i) Chairman of Council
ii) Leader of the Council
iii) Head of Paid Service
Minutes:
Chairman
The Chairman addressed Council and advised that whilst it had been a rather quiet period for civic engagements, the Strategic Away Day for all Councillors had been most useful and very informative. Thanks were expressed to all those involved with arranging the day and to all those who contributed to its smooth and efficient running.
Referencing fellow Councillor, Councillor David Cotton, who at the last meeting had addressed Full Council – the Chairman shared good news. Councillor Cotton was progressing very well and feeling much better. Well wishes were extended for a continued and speedy recovery.
Leader
The Leader made the following address to Council: -
“The Inaugural meeting of the Further Education Task Force was held in this room on Wednesday, 22 February and was highly insightful, positive and productive. In particular the engagement, enthusiasm and support of colleagues from throughout the educational, manufacturing and related sectors gave considerable confidence that real and measurable progress can be delivered on behalf of our young people. This is not only a duty we all share, but also a vital factor in ensuring we collectively achieve and maximise the full potential of our area and the communities within it.
Research commissioned by the Rural Services Network (a Special Interest Group within the Local Government Association) last year showed that rural areas are suffering more acutely from the increase in the cost of living compared with urban areas. To better understand the impact this has on individuals, households and indeed communities, the RSN has now launched a survey in partnership with the Citizens Advice Rural Issues Group to provide data to help to engage more effectively with Government Departments, MPs and other policy makers. The link to take part is:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Rural_Households_Cost-of-Living
This survey will close on Friday, 31st March 2023 and clearly the greater the response the better, so please share it widely!
The Elections Act 2022 introduced a requirement for all voters at a polling station to present photographic identification such as a UK passport, a photocard driving licence, or a bus pass. Anyone without an accepted form of photo ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate either on-line at https://www.gov.uk by post from the DLUHC, or in person at the Guildhall in Gainsborough, but applications will close at 5.00 pm on Tuesday, 25 April. Alternatively, electors may wish to consider applying for a postal vote, for which the closing date is 5.00 pm on Tuesday, 18 April. Polling day is on Thursday, 4 May from 7.00 am - 10.00 pm.
It is especially pleasing to report that West Lindsey District Council is one of the six authorities to have been shortlisted in the Council of the Year category in the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards 2023. This is a really significant achievement, fully reflecting the commitment, enthusiasm and successes of our team. Indeed, ours is the only District to have been shortlisted, the other Councils, from throughout the United Kingdom, all being much larger organisations.
Finally, Chairman, whilst I believe this to be an especially exciting time with unparalleled opportunities available to our District, I do fully recognise that we can always achieve our best working in partnership with others. Accordingly, I’d like to place on record my deep appreciation for the commitment and dedication of all the individuals and organisations working on behalf of their communities, adding so much to the quality of life we collectively benefit from and enjoy.”
Chief Executive
The Chief Executive addressed Council and he too was delighted to advise the Chamber that West Lindsey District Council had been shortlisted for “Council of the Year” by the LGC Awards. The Chief Executive placed on record his thanks to all Councillors, employees and Partners for enabling West Lindsey to place itself in such a position where it could achieve such recognition.
Recognition was paid to Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director of Planning Regeneration and Communities, and Emma Foy, Director of Corporate Services, for their work on the Scampton Procurement process. The Chief Executive was pleased to confirm that West Lindsey had secured a successful bidder which would allow the Council to focus on finalising the acquisition of the Scampton Airfield from the Ministry of Defence.
Referencing the Strategic Away day on 27 January; Members were thanked for their attendance and support and to the University of Lincoln for hosting the event at their Riseholme Campus. Feedback had been really positive and it was hoped a similar positive engagement event would be arranged for next January (2024).
Finally, the Chief Executive advised Members that he had attended a Ministerial visit to the West Burton Power Station for the launch of a new company, designed to advance the UK’s position in Fusion Energy.
Announcements were concluded.