Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairman paid tribute to Councillor David Wilkinson, who had sadly passed away in May 2026. Members were advised that Councillor Wilkinson had served the residents of Long Sutton with distinction, having first been elected to the Council in 2007, serving until 2015, and returning to office following his re-election in 2019. During his time on the Council, he served on a number of committees and panels, including the Joint Performance Monitoring Panel, Policy Development Panel and Performance Monitoring Panel, and represented the Council on the South Holland Internal Drainage Board and the Wash and North Norfolk Coast European Marine Site Management Group. The Chairman extended the Council's deepest sympathies to Councillor Wilkinson's family and invited those present to observe a minute's silence in his memory.

Councillor Eldridge read a tribute on behalf of Councillor Tyrrell. Councillor Tyrrell reflected on his long friendship with Councillor Wilkinson, recalling that they had formed an immediate friendship when they first met. He spoke of Councillor Wilkinson's willingness to support numerous community projects over the years, including the annual Widows' Christmas party, garden waste collection initiatives, fundraising for local charities and the Youth Shed, where his contribution had been invaluable. Councillor Tyrrell remarked that he could never recall Councillor Wilkinson refusing to help anyone and remembered him as a devoted husband to Annette, father to Mark and Rob, and a loyal friend. He concluded by stating that Councillor Wilkinson would be greatly missed and that he considered himself fortunate to have counted him among his friends.

Councillor Alcock also paid tribute to Councillor Wilkinson, describing him as both a colleague and friend. He reflected on Councillor Wilkinson's dedication to the scrutiny function, noting his ability to ask searching questions and his extensive work on a number of task groups, where his thorough approach and commitment had benefited the Council. Councillor Alcock also recalled Councillor Wilkinson's interest in Planning matters and remarked fondly on his distinctive personal style and the many happy memories shared during their time serving together.

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 13 May 2026 (enclosed).

Consideration was given to the minutes of Full Council held on 13 May 2026.

DECISION:

That the minutes of Full Council held on 13 May 2026 be signed as a correct record.

(Where a Councillor has a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest the Councillor must declare the interest to the meeting and leave the room without participating in any discussion or making a statement on the item, except where a Councillor is permitted to remain as a result of a grant of dispensation.)

There were none.

The Chairman reported that she, together with the Vice Chairman, Councillor Reynolds, had attended a number of civic, community and commemorative events across the district in recent months. These had included remembrance and commemorative services, flag-raising ceremonies and mayoral engagements. Particular reference was made to the River Day celebrations, and congratulations were extended to Councillor James Le Sage, the Yacht Club and all those involved in the organisation and delivery of the successful event. The Chairman also referred to the Food Festival at Springfields and expressed her appreciation to the organisations, volunteers and residents who had welcomed both her and the Vice Chairman to events throughout the district. She further commented on the continued commitment and dedication of local community groups and recognised the wide range of activities and initiatives taking place across South Holland for the benefit of residents and local communities.

To note Portfolio Holder updates on work being undertaken within each of their Portfolios (report of the Leader enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Leader which asked the Council to note Portfolio Holder updates on work being undertaken within each of their Portfolios,

Members were reminded that the report was for noting only and that any questions arising from its contents should be raised under Agenda item 8 – Questions without notice.

DECISION:

That the Portfolio Holder updates be noted.

The Leader of the Council advised that the Leaders and Chief Executives of the Greater Lincolnshire authorities were scheduled to meet with Baroness Taylor on 16 July 2026 regarding Local Government Reorganisation and that the outcome would be communicated to members and staff shortly after conclusion of the meeting.  The Leader further reported that, following representations made by Sir John Hayes MP and subsequent discussions with the Immigration Minister, the Home Office had withdrawn its proposal regarding the provision of asylum accommodation in Sutton Bridge. In noting this development, the Leader expressed his appreciation to ward members, Councillor Carter and officers for their efforts in supporting the Council's response to the proposal.

Councillor Astill, Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Environmental Services, thanked members for attending the recent waste engagement sessions. He advised that a summary of the key themes and issues arising from those discussions would be circulated to members in due course. Councillor Astill further reported that additional engagement sessions would be arranged later in the year to support member involvement and preparation ahead of the implementation of the new waste collection arrangements.

There were none.

