Agenda item

Question to: Councillor Worth

Question from: Councillor Paul Barnes
Subject: Market stall numbers and entertainment

 

Councillor Barnes thanked the Leader and Portfolio Holders for the information provided in their reports. He requested a breakdown of the number of market stalls at each venue for each week over a period of 2 months, noting that Spalding market had only three stalls on a recent Saturday. He also suggested the Council consider providing a stage for buskers to enhance the market atmosphere.  Councillor Worth confirmed that a detailed breakdown could be provided and that the Market Manager held this information. He noted that stall numbers were often weather-dependent. He welcomed the suggestion of a performance space and confirmed it would be considered.

 

Question to: Councillor Worth
Question from: Councillor Gibson
Subject: Town Council consultation

 

Councillor Gibson asked whether South Holland District Council had plans to consult on the formation of a town council for Spalding, similar to the consultation being undertaken in Boston.  Councillor Worth confirmed that the matter formed part of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) engagement exercise involving SHDC, Boston Borough Council, and East Lindsey District Council. He emphasised that Spalding having a voice was a top priority.

 

Question to: Councillor Worth

Question from: Councillor Eldridge
Subject: National Grid consultation

 

Councillor Eldridge urged all Members to respond to the Grimsby to Walpole National Grid consultation and asked whether the Leader would be responding on behalf of the Council.  Councillor Worth confirmed that he would be responding on behalf of the Council and would also liaise with Lincolnshire County Council, which shared similar concerns.

 

Question to: Councillor Casson

Question from: Councillor Booth
Subject: West Marsh Road Recycling Centre

 

Councillor Booth asked whether the Council could request Lincolnshire County Council to extend the opening hours of the West Marsh Road Recycling Centre to help reduce fly-tipping.  Councillor Casson expressed full support for the proposal and confirmed that the Council would press the County Council to consider longer opening hours. 

Councillor Astill added that the Leader would write formally to the Leader of Lincolnshire County Council on the matter.

 

Question to: Councillor Worth

Question from: Councillor Mark Le Sage
Subject: Town centre consultations and business support

 

Councillor Le Sage raised concerns about the perceived ineffectiveness of consultations and asked whether more could be done to support new businesses, such as through business rate relief.  Councillor Worth confirmed that business rate support had been offered in the past and that the Town Board would consider a package of support for start-ups. He noted that a retail survey was underway to inform a town centre masterplan. He advised that retrospective support was unlikely but could be explored in the future.

 

Question to: Councillor Astill

Question from: Councillor Avery
Subject: Waste and recycling collections for parish councils and community groups

 

Councillor Avery noted that schools were no longer eligible for free waste and recycling collections and asked whether similar organisations such as parish councils and community groups would be affected. He expressed concern that this could result in increased parish precepts and impact charitable organisations.  Councillor Astill confirmed that the Council had made a decision to cease collections for schools and childcare settings. He advised that it was his intention to continue offering a service to parish councils and community centres under the new waste regime, subject to confirmation of the exact details. He further stated that any policy changes would be brought before the Policy Development Panel for scrutiny and input.

 

Question to: Councillor Worth

Question from: Councillor Beal
Subject: Members’ Register of Interests

 

Councillor Beal asked for clarification regarding the timeframe within which Members were required to update their Register of Interests following an election.  Councillor Worth confirmed that Members were required to update their Register of Interests within 28 days of the election.

Question to: Councillor Worth

Question from:  Councillor Brewis
Subject: Packaging surcharge and litter reduction

 

Councillor Brewis suggested that fast food outlets should be required to apply a surcharge to packaging, similar to historic bottle deposit schemes, to encourage recycling and reduce littering.  Councillor Worth acknowledged the value of the proposal and noted that national legislation was expected to address this issue as part of the wider waste reforms, including the rollout of food waste collections. He agreed to look into the matter further.

Question to: Councillor Bingham

Question from: Councillor Sheard
Subject: Public toilet opening hours in Ayscoughfee Gardens

 

Councillor Sheard asked, following a question at the previous Council meeting, whether an update could be provided on the opening hours of the public toilets in Ayscoughfee Gardens.  Councillor Bingham confirmed that staffing hours in the gardens had been extended during the summer, which would allow the toilets to remain open for longer. He advised that this change had started straight away.

