Agenda and minutes

The public open forum will commence at 1.00 p.m. and the following formal business of the Council will commence at 1.30 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:

David Bellamy

Harrish Bisnauthsing

Penny Milnes

Nick Robins

Penny Robins

Mark Whittington

Minutes of the previous ordinary meeting (18 September 2025) and two extraordinary meetings held on 13 October 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 September 2025 on were proposed, seconded and agreed as a correct record.

The minutes of the two extraordinary meetings held on 13 October 2025 were also agreed as correct records, with the caveat that the decisions had been reached after a procedural error. The two motions discussed in these meetings were reconsidered at meetings held on the morning of 20 November 2025.

The Council noted the Chairman’s engagements. Further announcements were made by Cabinet Members:

Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure

Grantham Rivercare had received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2025, which was the highest honour a local group could receive.

Cabinet Member for Housing

All Member were reminded about an ‘All Member briefing’ on Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs), which would include an overview of the subject, the relevant regulations, how the Council responded to complaints, enforcement action the Council could take and an overview of private sector housing. This session would take place on 2 December 2025 at 1pm.

Cabinet Member for Corporate Governance and Licensing

The Customer Services team had reached the national final of the Customer Satisfaction Awards for 2026.

To consider a recommendation from Employment Committee to appoint a Monitoring Officer.

Members considered the recommendation to appoint an interim Monitoring Officer from the Employment Committee meeting held on 12 November 2025.

At this meeting Employment Committee conducted interviews for a Monitoring Officer to be in post from 20 November 2025 until the permanent Director of Legal and Governance (Monitoring Officer) started on 26 January 2026. The recommendation was that Rachel McKoy be appointed to the position of Interim Monitoring Officer until 25 January 2026.

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

DECISION

That Full Council:

1.    Approve the appointment of Rachel McKoy as the Interim Monitoring Officer with immediate effect.

2.    Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and s151 Officer in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, HR and Economic Development to use the Local Priorities Reserve to fund any necessary costs associated with the interim staffing arrangements.

The report seeks approval for Budget Framework amendment to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) in the 2025/2026 financial year, a recommendation from the Cabinet meeting held on 4 November 2025.

Members considered a budget framework amendment to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) within the 2025/2026 financial year, a recommendation from the Cabinet meeting held on 4 November 2025.

This had been considered at both Cabinet and Finance and Economic Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The budget framework needing amending due to the forecasted overspend of £2.781 million. It was proposed that this would be funded from HRA reserves and revenue budgets.

It was required due to the clearance of the housing maintenance backlog and the turnaround of voids (the void turnaround time was now at 54 days).

The following points were highlighted during debate:

·       Updates seen at Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee were positive, and targets were being met, and in the case of void turnaround times, exceeded. Therefore, it was a surprise to see a request for an additional £2.781 million from reserves. It would be useful to see the housing accounts at a future meeting of Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

·       Money spent on housing stock was welcomed.

·       In year budget adjustments were not welcomed. It would be good to have assurance that the money being spent was demonstrating stability and planning, rather than being a course correction.

·       Accountability for large spends should remain with Councillors.

·       The breakdown of part of the overspend of £1.7 million mentioned in the report was £800,000 for the maintenance backlog, £300,000 for improving performance and £600,000 for voids.

·       Any monies raised by the sale of housing at Lumby’s Terrace in Stamford would be reinvested straight back into the town. As a result of the sale of Lumby’s Terrace the Council was in consultation to buy 20 properties on Kesteven Drive in Stamford.

·       SKDC’s void turnaround time had improved and was now consistent with many other authorities across England.

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

DECISION

That Full Council:

1.    Amend the 2025/26 Budget Framework to increase the HRA revenue budget by £2.781m to fund the forecast overspend relating to repairs and maintenance costs. This increase to be funded from HRA reserves:

o   £1.000m from the Reactive Repairs Reserve

o   £1.781m from the HRA Priorities Reserve

2.    Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and s151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, HR and Economic Development, to allocate up to £250k additional funding from the HRA Priorities Reserve to meet any additional financial pressures that may arise during this financial year.

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

Since the previous meeting in September there had been further amendments to political balance with the resignation of two Councillors, in addition to group makeup changes. Group leaders had met on 11 November 2025 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 (Appendix A of the report).

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

Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee

-       Councillor Bridget Ley to replace Councillor James Denniston as the representative for the Independent Group.

Finance and Economic Overview and Scrutiny Committee

-       Councillor Matt Bailey to fill the Conservative vacancy.

Rural and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee

-       Conservative Group lose one seat to be taken by Councillor David Bellamy (Reform UK).

-       Councillor Pam Bosworth to fill the Conservative vacancy.

