Issue - meetings

The Committee gave consideration to a report presented by the Corporate Systems Development Manager regarding the Street Naming and Numbering Procedure, detailing proposed changes to the procedure and seeking agreement for a further policy review. It was explained that all District Councils had a statutory responsibility for the naming of streets and postal addressing of properties within their authority boundaries. The legislation relating to street naming and numbering was contained within The Towns Improvement Clauses Act 1847, Public Health Act 1907, The Local Government Act 1985 and subsequent amendments. As part of the Levelling up and Regeneration Act, there was an intention by the Government to update the national policy for street naming and numbering to ensure a standard approach across England. This law had not yet been enacted; however, it was thought this will happen sometime in 2024.

The proposed procedure amendments were highlighted for the Committee. Members enquired as to why there was a stipulation of waiting 20 years prior to naming a street after a named individual. This did not exist previously and Members questioned whether it was relevant. The reasoning behind the stipulation was provided, being that it was a national guideline, however it was noted that it could be managed at a local level. It was subsequently proposed that the 20 year stipulation be removed from the procedure. This proposal was duly seconded.

There was discussion regarding specific scenarios in different parishes, with Officers agreeing to seek further details and respond to Councillors after the meeting.

With discussions drawing to a conclusion, the Chairman called the vote regarding the amendment on the table. It was

RESOLVED that the stipulation to wait 20 years prior to naming a street after a deceased individual be removed.

With the recommendations as written in the report having been proposed and seconded, the Chairman called the vote and it was

            RESOLVED that:

a)    the changes to the procedure guide for Street Naming and Numbering be noted; and

b)    a further update to the procedure guide be undertaken in Quarter 4 2023/2024 as part of a Street Naming and Numbering Policy review to ensure that West Lindsey processes align to proposed changes in the Levelling up and Regeneration Act which when enacted will standardise the process for Street Naming and Numbering across England; and  

c)    the review in Quarter 4 2023/2024 be in consultation with relevant key stakeholders and include a review of all the content, and improvements to accessibility of the information.