Minutes:
The Leader made the following announcements:
The Leader announced the appointment of Councillor Glynis Scalese as a Support Councillor to the Cabinet, with a particular focus on assisting the Portfolio Holder for Corporate, Governance, Communications and Environmental Services in his portfolio responsibilities. He further advised that, due to the size and complexity of Councillor Astill’s portfolio, elements of it would be redistributed between himself and the Deputy Leader from 1 September 2025. Full details of the revised responsibilities would be circulated to members following the meeting.
The Portfolio Holder for Public Protection made the following announcement:
South Holland District Council had been made aware of a group of individuals rough sleeping on private land in Abbey Passage. The Community Safety Team and the Community Warden had liaised with the landowner to determine appropriate action. While no direct complaints had initially been received regarding antisocial behaviour, concerns had been raised about the increasing number of individuals at the location and associated issues such as urination and defecation.
A plan was agreed with the landowner to issue notice to vacate by 20 June. Community Protection Notice Warnings were issued to the individuals involved. The Portfolio Holder extended his thanks to the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing and her team for their work in accommodating the individuals and to the landowner for promptly securing the site.
The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing made the following announcement:
The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing provided a detailed update on the Council’s recent response to a homelessness issue in Abbey Passage, Spalding. She began by thanking the Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and the Community Safety Team for their collaborative efforts in addressing the situation.
She reported that six individuals had been rough sleeping on privately owned land in Abbey Passage. The situation had been particularly challenging due to the complex needs of those involved and the fact that the land was not in Council ownership. Despite these challenges, the Homelessness Service, working closely with Community Safety and Waste Services, had successfully relocated all six individuals into appropriate accommodation on 16 June 2025.
The Portfolio Holder explained that the approach taken was person-centred and tailored to the specific needs of each individual, with the aim of minimising the risk of them returning to rough sleeping. Support was provided throughout the relocation process and continued through follow-up visits to ensure stability.
In addition, the Homelessness Team Leader had engaged directly with a local business affected by the situation to provide reassurance and to agree an action plan. This included clear timescales and contingency arrangements should any issues arise.
Following the relocation, Waste Services carried out a deep clean of the site, and the landowner subsequently boarded up the area to prevent further unauthorised access. The Portfolio Holder emphasised that the Council remained committed to supporting vulnerable individuals while also protecting the amenity of public and private spaces. She concluded by expressing her thanks to all officers and partners involved and wished the individuals well in their journey towards more stable housing.
The Portfolio Holder for Finance made the following announcement:
Councillor Redgate reported that the Government had confirmed an increase in financial support for Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), rising from £3 million to £5 million nationally. For South Holland District Council, this meant an increase from just under £300,000 in 2023/24 to approximately £578,000 in 2025/26.
He welcomed the additional funding but stressed that the issue remained unresolved and that he would continue to work with officers and other authorities to press for a long-term solution.
The Portfolio Holder for Corporate, Governance, Communications and Environmental Services made the following announcement:
Cllr Astill informed Members that Keep Britain Tidy had commenced a campaign in Spalding to tackle cigarette litter. The initiative included the installation of “butt boxes” and other cigarette disposal infrastructure, as well as pavement markings to discourage littering. Briefing notes had been circulated to Members, and Keep Britain Tidy representatives would be present in the town centre during the campaign.
The Portfolio Holder for Assets and Strategic Planning made the following announcement:
Cllr Bingham reminded Members that Ayscoughfest would take place on Saturday, 26 July 2025, from midday until 8pm. The event would feature live music from local bands and free activities for children. He thanked officers and Councillor Mark Le Sage for their support in organising the event for a second consecutive year.