Question to: Councillor Redgate

Question from: Councillor Barnes

Subject:  Designated Councillor Budgets

Councillor Barnes asked whether consideration had been given for inclusion, within the 2027/28 budget, of a ward budget allocation for each district Councillor at a level equivalent to the current £3,000 allocation. In response, Councillor Redgate acknowledged the value of ward budgets in supporting local communities and enabling members to make a positive contribution within their wards. He advised that consideration would be given to the proposal as part of the budget-setting process, although there could be restrictions on how any such funding might be used. He further indicated that a number of matters remained under discussion, including the potential use of any remaining balances from existing ward budgets, and emphasised that it was too early to provide a definitive commitment. Councillor Redgate stated that, once greater clarity was available, appropriate guidance would be provided to all members regarding the options available and any associated requirements.

Question to: Councillor Bingham

Question from: Councillor Eldridge

Subject: Pace Solar Appeal

Councillor Eldridge referred to the planning appeal relating to the Pace Solar development across South Holland and Fenland and noted that the appeal hearing had been adjourned earlier in the year to allow for the submission of an Environmental Statement. She expressed concern that responsibility for publicising the consultation had been delegated to the appellant and advised that, following requests from the local planning authorities, the consultation period had been extended until 17 July 2026 to align with the arrangements in Fenland. Councillor Eldridge further stated that the Planning Inspectorate had requested that neither local planning authority submit a formal response to the Environmental Statement. Whilst she and planning officers had challenged this position, a response had not yet been received. She emphasised that the Council had a duty to represent and advocate for local residents throughout the appeals process and to ensure that the views of affected communities were fully considered. Councillor Eldridge therefore asked whether, should the Planning Inspectorate refuse to consider the Council's representations and subsequently allow the appeal, the Council would be prepared to explore the possibility of seeking a judicial review. In response, Councillor Bingham stated that the approach taken by the Planning Inspectorate raised concerns as to the extent to which the views of the Council and local communities would be taken into account during the appeal process, particularly given the Council's previous refusal of the application. Whilst acknowledging the Government's commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure, he expressed the view that local planning considerations and the concerns of rural communities should continue to be given due weight. In relation to the possibility of judicial review, Councillor Bingham advised that, should the Planning Inspectorate disregard the Council's representations and subsequently allow the appeal, the Council would consider whether there were grounds to challenge the decision through judicial review. Any such action would be subject to an assessment of the likelihood of success and the appropriate use of public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

To receive the minutes of the following Committees and Panels:-

a)    Planning Committee – 29 April 2026

b)    Special Joint Performance Monitoring Panel and Policy Development Panel – 19 May 2026

c)    Performance Monitoring Panel – 26 May 2026

d)    Policy Development Panel – 2 June 2026

The minutes of the following Committees and Panels were noted:

• Planning Committee – 29 April 2026
• Special Joint Performance Monitoring Panel and Policy Development Panel – 19 May 2026
• Performance Monitoring Panel – 26 May 2026
• Policy Development Panel – 2 June 2026

Consideration was given to the Key Decision Plan.

DECISION:

That the Key Decision Plan be noted.

To consider the recommendations of the Cabinet in respect of:

·            Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 4 for the provision of Temporary and Resettlement Homes; and

·            2025/26 Draft Outturn Finance Report

(report of the Cabinet enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Cabinet meeting held on 30 June 2026 which sought approval for the Cabinet’s recommendations.

1/ Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 4 for the provision of Temporary and Resettlement Homes

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing, Councillor Carter, in presenting the report advised that the funding would support the acquisition of two temporary accommodation properties and one resettlement property to meet identified housing needs within the district. Members were reminded that the Council had successfully participated in previous rounds of the programme, which had increased the Council's housing stock and reduced reliance on emergency accommodation. The proposed investment would provide additional accommodation for vulnerable households and assist the Council in meeting local housing demand.

DECISION:

Following a recommendation from Cabinet, that Full Council agreed to amend the 2026/27 capital programme to reflect the LAHF 4 funds required to match fund the Local Authority Housing Funding of £345,000 received, £70,000 from underspends from round 3, with £434,477 from the council’s S106 affordable housing commuted sum reserves giving a total scheme value of £849,477.

2/ 2025/26 Draft Outturn Finance Report

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Redgate, in presenting the report advised that Cabinet, at its meeting on 30 June 2026, had considered the 2025/26 Draft Outturn Report and referred two recommendations to Full Council for approval. Members were informed that the first recommendation sought approval for an additional £2 million to be added to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme for 2026/27 to support the continuation and expansion of energy efficiency improvements to the Council's housing stock.