-       Grantham Independent Group lose one seat (currently a gift to Councillor Habib Rahman), to be taken by the Liberal Democrat Group (Councillor Habib Rahman)

Employment Committee

-       Conservative Group lose one seat to be taken by the South Kesteven Independent Group (Councillor Paul Wood).

Governance and Audit Committee

-       Councillor Mark Whittington to be gifted the Conservative vacancy.

-       Democratic Independent Group to gift their seat to allow Councillor Paul Stokes to continue as a member of the Committee.

-       Councillor Habib Rahman to be gifted the Labour and Co-operative Group vacancy left by Councillor Rob Shorrock.

Planning Committee

-       Councillor Mark Whittington to be gifted the Reform UK vacancy.

-       Councillor Helen Crawford to fill the Conservative vacancy.

Standards Committee

-       Councillors Nikki Manterfield and Peter Stephens to fill the Conservative vacancies.

For Full Council to debate the final proposal for Local Government Reorganisation and to agree any recommendations for Cabinet to consider.

Members considered the final proposal for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Prior to debate, the Deputy Monitoring Officer provided further detail regarding why the Council was being asked to consider the proposal for Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Lincolnshire and make recommendations to Cabinet.

The submission of LGR proposals were an executive function under the Local Government Act 2000 Section 9D(2). This was in accordance with Part 3(b) paragraph 3.2.1 of the constitution which detailed that all functions other than those listed in Part 3(a) (Council Functions) would be the responsibility of the Cabinet.

LGR was not part of the Council's Policy Framework, or one of the specific functions of Council. However, due to the importance of LGR it had been considered appropriate for Full Council to scrutinise the proposals, to express a view, and make a recommendation to the Cabinet to be considered at its extraordinary meeting to be held on Monday 24th November.

Note:  Council Procedure Rule 14.4 was suspended to allow the Leader of the Council and a seconder for the recommendations to speak for up to ten minutes.

The Leader of the Council gave a presentation on LGR, which was appended to these minutes. Further information was highlighted as part of this presentation:

·       Briefings on the ramifications of LGR had been given on several occasions to councillors, officers and parish and town councils. Around 30 different parishes had sent representatives along to these briefings, demonstrating positive engagement with the LGR process.

·       It was not possible to merge two unitary authorities (North Lincolnshire Council and North-East Lincolnshire Council) against their will. It was not their current will to merge, so government would have to move further legislation to allow this to happen.

·       The ‘Kesteven Proposed Submission’ contained Unitary 1 (including North Kesteven District Council (NKDC), South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) and South Holland District Council (SHDC)), and Unitary 2 (including East Lindsey District Council (ELDC), West Lindsey District Council (WLDC) Boston Borough Council (BBC) and the City of Lincoln Council (CoLC)). North and North-East Lincolnshire Councils would remain as separate unitary authorities.

·       Rutland County had not been included in the final proposal. The reasons for this were:

o   Rutland was outside the Greater Lincolnshire Invitation area. It was in the Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland Invitation Area. Proposals which cross over different invitation areas were possible but would require a very strong rationale. The inclusion of Rutland into Unitary 1 would involve a very significant risk of being regarded as non-compliant with the statutory requirements.

o   A cross-invitation area proposal ought to have the clear commitment of all parties and, thus far, there had been no clear indication of support from Rutland CC.

o   There was further risk from uncertainty on the degree of modelling required by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on impacts to the neighbouring Invitation Area.

o   The inclusion of Rutland within a proposal for Lincolnshire would require clear proposals for the remainder of the Leicestershire and Rutland invitation area.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

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:  Councillors Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, Paul Wood and Jane Wood left the Council Chamber prior to Open Questions to Councillors and did not return.

Question One – Councillor Max Sawyer to the Leader of the Council

Councillor Sawyer asked what steps SKDC was taking to ensure SKDC money was being spent within the district on initiatives that benefitted its residents, before the money was lost to LGR.

Councillor Baxter informed members of the Section 24 notice that would be issued prior to the implementation of LGR to ask for the cessation of spending. In the end, any money left over ends up in same pot; SKDC could not put terms and conditions on its existing reserves. Councillors and officers should continue to spend money wisely and in the public interest.

Question Two – Councillor Matt Bailey to the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture

Councillor Bailey praised the fantastic events that had been seen in Grantham Market Place over the past year and asked for reassurance that these events would continue next year in Grantham and across the district.

Councillor Paul Stokes agreed that there had been some wonderful events. There was the opportunity for further events next year and Cabinet wished to look at events in all major towns, with some connect in rural areas.

Question Three – Councillor Sarah Trotter to the Leader of the Labour and Co-operative group

Councillor Trotter asked whether Councillor Steptoe felt it was acceptable for one of his group members to post inappropriate comments against another political group on social media, and whether he would apologise on the councillor’s behalf.

