Your council
South Kesteven: what’s happening where you live
What the council itself has published on the five things it most shapes for a household: homes, getting about, the bill, the local environment and schools. Each line is quoted from the council’s own document, with the link. This page says what was decided or proposed; it never says whether it was right.
South Kesteven District Council: Non-metropolitan district (lower tier), England, East Midlands; within the county of LIN. GOV.UK lists it as a district council, within Lincolnshire County Council.
Council plan · Budget · Meeting papers · Councillors · Register of interests · Consultations
Do it online
- Household waste collection: Providing information
- Household waste collection: Reporting
- Bulky household waste collections: Applications for service
- Household garden waste: Providing information
- Recycling bags and containers: Providing information
- Flytipping: Reporting
- Noise pollution: Reporting
- Council tax annual notification: Providing information
- Council tax annual notification: Collecting revenue
- Council tax discount: Applications for service
- Council tax benefit new claim: Applications for service
- Housing benefit new claim: Providing information
- Electoral register: Providing information
- Electoral register: Applications for service
- Parking permits: Providing information
- Planning decision notices: Providing information
- Councillors directory: Providing information
- Complaints procedure: Providing information
Housing
The adopted South Kesteven Local Plan plans for 16,125 new homes between 2011 and 2036.
“This provides a minimum requirement for the new Local Plan to allocate sufficient land to enable an average of 650 homes per annum, uplifted from 625 from 2016, to be built over the period 2011-36. This equates to 16,125 new homes in the plan period.”
Local plans on the national planning register Updated automatically
- Local Plan Review 2025 (Regulation 18 - Site Allocations) — regulation-18, plan period ?–2043
- South Kesteven Local Plan 2011-2036 — adopted, plan period 2011–2036, housing requirement 16,125 homes
- Emerging new local plan
Transport
South Kesteven changed charges in its own car parks from January 2025, after a consultation in November 2024.
“The changes to car parking tariffs, the first increase in more than three years, have been made following a consultation period in November, where interested parties were invited to comment.”
Council tax
Band D set by South Kesteven for 2026–27: £195.03 of a £2,260.00 total bill in the area.
Full Council set South Kesteven's 2026-27 Band D council tax, including special expenses, at £195.03.
“Set a Council Tax level of £195.03 including Special Expenses for 2026/27 (Band D property).”
Environment
South Kesteven District Council plans to cut carbon emissions from its own operations by at least 30% by 2030.
“We plan to reduce our carbon emissions from Council operations by at least 30% by 2030.”
Education
Not applicable: district councils do not run schools; schools here are the responsibility of the county council. (Lincolnshire County Council).
What South Kesteven is deciding
Coming up
Recently
Tue, 3 November 2026 · Cabinet
- Grantham Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan Review
- Award of Fuel Contract
Fri, 23 October 2026 · Full Council
- Amendments to the Council’s Constitution to reflect the Planning National Scheme of Delegation
Fri, 23 October 2026 · Full Council
- Councillor Kyle Abel
11 earlier meetings
- Economic Development Strategy 2026-29Result: agreed, 6 October 2026. “Decision: Cabinet resolved to: Adopt the Economic Development Strategy 2026-2029 to replace the previous Economic Development Strategy 2024-2028.” Minutes
- Insourcing of Stamford Arts Centre CafeResult: agreed, 6 October 2026. “Under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, Cabinet resolved to exclude the press and public during consideration of this item, on the grounds that if they were to be present, exempt information could be disclosed to them as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.” Minutes
- Revisions to the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)Result: agreed, 6 October 2026. “Decision: Cabinet resolved to: Approve the revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)” Minutes
- Finance Report Update to end of July 2026Result: agreed, 6 October 2026. “Decision: Cabinet resolved to: Note the forecast 2026/27 outturn position for the General Fund, HRA Revenue and Capital budgets as at the end of July 2026.” Minutes
- Voice of the Tenant StrategyResult: agreed, 6 October 2026. “Decision: Cabinet resolved to: 1. Approve the draft South Kesteven District Council Tenant Voice Strategy, following consideration by the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee.” Minutes