In relation to the second recommendation, Councillor Redgate advised that the HRA Draft Outturn Position for 2025/26 showed a favourable variance of £3.13 million. This was primarily attributable to savings arising from HRA debt restructuring and higher-than-anticipated investment income and interest on balances. It was proposed that the surplus be transferred to the HRA General Reserve.

DECISION:

Following a recommendation from Cabinet, that Full Council:

a)     Approved a capital addition of £2m within the HRA for 2026/27 to enable the continuation and expansion of energy efficiency improvements across the housing stock; and

b)     Noted the HRA draft outturn position for 2025/26, showing an underspend of £3.130m as set out in Appendix A – Table 3, and approves the transfer of this underspend to the HRA General Reserve.

The following motion has been received under Standing Order 8:

Motion:Objection to the Proposed Booking System at Spalding HWRC

Proposed by: Cllr Paul Barnes       

Seconded by: Cllr Gary Taylor

1.    The Council Notes:

·         That Lincolnshire County Council is considering an appointment-only booking system at its Household Waste Recycling Centres, including the Spalding site on West Marsh Road.

·         That South Holland District Council’s transition to wheelie bins includes a strict "no side waste" policy, meaning any waste left outside or next to bins will be refused.

·         That the Spalding Recycling Centre currently operates on a highly restricted 5-day schedule, opening only on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 08:00 to 16:00, while remaining entirely closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

2. The Council Believes that:

·         Digital Exclusion Barrier: An online-only or app-based booking system creates an unfair barrier for elderly residents, vulnerable individuals, and those without reliable internet access or smartphones, locking them out of an essential public utility.

·         Unfair to Working Residents: An appointment system is deeply unfair to fulltime employees, tradespeople, and shift workers who require flexibility to visit the tip when their unpredictable work schedules allow, rather than planning days in advance.

·         Compounding Waste Pressures: The "no side waste" policy leaves residents with zero flexibility for excess household refuse, directly forcing them to transport it to the Spalding tip themselves.

·         Flawed Council Logic: It is entirely contradictory to restrict roadside collections while simultaneously restricting tip access via an artificial, digitally exclusive booking barrier.

·         Surge in Environmental Crime: Blocking tip access while banning side waste creates a perfect storm for a severe spike in local fly-tipping, costing taxpayers more in clean-up fees.

·         We recommend that the LCC makes all HWRC sites a top priority and increases investment into these resources.

·         The Solution is Expanded Access: To cope with the inevitable surge in resident-led drop-offs, the Spalding HWRC must expand its capacity by opening 7 days a week from 08:00 to 18:00.

·         Cost-Neutral Staffing Plan: This extended service can be achieved without increasing headcount or requiring additional staff budget by introducing a modern, efficient shift rotation system for existing site operatives.

·         The possibility of an additional site just to receive green waste should be investigated for South Holland as it is believe the majority of material taken to Spalding HWRC falls within that category.

3. The Council Resolves to:

·         Formally object to Lincolnshire County Council regarding the proposed appointment system on the grounds of both unfair rigidity and digital discrimination.

·         Demand that Spalding HWRC remains fully open without booking restrictions to ensure equitable, flexible access for all taxpayers.

·         Call for the implementation of a 7-day, 08:00–18:00 operational schedule using a staff shift system to maximise public access at zero extra personnel cost.

·         Send this motion to the relevant portfolio holders at both South Holland District Council and Lincolnshire County Council.

In accordance with the Constitution the following motion was received under Standing Order 8:

Motion: Objection to the Proposed Booking System at Spalding HWRC

The Council notes:

• That Lincolnshire County Council is considering an appointment-only booking system at its Household Waste Recycling Centres, including the Spalding site on West Marsh Road.
• That South Holland District Council’s transition to wheelie bins includes a strict "no side waste"policy, meaning any waste left outside or next to bins will be refused.
• That the Spalding Recycling Centre currently operates on a highly restricted 5-day schedule, opening only on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 08:00 to 16:00, while remaining entirely closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The Council Believes that:

