2026 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

CAYTHORPE AND FRIESTON PARISH COUNCIL
MEETING NUMBER 6
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 11th MARCH 2026
Present:
Councillors: Crawley, Manderfield, Stevenson, Page, Macer, Topley & Macpherson
SKDC Cllr Milnes, LCC Cllr Bamford (late)
There were 3 members of the public 
Clerk:  Mrs D Manderfield

Item 1 – Chairmans Remarks
Cllr Crawley welcomed the councillors and the public. 

Item 2 – Apologies for absence
The clerk was reminded that Cllr Clayton had made her apologies at the previous meeting. There were no other apologies for absence; Cllr Bamford had informed the clerk that he may be late to the meeting. The Clerk had been notified by Cllr Sandy of his absence but the message was not picked up until after the meeting. Cllr Farr made his apologies to the clerk a couple of days after the meeting.

Item 3 – Declaration of Interests under the Local Government Act
Cllr Crawley expressed a declaration of interest as a committee member of the Playing Field Committee  
Cllr Manderfield expressed a declaration of interest as a committee member of the Village Hall Committee
Cllr Stevenson expressed a declaration of interest as a member of the Gala Working Group 
Cllr Topley expressed a declaration as an allotment holder

Item 4 - Approval of Minutes of meeting number 5 held on 14th January 2026
Copies of the minutes were circulated prior to the meeting. Cllr Stevenson pointed out a formatting issue at printing. A copy of the Accounts Summary was attached to the record. It was Resolved to accept the minutes as  a true record of events. They were signed by the chairman, Cllr Crawley 

At this point Cllr Bamford joined the meeting

Item 5 - To receive written applications for the office of Parish councillor and to Co-opt a candidate to fill the existing vacancy
The Council had received 1 application. The Clerk had previously forwarded the application forms to the councillors and after due discussion it was Resolved to co-opt Theodor Pywowarcuk to the Parish Council. As Mr Pywowarcuk was present, a Declaration of Acceptance to Office was signed and Cllr Crawley welcomed him to the council. At this point Cllr Pywowarcuk left the public forum and joined the council. Cllr Pywowarcuk agreed to use his mobile number on local noticeboards
Action: Clerk

Item 6 – Parish Clerk’s Update on Matters Arising Since Last Meeting  

Communications:
The following is a summary of the communications received since the last meeting, all of which have been circulated to councillors for their information and action where appropriate:
District Council Updates (SKDC)
Notification regarding food waste recycling initiatives.
Information about the new South Kesteven Walking Festival.
Details of the Community Awards Scheme.
Reminder that District Council meetings are live streamed on the SKDC website for public viewing.
Update about the Local Plan Development Scheme, which has been forwarded to the Chairman of the Planning Committee.
Hough on the Hill Neighbourhood Development and Plan Review Notification
Planning
Due to time constraints SKDC no longer send consultations out to Parish Councils for tree works. However TPO applications will continue to be consulted on
All consultations are considered by the Planning Committee and responses submitted by the Clerk
County Council Updates (LCC)
Announcement of a new initiative: the launch of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Edge of Care consultations.
Notification regarding the commencement of Local Government Reorganisation.
Other Organisations
Request to share views on Best Start Lincolnshire: Inclusion Service and Lincolnshire Council for Voluntary Youth Services (LCVYS) grant funding.
Invitation from Community Speedwatch to attend a meeting scheduled for 16/02.
Communication from NHS Lincolnshire regarding support for residents with sight or hearing loss.
Forwarded and completed a survey from National Highways and Transport
LALC News and training opportunities

Burials and Exclusive Rights of Burial
Since the previous meeting, there have been two burials, and four Exclusive Rights of Burial sold.

