2026 Agendas (Full Council)

January 12th 2026 Agenda
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January 26th 2025 Agenda

NOTICE OF A MEETING OF HECKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Dear Sir/Madam

You are summoned to attend the meeting of Heckington Parish Council to be held in the Parish Council Chambers, St Andrews Street, Heckington on Monday 26 January 2025 at 7.30pm.

Members of the Press and Public are invited to attend. All members of the Parish Council are summoned to attend for the purpose of considering and resolving upon the business to be transacted at the meeting, as set out hereunder.

Signed: Heidi Wilson, Clerk & RFO Dated: 22 January 2026

AGENDA

The Parish Council may pass a resolution on any agenda item, even if the agenda does not specifically state ‘to resolve to approve’. This wording ‘to resolve to approve’ in certain circumstances could be interpreted as predetermination. The parish council have received advice from LALC in relation to this matter.

1. Chair’s Welcome

2. Public Forum:

Fifteen minutes will be set aside for Members of the Public to ask questions or make short statements to the Council. The Council may choose not to answer any question; a response may instead be given in writing. Matters raised may be added to an agenda for a future meeting. Members of the public are welcome to stay for the Parish Council meeting after the public session but are not permitted to speak during the meeting. If you would like to make comment during the meeting, please raise your hand if you are able to do so.

3. Councillors present

4. Apologies

5. To receive any reports of member’s interest, pecuniary or otherwise in relation to the agenda and any dispensations in accordance with the Localism Act 2011

6. Report from the County and District Councillors

7. Minutes

a) To resolve to approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 27 November 2025 and 12 January 2026.

8. General

a) Policies for adoption or re-adoption further to amendment.

• Standing Orders

• Financial Regulations

• Review of risk register

• Review of asset register

• IT policy

• Investment Strategy

• Expenses Policy – Staff

• Expenses Policy – Councillors

b) To ratify the retrieval of Parish Council documents from Sils & Betteridge (deed packets/plans).

c) To receive a recommendation from the Clerk in relation to the future provision of Christmas Trees for the Parish Council.

d) To note a request from Mr. Grigg dated 15 January 2025 regarding No Mow May and Let it Bloom June (for the arboretum, Godson Green and Laxton Close).

e) To agree the location for a new grit bin on Howell Road further to an email from LCC dated 20 January 2026.

f) Ratifications

i) To ratify the purchase of a tarpaulin for the Ifor Williams trailer at a cost of £199.99 inclusive of VAT.

ii) To ratify £250 authorised using Clerk’s emergency spending powers for additional expenditure for electrical safety for the Christmas light switch on.

iii) To ratify the authorisation of an additional £250.00 for electrical safety for the Christmas light switch on.

iv) To ratify the purchase of a leaf blower bag at a cost of £26.25 plus VAT.

v) To ratify the purchase of dog waste signs for the Mayflower Park at a cost of £18.55 plus VAT.

vi) To ratify the purchase of COSHH signage for the Workshop for compliance with the FRA at a cost of £8.55 plus VAT.

viii) To ratify a decision to proceed with Octopus Energy for the Chambers and Workshop despite changes to standing charges and unit prices since the initial quote.

ix) To ratify a decision to send a reminder letter to the tenants at the Pavilion about their status as tenants at will given their failure to sign the lease to date.

x) To ratify a decision to proceed with the annual asbestos resurvey for the Pavilion due 22 January by Bradley Environmental at a cost of £327.00 excluding VAT.

xi) To ratify a decision to allow SHOCK Sleaford to take over the management of the defibrillators at the Pavilion and Village Green (to note that donations will be returned accordingly).

xii) To ratify the sale of the Nilfisk mower at a price of £12,000.00 plus VAT.

xiii) To ratify the purchase of diesel cure (yet to be sourced and priced) to protect the fuel stored in the diesel tank.

