This week in South Holland:

Council Grapples with Budget Shortfalls and Housing Future

South Holland District Council is facing critical decisions regarding its financial health and the long-term management of its housing stock. Two key panels met this week to scrutinise the council's budget outlook and to shape the future of its housing services for decades to come. Read more about the Joint Performance Monitoring Panel and Policy Development Panel meeting.

Housing Revenue Account: A 30-Year Plan for Sustainability

The Joint Performance Monitoring Panel and Policy Development Panel delved deep into the council's Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan for 2026-2056 and its accompanying Asset Management Strategy. These crucial documents, developed with input from Savills, lay out the council's strategy for maintaining and improving its council homes over the next three decades.

• The Stakes: This is about ensuring that the council's housing stock remains safe, decent, and financially sustainable for current and future tenants. The plan addresses rising costs, investment needs, and the ongoing challenge of meeting energy efficiency targets.
• Key Commitments: The HRA Business Plan projects financial sustainability over the 30-year period, a significant achievement given sector-wide pressures. The Asset Management Strategy outlines a £62,100 per property investment profile, focusing on extending the life of kitchens, bathrooms, and improving energy efficiency to meet the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C rating by 2030.
• Tenant Focus: The strategy incorporates tenant priorities, including better neighbourhood environments and support for disabled adaptations. It also includes plans for acquiring and developing new homes.
• Potential Outcomes: A robust plan ensures continued investment in homes, improving living conditions for thousands of residents. Without it, the stock could deteriorate, leading to increased repair costs and tenant dissatisfaction.

Budget Outlook: Navigating Financial Challenges

The panels also reviewed the council's provisional finance settlement and draft General Fund budget position. This forward-looking assessment is vital for understanding the council's financial capacity to deliver services in the coming years.

• The Stakes: The council's budget directly impacts the services residents rely on, from waste collection to community support. Understanding the financial outlook is essential for making informed decisions about service provision and potential cost-saving measures.
• Potential Outcomes: A clear financial picture allows the council to plan effectively, ensuring essential services are maintained and that any necessary adjustments are made with transparency and consideration for residents.

Spalding's Future: Town Forum Discusses Finances and Local Initiatives

The Spalding Town Forum convened to discuss the financial performance of the Spalding Special Expenses Account and to receive updates on various town initiatives. Read more about the Spalding Town Forum meeting.

Spalding Special Expenses: A Projected Underspend

The forum reviewed the Quarter 2 Forecast report for the Spalding Special Expenses Account, which projected an underspend of £20,244 for 2025/26. This positive financial position is attributed to higher-than-expected income from cemetery plots and hire income from Spalding United Football Club.

• The Stakes: The Spalding Special Expenses Account funds services specifically for the unparished area of Spalding. A healthy financial position means these services can be maintained or potentially enhanced.
• Potential Outcomes: The projected underspend offers a degree of financial flexibility, which could be used to support local projects or build reserves for future needs.

Business Improvement District: Driving Town Centre Revitalisation

An update from the Spalding Business Improvement District (BID) highlighted a range of initiatives aimed at boosting the town centre. These include plans for Spalding in Bloom 2026, a new Town Tidy Weeks initiative, and the development of a digital platform called Hello Spalding to promote local businesses.

• The Stakes: The success of the BID directly impacts the vibrancy and economic health of Spalding's town centre, affecting local businesses and the overall experience for residents and visitors.
• Focus on Safety: The BID is also addressing crime and safety concerns, with plans for a See It, Report It campaign and the exploration of a business watch scheme. This is crucial for creating a welcoming and secure environment.

Traffic Regulation and Active Travel: Improving Movement in Spalding

Discussions also covered the implementation of the Spalding Town Centre Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and the development of active travel routes.

• TRO Correction: An error in the signage wording for the TRO had led to 24-hour restrictions instead of the intended 10 am to 4 pm window. Corrective action is being taken, and penalty notices issued outside the designated hours will be rescinded. This highlights the importance of accurate implementation of traffic management schemes.
• Active Travel Progress: Plans for upgrading bike stands and identifying new cycle parking locations are underway, with the Spalding to Pinchbeck Active Travel Route progressing in phases. This focus on cycling and walking infrastructure aims to encourage healthier and more sustainable transport options.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a look at the upcoming meetings scheduled for the next week:

• The Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 20 January 2026.
• The South Holland District Council will meet on Wednesday 28 January 2026.
• The Governance and Audit Committee will meet on Thursday 29 January 2026.

This week in South Holland:

Planning Committee Tackles Crucial Infrastructure and Development Proposals

The Planning Committee convened on Wednesday, January 7th, to deliberate on several key planning applications that will shape the future of South Holland. The decisions made have the potential to impact local infrastructure, housing development, and the character of our rural areas. Read more about the meeting.

New Substation for Holbeach: Powering Growth or Impacting the Countryside?

A significant proposal discussed was the construction of a new primary substation at Land West of Branches Lane, Holbeach. This development is deemed essential to address insufficient capacity in the local electricity network, a bottleneck that has been identified as a constraint on growth ambitions for the east of the district.