Insurance Matters
All Insurance Pre-Renewal Questions have now been received. All have completed and forms returned to Gallaghers. 
There are now four distinct policies for each of the autonomous committees. The Clerk has not yet received the Playing Field Committee's policy. The remaining policies have been reviewed and accepted by both the Village Hall Committee and the Social Club. All policies, including the CFPC policy, are attached. It is hoped that the Playing Field policy will be received and distributed prior to the meeting.
The Clerk was asked by the Village Hall Committee to investigate the chance of claiming off the insurance for damage to underground pipes in the ladies bathroom. It was since determined that the damage was due to wear and tear and so the claim was withdrawn

Financial Update
The Section 137 expenditure limit is set at £11.60 for the 2026/27 financial year.
Work is in progress to update the asset register in preparation for the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR).

Grants and Precept Relationship
Given the extensive discussion around increased grants this year, outlined below are the figures for previous years, showing the relationship between grant payments and the precept:
2017/18: Grants were 20.77% of the precept.
2018/19: Grants were 24% of the precept.
2024/25: Grants were 19.4% of the precept.
2025/26: Grants were 18.8% of the precept.
2026/27: Grants have been set at 23.4% of the precept and will be paid at the start of the new financial year.

Pensions Regulator Declaration
The declaration required by The Pensions Regulator, which must be submitted every three years, has been completed.

Item 7 - Financial Matters
7.1 Authorisation of BACS/Cheque payments. 
Councillors considered the list, previously circulated, and Resolved to accept the payments
Please see Appendix A below

7.2 Review of CFPC Accounts. Bank rec & Management Accounts. 
Bank reconciliations and management accounts as at 28.2.26 were circulated to all prior to the meeting. It was Resolved to accept this report
Please see Appendix B below

7.3 Update from Finance Committee Chair
Cllr Page reported that the Parish Council remained in a strong financial position with healthy reserves against our known obligations and risks. 

7.4 Insurance Renewal
The Clerk explained that all documents had now been distributed to the necessary committees for renewal and revision. Councillors had received copies of these for reference, and it was agreed to accept the offered 3 year Long Term Agreement which means the insurance rates will be held for 3 years and the Parish Council will stay with Hiscox Insurance Company until 2029. 
Action:Clerk

7.5 Asset Register
This was revised and updated prior to the AGAR

Item 8 Registers 
8.1 Risk Register – this was distributed previously.
It was Resolved to approve this document, 

8.2 Maintenance Register – this was distributed previously and reviewed.
It was Resolved to approve this document

Item 9 -  Project Register Update 
9.1 Emergency Plan 
Cllr Topley announced that the plan had been revised. He proposed meeting with the clerk to review it in detail, after which it would be ready for approval at the following meeting
Action: Cllr Topley/Clerk

9.2 Burial Ground Plot Marking
There has been no change, the plots will be marked as soon as the weather allows

9.3 New Dog Bin/s
There has been no update on this project 

9.4 Re-staining of Burial Ground gates and staining of new gate
It is unlikely that this will be completed before the year end as the contractor requires 3 clear dry days. 

9.6 To Support speed reduction to 50 mph on A607 
Please see report from Cllr Bamford below
Action: Cllr Bamford

9.7 30mph Signs
New signs have been installed throughout the village, replacing the old ones and adding new locations. Cllr Manderfield informed the council that he had been approached by local residents that more were needed. Cllr Macpherson suggested 20mph advisory signs might be worthwhile before and after the school. After due discussion it was Resolved to purchase 10 more 30 mph signs, and 2 20mph advisory signs
Action: Clerk

9.8 Allotment Gate
A refund of £510 was received from Newgate

9.9 Fireworks Donations
Cllr Farr had agreed to organise a gift of thanks for a resident

9.10 Overhanging Greenery
The homeowner resolved this problem.

Item 10 - New Proposals. 
10.1 to review a quote from Community Heartbeat for replacing 3x Defibrilators at a cost of £4422, and a second quote for a donation to London Hearts of £2866 – Cllr Macer

Cllr Macer clarified that, following receipt of the initial quotation and its inclusion in the budget, he sought alternative options to secure better value. He also noted that the existing cabinets remain in satisfactory condition. Cllr Macer agreed to confirm the compatibility of the new machines with the current cabinets. It was Resolved to purchase three defibrillators from London Hearts, at a cost of £2376
Action:Clerk

