the Council Chamber for this item if they had previously been in receipt of winter fuel payments. However, declaring an interest would always be the choice of an individual member.

Councillor Philip Knowles declared a pecuniary interest in item 40 – a motion on winter fuel payments as he had previously been in receipt of these. He would leave the Council Chamber during consideration of this item.

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 July 2024 were proposed, seconded and agreed as a correct record.

The Council noted the Chairman’s engagements.

Cabinet Member for Planning

The Cabinet Member for Planning highlighted comments on the Mallard Pass scheme made at the July meeting of Full Council in his absence. It was suggested at July’s meeting that the decision on this scheme had been taken without government engagement; however, given the Council’s role in planning process was quasi-judicial the Cabinet Member would have raised a Point of Order had he been present to protect the integrity of Full Council.

One of the Cabinet Member for Planning’s first actions on taking office in 2023 (as the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing) was to sign off an official Impact Assessment report listing the positive and negative connotations of the Mallard Pass scheme. On behalf of the Leader of the Council he had also requested an extraordinary meeting of the Planning Committee to consider the Council’s position on the scheme. On 15 June 2023, the Cabinet Member personally addressed Planning Committee on who he felt was best placed to engage with the Planning Inspectorate by lodging a formal objection to Mallard Pass. The view taken at that time was that this Council should not support Mallard Pass and should therefore formally object. The Cabinet Member asked that members think about the potential damage to the reputation of this Council and individual members by voicing comments that were inaccurate.

Leader of the Council

In advance of the tabled motion on winter fuel payments, the Leader had drafted a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP which could be used should that motion be passed. The Council was taking measures to ensure that people were aware of their eligibility for support for fuel payments.

The Leader updated members on the installation of solar panels at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre. Concerns had been raised about the ethical background of the solar panels, and the Leader thanked Councillor David Bellamy for raising these concerns. The issue had subsequently been discussed with Alicia Kearns MP, with a focus on the sourcing of solar panels. The Council did not have a direct relationship to the manufacturer of the solar panels, Canadian Solar. However, work had taken place on finding better, more ethical alternatives through the importer of the solar panels, GO Green, and a new provider, JA Solar had been found. JA Solar had a transparent supply chain; each solar panel had a QR code to enable the purchaser to trace the origins of the panels.

The project to install the solar panels at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre remained on schedule and would ultimately reduce the Council’s carbon footprint.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste

The Council was approaching two weeks of kerbside battery collections. During the first week of collections 725kg of batteries had been removed by the Council’s waste team. Further details on the scheme would be available on the Council’s social media channels.

The Cabinet Member had written to colleagues in neighbouring councils with regards to maintenance of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

This report provides Full Council with an opportunity to consider a recommendation from the Governance and Audit Committee to make amendments to the Council’s Constitution.

Members considered a recommendation from the Governance and Audit Committee to make amendments to the Council’s Constitution.

There were three proposals, each of which changed the involvement of members and public with regard to Cabinet and Full Council. In any meeting, the person presiding had the responsibility to manage proceedings as they saw fit and this would not change. For Cabinet, the Leader of the Council (as the Chairman of that body) would have the decision as to how many questions an individual Councillor could ask.

Councillors involved in putting forward these constitutional changes to Full Council were praised.

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

DECISION

That the Constitution and appropriate Procedure Rules under Part 4 (Rules of Procedure) be amended to include the following, as set out in the report:

a) Provision of a public open forum at meetings of Cabinet.

b) Provision of Member questions at meetings of Cabinet.

c) Provision of Member questions at the annual meeting of Full Council.

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.

Note:  Councillor Ian Stokes left the Council Chamber and did not return.

Question 1 – Councillor Murray Turner to Councillor Rhys Baker, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste

Councillor Turner asked the Cabinet Member for an update on the progress of the rollout of new LED street lighting in the district.

Councillor Rhys Baker highlighted the report due to be tabled at Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 7 October. 1137 streetlights had been upgraded, a completion rate so far of 51.5%. Heritage streetlights would be updated towards the end of the programme.

