May 2026 Minutes (Annual Meeting)
Present: Cllr Broughton Cllr Mrs Jones
Cllr Mrs Banks Cllr Neilson
Cllr Dr Byrd Cllr Ms Reed
Cllr Gamble Cllr Mrs Sked
Cllr Guerge Cllr Mrs Steel
Cllr Hanson Cllr Wey
Cllr Hughes
The Clerk and the Deputy clerk were in attendance.
The Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting and the Open Session commenced.
Cllr Byrd, as councillor for South Kesteven District Council report that their annual council meeting will be taking place on Thursday 21 May. The new waste depot at SKDC officially opens on 21 May.
There being no further business the public session was closed and the meeting opened at 7.32pm.
Cllr Broughton welcomed everyone to the meeting and informed that he had a wonderful year as Mayor and thanked everyone for their support during the last three years.
Cllr Baxter was in attendance.
1. Election of Mayor 2026/27
The clerk had received a nomination form from Cllr Mrs Jones. It was RESOLVED unanimously to elect Cllr Mrs Jones as Mayor.
2. Election of Deputy Mayor 2026/27
The clerk had received a nomination form from Cllr Guerge.
It was RESOLVED with one abstention to elect Cllr Guerge as Deputy Mayor.
3. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor to sign their acceptance of office forms
Cllr Mrs Jones and Cllr Guerge signed their forms in the presence of the Town Clerk as Proper Officer.
4. Chairman’s Welcome & Introductions
Cllr Mrs Jones welcomed members to the meeting and thanked Cllr Broughton for the work he had carried out during his Mayoral years. Cllr Mrs Jones thanked everyone for their support and said it is a great honour to become Mayor of Market Deeping.
Cllr Ms Reed thanked Cllr Broughton for all his continued hard work around the community.
5. To note apologies and accept valid reasons for absence
There were no apologies for absence.
6. Declarations of Interest under the Localism Act 2011
Cllr Dr Byrd declared an interest in agenda item 19. Cllr Broughton declared an interest in agenda item 20.
7. Acceptance of the minutes of a meeting held on 8 April 2026
Cllr Mrs Jones asked members if they were to accept the minutes of the meeting of 8 April 2026. It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept the notes of the meeting as a true and accurate record. The Chairman signed the minutes.
8. Appointment of Councillors to the existing Committees and the appointment of the Committee Chairs for 2026/27.
Amenities and Open Spaces: Cllr Broughton, Cllr Mrs Jones, Cllr Hanson, Cllr Hughes and Cllr Mrs Sked had elected to sit on the committee. Cllr Jones asked whether any other councillors wished to be on the committee, there were none.
The clerk had received a nomination for Chair from Cllr Broughton. It was RESOLVED unanimously that Cllr Broughton chair the committee.
Planning and Highways: Cllr Dr Byrd, Cllr Banks, Cllr Gamble, Cllr Hughes, Cllr Mrs Jones, Cllr Neilson, Cllr Steel and Cllr Wey had elected to sit on the committee. Cllr Jones asked whether any other councillors wished to be on the committee, there were none.
The clerk had received one nomination for Chair from Cllr Dr Byrd. It was RESOLVED unanimously that Cllr Dr Byrd Chair the committee.
Town Hall and Cemetery: Cllr Hanson, Cllr Mrs Sked, Cllr Mrs Jones and Cllr Broughton had elected to sit on the committee. Cllr Jones asked whether any councillors not listed wished to be on the committee and there were none.
The clerk had received one nomination for chair from Cllr Hanson. It was RESOLVED unanimously that Cllr Hanson chair the committee.
Finance and Personnel: The Town Council Chair together with the committee chairs form the committee. However, all members of the council are eligible to attend and vote at meetings.
9. Reports: Including reports from Committees: Planning and Highways, Deepings Neighbourhood plan, Amenities and Open spaces, Town Hall and Cemetery, Mayor’s diary and the Clerk’s report.
Planning & Highways
Cllr Dr Byrd informed that there are few planning applications being submitted at the moment. Cllr Dr Byrd reported that the resurfacing on Church Street and Halfleet was of a high quality and there was limited disruption. It was agreed that the Town Council would write to Lincolnshire to thank them for this piece of work.