Question to: Councillor Redgate

Question from: Councillor Woolf
Subject: Parish Council loan scheme

 

Councillor Woolf referred to a recent Cabinet announcement regarding a £100,000 loan facility for parish councils and asked for further detail.  Councillor Redgate confirmed that the funding had been set aside as part of the Quarter 4 finance update. The scheme would allow parish councils to apply for capital funding to support local projects. He explained that the initiative was designed to provide long-term support and stability, particularly following the success of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. He emphasised that the scheme would empower parish councils to deliver lasting improvements in their communities.

 

Question to: Councillor Bingham

Question from: Councillor Hasan
Subject: Children’s play parks and equipment

 

Councillor Hasan raised concerns about the condition of children’s play parks across the district, noting that many were outdated and in poor condition. He asked whether there were any concrete plans, funding, or timelines in place to renovate existing play areas and improve facilities.  Councillor Bingham advised that most play parks were maintained by parish councils. In Spalding, the Town Forum could propose funding for improvements in the same way as parish councils. He confirmed that this would be considered if a proposal was brought forward. 

Councillor Taylor also agreed that investment in play areas was important and encouraged Members to report any specific issues. He highlighted the Council’s “Love Parks Week” initiative and confirmed that officers would continue to monitor the condition of parks and seek funding opportunities where possible.

 

Question to: Councillor Carter

Question from:  Councillor Hasan
Subject: Grounds maintenance and housing inspections

 

Councillor Hasan reported concerns about overgrown grass and poor garden maintenance in Council-owned housing areas, particularly in the Wygate Road area. He asked whether the Council could increase the frequency of inspections to at least every six months.  Councillor Carter explained that inspections were carried out when a tenancy began, with closer monitoring during the initial period. After that, inspections became more periodic due to resource constraints. She confirmed that if issues were reported, officers would investigate and take appropriate action. She advised that most tenants maintained their properties well and that targeted inspections were more cost-effective. Councillor Carter invited Members to report specific cases for follow-up.

Question to: Councillor Worth

Question from: Councillor James Le Sage
Subject: BID voting process

 

Councillor Le Sage referred to recent press coverage in which a magistrate had described the Business Improvement District (BID) voting process in Spalding as “murky at best.” He asked whether the Council should have taken a more neutral stance and allowed businesses to determine the outcome independently.  Councillor Worth responded that the Council was entitled to vote as a stakeholder in the town centre. He explained that the Council owned a significant number of properties in the BID area and paid a substantial levy. As such, it was appropriate for the Council to have a say in the process.

 

Question to: Councillor Astill

Question from:  Councillor Thomas Sneath
Subject: Food waste collection readiness

 

Councillor Sneath asked why the authority was not yet ready to implement food waste collections as required under the Environment Act 2021. He queried whether the Council would incur any penalties and when it would become compliant.   Councillor Astill explained that the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership had developed a phased rollout plan for food waste collections across the county. South Holland, along with East Lindsey and Boston, was scheduled towards the end of the rollout. Subject to approval of the capital budget later in the meeting, the Council would imminently place orders for the necessary vehicles. He confirmed that the Council would write to the Government to advise them of its implementation plans.

Question to: Councillor Astill

Question from: Councillor Eldridge
Subject: Grass cutting in ward areas

 

Councillor Eldridge reported issues with grass cutting in her ward and asked for an update on the Council’s approach to grounds maintenance.  Councillor Astill advised that officers would prepare a briefing note outlining the current position and future plans for grass cutting and parks maintenance across the district.

 

Question to: Councillor Astill

Question from: Councillor Beal
Subject: Cyber security readiness

 

Councillor Beal referred to recent cyber incidents affecting major organisations and asked for assurance regarding the Council’s cyber security measures.  Councillor Astill confirmed that the three Portfolio Holders across the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership had successfully secured additional resources for the IT team, specifically to strengthen cyber security. Recruitment was underway. He also advised that regular testing was carried out and that a recent audit had been completed, with the results expected to be reported to the Governance and Audit Committee.

 

The Chairman thanked Members for their questions and advised that, due to time constraints, any Members who had not been able to ask their questions during the meeting should email them directly to the relevant Portfolio Holder.