• Digital Exclusion Barrier: An online-only or app-based booking system creates an unfair barrier for elderly residents, vulnerable individuals, and those without reliable internet access or smartphones, locking them out of an essential public utility.
• Unfair to Working Residents: An appointment system is deeply unfair to fulltime employees, tradespeople, and shift workers who require flexibility to visit the tip when their unpredictable work schedules allow, rather than planning days in advance.
• Compounding Waste Pressures: The "no side waste" policy leaves residents with zero flexibility for excess household refuse, directly forcing them to transport it to the Spalding tip themselves.
• Flawed Council Logic: It is entirely contradictory to restrict roadside collections while simultaneously restricting tip access via an artificial, digitally exclusive booking barrier.
• Surge in Environmental Crime: Blocking tip access while banning side waste creates a perfect storm for a severe spike in local fly-tipping, costing taxpayers more in clean-up fees.
• We recommend that the LCC makes all HWRC sites a top priority and increases investment into these resources.
• The Solution is Expanded Access: To cope with the inevitable surge in resident-led drop-offs, the Spalding HWRC must expand its capacity by opening 7 days a week from 08:00 to 18:00.
• Cost-Neutral Staffing Plan: This extended service can be achieved without increasing headcount or requiring additional staff budget by introducing a modern, efficient shift rotation system for existing site operatives.
• The possibility of an additional site just to receive green waste should be investigated for South Holland as it is believe the majority of material taken to Spalding HWRC falls within that category

The Council Resolves to:

• Formally object to Lincolnshire County Council regarding the proposed appointment system on the grounds of both unfair rigidity and digital discrimination.
• Demand that Spalding HWRC remains fully open without booking restrictions to ensure equitable, flexible access for all taxpayers.
• Call for the implementation of a 7-day, 08:00–18:00 operational schedule using a staff shift system to maximise public access at zero extra personnel cost.
• Send this motion to the relevant portfolio holders at both South Holland District Council and Lincolnshire County Council.

By way of introduction to the item, the Chairman invited Councillor Barnes, as proposer of the motion, to present his proposal concerning Lincolnshire County Council's proposed introduction of a booking system at the Spalding Household Waste Recycling Centre  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

To seek Council’s approval for revised and new HR Policies (report of the Service Director – Corporate enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Director - Corporate seeking approval of a number of new and revised Human Resources policies.

In presenting the report, Councillor Astill, Portfolio Holder for Corporate, advised that it included three new policies and revisions to four existing policies, with policies aligned across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership where appropriate.

Members were referred to section 2.6 of the report, which provided a summary of the objectives and rationale for each policy, with the full policies attached as appendices to the report.

The new policies comprised the Fixed-Term Contracts and Secondments Policy (S&ELCP), the Housing Competence and Conduct Policy (SHDC) and the Housing Code of Conduct (SHDC).

The revised policies comprised the Learning and Development Policy (S&ELCP), Managing and Supporting Change Policy (S&ELCP), Probation Policy (S&ELCP) and Recruitment Policy (S&ELCP).

Members were advised that details of engagement undertaken with Housing Revenue Account tenants were included within the report and that the proposed policies had been considered by the Policy Development Panel at its meeting held on 2 June 2025.

DECISION:

That the Human Resources policies appended to the report be approved by Council.

To provide Members with the Annual Treasury Report 2025/26 in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management to ensure best practice is maintained (report of the Executive Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Executive Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) which provided members with the Annual Treasury Report 2025/26 in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management to ensure best practice is maintained.

Councillor Redgate, the Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the report and highlighted the following main points:

• That Council was required to produce an annual treasury report at the end of each financial year, with the report for 2025/26 being at Appendix 1;

• All required treasury management reports had been scrutinised by the Governance and Audit Committee throughout the year in accordance with its delegated responsibilities, with the Annual Treasury Report having been considered by the Committee on 2 July 2026;
• Section 2 of the appendix detailed the capital expenditure and financing undertaken during the year, split between the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA);
• Section 3 provided details of cumulative borrowing undertaken to finance capital expenditure, which as at 31 March 2026, totalled £85 million, comprising £50 million of external borrowing and £35 million of internal borrowing;
• The Treasury position as at 31 March 2026 was at section 4, with the Strategy for 2025/26 at Section 5. The interest rate environment during 2025/26 was highlighted with the Bank of England base rate reducing from 4.5% at the start of the year to 3.75% by year end;
• Section 6 detailed the Borrowing Outturn position including the restructure of HRA debt during the year: £67.5 million of Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) borrowing has been repaid in March 2026, generating a discount of just under £18.4 million. The loans had been replaced with £50 million of new PWLB borrowing. The £18.4 million discount would be credited equally to the HRA over a ten-year period commencing in 2025/26; and
• Section 7 set out the Council’s investment performance for which a combined rate of return of 4.5% had been achieved during the year and there had been a favourable variance of just under £3 million in interest payable and receivable during 2025/26, including the impact of the HRA debt repayment discount.

