Minutes:
Question to: Councillor Grocock
Question from: Councillor Alcock
Subject: Spalding Town Centre –Untidy areas around vacant business premises
Councillor Alcock commented that at the last meeting of Full Council, he had again raised the issue of the untidy state of empty business premises in Spalding town centre. He stated that despite this, many unoccupied properties in Spalding, particularly in Market Place were still in a poor state. Councillor Grocock responded by requesting that Councillor Alcock email him to identify the properties and that he would do his utmost to ensure that this issue was addressed.
Question to: Councillor Coupland
Question from: Councillor Gibson
Subject: Designated Councillor Budgets
Councillor Gibson questioned whether a reduction to Member Budgets, from £12,000 for the full 4-year term to £10,000, was being proposed. He commented that the budget was valuable to local charities and asked for confirmation that there was to be no loss of, or reduction to, the budget. Councillor Coupland responded that there were no plans to reduce Designated Councillor Budgets.
Question to: Councillor Worth
Question from: Councillor Gibson
Subject: Update on Levelling Up Funding submission
Councillor Gibson commented that following the 2019 District Election, the desire had been to see completion of a new leisure centre. As this had not yet happened, could an update be provided, particularly around the progress of the Levelling Up Funding bid. Council Worth advised that the Council was awaiting an announcement from the Government on Levelling Up and that members would be advised when there was any further information. Councillor Porter added that an announcement had been expected before Christmas and then in early January however, he had been advised that the announcement was now imminent.
Question to: Councillor Astill
Question from: Councillor Beal
Subject: Implementation of Voter ID
Councillor Beal commented that proposed changes to the voting system (introduction of voter ID) were imminent – how were the changes being communicated and what was the Council doing to ensure that the introduction of the changes would run smoothly. Councillor Astill responded that the Democratic Services Team would shortly be providing a briefing on voter ID. The Communications Team would also be providing information through the Press and social media, to explain the changes.
Councillor Beal replied that it was important to ensure that specific needs relating to individuals, such as, for example those who were disabled or visually impaired, were satisfactorily addressed. Councillor Astill provided reassurance that guidance provided by the Electoral Commission was clear regarding what was considered to be suitable ID, and that the forthcoming briefing would cover all scenarios.
Question to: Councillor Worth
Question from: Councillor Avery
Subject: Update on Lincolnshire Prosperity Fund
Councillor Avery asked for an update on progress around the Lincolnshire Prosperity Fund. Councillor Worth advised that the Prospectus was to be shared the following Monday, and that details would be added to the website. There was no immediate urgency to submit expressions of interest as applications would not be dealt with on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Funding would also be available in Years 2 and 3. The Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils (LALC) had been commissioned to undertake briefing workshops to Parish Councils – although these would not take place until after the launch on Monday, this was not felt to be of detriment to the launch.
Question to: Councillor Porter
Question from: Councillor Brewis
Subject: Update on IDB precepts
Councillor Brewis requested an update on the Council’s lobbying of the Government to address the issue of IDB precepts. Councillor Porter responded that on Monday, the Leaders of the three councils within the S&ELCP, the S151 Officer and the three local MPs had met virtually with the Minister and civil servants handling this conversation. Although an agreement on a way forward had not yet been reached, Councillor Porter had been pleasantly surprised at the genuine interest and concern shown around the issues, and the effect of the levies on Council Tax, and felt confident that there was now more of an understanding of the issues at a Government level.