Minutes:
Question to: Councillor Bingham
Question from: Councillor J Le Sage
Subject: Planning Permission at old Barclays Bank building in Spalding
Councillor J Le Sage queried why the application to convert the former Barclays Bank in Spalding Town Centre to a gaming venue had not been considered by the Planning Committee and had instead been approved by officers. Councillor Bingham responded that the application had been reviewed by Chairman’s Panel which delegated the decision back to officers under delegated authority powers.
Question to: Councillor Carter
Question from: Councillor Gibson
Subject: Hosting of migrants in South Holland.
Councillor Gibson raised a query regarding the recent notification that South Holland District Council was expected to see an increase in the number of migrants it would host, rising from 50 to 182 individuals. He sought clarification on the type of housing being used—whether Council-owned stock or an increase in HMOs—and whether this would incur costs not accounted for in the Council’s budget. It was also queried why Members had not been informed, given the potential impact. Councillor Carter responded to confirm that HRA properties were reserved for those on the housing register and asylum seekers did not qualify for the housing register. In this case, private landlords were being approached directly for rental arrangements by Serco outside of the Council. Where HMO registration was required for these properties, the Council would carry out the standard registration process. Councillor Carter also noted that the Council had previously approved grant-funded refugee accommodation through the Local Authority Housing Fund scheme, including four properties for use by refugees and two temporary accommodation units. Once no longer needed for refugee use, these properties would revert back to the HRA, thereby increasing Council stock over time.
Question to: Councillor Redgate
Question from: Councillor Beal
Subject: Q1 Financial Outturn Report 2025/26
Councillor Beal raised that the Q1 Financial Outturn report showed a number of significant unbudgeted charges and unachieved salary efficiency targets. He queried what actions were being taken to achieve the Council’s objectives. Councillor Redgate acknowledged these concerns and noted that Quarter One marked the beginning of the financial year, with ongoing discussions taking place between Portfolio Holders and Assistant Directors across the Council. He stated that efforts were being made to identify and implement efficiency savings, with optimism that improvements would be reflected in the Quarter Two report and by year-end. The Portfolio Holder emphasised the Council’s continued commitment to financial diligence, noting that surpluses had been achieved in the previous two years through the hard work of officers and Member oversight provided by the Governance and Audit Committee.
Question to: Councillor Worth
Question from: Councillor Alcock
Subject: Mayoral Authority Plans
Councillor Alcock raised a query regarding the Mayoral Authority’s current activities and noted the substantial amount of money set aside for the rental of new premises. He expressed concern about the lack of visible progress, with only feasibility studies underway four months into the financial year. He sought clarity on when the public might expect to see tangible projects initiated, given the authority’s significant annual budget and there only being eight months left of the current financial year. Councillor Worth responded to say that the Mayoral Combined Authority remained in its early stages, with initial meetings focused on establishing the constitution, basic policies, and strategic frameworks such as growth and infrastructure plans. While detailed project information was not yet available, it was expected to emerge later in the year. Updates would be provided to Members as further developments occurred.
Question to: Councillor Taylor
Question from: Councillor Geaney
Subject: Spalding Pumpkin Festival
Councillor Geaney raised a concern about the weather forecast for the Spalding Pumpkin Festival that was due to be held on Saturday 4 October 2025. Councillor Taylor confirmed that the weather forecast would be closely monitored ahead of the event and discussions had taken place with officers from the Communities Team about this. The Pumpkin Festival was a long-standing local tradition and was expected to go ahead, with the window dressing competition for businesses being judged on Friday 3 October 2025. He confirmed that a Plan B was in place to ensure public safety and adjustments would be made to the event dependent upon weather conditions. The event was important in supporting traders and celebrating the District’s agriculture. Councillor Taylor confirmed that any updates would be shared via social media and an email to all councillors would be sent if any changes occurred.
Question to: Councillor Worth
Question from: Councillor J Le Sage
Subject: Public Questions from Livestream Comments
Councillor J Le Sage had received a query from a member of the public who regularly watched the Council’s livestreamed meetings. He asked whether it would be possible to introduce a mechanism for members of the public to submit questions via the live stream, potentially as part of a short session following Questions without Notice. Councillor Worth asked the Monitoring Officer to respond who confirmed that there was no provision within the current standing orders for the public to ask questions at Full Council meetings.
Question to: Councillor Casson
Question from: Councillor Sheard
Subject: Early Presentation of Waste
Councillor Sheard raised a query around the early presentation of waste within a particular area of Spalding. Residents had reported to her that there was a consistent issue with waste being placed outside of a property prematurely and remaining there for several days. She asked whether action would be taken to rectify this. Councillor Casson responded that enforcement officers from Kingdom regularly investigate any evidence found within waste bags, including door-knocking where appropriate. He confirmed that the situation in the area raised was being monitored.
Question to: Councillor Taylor
Question from: Councillor Sheard
Subject: Indoor Bowls at Castle Sports Complex
Councillor Sheard raised a question about the indoor bowling provision at the Castle Sports Complex during construction work. She stated that the members of the bowls club had expressed concern at the late notification of disruption and disappointed by the relocation to Long Sutton where the available facilities were unsuitable for competition and the location was too far for some members to travel. She queried whether a location closer to Spalding could be identified. Councillor Taylor responded that the late notification came in January 2025 due to insurance constraints and meetings were held with the bowlers and the project manager to explore alternative venues, with Long Sutton having been a suggestion by the bowlers themselves. Investment has been made to bring the Long Sutton facility up to standard, and it was expected to reopen in mid-October 2025. He noted that while the change had caused disruption, the relocation also supported economic activity in Long Sutton. He was happy to speak to any members of the bowls club who had concerns about the available facilities.
Question to: Councillor Taylor
Question from: Councillor Sheard
Subject: Castle Sports Complex Renovations
Councillor Sheard raised that some primary schools had expressed concern that the changing rooms at the new Swimming Poll would not be single sex. She queried whether this would be reviewed. Councillor Taylor responded that the application and design had been approved earlier in the year but noted that some concern about this had been expressed. He confirmed that reassurance would be provided to users where needed, emphasising that safety was an important concern. Councillor Taylor confirmed that both himself and the project manager were happy to discuss any concerns with groups and provide reassurances.
Question to: Councillor E Sneath
Question from: Councillor Sheard
Subject: Spalding Cemetery Extension
Councillor Sheard asked a question regarding the ongoing investigations to extend Spalding Cemetery and whether there were any updates available on progress or decisions made. Councillor E Sneath responded that no definitive outcome had yet been reached. Officers were currently reviewing the existing cemetery to identify any additional space, including areas not previously considered, due to the limited number of plots remaining. She also confirmed that other areas of Spalding could be looked at for this extension.