10.2 To consider the possibility of purchasing Caythorpe Police Office at a cost of £5000 plus additional relevant costs – Cllr Crawley
Cllr Crawley explained that a letter had been received from Lincolnshire Police offering to sell the CPO (Caythorpe Police Office) to Caythorpe and Frieston Parish Council for £5000 as per clause 2(d) of the Conveyance. He went on to suggest that the general use of the garage remain the same, but the office space could be utilised as vital storage as well as a CFPC postal address. Total costs to purchase were agreed to be around £8000 including solicitors fees and annual costs of estimated £1500, including insurance and rates. After due discussions it was Resolved to accept the offer from Lincoln Police and utilise reserves for this project
Action: Clerk

Item 11 – The Parish Environment

11.1 Planning Issues
No issues arising

11.2 Report from Cllr Page – Planning Committee Chairman
There have been no  applications submitted to the PC in the period.

There have been. A small number of tree work approvals granted by SKDC under the permitted development rights. 

Item 12 – Community Activities by Portfolio Councillor – the following are reports written by the individual councillors. 

12.1  Report by Cllr Crawley
12.1.1 Litter Picking 
Our part time litter picker continues to work diligently keeping litter at bay around the villages. 
The 1st Caythorpe and Dukes Covert scout group conducted a litter pick and tree planting  on Sunday 1st February as part of their work towards earning their badges. We supplied litter picking and safety equipment, and about 15 scouts and their leaders cleared 15 bags of rubbish from along the A607 and the public footpath in the grounds of Caythorpe Hall.
12.1.2 Environmental Sustainability 
The scouts also planted about 24 trees on 1st February along the A607 opposite Caythorpe Hall. This was achieved using trees raised and donated by myself and Steve Atkins and utilized tree stakes and tree guards owned by CFPC and counted towards their badges.
Monitoring of the Mid Uk (now Panda) site has revealed they are conducting regular litter picking patrols along Caythorpe Heath Lane.
12.1.3 Playing Fields 
The renewable energy installation was started on Monday 13th January and completed by Friday 16th January when the installation was formally handed over to the Playing Field Committee. As part of this work myself and a playing field committee member cut back some of the trees that were overhanging the pavilion roof and I cleared moss from the lower levels of the West facing roofs before the PV installation took place. The system was installed without cost to the Playing Field Committee thanks to a grant obtained from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund administered by SKDC and applied for by myself. Despite the recent dreadful weather, the system is generating electricity which will lower the bills that the Playing Field Committee are responsible for. An article detailing the work has been submitted to News and Views and uploaded to the Caythorpe Village Facebook page and CFPC website.
 Lincolnshire Police have finally agreed to sell the redundant police office on Old Lincoln Road at a very reasonable price. A separate paper will be up for discussion at our next meeting on the possible purchase of this by CFPC
Other
Galaxy Fireworks have been booked for the 2026 display on Saturday 7th November 2026 and a deposit paid. Donations have been made from the surplus funds to the scouts, playing field, and gratuities to key personnel. 
The damaged speaker that we had borrowed and overloaded is being repaired but at the time of writing, the cost is not known.
 A professional quality speaker has been purchased at a cost of £500 and is stored in the loft space of Jonathan Betts 
Planning meetings are continuing.
The large gazebo that was damaged during packing away after the fireworks is more extensively damaged than first thought. We are currently trying to ascertain from the Gala committee if they want a like for like replacement or would prefer two smaller gazebos. Once this information is received we will buy a suitable replacement for the damaged gazebo.

A prospective new councilor has submitted his application to join us and this will be voted on at the next meeting.

I contacted LCC about the footpath between Old Lincoln Road and the High Street (opposite the school) using Fix My Street, following a fall suffered by a member of the public due to a step in the surface on this unlit path. The defect has now been rectified by LCC.

