Minutes:
Councillor James Brown to Councillor Joshua Wells
Question
“In our last full council meeting in December, I asked how many empty stalls there were in the Cornhill Market. The answer then was 9. After talking to stall holders and reading articles in our local press I'm led to believe that number has increased. What is the answer now?”
Answer
There were currently twelve empty units, which included:
The market had been operating at 67.5%, which was slightly under the projected 70% business case. The National Association of British Markets had estimated the average occupancy rate was 72%, so the Council was not far off the average.
Over the Christmas period, the Council had worked intensively with stallholders to identify any gaps in the Council’s offer, with a view of improving occupancy and diversity. In the meantime, councillors were urged to be positive about the market and support local businesses, many of whom were fledgling and working hard to build their businesses which took a lot of time and energy.
Supplementary Question
“Did the Council regret its investment in the market?”
Answer
No, the Council was very proud of the new Lincoln Cornhill Market, which was an important asset for the City. The market was busier than it used to be and it was a far more modern space. As stated above, the Council was working alongside stallholders to improve occupancy and diversity. There were also plans to increase events at the Cornhill, which in turn would increase footfall.
Councillor Martin Christoper to Councillor Naomi Tweddle
Question
“It was great to see the Leader at the recent Local Motion Poverty Truth event. Please could the Leader share some personal highlights with any members who could not attend on the day?”
Answer
The Leader advised that she had found the event very useful and it was a great opportunity to sit with residents from within the community and to listen to their stories, who had been affected by poverty in a variety of ways. The Leader also commented that she was proud to have sat with the Assistant Director – Shared Revenues and Benefits who, him and his team, had provided vital assistance to the community during the cost of living crisis.
Councillor Clare Smalley to Councillor Naomi Tweddle
Question
“I have heard from many pensioners who have struggled this winter to make ends meet. The labour government’s decision to cut the winter fuel allowance has make the cost-of-living crisis even worse for struggling pensioners. What does the Leader of the Council suggest pensioners in Lincoln should do when faced with a choice between heating or eating?”
Answer
There were a number of organisations and partners who offered help to advise and support residents of Lincoln when suffering cost of living related issues and helped encourage the take up of Pension Credit. A raft of information was available on our Council’s website (https://www.lincoln.gov.uk/benefits/cost-living-support), and hard copy Cost of Living Support leaflets were also available.
The Council had an internal Cost of Living Support Team providing support and advice and worked with a range of fantastic partners in the City. The Team had helped deliver and co-ordinate a significant amount of food and fuel financial support through the Household Support Fund. Pensioners could also access services through Age UK Lincoln & South Lincolnshire (Age UK | Lincoln & South Lincolnshire). The Council’s key message was ‘please don’t struggle, - contact the Council to see if we can provide some advice and/or support’.
Supplementary question
“Has the work on encouraging the uptake of pension credit been fruitful?”
Answer
Yes, this piece of work had contributed to the uptake of pension credit across the city, but the Leader did not have figures to hand. However, a general barrier to the uptake was the application form, as it was very complex, but the Council provided support on its completion. The Council continued to lobby for a simplified form to make the process more accessible.
Councillor Natasha Chapman to Councillor Naomi Tweddle
Question
“Could the Leader of the Council please update us on the status of the investigation into the upsetting events at the crematorium last year?”
Answer
The Portfolio Holder agreed that the events of last summer at Lincoln crematorium had been extremely upsetting and as confirmed at previous Full Council meetings, the Council’s response had been swift and comprehensive. The Police investigation continued and as such it was not possible to comment further on that aspect.
However, efforts had been focussed on delivering the comprehensive action plan, which was developed by the Council after the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities inspection last summer. Progress had been positive when considering the difficult operating environment for the staff over the last eight months and the crematorium had remained high performing.
The Council was now in the process of recruiting some new staff to the crematorium and interviews would be held shortly for the manager position and three cremation technicians, building up capacity and further resilience in the team.
The service continued to be delivered to a very high standard, thanks to the efforts of our agency partner, who had provided the Council with excellent support in terms of advice, guidance and exceptional temporary staff to help us review our policies and procedures. The Portfolio Holder was confident that users of the service at the crematorium received a first-class service.
Supplementary question
“Would there be a further inspection to make sure any identified areas of improvement had been addressed?”
Answer
Yes, there would be continuous evaluation to ensure identified areas of improvement had been addressed.
Urgent Question – Received Under 12.4 of the Council Procedure Rules
Councillor Clare Smalley to Councillor Naomi Tweddle
Question
“Can the Leader of the Council please explain the deal made with the Conservatives at the January meeting of the Joint Committee of the City, District and Borough Councils; a result of which Leaders of other political parties are excluded from the Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral Combined County Authority.”
Answer
A meeting of the District Joint Committee (DJC) for Devolution was held on 12 December 2024. The DJC were invited to appoint four District Council representatives at meetings of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA). Unfortunately, the terms of reference for the GLCCA did not allow for one representative per district council and had specified an allocation of four representatives.
What was agreed at the DJC was for North Kesteven District Council; East Lindsey District Council; City of Lincoln Council; and South Holland District Council to represent the district councils at the GLCCA, representing all Lincolnshire district councils. It was stressed that this was not a political decision but a wish for the city, coast, market towns and countryside to be equally represented. The Leader expressed that there was now a clear need for collaboration to ensure a unified voice for the district councils.
Supplementary question
“I am aware of the strength of feeling of other council leaders, who do not form part of the four representatives. What was the likely impact on relationships moving forward?”
Answer
The district councils were placed in a difficult position as it was never possible for all seven district councils to be represented on the GLCCA, owing to their terms of reference. As stated above, there was a need for collaboration to ensure there was unified voice representing the districts on the GLCCA.