- Contract Award for Revenues and Benefits system with NEC Software Solutions LtdResult: agreed, 6 October 2026. “Decision: Cabinet resolved to: 1. Approve the award of the Contract with NEC Software Solutions UK Ltd for the provision of the Revenues and Benefits software system for a three-year period 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2029 on the basis of the figures set out in paragraph 2.6 of the report.” Minutes
Thu, 24 September 2026 · Full Council
- Councillor Paul Martin
- Amendments to the Council’s Constitution
- Appointments to Committees and Panels of the Council
- Appointment of Representatives to Outside BodiesResult: agreed, 24 September 2026. “Following a vote, it was AGREED that Councillor Charmaine Morgan be appointed as SKDC’s representative to serve on the Grantham Transport Strategy Board until the 2027 District Elections.” Minutes
- Update on evidence base preparation relating to Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs)Result: lost, 24 September 2026. “It was proposed and seconded to extend the meeting until 18.00. The proposal FELL.” Minutes
- Political Balance of Committees
- Councillor Sarah Trotter
- Councillor Richard CleaverResult: agreed, 24 September 2026. “Prior to the commencement of Councillor Richard Cleaver’s motion, a motion without notice was proposed to change the order of business in the agenda, immediately returning to Item 6 of the initial agenda, Political Balance of Committees. The motion without notice was seconded and AGREED.” Minutes
- Motion Councillor Gareth Knight
Tue, 8 September 2026 · Cabinet
- HRA Aids and Adaptations PolicyResult: agreed, 8 September 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: 1. Approve and adopt the updated Housing Aids and Adaptations Policy.” Minutes
- SKDC Street Lighting Maintenance ContractResult: agreed, 8 September 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: Approve the contract with E.on Energy Solutions Ltd for the award of cyclical maintenance services relating to SKDC street lighting for a combined value of £200,000 for a 3 year period.” Minutes
- SKDC Gas Energy Services contractResult: agreed, 8 September 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: Approve the award of the contract to the ESPO Framework for the supply of gas energy services for the period 1st April 2027 to 31st March 2031 for an estimated annual value of £233,000.” Minutes
- Annual Complaint Performance and Service Improvement Report 2025/26Result: agreed, 8 September 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: 1. Welcome and endorse the 2025/26 Annual Complaint Performance and Service Improvement Report and the Council’s self-assessment against the Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code for Submission to the Housing Ombudsman.” Minutes
- Acquisition of Nine Affordable Rent Dwellings at Main Road, Long BenningtonResult: agreed, 8 September 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: · Approve the acquisition of nine dwellings in Long Bennington, for incorporation into the Council's Housing Revenue Account at the price set out in the exempt Appendix A.” Minutes
- Key and Non-Key Decisions taken under Delegated PowersResult: noted, 8 September 2026. “Decision: That the decisions taken using delegated powers were noted.” Minutes
- Review of the Public Spaces Protection Order (Vehicle Nuisance, Stamford)Result: agreed, 8 September 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: Approve the proposed extension and variation of the existing PSPO for vehicle related nuisance and anti-social behaviour covering the following areas within Stamford: the Station Road car park (also known as Cattle Market), the Meadows and Bath Row, for a further 3 years.” Minutes
- Primate Animal Licensing feesResult: agreed, 8 September 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: Approve the new primate licensing fees” Minutes
- Ratification of a decision to enter into a contractResult: agreed, 8 September 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: Cabinet ratified a prior decision to enter into a contract.” Minutes
- Report of Legal Options concerning LGR Decision
Thu, 3 September 2026 · Cabinet
- LGR - Response to Decision - Legal AdviceResult: agreed, 3 September 2026. “It was proposed, seconded, and AGREED under Section 100 (A) 4 of the Local Government Act 1972, to exclude the public and press from the meeting on the grounds that it was likely, that if they were present, there could be disclosed to them exempt information as defined in paragraph five of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.” Minutes
- Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drone) PolicyResult: agreed, 21 July 2026. “RESOLVED: That Cabinet: a) Approves the policy and the use of Drones for specified works.” Minutes
- Asylum Dispersal Grant FundingResult: agreed, 21 July 2026. “RESOLVED: That Cabinet: 1. Approved the allocation of proposed asylum dispersal funding as detailed within Table Two in the report.” Minutes