Question 2 – Councillor David Bellamy to Councillor Paul Stokes, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture

Councillor Bellamy asked the Deputy Leader whether he would take the opportunity to confirm the replacement of the swings at the Wild Witham play area following their removal in February, taking into account a petition signed by almost 200 residents to reinstate them?

Councillor Paul Stokes highlighted the recent report on the Play Area Strategy discussed at Culture and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee in September. As part of this Strategy there was an action plan for the future. The Council had recently bid for monies from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the swings at Wild Witham were one of the schemes being brought forward.

Question 3 – Councillor Paul Wood to Councillor Virginia Moran, Cabinet Member for Housing

Councillor Paul Wood asked the Cabinet Member to organise a meeting with Helping Hands, a local group dealing with homelessness, as he understood that the Council were not engaging with this group.

Councillor Moran outlined the numerous efforts made to date to engage with the group and reported that communications received in response to the Council’s contact were not conducive to building a working relationship.

Question 4 – Councillor Max Sawyer to Councillor Virginia Moran, Cabinet Member for Housing

Councillor Sawyer asked for the number of additional traders that had been added to an internal ‘approved’ list since the Council had decided to expand it, in the hope of getting housing voids repaired?

Councillor Moran confirmed that no additional traders had been added to date as the local framework was not yet in place. A workshop to which all Councillors had received an invite to on this subject had taken place.

Question 5 – Councillor Charmaine Morgan to Councillor Rhea Rayside, Cabinet Member for People and Communities

Councillor Morgan asked the Cabinet Member to clarify what support the Council was planning to offer pensioners affected by the governmental changes to the winter fuel payments?

Councillor Rayside had emailed all Councillors regarding the winter fuel payment update. A process for reaching those eligible for payment needed to be put in place and then subsequently reviewed, as it was not an option to have some individuals not receiving payment. Councillor Rayside advised any Councillors that were concerned about this issue and wanted assistance to contact her directly.

Question 6 – Councillor Paul Martin to Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

Motion to Phase Out Synthetic Pesticides on Council-Owned Land

South Kesteven District Council resolves to phase out the use of all synthetic pesticides, including glyphosates, on Council-owned land by Council operatives or third parties engaged by the Council, subject to majority support in a public consultation conducted by the Council by 2025.

Reasons:

• Environmental and Ecological Health: Recent research highlights a significant decline in insect populations across Europe, including the UK, which is one of the most nature-depleted countries globally. A study using a ‘splatometer’ method revealed a 50% reduction in insect splatters on vehicle registration plates between 2004 and 2019. This trend mirrors a broader decline in insect abundance, which has fallen by up to 80% at some European sites over the past two decades. We have witnessed a silent summer, with pitiful populations of butterflies and wasps, among many other species. This is troubling as decreased insect abundance threatens ecosystem health by disrupting pollination, food chains and soil fertility. Reducing synthetic pesticide use on land we control will contribute to halting this decline and support nature.

• Public Health and Safety: Phasing out synthetic pesticides will significantly reduce potential health risks for residents, including children and pets, who may come into contact with or ingest pesticide residues. This proactive measure aligns with our commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring a safer environment for the community.

• Respect for Agricultural Practices and Public Land Stewardship: This policy focusses solely on the management of Council-owned land under the Council’s responsibility and will not impact or interfere with the agricultural methods or practices employed by local farmers and private landowners. It aims to enhance the stewardship of public land while respecting existing agricultural operations. We recognise and value the essential role that pesticides play in food production and acknowledge the significant contributions of our farmers to the economy and national resilience. Lincolnshire’s status as the nation’s breadbasket is a point of immense pride and this policy is intended to support effective public land management without affecting agricultural productivity.

Implementation Plan, Subject to Majority Support:

• Immediate Action: The Council will immediately cease the use of synthetic pesticides on all Council-owned land.

• Promotion of Alternatives: The Council will seek and promote alternative, non-chemical methods for weed and pest control.

• Land Management Review: A review of current land management practices will be conducted to ensure compliance with this new policy.

• Review and Evaluation: The Council will review the impact of this policy annually and make adjustments as necessary, without contravening its fundamental principle, to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with environmental goals.

