September 2025
District Councillors Report – Osbournby Sept 2025
The Greater Lincolnshire County Authority
The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) is a new governing body that drives economic growth, transport, and infrastructure improvements in Greater Lincolnshire, formed through a devolution deal transferring powers from the government to local decision-makers. Established in 2025, the GLCCA integrates Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire, operating under a directly elected Mayor. It focuses on strategic planning, local skills training, and investment in the region, unlocking significant funding and greater local control over regional priorities.
The Great Exhibition is taking place on October 22nd, more details can be found here.
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Food waste collections coming to Lincolnshire Residents are set to benefit from a new weekly food waste collection service beginning in 2026, as part of a government mandate to help households recycle more and reduce environmental impact. You can see more here on the Lincolnshire County Council website- including details of the two food waste caddies households will receive and other information. The introduction of this new countywide service follows national changes set out in the Environment Act 2021, which requires all waste collection authorities (local councils like North Kesteven District Council which collect your waste from the kerbside) to collect food waste separately on a weekly basis. It’s not a local decision, but a legal requirement aimed at improving recycling rates and sustainability across the UK. North Kesteven District Council, as part of the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership, is working with the county and other district/borough councils to ensure a smooth rollout across Lincolnshire. While some areas will start receiving the service from March 2026, not all areas will go live at the same time. Individual start dates will be announced closer to the launch. Food waste will be collected weekly, using dedicated vehicles, so there will be no mixing with other types of waste. Importantly, no kerbside waste in Lincolnshire currently goes to landfill. This food waste will be diverted from the Energy from Waste plant to a specialist anaerobic digestion facility, where it will be turned into biogas – a cleaner, natural energy source – and fertiliser used by local farmers. |
Annual Electoral Canvass
In July the Annual Electoral Canvass, to update the Electoral Register, will begin. The North Kesteven Electoral Services Team will either email or send a form to all households across the district. Electors are asked to follow the instructions, so we know they are registered and ready to vote. More information is available for electors at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/annualcanvass.
Canvassers will not be visiting properties until early October 2025, and a reminder will be shared nearer the time. If you have any questions, please contact elections@n-kesteven.gov.uk.
the North Kesteven District Council's jobs page on the website.
Co-op Local Community Fund
The Local Community Fund supports projects in members’ communities that provide access to opportunities and resources for people to thrive. Co-op Members can choose the local cause they want to support through their membership.
Applications to the Local Community Fund are now open.
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Poppy Wreaths On 12 December 2024 NKDC unanimously agreed to “provide a remembrance red poppy wreath to any Councillor who requests one, for them to present personally on behalf of North Kesteven District Council, whilst attending the Remembrance Day event within their respective wards”. Members may request a wreath for a Remembrance Event they are attending within their own ward, in accordance with the approved Remembrance Sunday Wreath Laying Protocol. To request a poppy wreath, you must submit the relevant form to the Corporate and Civic Support team by Thursday 25 September. |
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Free fruit trees for communities - deadline nears Following its success last winter, we are pleased to relaunch our community orchard scheme for planting in late 2025 to early 2026. We are offering free fruit trees to establish community orchards in North Kesteven as part of the Coronation Living Heritage Fund. Sites should be accessible to the public to some extent (e.g. amenity land, parks, village greens) and there should be plans for community engagement (such as tree planting, fruit picking). Trees are offered alongside stakes, guards and ties in packs of five, but if you have space, please do apply for more than one pack. You can find information on the scheme and a link to the application form on our Trees for Communities webpage. The deadline for applications is 12pm on Monday, September 8th. Please note, priority will be given to new orchards, as well as to locations and groups that have not previously received fruit trees from NKDC. |
Local Government Reorganisation: Help us to shape a proposal that works for you
This change in the way Councils are structured will affect the way local services are delivered and the number of Councillors to connect with communities. That’s why it’s essential that your views as residents and businesses are factored in to what is put forward.
Government wants to see structures that enable strong community engagement and deliver neighbourhood empowerment. That is why we are proposing a middle ground between the size of the current district and the county councils, with three authorities keeping things as local as possible. It also wants new structures that prioritize quality, sustainable public services and proposals that meet local needs and are informed by evidence.
Please tell us your thoughts and priorities for setting up the new councils here: LGR survey
Community Champions 2025 launched *
Do you know someone who’s making a difference within the community of North Kesteven through their kind consideration and voluntary endeavour? And have you always thought ‘they deserve a medal’ for what they do?
The next best thing is an NK Community Champion Award, backed by community-minded businesses within the District and co-ordinated by North Kesteven District Council.
Across 11 categories, this year we’re looking to champion:
- Community spirit
- Young Achievers
- Community Businesses
- Contribution to climate action, arts & culture, sport, a better environment and health & wellbeing
- Good neighbours
- Longstanding contributions to a single group or organisation
And there’s a new category this year to complement the Chair’s charitable theme to celebrate Contribution to Animal Welfare.
There’s a category to capture all manner of expressions of voluntary action undertaken tirelessly, quietly and selflessly for the benefit of people and communities within North Kesteven.
It could be by supporting neighbours, befriending, contributing to a sports or art club, picking litter, maintaining paths, supporting those in need, contributing freely in a myriad ways, changing lifestyles and business practice to reduce climate impacts or going over and above in any way that brings broad benefit or community enrichment.
There’s so much amazing activity being undertaken daily that we want to acknowledge, celebrate and champion – but we can only do it if you tell us about it.
Nominations can be made at www.NKawards.org where there is more detail or using the form here. Deadline is 12pm on September 16.
Annual Forum for Tenants
The Annual Forum for Tenants, organised by Tenant Representatives and the Resident Engagement Team, is coming up in September. There will be two sessions this year in two different locations. All Council housing tenants are invited to attend.
The Annual Forum will be set up as drop-in sessions that focus on the results of the Annual Report to Tenants 2024/25 and tenant engagement opportunities through the new Menu of Involvement. It will also provide an opportunity for tenants to raise concerns, ask questions and meet managers and officers from Housing, Property and Customer Services.
Please see below for details on both scheduled sessions. Members are welcome to attend.
September 22 – 12pm to 1pm in the Council Chamber
September 24 – 5pm to 6pm at Wellingore Memorial Hall (5 Memorial Hall Dr, Wellingore, Lincoln LN5 0BD)
If you are interested in attending, please contact tenant_participation@n-kesteven.gov.uk
The Annual Housing Report has now also been published; you can read it here.
Create a community garden *
The National Garden Scheme is offering grants of £1,500 - £5,000 to support community gardens. The fund helps local groups create sustainable, biodiversity-friendly gardens that bring people together and benefit the wider community. Match funding isn’t required.
They are welcoming applications for projects that foster diversity and/or support people with physical or mental disabilities. Guidelines on eligibility are available on the National Garden Scheme website here allowing interested groups four weeks before applications open to ask any questions they may have.
Submissions open on Monday 15 September and close at noon on Monday 20 October, however, due to the enormous popularity of the grants only the first 300 submissions will be accepted for assessment and applications may close early. Successful applicants will be notified of the results in April 2026.