The South Holland District Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 26 November 2025, was set to cover a range of important council business. Key discussions were scheduled to include updates from Portfolio Holders on their respective areas of work, a review of the council's treasury management performance, and the adoption of a new Statement of Licensing Policy. Additionally, the council was expected to consider a proposal to commence a Community Governance Review for the unparished area of Spalding.

Portfolio Holder Updates

Councillor Nick Worth, Leader of the Council, was scheduled to provide updates on various initiatives, including the progress of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) business case to the government, the 'Vision for Spalding' initiative, and the establishment of an appointments committee for the Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral Combined County Authority. Updates were also anticipated on market activities, democratic services initiatives such as the new SHDC Youth Council, and electoral services regarding postal vote re-applications and the annual canvass.

Councillor Paul Redgate, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, was expected to report on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (RPF) Programme, including the progress of grant-led schemes like LCF GRASSroots and Grants4Growth, and initiatives focused on the agri-food sector.

Councillor Jim Astill, Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Environmental Services, was scheduled to provide updates on environmental services, including the Garden Waste scheme and a waste transformation plan. He was also expected to report on HR matters, specifically the shared pay and job evaluation scheme for shared officers across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.

Councillor Henry Bingham, Portfolio Holder for Assets and Strategic Planning, was to update on activities at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum & Gardens and the South Holland Centre, including recent events and plans for 2026. An update on various assets projects, including completed and ongoing works across the district, was also on the agenda.

Councillor Tracey Carter, Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing, was scheduled to provide an update on developments within the Housing Landlord Service (HRA), including policy updates, tenant engagement events, and progress on acquiring properties for temporary homelessness accommodation. Updates on the Homelessness Team, Housing Register Team, and Rough Sleeping Service were also anticipated.

Councillor Anthony Casson, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, was expected to report on crime and disorder initiatives, including the refreshed South and East Lincolnshire Community Safety Strategy, proposed increases to fines for environmental offences, and the continuation of Hot Spot Policing in Spalding. Updates on graffiti removal, domestic abuse support, the Land Charges HM Land Registry Data Migration Project, and food safety campaigns were also scheduled.

Councillor Elizabeth Sneath, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Conservation and Heritage, was to provide updates on digital inclusion initiatives as part of the Lincolnshire Integrated Care System, the Household Support Fund, and the Age Friendly South Holland programme. She was also scheduled to report on safeguarding policies and heritage matters related to Ayscoughfee Hall Museum & Gardens.

Councillor Gary Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Community Development, was to update on events such as the Christmas Light Switch On and Christmas Makers Market, as well as community initiatives like the South and East Lincolnshire Crowdfunding scheme and sheltered housing activities. An update on Leisure Services, including the transition of Castle Sports Centre and progress on the Health & Wellbeing Hub development, was also expected.

Treasury Management Report

Councillor Paul Redgate, Portfolio Holder for Finance, was scheduled to present the 2025/26 Mid-Term Treasury Report. This report was intended to provide members with an update on Treasury Management performance and activity, ensuring best practice is maintained. It was expected to cover an economic update for the first half of the financial year, interest rate forecasts, a review of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy, the council's capital expenditure and prudential indicators, and a review of the council's investment and borrowing strategies.

Licensing Act 2003 - Statement of Licensing Policy

Councillor Anthony Casson, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, was scheduled to present a report seeking the council's adoption of the proposed Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003. This policy requires review and publication every five years, with a statutory deadline for adoption by 31 January 2026. The report detailed the consultation process undertaken and recommended amendments made following feedback from stakeholders, including Lincolnshire Police and the Policy Development Panel.

Pension & Pension Discretions Policy

Councillor Jim Astill, Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Environmental Services, was scheduled to present a revised HR policy concerning Pensions and Pension Discretions. The report highlighted the need for regular review of HR policies to ensure legal compliance and best practice, and noted that the proposed policy had been developed with input from officers, trade union representatives, and the Policy Development Panel. The policy outlines the council's approach to administering the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and the application of employer discretions.

Community Governance Review for the unparished area of Spalding

Councillor Nick Worth, Leader of the Council, was scheduled to present a proposal for a Community Governance Review of the unparished area of Spalding. The report outlined the purpose of the review, which is to consider the creation of a parish or parishes and council(s) to serve the area, and to review electoral arrangements. The recommendations included approving the Terms of Reference for the review, appointing a Working Group, and delegating authority to the Chief Executive to manage the process.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2024/2025

The Assistant Director - Governance (Monitoring Officer) was scheduled to present the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2024/2025. This report provides an overview of the work undertaken by the Performance Monitoring Panel and the Policy Development Panel during the previous municipal year, including their respective meeting activities, task group work, and joint scrutiny initiatives with partner councils.

Health Scrutiny for Lincolnshire Report

Councillor Glynis Scalese, the council's representative to the Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire, was scheduled to provide an update following the committee's latest meeting. The report was expected to cover an overview of maternity and neonatal services in Lincolnshire, including key areas of focus such as continuity of carer, safer maternity care, perinatal mental health, and workforce development. It was also to detail the outcome of consultation on local dementia intensive support and hospital care, including identified gaps in wider dementia support.

The meeting also included agenda items for receiving minutes from various committees and panels, announcements by the Leader and members of the Cabinet, and questions asked on notice and without notice under Standing Orders. An item concerning the establishment adjustment of the Partnership Climate Change and Environment Team was also scheduled, with a report from the Director – Communities.