The Spalding Town Forum was scheduled to discuss the financial outturn for Spalding Special Expenses for the 2025/26 financial year, receive updates on Spalding Cemetery and play parks, and review community governance. The meeting also included an update from Lincolnshire Police on cycling-related concerns.

Spalding Special Expenses Q4 Report for 2025/26

The meeting was scheduled to consider the Spalding Special Expenses outturn position for the 2025/26 financial year. A report prepared by Nicole Hayes, Head of Finance Delivery, indicated a projected underspend of £76,091, which was to be transferred to the Spalding Special Expenses reserve. The report detailed variances across various cost centres, including employee costs, premises, and supplies and services. Notably, income from cemetery plots was higher than anticipated, contributing to the overall underspend. The report also outlined the projected reserve balance as of 31 March 2026, which was anticipated to be £268,261. The recommendations stated that the Forum members should note the financial position for 2025/26 to ensure informed decision-making.

Spalding Community Events

Members were scheduled to receive an overview of upcoming community events in Spalding.

Assets Update

Spalding Cemetery Progress Update

A presentation was scheduled to provide an update on the progress of the Spalding Cemetery.

Spalding Play Parks Update

An update on the status of Spalding's play parks was to be provided to the Forum. Councillor Elizabeth Jane Sneath, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Conservation and Heritage, was in attendance.

Community Governance Review Stage 2

The Forum was scheduled to receive an update on the second stage of the Community Governance Review.

Update from Lincolnshire Police

Inspector Matthew Dickinson of Lincolnshire Police was scheduled to provide an update to the Forum. The focus of his briefing was to be on cycle-related concerns within Spalding, including issues such as cycling without lights, unsafe cycling practices, and the enforcement options available to the police. The report pack indicated that Inspector Dickinson would outline key offences and penalties under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations. He was also expected to discuss operational considerations, including the referral of offences involving under-18s to the Joint Diversionary Panel and the processing of adult offenders via a Traffic Offence Report. The report pack noted that the neighbourhood team was facing reduced capacity due to force-wide workforce redeployment. A future partnership approach was likely to focus on supporting the Don't Be Dim campaign, led by the Right-Side Trust and supported by Lincolnshire Police, Halfords, and Pedals.

Actions from Previous Meeting

The Forum was scheduled to consider updates on actions that arose from the meeting held on 14 January 2026. The action log indicated that updates were expected regarding the provision of detailed council tax band property increases, clarification on the Christmas decorations budget, a breakdown of Spalding Special Contributions, and the potential use of Town Board funding for parks.

Any Other Business

Under this item, several matters were scheduled for discussion:

• Brown Tourist Information Sign for the Parish Church: The Vicar of St Mary's and St Nicolas Parish Church had enquired about obtaining a brown tourist information sign. The report indicated that applications for such signs must be made to Lincolnshire County Council, which requires support from a Parish or Town Council. The Vicar sought support from the Spalding Town Forum.
• Fingerpost Signage – Condition and Potential Refurbishment: The condition of Spalding Town Centre's fingerpost signage was to be highlighted, with suggestions made to ask the Spalding Town Board to support refurbishment costs. Councillor Henry J W Bingham, Portfolio Holder for Assets and Strategic Planning, noted that a Chairman's Budget of £750 could contribute towards refurbishment.
• Update on the Celebrate the River Day: The date of 5 July 2026 had been agreed for this event, which was to be organised by the Welland Yacht Club and supported by local ward councillors.
• Request for Publication of Town Events: A request was to be made for the Communities Team to share information on upcoming town events for the year.

The next meeting of the Spalding Town Forum was scheduled to take place on 20 October 2026.