Agenda and minutes

The Council welcomes engagement from members of the public. To speak at this meeting please register no later than 24 hours prior to the date of the meeting via democracy@southkesteven.gov.uk

Ms Anne Gayfer – Question regarding air pollution

“People in Grantham are fed up of air pollution from traffic.  Idling engines play a small but significant part in the problem.  I have written to all schools to ask them to ask parents to stop idling their engines outside people’s home whilst they wait for their children. 

If I see an idling car, I ask them politely if they would mind turning off their engine.  Most people haven’t even thought of the consequences (which could also be an on the spot fine).

Notices are now appearing in Grantham asking people to stop idling their engine. Could SKDC play a small part in this by asking idling taxis to turn off their engines?”

In response to the above question, the Head of Service (Public Protection) thanked Ms Gayfer for her question and highlighted South Kesteven District Council’s (SKDC) Annual Air Quality Report which had demonstrated improvement in the air quality levels in Grantham. An annual air quality report was published on the councils website.  Monthly test results were published on SKDC’s website. Traffic related pollution in Grantham was below the air quality objectives and in general was continuing to improve.

The commitment was made to continue promoting the importance of turning off idling engines. Furthermore, preparations had been made for communications relating to National Clean Air Day on 19 June 2025.

It was also noted that penalty points could be issues under the taxi licensing agreements. 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Gloria Johnson and Nikki Manterfield, substituted by Councillors Mark Whittington and Matt Bailey respectively.

Members are asked to disclose any interests in matters for consideration at the meeting.

There were none.

The minutes of the meeting held 18 March 2025 were proposed, seconded, and AGREED as an accurate record.

To consider actions agreed at the meeting held on 18 March 2025.

It was agreed that the Cabinet Member for Environment would continue to chase Lincolnshire County Council regarding the outstanding action.

The Cabinet Member for Environment noted it was the ‘Great Big Green Week’ with events ongoing in market towns across the district. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of environmental matters such as the work being undertaken by SKDC around biodiversity and to offer advice on matters such as energy efficiency.

The Cabinet Member also urged the public, Members, and Parishes to engage with SKDC’s Biodiversity Consultation available online. This was in response to biodiversity initiatives over the previous year, such as identifying sites solely dedicated as nature sites across the district.

The Corporate Plan 2024-27: Key Performance Indicators Report - End-Year (Q4) 2024/25 report was introduced by the Policy Officer and report author.

Appendix A of the report provided the overall performance against the twelve actions being presented. Commentary by the responsible officer was provided for each action.

Eleven of the actions were rated Green. These were actions which were on or above target as planned.

Zero actions were rated as Amber, these were off target by less than 10% or where milestone achievement was delayed but with resolution in place to be

achieved within a reasonable timeframe. 

Zero actions were rated as Red. These were actions that are significantly below target.

One action was rated as N/A. These actions where work had not yet commenced as they were reliant upon the completion of other

pieces of work, or where data was unavailable.

The Policy Officer also noted that the expiry of the current Corporate Plan would coincide with the anticipated dissolvement date of SKDC under the current Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) guidance.

During discussions, Members commented on the following:

-       Praise was given regarding the twin-stream recycling indicators. However, financial clarity was sought regarding the mandatory weekly food waste collections. The Head of Waste and Markets confirmed that central government were yet to release exact figures, but there was a report going to the September Committee meeting outlining SKDC’s estimates and costs. The Cabinet Member urged central government to reconsider the proposed calculation methodology and fund the service sufficiently.

-       It was confirmed that the ‘Free Tree Scheme’ was not being utilised as the size of the trees available were not suitable for the proposed locations.

-       Feedback was given that a Member would like to see more macro trends within the KPIs.

-       Referring to ENVIRO13, disappointment was expressed by Members and the Cabinet Member that LCC had withdrawn from negotiations.

-       It was queried whether the sustainability of the Local Plan had been considered. The Cabinet Member expressed his confidence and clarified that the Planning Policy Manager had given a thoroughly insightful overview of the sustainability considerations of the Local Plan.

14.39 – The Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Corporate Governance & Licensing entered the Chamber.

-       Clarity was sought about SKDC’s response to fly tipping. It was noted that SKDC had the authority to issue Fixed Penalty Notices and such a case was currently going to prosecution.

-       It was confirmed that any land, environmental or otherwise, owned by LCC would transfer to the successive organisation following LGR.

The Corporate Plan 2024-27: Key Performance Indicators Report - End-Year (Q4) 2024/25 was noted by the Committee.  

The Restructure of Waste Collection Rounds report was introduced by the Head of Waste and Markets.

The report outlined that the waste collection routes had been in situ since 2012 and were now outdated given the new developments across the district since. In light of this, a full review had been conducted and determined new waste collection routes to maximise financial efficiency, decrease missed bins and speed up the resolution of any subsequent missed bins. However, it was acknowledged that some bin days would be changed to facilitate these more efficient routes.

The commitment was also made to conducting annual route reviews.

During discussions, Members commented on the following:

-       Praise was given to the Head of Waste and Markets for her extensive work on the matter.

-       Concern was noted that a review had not been conducted since 2012.

-       Given the projected financial savings, it was queried whether the cost of green bins could be reduced. It was confirmed that this was not a consideration at this time as this financial resource would allow the service to operate in a more flexible way.

-       It was clarified that section 3.7 of the report should read biennially, rather than biannually.

-       Emphasis was given on the role of communications given that some bin days would be changing. The Cabinet Member acknowledged that the bin day changing may cause frustration for some residents. However, it was confirmed that a targeted communications campaign would commence on 1^st August 2025. In the meantime, Members were urged to promote the information and to liaise with Parish Council.

-       The Cabinet Member outlined that they were seeking for a bin collection calendar to be included within the Council Tax letter.

The Restructure of Waste Collection Rounds Report was noted by the Committee.

15.39 – Councillor Tim Harrison entered the Chamber.

The update on draft tree management policies was presented by the Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste.

The report outlined the proposal for the draft policies attached at appendix A of the report would replace the existing ‘Tree Guidelines’ document that was adopted in 2019, reflecting the ambition expressed through the adoption of the tree and woodland strategy.

During discussions, Members commented on the following:

-       The suggestion was made for Members of the public to report tree-related matters on the Fix My Street App.

-       Regarding the zoning by which trees were categorised, it was confirmed that there could be multiple zones in a single park if necessary.

-       It was confirmed that maps showing the inspected areas could be made available. It was suggested that StatMap could be utilised.

-       The request was made for pressure to be applied to Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) to attend to the growth of the lime trees on Ryhall Road and Uffington Road, Stamford, which was impeding on motorists.

-       It was queried if a recently removed tree on Green Lane, Stamford, could be replaced. The Tree Officer agreed to raise this with the Highways Agency.

The Committee noted the update on the draft tree management policies.    

To consider the Committee’s Work Programme for 2025 – 2026.

The Chairman outlined that the following items had been added to the Work Programme:

There was no other business.

The meeting concluded at 16.15.