The South Holland District Council met on Wednesday 13 May 2026, with Councillor Jan Whitbourn elected as Chairman and Councillor Jo Reynolds as Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year. Key decisions included the approval of the Pride in Place programme for Spalding, the adoption of an updated Memorandum of Agreement for the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, and the progression of a Community Governance Review for Spalding, which will see a single parish council established.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Councillor Jan Whitbourn was elected as Chairman of the Council for the ensuing year, with Councillor Jo Reynolds appointed as Vice-Chairman.

Pride in Place Programme Delivery

Council approved recommendations from the Cabinet to amend the Capital and Revenue budgets to reflect the funding for the ten-year Pride in Place programme for Spalding. The Council will act as the accountable body for the programme, with delegated authority given to the Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer to sign the Memorandum of Understanding and vary the Council's budgets for projects under the programme's parameters. The Spalding Neighbourhood Board will be responsible for recommending how funding is allocated to individual projects, with the Cabinet to be kept informed of priorities, project approvals, and spend profiles.

South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership Performance Report

The Council noted the progress of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, which includes Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council, and South Holland District Council. Key updates included that 81% of projects within the 2025/26 Annual Delivery Plan had been completed, significant savings were being achieved through a joint leisure agency contract, and lobbying efforts regarding Internal Drainage Board funding were ongoing. Council also approved an updated Memorandum of Agreement for the Partnership, delegating authority to the Executive Director – Finance to sign the revised agreement.

Spalding Community Governance Review - Stage 1 Consultation Outcomes and Draft Recommendations

Council noted the outcomes of the Stage 1 consultation for the Community Governance Review (CGR) of the unparished area of Spalding. The consultation, which received 173 responses, indicated strong support for the establishment of a Parish Council for Spalding. Council approved the draft recommendations of the CGR Working Group for publication and Stage 2 consultation. These recommendations include:

• Establishing a single parish of Spalding for the unparished area.
• Setting the Council size for the Parish of Spalding at 19 Councillors, based on national guidance and proportional representation for an electorate of approximately 22,000 (forecast to rise to 23,500 by 2031).
• Warding the Parish of Spalding into six wards, aligned with existing district ward boundaries: Castle (2 councillors), Monkshouse (4 councillors), St Johns (3 councillors), St Marys (3 councillors), St Pauls (3 councillors), and Wygate (4 councillors).
• Holding the first elections for the proposed new electoral arrangements in May 2027, aligning with ordinary parish council electoral cycles.

Democratic Arrangements 2026/27

Council approved the establishment of Committees and Panels for the Municipal Year 2026/27, including the allocation of seats to political groups and appointments to outside bodies. Notably, the size of the Planning Committee was increased from 11 to 13 members. Councillor James Le Sage was appointed to the 'Spalding Water Taxi Company Limited' outside body. The Council also approved the meeting schedule for 2026/27 and re-appointed the members of the Independent Remuneration Panel until May 2028.

Health Scrutiny for Lincolnshire Report

Council noted the report providing an update following the latest meeting of the Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire. The report covered the East Ambulance Service's graduated response model and clinical strategy, as well as the importance of pharmacy services in Lincolnshire, including the introduction of the Pharmacy First advanced service.

Portfolio Holder Updates and Announcements

Councillor Jack Tyrrell was appointed as a Support Member to the Cabinet. Councillor Jim Astill, Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Environmental Services, apologised for disruption caused by issues with the garden waste collection service expansion and announced that an independent review had been commissioned. He also provided an update on the transition to wheelie bins and measures to support vulnerable residents. Councillor Elizabeth Sneath, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Conservation and Heritage, announced the availability of government funding to support Lincolnshire households struggling with heating oil costs.

Questions Asked on Notice and Without Notice

Several questions were raised by Councillors regarding waste collection issues, including communication of changes, missed collections, and the accuracy of service information. Councillor Anthony Casson, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, addressed concerns regarding taxi licensing compliance and enforcement, and the impact of new Tobacco and Vapes legislation. Councillor Henry Bingham, Portfolio Holder for Assets and Strategic Planning, provided a preliminary update on play park assessments. Councillor Charles Nicholas Worth, Leader of the Council, outlined plans for member involvement in the Local Government Reorganisation process.