Cllr Mrs Jones updated the council following a Facebook update from Councillor Ashley Baxter. The borehole matter was ongoing and Lincolnshire County Council will provide an update when they have new information to share. It was agreed to see if LCC could provide a timeline when the repair work will be completed as there are a number of events that will be taking place in the centre during the year which could be affected.
The town centre clock will be installed as soon as the borehole repair is complete.
Deepings Neighbourhood Plan (DNP)
Cllr Dr Byrd reported that the Deepings Neighbourhood Plan group held a consultation event in April which was attended by approximately 160 people. The public submitted comments which were collated and these will be used to produce the revised Neighbourhood Plan.
Amenities and Open Spaces
Cllr Broughton reported that he had cleared some elderberry trees in Cherry Tree Park and following the Amenities and Open Spaces Committee on 13 May it had been agreed that Cllr Broughton would take responsibility for clearing the allotments.
7.55pm Cllr Wey arrived and Cllr Baxter left the meeting.
Town Hall and Cemetery
No meeting had taken place and there was nothing to report. It was noted that the new curtains in the Council Chamber have been installed look nice.
Mayor
The Mayor attended the following:
Wednesday 29 April, The Deepings Literary Festival Cttee, Launch of the 5th Deepings Literary Festival the Deepings Community Library, Market Deeping.
Saturday 2 May, South Holland District Council, Chairlady’s Civic Evening Reception, Cley Hall Hotel, 22 High Street, Spalding, PE11 1TX.
Sunday 10 May, Tractor Run, John Eve field, Market Deeping.
Deputy Mayor
The Deputy Mayor attended the following:
Tuesday 21st April, Market Deeping Town Council, Annual Town Meeting, The Green School, Market Deeping.
Saturday 25 April, East Anglia Veterans’ Association & Peterborough RBL, Spring Ball, Peterborough Rugby Club, Fengate.
Wednesday 29 April, The Deepings Literary Festival Cttee, Launch of the 5th Deepings Literary Festival the Deepings Community Library, Market Deeping.
Saturday 9 May - Visit to look around Deeping Rangers site, Market Deeping.
Clerk’s Report – 13th May 2026
|
|
Comment |
|
The transfer from Persimmon was officially completed on 14.4.2026.A huge thank you to Cllr Mrs Jones for her persistence in getting this resolved. |
Cllr Mrs Jones also thanked Cllr Hanson and Cllr Dr Byrd for their assistance in getting the transfer completed. |
|
Lincolnshire County Council have yet to make a decision on the next steps regarding the borehole. |
Members noted. |
|
Some Councillors are having difficulties accessing their emails.Please contact the office for assistance as passwords may have been updated since they were originally issued |
The Clerks have been liaising with the provider to resolve the matter. |
|
The Annual Town meeting took place on 29TH April 2026. There were around 40 attendees and it was well received. There were about 7 stall holders. Presentations were made by Lives (First responders), Rotary, Emergency Planning Group and Raft race committee.
|
Members noted and thanked community groups who attended to showcase their work. |
|
The Young farmers Tractor run was held on John Eve field on Sunday 10 May 2026.
