The Spalding Town Forum was scheduled to consider the financial outturn for Spalding Special Expenses, receive an update from the Business Improvement District (BID) Manager, and discuss support for upcoming Christmas activities. The meeting was also scheduled to review progress on the Spalding Cemetery extension, the Johnson Mausoleum and Non-Conformist Chapel, and play park improvements, as well as an update on the Community Governance Review.

Spalding Special Expenses Q1 2026/27 Forecast Outturn

The Spalding Town Forum was scheduled to consider the Spalding Special Expenses Quarter 1 Forecast Outturn Position for 2026/27. The report indicated a forecast net expenditure of £226,465 against a revised budget of £228,056, suggesting a forecast underspend of £1,591. If this position were to be maintained until the end of the financial year, this underspend was scheduled to be transferred to the Spalding Special Reserve. The report detailed variances across various cost centres, including employee costs, premises, supplies and services, and income. It was noted that an income shortfall was forecast due to a rent rebate for Halley Stewart, and premises underspends reflected lower anticipated building maintenance at Ayscoughfee Leisure and reduced electricity costs for Christmas decorations. The report also outlined the reserve position, with a draft reserve balance of £269,852 forecast as of 31 March 2027.

Update from the Business Improvement District (BID) Manager

Members were scheduled to receive an update from the Business Improvement District (BID) Manager. This update was expected to cover ongoing activities and initiatives undertaken by the BID to support businesses and enhance the town centre.

Christmas Activities

The forum was scheduled to discuss support for Christmas activities, specifically in relation to the upcoming Celebrate Christmas Event. This discussion was likely to involve planning and resource allocation for festive events aimed at engaging the community and attracting visitors during the Christmas period.

Assets Update: Spalding Cemetery, Johnson Mausoleum, and Play Parks

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be dedicated to an update on assets within the Spalding Town Forum area. This included:

• Spalding Cemetery Progress Update: A presentation was scheduled to outline three potential projects: a potential extension to Spalding Cemetery, potential investment in the Johnson Mausoleum and Non-Conformist Chapel, and potential investment in play parks across the Spalding Town Forum area. The report indicated that the existing Spalding Cemetery had approximately one year's burial capacity remaining, and the proposed extension would provide 624 additional burial plots, extending its operational life by approximately 20 years. Concerns were scheduled to be raised regarding the potential loss of public open space and recreational land, with discussions anticipated on public access rights and the impact on existing footpaths. The suitability of the proposed site was to be assessed against Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) guidance relating to cemeteries and groundwater protection.
• Johnson Mausoleum and Non-Conformist Chapel: Proposals for an investment of approximately £70,000 in repair works to the Johnson Mausoleum and Non-Conformist Chapel were scheduled to be considered, with the aim of preventing further deterioration of these historic structures.
• Spalding Play Parks Update: An update was scheduled on proposed improvements to play parks across Spalding. The programme of works was to be divided into phases, prioritising sites most in need of refurbishment. Members were expected to welcome the refurbishment programme and support the phased approach.

Community Governance Review - Stage 2

The Spalding Town Forum was scheduled to receive an update on the Community Governance Review, stage 2. This stage involved a consultation period, and members were to be informed about the progress of this consultation. The report indicated that hard copies of the consultation document were to be provided, with further information available online. Members were scheduled to discuss the accessibility of these consultation documents, with a suggestion that they be made available in libraries and other public places.

Actions from Previous Meeting

The forum was scheduled to consider updates on actions that arose from the previous meeting held on 7 July 2026. This would include reviewing the progress made on previously agreed actions.