- 2026/2027 Pay AwardResult: agreed, 21 July 2026. “RESOLVED: That Cabinet: Approved an additional budget of: · £214,000 from the Local Priorities Reserve to fund the General Fund impact of the proposed pay award impact for 2026/27.” Minutes
- Refuse and Recycling Operational Policy UpdateResult: agreed, 21 July 2026. “RESOLVED: That Cabinet: Review and approve the updated Refuse and Recycling Operational Policy.” Minutes
- Warmer Homes GrantResult: agreed, 21 July 2026. “RESOLVED: That Cabinet: 1. Approve the acceptance of the additional £999k Warm Homes Social Housing Fund grant which has been awarded to the Council by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero” Minutes
- Local Plan Progress and UpdatesResult: agreed, 21 July 2026. “RESOLVED: That Cabinet: 1. Agree that the Council ceases work on the existing ‘legacy’ Local Plan.” Minutes
- Key and Non-Key Decisions taken under Delegated PowersResult: agreed, 21 July 2026. “RESOLVED: That the decisions taken using delegated powers were noted.” Minutes
- Stock Management PolicyResult: agreed, 21 July 2026. “RESOLVED: That Cabinet: Approve the Stock Management Policy” Minutes
- Designation of Air Quality Management Area Order 2026Result: agreed, 21 July 2026. “RESOLVED: That Cabinet: Approves the designation of an Air Quality Management Area Order 2026 to replace any previous Orders under Environment Act 1995 Part IV Section 83(1) to ensure South Kesteven District Council meets its statutory requirements in relation to Air Quality.” Minutes
- Use of Head of Paid Service Emergency PowersResult: agreed, 21 July 2026. “RESOLVED: That Cabinet noted the use of Emergency Powers by the Head of Paid Service .” Minutes
- General Fund Provisional Outturn Report 2025/26Result: agreed, 21 July 2026. “RESOLVED: That Cabinet: 1. Review the provisional General Fund Revenue and Capital Outturn position including the supporting appendices for the financial year 2025/26.” Minutes
- Housing Revenue Account Provisional Outturn Report 2025/26Result: agreed, 21 July 2026. “RESOLVED: That Cabinet: 1. Reviews the provisional Housing Revenue Account Revenue and Capital Outturn position and the supporting appendices for the financial year 2025/26.” Minutes
- Local Government Reorganisation - Government DecisionResult: agreed, 21 July 2026. “RESOLVED: That Cabinet: 1. Delegate authority to the Director of Law and Governance to urgently obtain independent specialist legal advice on the Government’s decision and the process by which it was reached.” Minutes
Thu, 16 July 2026 · Full Council
- Annual Review of Overview and Scrutiny 2025/2026Result: agreed, 16 July 2026. “Having been proposed and seconded, and following a vote it was AGREED: DECISION: That Full Council: Notes the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report.” Minutes
- Warm Homes Social Housing Fund GrantResult: agreed, 16 July 2026. “Having been proposed and seconded and following a vote it was AGREED: DECISION: That Council a) Recommend that Cabinet accept the additional £999k Warm Homes Social Housing Fund grant which has been awarded to the Council by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.” Minutes
- Councillor Paul Martin
- Motion Councillor Sarah TrotterResult: carried, 16 July 2026. “Upon a vote, the motion was CARRIED .” Minutes
- Councillor Ben GreenResult: lost, 16 July 2026. “Upon a vote, the motion FELL .” Minutes
- Invitation for representations regarding the Structural Changes Order for Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Lincolnshire: ResponseResult: agreed, 9 June 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: 1. Approve the proposed responses to the MHCLG invitation for representations on the contents of the Structural Changes Order, as set out at Appendix B of this report, and instruct the Chief Executive to submit the responses on behalf of the Council prior to the deadline of 16 June 2026.” Minutes
- Crisis and Resilience FundResult: agreed, 2 June 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: 1. Approve the acceptance of the grant award of £909,278 for the delivery of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) 2026/27.” Minutes
- Review of SKDC Car Parking ArrangementsResult: agreed, 2 June 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: 1. Commission a feasibility study in order to identify additional parking capacity in Stamford.” Minutes
- Corporate Plan 2024-27 - End of Year Review 2025/26Result: agreed, 2 June 2026. “Decision That Cabinet note the review of the delivery of the Corporate Plan 2024-2027.” Minutes
- Corporate Enforcement Policy Update - Private Sector Housing
- Housing Revenue Account - Rent ConvergenceResult: agreed, 2 June 2026. “Decision That Cabinet approve the inclusion of rent convergence in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) rent setting proposals from 1 April 2027.” Minutes