9. Committees

The Committees have not met since the last meeting of the Parish Council.

a) Pavilion Committee

i) To receive an update from the Chair and Councillor Davison in relation to progress made with the transfer of the Pavilion to the CIO established by Mark Whitton.

ii) To discuss the dissolution of the Pavilion Committee.

iii) To review a request for access from the Manor to the Pavilion. To note the email from Mr Pinchbeck dated 23 November 2025.

b) Cemetery Committee

i) To receive an update from the Chair, Councillor Gower in relation to the purchase of 12 pleached Beech trees for the cemetery to replace removal of the Portuguese Laurel at a cost of £2668.00 plus VAT and to receive an update in relation to the CWGC sign, repairs to fencing (thanks to Mr Hazelwood) memorial repairs and quotations.

iii) To review the email from Rowan Smith dated 8 January 2026 in relation to the siting of a crossing point to the East of the Cemetery requiring the removal of vegetation to allow for a clear line of sight to the East of the Cemetery. Email circulated 8 January 2026.

c) Staffing Committee

i) To receive an update from the Chair, Councillor O’Connor in relation to the vacancy arising from the resignation of Mr Ward.

10. Planning Matters

a) Members noted the new/amended or registered planning applications awaiting decision.

Application	25/1577
Location	16 High Street, Heckington
Proposal	Erection of detached building to provide a wellbeing clinic
Application	25/0728/FUL
Location	Garwick Farm, Boston Road, Heckington
Proposal	Change of use of agricultural land to light industrial use in association with current use of the site, and erection of a new boundary treatment to western side of site (retrospective).
Application	25/1109/FUL
Proposal	Change of use from agricultural grass land to form a Motocross Track (for personal use only) (retrospective)
Location	Garwick Farm, Boston Road, Heckington
Application	25/0774/HOUS
Proposal	Alterations to roof, replacement windows, proposed insertion of a new side door and replacement gate and render.
Location	95-97 Hight Street, Heckington

b) Members noted the following decisions received since the Parish Council meeting on 24 November 2025.

Application	25/1352/TPO
Proposal	Walnut – Removal of deadwood, reduction of the west canopy to clear the adjacent dwelling and crown lift of lower canopy to 2m
Location	Land outside Walnut Lodge, 3 Hall Close
Decision	Validated
Application	25/0165/OUT AMENDED
Proposal	Application for outline planning permission with some matters reserved (access to be considered) for the erection of 47 dwellings. AMENDED – Additional and amended documents/plans consist of revised transport statement, site access junction levels plan, proposed site access arrangement and agents response.
Location	Land to the South of Sleaford Road, Heckington
Decision	Approved
Application	25/1061/HOUS
Location	The Barn, Littleworth Drove, Heckington Fen
Proposal	Installation of an off-grid energy system including solar panels, battery storage and associated infrastructure for sustainable self-sufficiency.
Decision	Approved, 19 November 2025
Application	25/0930(31)/LBC
Proposal	Part removal and reconstruction of a Grade II listed boundary wall.
Location	Heckington Hall, Eastgate, Heckington
Decision	Approved, 7 January 2025
Application	25/1454/TCA
Location	4 Station Road, Heckington
Proposal	Leylandii – To remove overhanging branches from neighbouring property.
Decision	TPO not served.
Application	25/0280/FTPATH
Proposal	Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 - Diversion of footpath
Location	No 9 Land off Burton Road, Heckington
Decision	Prior approval not required, 5 November 2025

11. FINANCE

a) To note the bank balances as of 14 January 2026.

Current Account	7,459.85
Bank Account S106	28,629.58
Bank Account Deposit	59,139.10
AMC Account	4,416.24
TOTAL	99,644.77

b) To note the income received between 12 November 2025 and 14 January 2026.

Account	Description	Amount
Current	Refunds (Damaged Christmas lights)	10.09
	Refund defibrillator	310.00
	Molan UK (Project Forget Me Knot)	200.00
	Burial Fees	477.00
	EROB Fees	440.00
	Library Fines	80.00
AMC	Allotment rents	104.00
	Allotment Insurance Contributions	15.00
	Allotment Deposits	65.00
	Allotment Admin Fee	5.00
S106	Interest, December	13.63
	Interest, January	14.58
Deposit	Interest, December	40.90
	Interest, January	33.57

c) To resolve to approve the expenditure, including expenditure to be ratified, from 12 November to 14 January 2026. The following is an extract from the cashbook and has been edited for confidentiality.

