Full Council Minutes

Minutes of the Meeting of Billinghay Parish Council held at Billinghay Methodist Church, Victoria Street on Monday 7 September 2026 at 7.00pm.

Present: Cllr Catlett – Chair, Miller (RM) S Cottrell (SC) Greetham (RG)

Parish Clerk Helen Key (HK)

District Councillor Whittle (AW)

District Councillor Lawrence (SL)

Public Session

0 Members of the public present

Minutes of the Council Meeting

1.To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting.

Councillor Vipond sent her apologies.

Councillor Ledger sent her apologies.

Councillor Liles sent her apologies.

Councillor Sharratt sent his apologies

It was proposed by RG, seconded by RM, and agreed unanimously to accept all of the above apologies.

Apologies were received from County Councillor East.

2.  To receive Declarations of Interest under the Localism Act 2011 – being any pecuniary or other registerable interests in agenda items not previously recorded on members’ Disclosable Pecuniary and Other Registerable Interests' declaration.

None declared.

3. To receive reports from County and District Councillors.

Both district councillors discussed the latest news that the Local Government Reorganisation has been put on hold while a review is launched by the Government in light of new legal advice. Richard Wright leader of North Kesteven District Council had reported “this would put NKDC back into uncertain times. Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner announced, “the pause was to ensure the plans were legal and fit the new governments priorities”.

Councillor Whittle asked if there were any updates on a NKDC housing matter that had been brought to his attention. In turn he was asked to investigate a build-up of waste at a property in King Street as it is unknown if this property is NKDC or privately owned.

4. To accept the notes from the meeting held 3 August 2026 as minutes and a true record.

It was proposed by RM, seconded by SC, and agreed unanimously that they be accepted.

5. Clerk’s Report. (Details forwarded prior to the meeting).

The clerk reported that the fly tipped waste in the former Lafford High School site had been removed but it is unlikely that any clearance work will take place. The clerk will monitor the site and report any further fly tipping.

 A “Thank you” card and cake treats were left at the council meeting for members who were involved in clearing the methodist church garden. Thanks to Andy, Roger, Steve, Ann, Jane and Helen

6. Correspondence items forwarded:

NALC Bulletins, LALC Bulletins, LCC Fire & Rescue response review, NK Community Champion award details, update from CPRE Rutland & Lincolnshire chairman, LCC Parish agreement amendment to grass cutting programme, LCC winter salt request details, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance survivor story, Electrical safety-first fund details, LCC Town & Parish newsletter, Shooting Star RAF ‘Cinderella service’ details, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance 109 challenge details, NK-Corporate Civic special expenses to closed churchyards survey details.

No points arose.

7. Finance

a. To approve the payments made during August 2026 (list circulated to councillors prior to the meeting). See Appendix A

It was proposed by SC, seconded by RM, and agreed unanimously to approve the payments.

It was noted that the returned grant funding from Billinghay and District Swimming Pool will be placed back into reserves held for play equipment.

b. To approve the appointment of the internal auditor to complete the half year audit and approve the expenditure for this process.

It was proposed by AC, seconded by SC, and agreed unanimously to approve the appointment and the cost of £175.00 for this process.

c. To consider and approve the extra work in the cemetery, which has been on hold due to the bird nesting season. Cut back holly and laurel bushes at a cost of £85.00

It was proposed by AC, seconded by RG, and agreed unanimously to approve the cutting back of the laurel bush at a cost of £40.00 with the cuttings being placed into the skip but the holly bush cut was felt not necessary at this time. MR Garden Services will be asked by the clerk to carry out this work.

d. To approve the renewal of the broadband contract. (Details forwarded prior to the meeting).

It was proposed by AC, seconded by SC, and agreed unanimously to renew the contract with Xln Daisy for 24 months at a cost of £27.95 + VAT.  The clerk was asked to arrange this.

8. Planning Applications to consider as a Statutory Consultee (as detailed below, may include those received which required a decision before this meeting or arrived after the close of the agenda).

None received

Planning Other:

26/0860/HOUS Conversion and extension to existing garage to create living accommodation    5 Old School Lane         Approved

Street naming/numbering Apple Tree House 20 Bridge Street

9. LCC Highways updates:

None received.

10. To report on risk assessments/safety checks. Report from councillors where applicable.

RM asked if the parts to repair the dog waste bin at Field Road had all been received. They have but the bin is working correctly at this present time, it was felt that the hot weather may have expanded the bin causing the lid not to fit properly. The bin will be monitored and repaired as and when necessary.

The clerk had investigated the possible shortage of defibrillator pads noted at the last meeting but had been advised that this was not the case. The clerk will continue with the defibrillator checks until asked not to do so.

11. To discuss the arrangements for the Remembrance Day parade 8 November 2026.

The arrangements for the Remembrance Day parade will take the usual format. It was discussed that the event will remain the responsibility of the Parish Council. Members of the parade will meet at The Ship Inn at 10.30 and walk on the footpath to the memorial for the parade just before 11am. The roads around the marketplace will not be closed. Members of the public will be encouraged to stand on the footpaths. All will then make their own way to the church for the service. A parish council member will lay a wreath on behalf of the council, and this will be decided at the next meeting. The clerk was asked to place this on the agenda.

12. To receive updates on the arrangements for the Christmas Tree Lighting event.

The Ship Inn is booked to provide the refreshments.  

The Christmas Tree has been provisionally ordered by email, awaiting confirmation.

Mick from The Ruffs will provide the singing entertainment.

An email has been sent to the Vicar covering Carr Dyke area for blessing of the tree, awaiting reply.

Councillor Liles will contact BADass to ask if they would attend and put on a performance of songs.

The clerk was asked to organise some glow sticks and carol sheets if these are required.

13. To approve the amendments to the undernoted policy (policy forwarded prior to the meeting).

PCD 015 Cemetery.

It was proposed by AC, seconded by SC, and agreed unanimously to accept the amendments.
  

14. To consider and approve the pay increase for the clerk and deputy clerk following the Local Government (NJC) pay settlement being reached at 3.30% from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

It was agreed by SC, seconded by RM, and agreed unanimously to accept the pay increase as per the Local Government (NJC) pay settlement of 3.30% for the clerk and deputy clerk backdated to 1 April 2026.

15. To discuss the next steps for joining the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum.

Three members of the public have displayed an interest in joining the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum and following discussions it was thought that a meeting with these members and the councillors that are prepared to join should be organised.

The village hall committee will be asked if the hall can be used as the safe space if required in an emergency.

16. Reports from Councillors and any agenda items for the next meeting.

SC reported he had been asked about boundary village markings by a couple of residents. The purchase of white “village gates” had previously been discussed and had been determined to be expensive and not a good use of parish funds. Two planter boxes were in the process of being produced, but no time scale is available.

AC reported that seating for the bus shelters had been mentioned, now we have a regular bus service, as well as a service to Sleaford. It was felt these might encourage anti-social behaviour in the shelters. However, AC will look into possible grant funding once it is determined if the B617 service will become a permanent route.

Meeting Closed 8.00pm

Signed

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