- Key and Non-Key Decisions taken under Delegated Powers
Thu, 21 May 2026 · Full Council
- Programme of Meetings of Full Council, Cabinet and Committees for 2026/2027
- Appointments to Committees and Panels of the Council and Appointment of Chairmen and Vice-ChairmenResult: agreed, 21 May 2026. “Having been proposed and seconded, and following a vote it was AGREED: DECISION That Full Council: Note the changes in political proportionality of the Council and the consequent allocation of seats on Committees (Appendix A of the report).” Minutes
- Appointment of Representatives to Outside BodiesResult: agreed, 21 May 2026. “Having been proposed and seconded, and following a vote it was AGREED: DECISION That Full Council: Appoints Councillor Ashley Baxter, as Leader of the Council, to East Midlands Councils and the Local Government Association for one year.” Minutes
- Decisions Taken Under UrgencyResult: noted, 21 May 2026. “The report was NOTED.” Minutes
- Governance and Audit Committee Annual Report 2025/2026Result: agreed, 21 May 2026. “Having been proposed and seconded, and following a vote it was AGREED: DECISION That Full Council: Note the Annual Report of Governance and Audit Committee for 2025/2026.” Minutes
- Announcement by the Leader of the Council on the Size and Membership of Cabinet and Cabinet Members' Remits
Thu, 21 May 2026 · Full Council
- Motion Councillor Sue WoolleyResult: carried, 21 May 2026. “Therefore, the substantive motion was AGREED : This Council notes: 1. Small HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) of 3-4 occupants can be established without planning permission under permitted development rights, with no requirement for community consultation.” Minutes
- Leisure Improvement Works - Phase OneResult: agreed, 5 May 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: 1. Approves the contract award for the leisure improvement works at a cost of £321,222.00 to the preferred supplier Northdown Property Services (NPS) Limited, for a period of up to six months with the option to extend for a further six months if required.” Minutes
- Award of Arboricultural Services ContractResult: agreed, 5 May 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: 1. Approves the contract award for the provision of arboricultural services to Crimson Kings (Midlands) Ltd for a two-year term for an estimated annual sum of £150,000, with an option to extend annually for up to a further two years.” Minutes
- Wharf Road Multi Storey Remedial Works - Phase IIResult: agreed, 5 May 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: 1. Approve the award of a contract to Rio Asphalt & Paving Co Ltd for a value of £298,948.12 exclusive of VAT for essential resurfacing of Level Four of Wharf Road Multi-Storey Car Park Grantham.” Minutes
- South Kesteven Shopfront Design Guide ReviewResult: agreed, 5 May 2026. “Decision That Cabinet: 1. Note the report on the South Kesteven Shop Front Design Guidance following the initial 18-month review period agreed during its adoption by Cabinet on 5 November 2024.” Minutes
- Provisional Outturn 2025/26 – Budget Carry ForwardsResult: agreed, 5 May 2026. “Decision That Cabinet delegates authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, HR & Economic Development, to finalise the 2025/26 budget carry forwards for Capital and Revenue expenditure in respect of the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA).” Minutes
What the council plans to spend, 2026–27
| Service | Budget |
|---|---|
| Education services | none budgeted |
| Highways and transport services | −£728,000 |
| Children's social care | none budgeted |
| Adult social care | none budgeted |
| Public health | none budgeted |
| Housing services (general fund only) | £2.7 million |
| Cultural and related services | £2.9 million |
| Environmental and regulatory services | £10.4 million |
| Planning and development services | £2.3 million |
| Police services | none budgeted |
| Fire and rescue services | none budgeted |
| Central services | £4.2 million |
| Other services | none budgeted |
| Total service expenditure | £21.8 million |
Life in South Kesteven: the official facts
- People living here
- 148,069 people
- Typical age
- 46 years
- Money to live on, per person, per year
- £26,860
- Typical weekly pay, before tax
- £586
- Children growing up in poverty
- 22.7%
- People claiming unemployment-related benefits
- 2.8%
- Average price of a home
- £265,305
- How many years of pay a home costs
- 7.6 times yearly pay
- Greenhouse gases, per person
- 6.5 tonnes per person
- Homes and businesses that can get the fastest broadband
- 83.0%
- Public chargers for electric cars
- 111.5 per 100,000 people
- Businesses trading here
- 6,185 businesses
Who runs the council
This council’s area is covered by Greater Lincolnshire combined authority, with its elected mayor.