|
Members noted. |
|
For members to consider the energy contract for the next 3 years
|
It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept a 3-year energy contract. |
|
For members to consider the provision of Insurance with Hiscox at a charge for period 1.6.26 – 31.5.27 of £4,968.41. Also, if we consider agreed to a 3-year agreement binding agreement the £4,968.41 will be kept for 3 years from 1.6.26 to 1.6.2029.Last year’s insurance was £4,803 for comparison. |
It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept a 3-year agreement with Hiscox for the period from 1.6.26 to 01.06.29 and for that period the fee will be kept at an annual fee of £4,968.41. |
10. Correspondence to be noted and resolved upon
|
Correspondence to be Noted – Received up to 13 May 2026 |
||||
|
No. |
Received from |
Date Received |
Subject |
Committee Response |
|
1. |
LCC |
14.4.26 |
Crisis and Resilience team – oil support |
Noted. |
|
2. |
RSN |
16.4.26 |
RSN newsletter – 15.4.26 |
Noted. |
|
3. |
SKDC |
23.4.26 |
Funding workshop 13.5.26 |
Noted. |
|
4. |
Parish Online |
28.4.26 |
Parish online newsletter #66 |
Noted. |
|
5. |
Public Sector Newsletter |
28.4.26 |
Newsletter April 2026 |
Noted. |
|
6. |
L.C.C. |
29.4.26 |
Town and Parish Council newsletter – April 26 |
Noted. |
|
Correspondence to be Acted Upon – Received up to 13 May 2026 |
||||
|
No. |
Received from |
Date Received |
Subject |
Committee Response |
|
1. |
Deeping Explorers |
28.4.26 |
Wish to help with a project on 22nd June 2026 |
The AOS Committee are liaising with the Deeping Explorers and it has been agreed that they will assist in tidying up the recently acquired allotments, on 22.6.26 between 7 and 9.15pm. Cllr Broughton (via Clerks) will provide the necessary tools and gloves on the day. |
No. Received from Date Received Subject Committee Response
1. Deeping Explorers 28.4.26 Wish to help with a project on 22nd June 2026 The AOS Committee are liaising with the Deeping Explorers and it has been agreed that they will assist in tidying up the recently acquired allotments, on 22.6.26 between 7 and 9.15pm. Cllr Broughton (via Clerks) will provide the necessary tools and gloves on the day.
11. Council Finances
a) Income and expenditure by cost centre
Members had received a copy of the Council Finances and Omega report prior to the meeting. Cllr Mrs Jones asked if there were any questions. There were none.
b) Accounts to be paid May 2026
It was RESOLVED that the council pay its bills for May 2026. See appendix A.
c) For members to review Council Finances to 30.4.26
The balance in accounts at 30.4.26 were as follows:
Current account - £138,653
General savings - £22,762
Cemetery land a/c - £58,000
CCLA - £375,872
Petty cash - £831
CCLA – Charter Ave - £353,132
Total £949,250 Total cash and Investments
It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept the report.
d) For members to consider Ear Marked Reserves to 30.4.26
It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept the Ear Marked reserves of £626,858.57 as correct following a spend of £1166.67 on the curtains in the Town Hall in April 2026.
e) For members to receive and accept the Internal Auditor’s report for 2025/6
It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept the internal auditor’s report.
f) For members to receive and accept the Internal Audit report for March 26
It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept the internal auditor’s report for March 26.
g) For members to review the arrangements (including legal agreements) with other local authorities, not-for-profit bodies and businesses
The Clerk reminded members of the existing arrangements for the following:
Shared grass cutting costs with DSJ Parish Council 2026/27
£929 per cut (x 8) = £7,432
Plus Charter Avenue £341 x 8 = £2,728
Total = £10,160
Rebate from LCC = £4100 (figure to be confirmed)
Net cost £6,060
Public toilets
Contribution from SKDC £1670.77 X 4 = £6683 for 2025/26 and this will continue for 2026/27
Street Cleaner contributions
Contribution received from SKDC was £2317 for 2025/26 and this will continue for 2026/27
h). For members to review the council’s subscription to other bodies
The clerk had provided members with a list of bodies that the council subscribes to. Members reviewed the list and it was RESOLVED unanimously to continue with the subscriptions shown.
|
Subscription |
2026/2027 cost (net) £ |
|
Renewal Date |
|
LALC Membership LALC Annual Training Scheme LALC website maintenance Parish Online ICO ICCM RAM vehicle tracking LCR magazine Peninsula Personnel Advice & Solutions PPL/PRS (music licence) RBS cemetery software RBS software support – accounts RBS end of year support CTAX payroll services Vision ICT (GOV.UK renewal) Vision ICT (Hosted email) Canva |
1,223.00 195.00 360.00 145.00 45.00 115.00 12.00 35.00 123.95 120.00 380.00 460.00 613.00 920.00 340.00 108.00 383.00 105.00 |
per month
per month per month |
Apr 26 Apr 26 Apr 26 Dec 26 Jul 26 Apr 26 ongoing Aug 26 ongoing cancelled March 26 Nov 26 Jan 26 Apr 26 Apr 26 Apr 26 Aug 26 Aug 26 Nov 26 |
12. For members to approve the Annual Governance and Accountability Return Form 3 - Annual Internal Audit Report 2025/2026 (page 3 of 6)
The Clerk had provided a copy of the AGAR return to members prior to the meeting. It was RESOLVED unanimously to approve the presented figures.