• The Stakes: This substation is crucial for enabling future housing and commercial development by ensuring adequate power supply. Without it, planned growth could be stalled, impacting job creation and housing availability.
• Potential Outcomes: Approval would mean a significant upgrade to the electricity network, supporting economic development. However, concerns were raised regarding the site's location in the countryside, its visual impact, and potential flood risks. The committee would need to balance the need for infrastructure with the preservation of the rural landscape.
• Public Reaction: While the report pack detailed responses from various consultees, the specific public reaction to this particular application was not detailed in the summary.

Castle Sports Complex Modifications: Reshaping Spalding's Leisure Facilities

The committee also considered modifications to the Castle Sports Complex development in Spalding, specifically a Section 73 application. This sought amendments to previously approved plans for a new leisure hub, including changes to car parking, development phasing, and building alterations.

• The Stakes: These modifications could affect the accessibility, functionality, and overall user experience of a vital community facility. Changes to parking and phasing could impact convenience for residents, while alterations to the building itself might influence its capacity and suitability for various activities.
• Potential Outcomes: Approval would allow the project to proceed with revised plans, potentially streamlining construction or improving the final facility. Rejection or significant amendments could lead to delays and further planning complexities.
• Focus of Assessment: The assessment focused on the acceptability of the proposed amendments, as the principle of the development was already established.

Rural Building Conversion: Balancing Housing Needs and Countryside Protection

A full application was reviewed for the conversion of an existing steel-framed building into a three-bedroom, self-build dwelling at Land off High Road, Moulton, Spalding. This proposal brought into sharp focus the ongoing debate about developing in the countryside.

• The Stakes: This decision touches upon the balance between providing much-needed housing and protecting the character of rural areas. Self-build projects can offer unique housing solutions, but their placement outside settlement boundaries requires careful consideration of planning policy.
• Potential Outcomes: Approval could lead to a new home in a rural setting, potentially revitalizing an underused building. However, it could also set a precedent for further development in the countryside, raising concerns about urban sprawl and impact on the environment.
• Key Considerations: The report detailed considerations regarding the principle of development in the countryside, the reuse of existing buildings, design, residential amenity, highway safety, and flood risk.

Planning Appeals Update: A Trend of Dismissals

The committee received an update on recent planning appeal decisions. It was noted that since the previous report, four appeals had been dismissed, with none allowed or partially allowed. This trend suggests a consistent approach from the Planning Inspectorate in upholding the council's planning decisions, though the specific reasons for each dismissal would provide further insight.

Review of Implemented Planning Decisions: Lessons Learned for Future Developments

A report was presented on the conclusions of the Performance Monitoring Panel following a review of implemented planning decisions. This exercise, which involved visiting various developments across the district, highlighted several recurring concerns:

• Lack of Private Front Gardens: Many new residential units were observed to have parking directly in front of the houses, with a scarcity of private front gardens. This can impact the aesthetic appeal of streets and reduce private outdoor amenity space for residents.
• Uniformity in Design: Larger housing schemes were noted for their often uniform approach to design and material finishes, leading to a lack of visual interest and character.
• Bin Collection Points: The siting of private bin collection points was frequently identified as an issue, often being located in prominent positions or in front of houses.
• Management of Open Spaces: Concerns were raised about the management and maintenance of open spaces within developments.
• Drainage and Sloping Drives: Issues related to drainage and the design of sloping drives were also noted.

These observations are crucial for informing future planning decisions and ensuring that new developments contribute positively to the quality of life for residents.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a look at the upcoming meetings scheduled for the next week:

• The Spalding Town Forum will meet on Wednesday 14 January 2026.
• The Joint Performance Monitoring Panel and Policy Development Panel will meet on Tuesday 13 January 2026.
• The Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 20 January 2026.

This week in South Holland:

New Waste Policies Proposed: Will Residents Face More Charges and Stricter Rules?

South Holland District Council is proposing significant changes to its waste collection policies, driven by the Environment Act 2021 and the need for a new waste collection delivery model. The Policy Development Panel met to discuss these changes, which could mean residents face new charges, stricter rules on waste segregation, and potential penalties for non-compliance. Read more about the meeting.

Key Changes to Waste Collection:

• Standard Bins: The default provision will be three wheeled bins (residual waste, mixed dry recycling, and paper and card) and a kitchen caddy and kerbside caddy for food waste collection.
• Bank Holiday Collections: Collections will now take place on bank holidays, except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
• Exemptions: A new policy will address properties where bin storage is not possible or would require bins to be stored on the highway.
• No Side Waste: Waste placed outside of a bin will not be collected.
• Charges for Bins: Charges will apply for new bins for new builds, and for replacement bins due to damage, loss, or theft.
• Waste Segregation: There is an enhanced obligation to segregate waste correctly.
• Missed Bins: There is a change of timescale for recollection of missed bins.
• Additional Bins: Households can apply for additional bins depending on circumstances.