56 seats in 2026. Run by: a coalition or arrangement of independents, Greens and Liberal Democrats.
Councillors by party: Independent / Other 27, Conservative and Unionist 17, Reform UK 5, Liberal Democrats 3, Green Party (E&W) 2, Labour Party 2.
Next scheduled council election: 6 May 2027.
All 56 councillors, by ward
- Kyle Abel (Reform UK) — Aveland
- Elvis Stooke (Independent / Other) — Belmont
- Richard Litchfield (Reform UK) — Belmont
- Pam Bosworth (Conservative and Unionist) — Belvoir
- Robert Leadenham (Conservative and Unionist) — Belvoir
- Emma Baker (Green Party (E&W)) — Bourne Austerby
- Paul Fellows (Independent / Other) — Bourne Austerby
- Rhys Baker (Independent / Other) — Bourne Austerby
- Philip Knowles (Independent / Other) — Bourne East
- Zoe Lane (Conservative and Unionist) — Bourne East
- Anna Kelly (Independent / Other) — Bourne West
- Helen Crawford (Conservative and Unionist) — Bourne West
- Rosemary Trollope-Bellew (Independent / Other) — Casewick
- Vanessa Smith (Green Party (E&W)) — Casewick
- Nick Robins (Conservative and Unionist) — Castle
- Bridget Ley (Independent / Other) — Deeping St James
- James Denniston (Independent / Other) — Deeping St James
- Phil Dilks (Independent / Other) — Deeping St James
- Barry Dobson (Independent / Other) — Dole Wood
- Penny Robins (Conservative and Unionist) — Glen
- Paul Martin (Conservative and Unionist) — Grantham Arnoldfield
- Paul Stokes (Independent / Other) — Grantham Arnoldfield
- Gareth Knight (Conservative and Unionist) — Grantham Barrowby Gate
- Mark Whittington (Independent / Other) — Grantham Barrowby Gate
- Lee Steptoe (Labour Party) — Grantham Earlesfield
- Steven Cunnington (Independent / Other) — Grantham Earlesfield
- Chris Noon (Independent / Other) — Grantham Harrowby
- Ian Selby (Independent / Other) — Grantham Harrowby
- Nikki Manterfield (Conservative and Unionist) — Grantham Springfield
- Rob Shorrock (Labour Party) — Grantham Springfield
- Charmaine Morgan (Independent / Other) — Grantham St Vincent's
- Graham Jeal (Reform UK) — Grantham St Vincent's
- Patsy Ellis (Independent / Other) — Grantham St Vincent's
- Matthew Bailey (Conservative and Unionist) — Grantham St Wulfram's
- Tim Harrison (Independent / Other) — Grantham St Wulfram's
- Ben Green (Reform UK) — Isaac Newton
- David Bellamy (Reform UK) — Isaac Newton
- Sarah Trotter (Conservative and Unionist) — Lincrest
- Penny Milnes (Independent / Other) — Loveden Heath
- Ashley Baxter (Independent / Other) — Market & West Deeping
- Pam Byrd (Independent / Other) — Market & West Deeping
- Virginia Moran (Independent / Other) — Market & West Deeping
- Sue Woolley (Conservative and Unionist) — Morton
- Ian Stokes (Conservative and Unionist) — Peascliffe & Ridgeway
- Peter Stephens (Conservative and Unionist) — Peascliffe & Ridgeway
- Habib Rahman (Liberal Democrats) — Stamford All Saints
- Max Sawyer (Independent / Other) — Stamford All Saints
- Gloria Johnson (Conservative and Unionist) — Stamford St George's
- Rhea Rayside (Independent / Other) — Stamford St George's
- Richard Cleaver (Independent / Other) — Stamford St John's
- Susan Sandall (Conservative and Unionist) — Stamford St John's
- Harrish Bisnauthsing (Liberal Democrats) — Stamford St Mary's
- Jane Kingman (Conservative and Unionist) — Stamford St Mary's
- Murray Turner (Liberal Democrats) — Toller
- Jane Wood (Independent / Other) — Viking
- Paul Wood (Independent / Other) — Viking