Company	Description	NET	VAT	GROSS
Lloyds Bank	Service Charges (10 Oct -9 Nov) AMC	8.50	0.00	8.50
Cathedral Leasing Limited	Supply of hygiene services	42.00	8.40	50.40
Wright's Garden Services	Locum Cover to 5 Dec 2025	514.50	0.00	514.50
Amazon	Dog Poo Sign (Mayflower Park)	11.64	2.34	13.98
Amazon	Dog Poo Sign (Mayflower Park)	6.91	1.38	8.29
Amazon	Motion sensor lights (COSHH Store)	19.78	3.96	23.74
Amazon	COSHH Signage (Workshop)	8.55	1.72	10.27
SRP Solutions	Portaloo Hire to 5 November 2025	100.00	20.00	120.00
Arion	Fire Risk Assessment, Pavilion	450.00	90.00	540.00
Chattertons Solicitors	Legal Fees (Pavilion Lease)	5112.00	1022.40	6134.40
Grasslands Nurseries	Yew Hedging (Cemetery)	224.14	44.81	268.95
Lloyds Bank	Service Charges 10 Oct - 9 Nov (PC)	8.50	0.00	8.50
Amazon	Stakes for Yew Hedging (Cemetery)	48.24	9.66	57.90
Wright's Garden Services	Reimbursement for Petrol (cemetery)	25.13	5.03	30.16
Heidi Wilson	Octopus Deposit for Workshop account	39.36	7.87	47.23
Wright's Garden Services	Reimbursement for petrol (cemetery)	41.88	8.37	50.25
Wright's Garden Services	Locum Cover to 14 December 2025	517.65	0.00	517.65
Wright's Garden Services	Locum Cover to 21 December 2025	510.00	0.00	510.00
Screwfix	Silicone for COSHH Signage	7.98	1.60	9.58
Shell	Petrol, Cemetery	38.74	7.75	46.49
Wheelcraft	Wheel (Mower)	28.00	5.60	33.60
Wheelcraft	Wheel (Mower)	28.00	5.60	33.60
Test4Less	Legionella Thermometer	102.00	20.40	122.40
EDF	Electricity supply to the cemetery 1-30 Nov 2025	35.85	1.79	37.64
EDF	Electricity supply to the chambers 1 Nov -1 Dec 25	596.67	119.33	716.00
Octopus Energy	Deposit (Chambers)	194.50	38.90	233.40
Ben Burgess Hire	Chipper Hire	180.00	36.00	216.00
BT	Broadband Supply	30.95	6.19	37.14
Terra Firma & Beyond	Crown Lift Walnut Tree, Hall Close	565.00	0.00	565.00
Wright's Garden Services	Locum to 28 December 2025	510.00	0.00	510.00
Wright's Garden Services	Locum Caretaking to 27 December 2025	515.30	0.00	515.30
Cockapoo & Co Ltd	Cleaning (Chambers 1-9 December)	80.00	0.00	80.00
RAM Tracking	Monthly Subscription (vehicle trackers)	48.00	9.60	57.60
Cathedral Leasing Limited	Supply of Hygiene Services	42.00	8.40	50.40
SRP Hire Solutions	Portaloo Hire to 31 December 2025	100.00	20.00	120.00
LALC	Website Management Services	180.00	36.00	216.00
Aswarby Estate	Christmas Tree plus delivery and installation	255.00	51.00	306.00
Worknest	Annual Subscription (Year 2 of 3)	2338.13	467.63	2805.76
LALC	Annual Subscription	801.82	0.00	801.82
LALC	Annual Training Scheme	222.00	0.00	222.00
Heckington Cricket Club	Refund Defibrillator	280.00	0.00	280.00
UK Planning Maps	Plan for MUGA application	13.00	2.60	15.60
NKDC	MUGA planning application fees	294.00	0.00	294.00
Mr Clark	Refund Defibrillator	30.00	0.00	30.00
Lloyds Bank	Service Charges PC (10 Nov to 9 Dec 2025)	10.50	0.00	10.50
Wright's Garden Services	Locum Services to 8 January 2025	521.80	0.00	521.80

d) To resolve to approve the bank reconciliation for 14 January 2026.

e) To ratify the following transfers:

Date	Amount
1 December	5,000.00
5 December	10,000.00
16 December 2025	10,000.00
9 January 2026	5,000.00
14 January 2026	5,000.00

f) To review the third quarter budget review.