That the consultation consists of the following question and format:

Consultation Question:

Do you support phasing out synthetic pesticides on Council-owned land by 2025, so that Council employees and third-party contractors cease their use?

Please indicate your response:

? Yes

? No

Deadline for Feedback:

The consultation will conclude by 2025 and the results will be used to inform the final decision on this proposal.

Councillor Ben Green’s motion was DEFERRED until the next ordinary meeting of Full Council as he had given apologies for this meeting.

This Council regrets the decision by the Labour Government to end universal winter fuel payments which could push tens of thousands of people in our district into fuel poverty.

We call on the Leader of the Council to write to the Chancellor urging a review of the decision to restrict eligibility to those in receipt of pension credits and other benefits. This is to ensure vulnerable pensioners, particularly those that do not claim pension credits, are protected from financial hardship.

Council notes that many pensioners eligible for credits do not apply for them and will lose winter fuel payments as a result. Therefore, we resolve to undertake an awareness campaign to encourage residents in South Kesteven to check their eligibility. This includes the use of social media, promotion in the local press and other media partners.

Note:  Councillor Philip Knowles left the Council Chamber for this item and did not take part in the debate or vote.

Councillor Graham Jeal proposed the following motion:

This Council regrets the decision by the Labour Government to end universal winter fuel payments which could push tens of thousands of people in our district into fuel poverty.

We call on the Leader of the Council to write to the Chancellor urging a review of the decision to restrict eligibility to those in receipt of pension credits and other benefits. This is to ensure vulnerable pensioners, particularly those that do not claim pension credits, are protected from financial hardship.

Council notes that many pensioners eligible for credits do not apply for them and will lose winter fuel payments as a result. Therefore, we resolve to undertake an awareness campaign to encourage residents in South Kesteven to check their eligibility. This includes the use of social media, promotion in the local press and other media partners.

The motion was seconded.

The following views were raised during the introduction to, and debate on the motion:

·         This motion had been presented to approximately 80 Councils across the country. Local MPs had led opposition within Parliament, and there had been cross-party work on this motion.

·         One member’s view was that whilst the policy around winter fuel payments was in need of reform, to remove it from all did not feel right.

·         There was a massive backlog in pension credit applications, which was worrying as winter approached.

·         Another member’s view was that the Labour government had inherited a budget gap between national spending and actual resources, and therefore difficult decisions would have to be taken.

·         There were millions of pensioners that did not require financial assistance with winter fuel payments. However, there remained a large number of pensioners that did require assistance and therefore raising awareness of pension credits was key. British state pensions were around the lowest in Europe.

·         In times of austerity it might not be appropriate to handing out a universal winter fuel payment.

·         The Council had a social media campaign to ensure as many pensioners as possible were signed up for pension credit.

A request was made that a recorded vote on the motion be taken, as in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15.5 any ten or more Councillors present at the meeting of Full Council could request this. The results of the recorded vote were as follows: 

For:                 Councillors Emma Baker, Rhys Baker, David Bellamy, Harrish Bisnauthsing, Pam Bosworth, Pam Byrd, Richard Cleaver, Phil Dilks, Richard Dixon-Warren, Barry Dobson, Graham Jeal, Gareth Knight, Zoe Lane, Robert Leadenham, Bridget Ley, Paul Martin, Penny Milnes, Virginia Moran, Charmaine Morgan, Rhea Rayside, Nick Robins, Penny Robins, Susan Sandall, Peter Stephens, Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, Sarah Trotter, Murray Turner, Jane Wood, Paul Wood, Sue Woolley. (30) 

Against:          Councillors Steven Cunnington, Phil Gadd, Tim Harrison, Anna Kelly, Rob Shorrock, Lee Steptoe. (6). 

Abstain:          Councillors Ashley Baxter, James Denniston, Paul Fellows, Max Sawyer, Ian Selby, Vanessa Smith, Paul Stokes,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

Motion on Suicide Awareness in the District

This Council recognises:

·       That every suicide is preventable, and that prevention is everyone’s responsibility.

·       That the rate of suicides in South Kesteven is one of the lowest in the county of Lincolnshire at an average of 14 deaths per year^[1]; but also, that this number should and could be 0.