These changes are intended to help the council meet its legal obligations and improve recycling rates, but they could also lead to increased costs for residents and stricter enforcement of waste disposal rules. The report pack states that the new policies are intended to enable the committee to consider the new rules and requirements to ensure the delivery of an effective, efficient and safe waste service.

Concerns and Considerations:

• Impact on Vulnerable Residents: Residents who struggle to manage multiple bins or cannot afford replacement fees may be disproportionately affected.
• Enforcement: The council will need to ensure that enforcement of the new policies is fair and consistent.
• Communication: Clear and effective communication with residents will be crucial to ensure they understand the new rules and how to comply.

The council operates under a complex legislative framework for the management of waste services, including:

• The Environmental Protection Act 1990
• The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011
• The Environment Act 2021
• The Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2024
• The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024

Council to Decide on Net Zero Plan and Leisure Contract

The Cabinet met to discuss a range of issues, including the council's Net Zero Action Plan, Tree and Hedgerow Strategy, and the contracting of leisure facilities. Read more about the meeting.

Net Zero by 2040: Ambitious Goal or Empty Promise?

The Cabinet considered the Net Zero Action Plan, which aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. The plan will use the following categories as a framework: gas, electrical, fleet, waste, and business and commuter travel. The Net Zero Action Plan follows recommendations by consultants WSP.

Tree and Hedgerow Strategy: Greener Spaces for All?

The Cabinet also discussed the Tree and Hedgerow Strategy Action Plan, which is designed to inform delivery against the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Tree and Hedgerow Strategy. The core objectives of the strategy are to protect, plant and participate, which recognise the need to manage and enhance existing resources, take a considered approach to new planting, and engage local communities and stakeholders in the strategy.

Leisure Facilities: Outsourcing on the Horizon?

The Cabinet discussed the contracting of leisure facilities with an external operator as an agent for service delivery. The report pack says that this relates to the award of a contract under an agency agreement for the operation and lifecycle maintenance of the council's leisure facilities.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet reviewed the Quarter Two Finance Update, which sets out the current financial position of the council at the end of the second quarter of 2025/26.
• Also on the agenda was the Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27. The report pack states that the cabinet will determine the Council Tax Support scheme for 2026/27, and that the cabinet's final scheme recommendation will be submitted to the full council for approval on 28 January 2026.
• The Cabinet also considered proposed amendments to the Council's Contract Procedure Rules, with the intention of introducing a new updated version of the rules.
• The Quarter 1 Risk Report 2025/26 was presented to the cabinet, providing an update on risk as at the end of June 2025.

This week in South Holland:

Performance Panel Reviews Council Performance and Planning Implementation

The Performance Monitoring Panel met on Wednesday, December 10th, to assess the council's performance, review implemented planning decisions, and discuss updates on the South Holland Centre. Read more about the meeting.

Performance Metrics Mostly on Track, but Complaints and Fly-Tips Lag

The panel reviewed the Q2 Performance Report, which indicated that 90% of the council's performance metrics were meeting targets. However, some areas of under-performance were highlighted:

• Corporate Complaints: Only 85.19% of corporate complaints were responded to within the set timescales, falling short of the 95% target. This could mean longer waits for residents seeking resolution to their issues.
• Fly-Tip Collection: The percentage of fly-tips collected within 5 working days dipped slightly below the 95% target for the first time in a year. This could lead to increased environmental concerns and potential public health risks.

The report also included data on a wide range of council activities, from building control market share to visitor numbers at leisure venues. The full data is available in Q2 Performance Report Appendix 1.

Implemented Planning Decisions Under Scrutiny

The panel reviewed implemented planning decisions based on a tour conducted on October 16th, with visits to Holbeach, Cowbit, a commercial site near Spalding, Gosberton and two sites in Donington. The Review of Implemented Planning Decisions highlighted several concerns:

• Lack of Front Gardens: Many residential units lacked private front gardens, with parking located in front of the houses.
• Uniformity: Larger schemes often had a uniform approach and material finish, lacking visual interest.
• Bin Storage: Private bin collection points were often located in front of houses or in prominent locations.
• Open Space: Some sites lacked adequate or well-maintained open space for residents.

Appendix A for the Review of Implemented Planning Decisions contained a summary of comments from the tour.

South Holland Centre Sees Increased Ticket Sales

The panel received an update on the South Holland Centre from Emily Spicer, Assistant Director - Communities and Housing Services, and Nichola Holderness, Group Manager – Community Leadership. The South Holland Centre Performance Update stated that ticket sales were at 13,817, higher than at the same time in 2024, predominately due to the live programme, an increase in community hires and some popular films.

Appendix 1 for the South Holland Centre Performance Update contained a financial breakdown of the South Holland Centre 2025/26.

Panel Reviews Work Programme

The panel reviewed its work programme, setting out dates for future meetings and proposed items for consideration. The Work Programme Covering Report stated that the report sets out the Work Programme of the Performance Monitoring Panel, allows the Panel to monitor its progress and identify any additional items to be added to the Programme.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a look at the upcoming meetings scheduled for the next week:

• The Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025.
• The Policy Development Panel will meet on Wednesday 17 December 2025.