12.2 Report from Cllr Manderfield
12.2.1 Highways
I have continued to report potholes via Fix My Street including Pottergate Rd, Frieston Heath Lane, Back Lane, South Parade, Frieston Rd, A607, Waterloo Road, Caythorpe Heath Lane and Gorse Hill Lane.
The faded no cycling sign for Frieston Path at the junction with South Parade has been replaced.
The replacement 30mph reminder signs have been installed with the help of  Cllr Macpherson and Topley.

I completed the National Highways & Transport (NHT) Survey

12.2.2 Village Hall
I was unable to attend the Village Hall meeting on Friday 23rd of January.

The Village Hall Committee are continuing their hard work to improve the hall. 
Quotes have been received for replacement of some of interior lighting in the main hall, further quotes are being sought.
Pat testing has been completed.
Plumbing and a new toilet are required in the ladies toilet, the works are to be scheduled. 
The committee are seeking further quotes to improve access the to the hall and are hoping that this can be grant funded. 
A trolley is being purchased for the large round tables that are kept in the storeroom. 
A replacement sign for the exterior of the hall is being ordered.
A safeguarding policy is being developed.
The gardening project is being reviewed as the cost for the initial plans were deemed too high. 
The next film night is to be held on the 20th March , with the last one before summer on the 1st May.  

12.5 Report by Cllr Topley
Nothing further to report

12.6 Report by Cllr Sandy
Nothing to report

12.7 Report from Cllr Farr
Nothing to report

12.8 Report from Cllr Macer
Nothing further to report

12.9 Report from Cllr Clayton
Nothing to repot

At this point Cllr Crawley pointed out that the Planning portfolio might be a good fit for Cllr Pywowarcuk. After discussions the new portfolio list is shown as Appendix C

Item 13 -  Items of Urgent Business

There were no matters of urgent business

Item 14 - Arrangements for Next Meeting 
The next Parish Council Meeting Number 1 of 2026 will be held on Wednesday 13th May 2026 commencing at 7.30 p.m. in the village hall.  (7.15 for open forum)

Cllr Crawley thanked everyone for coming, and closed the meeting

Open Forum

A resident expressed concerns about speeding and overweight vehicles on village roads, suggesting additional speed signage, a traffic review, and monitoring traffic levels. Cllr Manderfield noted new signs had been installed but more may be needed, while Cllr Milnes recommended contacting Lincolnshire Road Partnership and Community Speedwatch. The resident also asked if it would be wise to reach out to Cllr Bamford directly.
Action: Cllr Manderfield/Clerk

Report from Penny Milnes – SKDC Councillor

LGR
The Government consultation on proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Lincolnshire under the Mayor continues. 
You can participate by visiting the following weblink before the closing date of Thursday 26th March: 
Proposals for local government reorganisation in Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire - GOV.UK 
The council’s preferred proposal is the BEST4GreaterLincolnshire proposal which has been drawn up with North Kesteven. It suggests Greater Lincolnshire be reorganised as follows:
 • A new unitary authority consisting of the Kestevens with South Holland.
 • A new unitary authority consisting of the Lindseys with Boston and Lincoln.
 • North and North East Lincolnshire unitary authorities would remain as they are now. 
Full details of all the proposals for Lincolnshire are available here: 
Proposals | Greater Lincolnshire LGR Hub. 
When the consultation has concluded, the Government will assess the feedback and decide which proposal will be implemented. An announcement on the Government’s preferred outcome for Greater Lincolnshire is expected in July. 
In May 2027 there will be elections for the new Unitary Councillors (2 to a ward similar in size to the current County Division). There may be elections for District Councillors to enable a shadow council over the hand over period over 1 year.
Currently, I understand that the Mayor will have the Strategic Planning responsibilities with current Local Plans used for detail planning prior to a Unitary preparing its own Local Plan.

Food Waste
A reminder about the forthcoming introduction of food waste recycling. 
It will commence from 12 April onwards on each household’s ordinary collection day. 
Small caddies are being delivered to all households in the district. 
You might also like to share this link to a myth busting video: 
https://youtu.be/W3x9LLAtpD0?si=1Dzi6xs_3yCt3rPA

Planning
The Shoot may go to Planning Committee on April 16. It may be that a representative of the Council would like to attend to give your representations in person. 

