The South Kesteven District Council met to discuss several key issues, including budget amendments for the weekly food waste collection service, updates to contract procedure rules, and the designation of conservation areas in Ropsley and Aslackby. Councillors also approved appointments to committees and panels and discussed an amendment to the constitution regarding the scheme of delegation.

Weekly Food Waste Collection Budget

The council approved a budget amendment to facilitate the rollout of a mandatory weekly kerbside food waste collection service, a requirement under the updated Environment Act 2021. The decision involved:

• Allocating a revenue budget of £542,195 for the 2025/26 financial year.
• Utilising £400,125.45 from allocated revenue transitional funding and an additional £142,069.55 from the Waste Service Reserve.
• Increasing the vehicle replacement capital budget by £171,850 from the Waste Service Reserve for food waste collection vehicles and caddies.
• Accepting an additional Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) payment of £935,377.03 for the 2025/26 financial year, allocating it to the Waste Services Reserve.

The report noted that the initial capital funding from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) was £171,850 less than the actual cost of vehicles and caddies. Councillor Rhys Baker, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, explained that the waste team were restructuring collection rounds and that residents would be notified of any changes.

Contract Procedure Rules Update

The council approved updates to its Contract Procedure Rules (CPR), incorporating requirements from the Procurement Act 2023. These updates aim to create a simpler, more transparent procurement regime, delivering better value for money and reducing costs. Key changes include:

• Simplified procurement procedures with two competitive tendering options: the open procedure and the competitive flexible procedure.
• Increased transparency through 17 procurement notices for various stages of the procurement lifecycle.
• Implied 30-day payment terms for all public procurement contracts, extending to subcontracts.
• A requirement for contracts over £5 million to have a minimum of three key performance indicators (KPIs), with public reporting on supplier performance.

The council also agreed to increase procurement financial thresholds, with single quotes now permitted for contracts up to £24,999. Councillor Philip Knowles, Cabinet Member for Corporate Governance and Licensing, highlighted that the updates align with the Procurement Act 2023 and aim to improve efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness.

Ropsley Conservation Area Appraisal

The council approved the formal designation of the Ropsley Conservation Area boundary and adopted the Ropsley Conservation Area Appraisal. This decision followed a review of the area, which identified significant improvements to the historic streetscape. The appraisal designates the area as having special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance, in accordance with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

The designation includes the expansion of the conservation area to connect two smaller areas and incorporate more heritage significance, such as positive unlisted buildings and important open spaces. The council delegated decision-making to the Assistant Director of Planning for minor changes and non-material amendments to the appraisal prior to publication.

Aslackby Conservation Area Appraisal

The council approved the formal designation of the Aslackby Conservation Area boundary and adopted the Aslackby Conservation Area Appraisal. This decision aims to protect and enhance the area's special architectural and historic interest.

The designation includes an expansion of the conservation area to incorporate more areas of heritage significance, such as positive unlisted buildings and important open spaces. The council delegated decision-making to the Assistant Director of Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning, for minor changes and non-material amendments to the appraisal prior to publication.

Amendment to the Constitution - Scheme of Delegation

The council approved amendments to Part 3(c) of its constitution, concerning delegated powers to officers. The changes involve:

• Updating references to the Assistant Director (Governance and Public Protection) in relation to animal and public health functions, replacing them with broader delegations to the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, relevant Director or Assistant Director, and other appropriately qualified and trained officers.
• Removing the Assistant Director (Governance and Public Protection) as an officer granted delegation within functions related to air pollution, contaminated land, health and safety, legal proceedings, licensing, neighbourhoods, and private sector housing.

These amendments aim to ensure continuity and efficiency in decision-making, particularly in the absence of a permanent Assistant Director (Governance and Public Protection).

Appointments to Committees and Panels

The council approved appointments to its committees and panels, reflecting changes in the political proportionality of the council. These appointments included:

• Councillor Susan Sandall replacing Councillor Nikki Manterfield on the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
• Councillor James Denniston replacing Councillor Steven Cunnington on the Rural and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Other Business

Councillor Ian Selby, Chairman of the Council, noted his engagements since the previous meeting, including the SK Charity Cup and Green Flag raising ceremonies at local parks. Councillor Ashley Baxter, Leader of the Council, announced that the Cabinet had agreed a £75,000 budget for external support for business plans related to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Councillor Phil Dilks, Cabinet Member for Planning, announced the launch of the second Regulation 18 consultation on the revised draft Local Plan. Councillor Virginia Moran, Chair of the Deepings Community Interest Company (CIC), met with a minister to discuss the Deepings Leisure Centre. Councillor Paul Stokes, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, highlighted the Green Flag awards received for Grantham's parks.