The following points were raised by members:

• Councillor Brewis welcomed the successful renegotiation of the Council's debt arrangements and commended the officers involved for their work.

• In response to a question from Councillor Alcock regarding whether the non-Treasury Investment with the UK Municipal Bond Agency generated interest, the Portfolio Holder advised that he did not have the information available at the meeting but would provide a written response following the meeting

DECISION:

That Council received and approved the Treasury Annual Report 2025/26 at Appendix 1 as required by the Local Government Act 2003 following scrutiny by the Governance and Audit Committee at their meeting on 2 July 2026.

To seek approval to amend the Establishment in order to strengthen the Housing Repairs Service structure, ensuring sustainable service delivery and continued regulatory compliance (report of the Service Director – Housing enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Director – Housing which sought approval to amend the Establishment in order to strengthen the Housing Repairs structure, ensuring sustainable service delivery and continued regulatory compliance.

Councillor Carter, the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Operational Housing presented the report and advised the following:

• That SHDC delivered repairs and maintenance services directly through an in-house workforce to approximately 3,800 homes;
• The report followed a review of the current structure and proposed changes to strengthen management capacity, improve resilience in key functions and formalise arrangements that had already demonstrated positive results; and

• The recommendations were affordable within the HRA and represented an investment in safe, compliant and sustainable services for tenants;

In conclusion, the Portfolio Holder thanked the Councillor Barnes and Councillor Gibson for meeting with officers and discussing the proposals in advance of the meeting, and for their support for the recommendations.

The following issue was raised:

• In response to a question from Councillor Alcock regarding recruitment, the Portfolio Holder stated that whilst some housing specialisms could be difficult to recruit to, she was confident that suitably qualified candidates would be available for the proposed roles. Benchmarking had been undertaken with other authorities and recruitment activity would commence as soon as approval was granted.

DECISION:

That Council:

1. Approved the addition of the following posts to the Housing Repairs Service Establishment:
   1. Housing Repairs and Voids Manager;
   2. Housing Compliance and Assurance Manager; and
   3. Repairs and Logistics Officer;
2. Noted the change in job title of the existing Housing Repairs and Compliance Manager to Housing Operations Manager – Repairs and Compliance;
3. Approved the conversion of ten existing fixed-term positions to permanent posts by adding them to the Housing Repairs Service Establishment; and
4. Approved an amendment to the HRA budget from 26/27 by an increase of £90,735.75 (to fund three new posts) to accommodate the changes identified.

To receive, from political groups, nominations for any changes to Committees and other seats and to consider any proposed changes to the Constitution.

Following the passing of Councillor Wilkinson, the Council considered nominations to fill a vacancy on each of the following outside bodies: the South Holland Internal Drainage Board, and the Wash and North Norfolk Marine Partnership (formerly known as the Wash and North Norfolk Coast European Marine Site Management Group).

1/ The South Holland Internal Drainage Board:

Councillor Barnes was nominated by Councillor Worth and seconded by Councillor E Sneath. There being no further nominations, the nomination was put to the vote and was carried.

DECISION:

That Councillor Barnes be appointed as the Council’s representative on the South Holland Internal Drainage Board.

.

2/ The Wash and North Norfolk Marine Partnership:

Councillor Beal was nominated by Councillor Astill and seconded by Councillor Casson.

Councillor J Le Sage was nominated by Councillor Barnes and seconded by Councillor Alcock.

There being no further nominations, a vote was taken. Following the vote, Councillor Beal was appointed as the Council's representative on the Wash and North Norfolk Marine Partnership.

DECISION:

That Councillor Beal be appointed as the Council's representative on the Wash and North Norfolk Marine Partnership.

There were none.

DECISION:

Under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public were excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 and 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

To seek Council approval to make permanent the sharing of the Democratic Services Manager post with Boston Borough Council under a Section 113 agreement (report of the Service Director for Legal and Governance (Monitoring Officer) enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Director for Legal and Governance (Monitoring Officer) which sought Council approval to make permanent the sharing of the Democratic Services Manager post with Boston Borough Council under a Section 113 agreement.

DECISION:

That the recommendations detailed within the exempt report be approved.