Councillor Steptoe had some sympathy as it was not something he would have posted; however, within reason Councillors could post what they wanted on social media. He felt he could not apologise on someone else’s behalf.

Question Four – Councillor Charmaine Morgan to the Cabinet Member for Housing

Councillor Morgan asked what provision was currently in place to support homeless people.

Councillor Moran highlighted that the night shelter had been opened this week, in partnership with the Grantham Ark. Anyone who was a rough sleeper and engaging with Housing Options was entitled to be there. This service was not publicly advertised; referrals were made through the SKDC team.

On 19 November a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) was activated. When SWEP was in place anybody was accepted into the night shelter. Councillors, officers and those present were urged to let Councillor Moran and the Housing team know where those that were struggling were. There were also night patrols in place.

Question Five – Councillor Ben Green to the Vice-Chairman of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Green asked Councillor Emma Baker whether she agreed with leaving NATO, nuclear disarmament and the legalisation of all drugs, which in his opinion were views expressed by the leader of the national Green Party.

Councillor Emma Baker stated that she agreed with Zach Polanski.

Question Six – Councillor Elvis Stooke to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

Council Motion: 10 Per Cent Reduction in Special Responsibility Allowances

This Council notes that residents across our district continue to face significant financial pressures under the ongoing cost of living crisis. Household budgets are being squeezed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s high-tax, low-growth policies and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s costly, ideological approach to energy. Ordinary working families are paying the price for the economic mismanagement of the legacy parties, which have prioritised political convenience over competence for too long.

Reform UK believes that elected representatives must lead by example. While residents are forced to tighten their belts, too many in public life have insulated themselves from the same financial realities. Public service is a duty – not an entitlement – and it is time that principle was reflected here.

Accordingly, this Council is minded to:

1. Implement a 10 per cent reduction in all Special Responsibility Allowances, including but not limited to those paid to the Leader, Cabinet Members, Committee Chairs, and Political Group Leaders.

2. Allocate the savings generated to a Taxpayers’ Fairness Reserve, to help offset future council tax increases and relieve financial pressure on residents.

At a time when local families are being asked to do more with less, this Council should demonstrate leadership and integrity – proving that fiscal discipline begins with those entrusted to spend the public’s money.

Councillor Ben Green proposed the following motion:

Council Motion: 10 Per Cent Reduction in Special Responsibility Allowances (SRA)

This Council notes that residents across our district continue to face significant financial pressures under the ongoing cost of living crisis. Household budgets are being squeezed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s high-tax, low-growth policies and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s costly, ideological approach to energy. Ordinary working families are paying the price for the economic mismanagement of the legacy parties, which have prioritised political convenience over competence for too long.

Reform UK believes that elected representatives must lead by example. While residents are forced to tighten their belts, too many in public life have insulated themselves from the same financial realities. Public service is a duty – not an entitlement – and it is time that principle was reflected here.

Accordingly, this Council is minded to:

1.    Implement a 10 per cent reduction in all Special Responsibility Allowances, including but not limited to those paid to the Leader, Cabinet Members, Committee Chairs, and Political Group Leaders.

2.    Allocate the savings generated to a Taxpayers’ Fairness Reserve, to help offset future council tax increases and relieve financial pressure on residents.

At a time when local families are being asked to do more with less, this Council should demonstrate leadership and integrity – proving that fiscal discipline begins with those entrusted to spend the public’s money.

In introducing the motion, Councillor Green stressed that it was not the point of the motion to punish the hardest working people in the Council Chamber; it was asking those with the broadest shoulders to make a modest contribution.

The motion was seconded.

Note:  Councillor Ashley Baxter left the Council Chamber. Councillor Helen Crawford returned to the Council Chamber.

The following points were highlighted during debate:

·       There were no figures to accompany the motion. This cut would not make a noticeable difference and saves very little overall.

Note:  Councillors Helen Crawford and Vanessa Smith left the Council Chamber and did not return.

·       Since 2018 councillor allowances had been subject to a 11% fall against inflation.

·       There are many councillors that were in a similarly poor financial situation as some of their residents.

Note:  Councillor Phil Dilks declared an interest as he received an SRA as a Cabinet Member.

·       There were councillors who relied heavily on their allowance for being a councillor. When adding up the number of hours than many in receipt of an SRA completed, it was less than the minimum/national living wage.

·       The proposal was disrespectful to several councillors who worked extremely hard for their remuneration.

Note:  Councillor Bridget Ley left the Council Chamber and did not return. Councillors agreed to an extension of time to 4:30pm.

Having been previously proposed and seconded, the motion was put to the vote. Following the vote the motion was LOST.

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’s motion was not heard due to time constraints.

The meeting closed at 4:31pm.