Local Plan continues to be on track for submission to the Inspectorate by 31 December 2026. It will include all the allocations required to fulfill the new government targets for housing growth. There are no allocations in this Ward.

Design Code should be completed this summer and will include helpful and prescriptive requirements for developers.

SKDC Budget
South Kesteven District Council has approved its budget for the year ahead and agreed a 2.99% increase to its share of Council Tax equivalent to an extra 11p per week, which is annual average increase of £5.66 for Band D properties. They increase the average amount a household would pay for services provided by SKDC from £189.37 to £195.03 in 2026/27. Out of every £1 of Council Tax collected by SKDC, 74p goes to Lincolnshire County Council and 15p to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire - SKDC receives around 9p of each £1 collected, of which about 2p is passed on to town or parish councils.

SKDC’s element of the Council Tax pays for the delivery of effective council services with focus on five priorities: communities, environment, economy, housing and good governance.
The modest increase helps to fund essential frontline services including refuse collection, street cleaning, planning, housing and CCTV.
Tackling environmental crime, enabling economic opportunity and public events are also important public duties that we must pay for. 
For 2026/27, starting in April, the average Council Tax for a Band D property in South Kesteven will be £2,260 made up of:
Lincolnshire County Council – £1673.01
Police and Crime Commissioner – £333.09
South Kesteven District Council – £195.03
Parish/Town Council average – £58.87
Discounts and exemptions are available to some Council Taxpayers.

Full details can be found at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/benefits-and-support.
or contact SKDC’s Revenue and Benefits Team direct on 
01476 406080 (option 1).
Other agencies that may be able to help include: 
South Lincs Citizens Advice – 0808 278 7996; 
StepChange Debt Charity – 0800 138 1111; 
National Debtline – 0808 808 4000.

A snapshot of some of the services provided by SKDC:
Abandoned vehicles; Council tax collection; Air quality; Alcohol, entertainment and leisure licensing; Allotments; Animal welfare licensing; Anti-social behaviour and community safety; Appeal your council tax bill; Appealing benefit claim decisions; Armed Forces Community Covenant; Arts centres and venues; Arts, leisure and culture; Benefits; Bins, street care, recycling and commercial waste; Bourne Corn Exchange; Building Control; Bulky waste collections; Business rates; Business rates relief; Car Parks; CCTV; Climate Change and Sustainability; Club premises certificate; Economic Development; Elections and voting; Emergency planning and business continuity; Environmental health; Food Hygiene Rating Scheme; Gambling and lotteries licensing; Garages to rent; Garden waste collections; Grants and assistance; Grass cutting, verges and trees; Heritage and tourism; Help with homelessness or those at risk of being homeless; Household Support Fund Grant; Housing; Listed Buildings; Local Land Charges; Markets and street trading; Mutual home exchange; Noise and pollution; Parks and playing fields; Planning (Development Management); Register to Vote; Safeguarding; South Kesteven Prosperity Fund; Sports and leisure; Street lighting; Street Name and Numbering; Taxi and private hire vehicle, driver and operator licensing; Temporary Event Notices; Youth Council.

Report from Cllr Kenny Bamford – LCC Councillor

I am continuing to work with LCC to try and progress ongoing broader issues such as speeding, parking, roads  and drainage (flooding), which are recurring themes across Hough.

In particular on roads, we are starting to look at how repairs are categorised and prioritised, and the quality of the repair itself, with more robust solutions, rather than fill patching.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR): Our proposal was submitted to the government at the end of November, along with other proposals from other Lincolnshire councils. A public consultation has now started on all the proposals and is expected to last for 7 weeks. Details of our proposal and the work to date is at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/yourlincolnshire. 

Local Updates

A607 Speed Limit - Awaiting LCC speed survey report.

Holy Cross Gardens - LCC working with developer to hopefully resolve. Awaiting update.

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C