The Staffing Budget Head is 2% over budget. This is due to the Caretaker’s absence for 7-months and the need to pay locum fees for cover for the role.

The General budget head is 31% over budget. This is due to overspend in legal fees and external audit although other budget sub headings also show as overspent.

The Caretaker and Village Maintenance budget head is 12% over budget. The Parish Council has invested in new equipment for the Workshop including a mower and repair costs have been high for both the Nilfisk mower and the Polaris which recently failed it’s MOT.

The Section 137 budget head is 26% over budget. Electrical safety at the Christmas light switch on called for new equipment as advised by Fentec.

The Events budget head is underspent with just 22% spent against the budget. I would recommend moving £300 from this budget head into Caretaker and Village Maintenance. This brings the Events budget head to 87% spent against the budget and Caretaker and Village Maintenance down to just 9% overspent.

The Cemetery budget head is under budget at 56% although the Cemetery Committee have just approved the purchase of an additional 14 trees for the cemetery to replace the laurel that has been removed as part of Project Forget Me Knot.

The Allotment budget head is within budget. This budget head will be reduced at the start of the new financial year as the AMC will pay directly for items that fall within their area of responsibility including water bills and general maintenance. The Parish Council is responsible for any routine testing including pest control, perimeter trees and hedges and dykes and drainage rates.

The Pavilion is 95% spent against the budget. There is some anticipated expenditure before year end to including the annual asbestos resurvey and emergency light drain and fire alarm testing but with the move to the CIO, it is anticipated that this will remain below budget.

The playground budget head is 42% spent against the budget. There are some minor repairs required here and there but this should remain within budget.

The Chambers budget head is 18% spent against the budget.

The Workshop budget head is 89% spent against the budget. I would suggest moving £500 from this budget head to the Chambers budget head. This brings the Chambers budget head to 12% spent against the budget and the Workshop budget head to 98%.

The budget in its entirety is overspent by 5%. This Parish Council inherited a flawed system

This is due to a historic neglect of facilities, staff illness, increasing costs across the board and an insufficient precept. The Parish Council has taken steps to mitigate this in the future by setting an satisfactory precept as part of the budget process this financial year.

h) To ratify the precept request of £246,688.00.

i) To review the impact of the precept request upon a Band D Household per NK’s calculator (if finalised)

j) To review of the effectiveness of internal controls per Regulation 6 of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015.

k) To note the letter from Lloyds dated November 2025 to a reduction in charges for business banking from £8.50 to £4.25 per month.

l) To review the bank mandate for the Lloyds current account (signatories include Councillors Davison, Garlick, Spencer, Wright, Gower, Atkinson and Connor).

m) Unity Bank application.

12. Correspondence

To note the following items of correspondence:

a) To note the email from Tony Coleman, Fineturf dated 19 November 2025 in relation to Year 4 of the 7-year agreement. Advice given is to skip the works planned for year 4 due to the dry weather. Work planned included broadleaf weed spray, hand work the goal mouths and overseed the middle of the pitch at a cost of £3,888.00.

b) To note the email from Sally Ironmonger, Senior Legal Officer at LCC in relation to the Burton Road Footpath Diversion Order for part of Footpath No.9. No objections have been received.

c) To follow up on the email from a member of the public dated 13 November 2025 in relation to the condition of the Pavilion driveway. To receive a report from the Locum Caretaker.

13. Date and time of the next meeting/s

Committees

Finance Committee Meeting, TBC

Allotment Management Committee Meeting, Thursday 5 February 2026 at 7.30pm.

Staffing Committee Meeting – Not scheduled

Cemetery Committee Meeting, Thursday 26 February 2026 at 7.30pm

Pavilion Committee Meeting – Not scheduled

Parish Council

Monday 23 February 2026

Monday 30 March 2026

Monday 27 April 2026

Monday 18 May 2026

May APM to be confirmed

Monday 29 June 2026

Monday 27 July 2026

August TBC

Monday 28 September 2026

Monday 26 October 2026

Monday 30 November 2026

14. Questions from the public (if the Chair permits)

15. Closed Session

a) To received recommendations from the Staffing Committee further to the Clerk’s appraisal on 19 January 2026.