·       That it is a partner in the Lincolnshire Suicide Prevention Strategy and should be doing everything possible to support Lincolnshire County Council in building on its excellent work to save lives.

This Council resolves forthwith to:

• Encourage and support all councillors, along with SKDC officers and frontline contractors in undertaking suicide awareness training from the Zero Suicide Alliance.
  • This training is free, short, and available online.^[2]
  • It is designed to enable people to recognise signs that someone may be suicidal, and to know how and where to signpost them. It is not supposed to make anyone an expert in suicide prevention.
• Ensure all councillors and officers are familiar with the Samaritans’ guidelines on media reporting of suicides.^[3]
  • Evidence shows that excessive and detailed reporting of suicides can lead to copycat cases.
  • Councillors are in a position as local leaders to encourage discretion and sensitivity, especially on social media.
• Engage fully with the annual World Suicide Prevention Day, which falls on 10th September every year.
  • SKDC’s engagement on Facebook in 2023 was a single post about lighting a candle in memory of those who have died by suicide. The message was drowned out by day-to-day information shared on the same day.
  • The Samaritans use the day to reduce the stigma of talking about suicide and encourage others to do the same. Memorials are nice but we can do both.

• Monitor the state of the District annually in the Rural & Communities Committee via data from LCC.
  • This data from the annual suicide audit is readily available and renewed every year. It will give both councillors and officers a clear view of whether the county-wide strategy is having an effect in SKDC.
• Host a councillor workshop for further discussions.
  • We all have different experiences of approaching the subject in personal and professional capacities, as well as of local support services. Sharing these will help to build a picture of what we would like to feed back into the conversation and develop our own understanding.
  • Having the confidence to talk about suicide can help to break the stigma of having difficult conversations.

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

Councillor Zoe Lane proposed the following motion:

Motion on Suicide Awareness in the District

This Council recognises:

·         That every suicide is preventable, and that prevention is everyone’s responsibility.

·         That the rate of suicides in South Kesteven is one of the lowest in the county of Lincolnshire at an average of 14 deaths per year^[1][1]; but also, that this number should and could be 0.

·         That it is a partner in the Lincolnshire Suicide Prevention Strategy and should be doing everything possible to support Lincolnshire County Council in building on its excellent work to save lives.

This Council resolves forthwith to:

• Encourage and support all councillors, along with SKDC officers and frontline contractors in undertaking suicide awareness training from the Zero Suicide Alliance.
  • This training is free, short, and available online.^[2][2]
  • It is designed to enable people to recognise signs that someone may be suicidal, and to know how and where to signpost them. It is not supposed to make anyone an expert in suicide prevention.
• Ensure all councillors and officers are familiar with the Samaritans’ guidelines on media reporting of suicides.^[3][3]
  • Evidence shows that excessive and detailed reporting of suicides can lead to copycat cases.
  • Councillors are in a position as local leaders to encourage discretion and sensitivity, especially on social media.
• Engage fully with the annual World Suicide Prevention Day, which falls on 10th September every year.
  • SKDC’s engagement on Facebook in 2023 was a single post about lighting a candle in memory of those who have died by suicide. The message was drowned out by day-to-day information shared on the same day.
  • The Samaritans use the day to reduce the stigma of talking about suicide and encourage others to do the same. Memorials are nice but we can do both.

• Monitor the state of the District annually in the Rural & Communities Committee via data from LCC.
  • This data from the annual suicide audit is readily available and renewed every year. It will give both councillors and officers a clear view of whether the county-wide strategy is having an effect in SKDC.
• Host a councillor workshop for further discussions.
  • We all have different experiences of approaching the subject in personal and professional capacities, as well as of local support services. Sharing these will help to build a picture of what we would like to feed back into the conversation and develop our own understanding.
  • Having the confidence to talk about suicide can help to break the stigma of having difficult conversations.

The motion was seconded.

The following views were raised during the introduction to, and debate on the motion

·         Fewer than a third of those that end their own life were known to mental health services. If your web search mentioned suicide then you would receive the telephone number for the Samaritans.

·         Suicide prevention services fell within the jurisdiction of Lincolnshire County Council;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

The meeting closed at 3:45pm.