13. For members to approve the Annual Governance and Accountability Return Form 3 - Section 1 - Annual Governance statement 2025/2026 (page 4 of 6)
The Clerk had provided a copy of the AGAR return to members prior to the meeting. It was RESOLVED unanimously to approve the presented figures. The chair and the clerk, as RFO, signed section 1 of the return.
14. For members to approve the Annual Governance and Accountability Return Form 3 -
Section 2 – Accounting Statements 2025/26 (page 5 of 6)
The Clerk had provided a copy of the AGAR return to members prior to the meeting.
It was RESOLVED unanimously to approve the presented figures. The chair signed section 2 of the return.
15. For members to consider the independence of the Internal Auditor (for AGAR assertion)
The internal auditor was appointed approximately 9 years ago and is not related to any serving councillors or staff. It was RESOLVED unanimously that the internal auditor is independent. Her qualifications are:
IRCA Lead Auditor certificate in 9001 (Quality Management)
MA in sustainable Environment Management
BSc (Hons) in Environmental Protection
16. For members to review and adopt the meeting schedule for 2026/2027
The clerk had provided a copy of the proposed meeting schedule for 2026/27. It was RESOLVED to adopt the meeting schedule for 2026/27.
17. For members to consider an amount of £500 to be allocated for spending on plants etc. for Cherry Tree Park
It was RESOLVED unanimously to allocate £500 for purchasing plants in Cherry Tree Park, this will be monitored by Cllr Broughton and the Clerk and receipts will be provided.
Cllr Dr Byrd requested that Amenities and Open Spaces Committee consider at their next meeting access to water in Cherry Tree Park. Cllr Mrs Banks suggested that mulch could be added to assist water retention.
18. For members to consider the purchase of a New Deputy Mayor’s chain, Mayor’s Chain and Councillors name badges
It was RESOLVED unanimously that the Mayor would obtain prices for consideration at the next meeting.
19. For members to consider payment of the 2026/27 Precept to the Library, Youth Group and Play Scheme
It was RESOLVED unanimously to Precept for the Play Scheme as the event is held once a year.
It was RESOLVED unanimously that the Library and Youth Group will be required to provide 3 months bank details going forward and invited to attend the next Full Council meeting.
8.55 Cllr Neilson left the meeting.
20. For members to consider non-financial support for the Deeping Sports and Social Club’s 3G pitch and pavilion refurbishment project
It was RESOLVED with 4 abstentions to support the Deeping Sports and Social Clubs 3G pitch and pavilion refurbishment project.
Cllr Hughes requested that he would like to attend any future meetings involving the Deeping Sports and Social Club.
21. For members to receive an update on the Wayfinding Project (PB)
Cllr Dr Byrd informed that the project is moving along nicely, there are 12 wildlife species found in the Deepings. Etched plaques will be located next to the resting benches. Approval has been received to provide a paper map and there will be activities along the route.
22. For members to receive an update on the new flood warning sensors (DJ)
Cllr Mrs Jones reported that two new flood warning sensors had been installed in Market Deeping which will enable the authorities to monitor water levels much more closely. The Local Resilience Forum will be visiting in the near future.
23. For members to discuss forthcoming events:
Civic Service Sunday 28 June at 10.00am
Walking the footpaths – walks have taken place as part of South Kesteven District Council’s walking event that was held on April
Christmas Market – Sunday 29 November 2026 – A meeting will be arranged in due course.
Cllr Hanson reported that there were 500 participants in the recent Rotary run
24. For members to discuss and consider any points raised in the public session
There were no points raised in the public session.
25. Personnel Matters: Consideration to go into Closed Session to discuss: Staff Issues
There were none.
23. To consider items for inclusion on the agenda at the next meeting of the Town Council, to be held at The Town Hall, Market Deeping on Wednesday 10 June 2026
• Roundabout tree lights – FG
• Local Government Reorganisation – PB
• Land transfer of Millfield back to MDTC – PB
Cllr Hughes requested that the construction taking place at the Iron Horse is discussed at the next Planning and Highways Committee.
The Chairman thanked all members for attending and declared the meeting closed at 9.15 pm. The next scheduled meeting of the Full Council will be held on Wednesday 10 June 2026.