An update from Leader Of The Council, Cllr Richard Cleaver to Parish Councils across South Kesteven
It has been fabulous to learn more about South Kesteven and the services the District Council provides since being appointed Leader of the Council following the local elections in May.
I'm determined that the Council should be as open and transparent as possible, and as part of that I intend to stay regular contact with each and every parish in the District.
This is the first in a series of updates I will be issuing every couple of months, covering various issues and topics that will hopefully be of interest.
Some of you may know that, as Leader, I have pledged to get to know the wider District better and to help with that have completed several ward walks with local councillors. Issues raised have included fly-tipping, parking, and the use of green spaces owned by the Council.
I am very aware that there are issues that need to be tackled and I want to get a more personal feel for the whole of the District from those who live here and those who represent it on their behalf.
Understanding the issues and concerns people have in particular areas will be a big help towards SKDC making the right decisions for residents and businesses.
The first of our monthly Cabinet drop-in sessions took place at SKDC's Essex Road sheltered housing complex in Stamford in the summer.
Combined with an informal meeting of the Cabinet we answered questions from the public on the introduction of purple-lidded bins for paper and card, along with housing issues.
As part of our commitment to increase community engagement we're planning future drop-ins, also taking in the District's larger villages and were in Billingborough Village Hall in August.
The next in the Meet the Cabinet series will take place from 1pm-2pm on Monday 25th September in the Lionel Beck Room at the Deepings Community Centre. Please come along if you are able to and feel free to make your parishioners aware of this opportunity to ask questions.
To further our commitment to respond to Climate Change, since forming a new administration we have been able to put aside a reserve of £300,000 to react to the Climate Emergency - and we welcome views on how we can put that to good use.
Key partners and stakeholders from across South Kesteven have joined forces to form a Local Economic Forum (LEF) to help manage and deliver the District's £3.9m allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The LEF is an opportunity to get the right people in a room together, starting conversations and working together to support businesses, community groups, skills providers and projects across South Kesteven.
There is funding available to reach all four corners of the District so it is important that we work with key partners and stakeholders to shape future activity, enhance positive projects and help to establish long-lasting initiatives in our communities.
The Council has already committed £1.5m from its UKSPF allocation to projects across the district around three key investment priorities - communities and place; supporting local businesses; and people and skills.
To check eligibility and apply for a grant go to South Kesteven Prosperity Fund (Page 1 of 5) (office.com)
I look forward to SKDC working much more closely with communities on promoting new and exciting events in the coming months to meet our commitment to the Arts under our new Cultural Strategy.
There is, in fact, a diverse range of live entertainment and events on offer for visitors of all ages to SKDC's arts centres.
Packed Autumn What's On brochures offer something for everyone, from cinema to local drama groups, to comedy, music and poetry.
Tickets for all productions are available online 24/7 via www.guildhallartscentre.com and www.stamfordartscentre.com, where the new season brochures can be downloaded. Printed copies of the guides for both Stamford and Grantham Arts Centres, are available at both venues.
SKDC carries out public consultation on a variety of topics and it does so for a number of reasons - the introduction of a new policy; a change in level of service or because it is a statutory requirement.
Recent consultations that spring to mind on which parish councils were asked for their views were regarding the Climate Action Strategy, Public Spaces Protection Order and the Communities Strategy. The results from these consultations will be collated for consideration.
We are currently running a Grantham Mid-Lent Fair Consultation which closes on October 2nd. Statutory consultees, Buckminster Trust ( Charter holders) and those living /working in areas affected by road closure orders have been contacted directly.
The feedback received on all our consultation exercises is really important to us and I'd like to take the opportunity to thank those of you who respond - it's one of the many examples of the crucial role parish councillors have in representing their communities.
Finally, I would like to remind everyone that the latest edition of our community magazine, SKtoday, is out now and available online.
To ensure you don't miss out on Council news and services, upcoming events and vital information such as your bin collection days, simply sign up to receive an email alert when the latest edition is published.
Subscribe now by registering your email address at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/sktoday