Make sure you’re registered to vote
South Holland District Council wants to encourage anyone not yet registered to vote, to take advantage of National Voter Registration Drive this week and go online now to register.
On Thursday 5 May 2016 voters in South Holland will go to the polls to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire. Anyone who isn’t registered to vote won’t be able to take part and have their say.
The deadline to register to vote in this election is Monday 18 April 2016.
The good news is that it only takes a few minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
It’s a chance to join the thousands of people across the UK being encouraged to register this week.
Anna Graves, Electoral Registration Officer for South Holland, said: “Anyone not yet registered to vote should do so as soon as possible so they can have their say on issues that affect their day-to-day lives.
“I’d urge people living in South Holland to use National Voter Registration Drive to spread the message amongst family and friends that it only takes a few minutes to complete the form and register to vote online.”
Ben Brook, Head of Performance and English Regional Teams at the Electoral Commission, said: “National Voter Registration Drive exists because it’s important that anyone who’s eligible, but has not yet registered to vote, does so. It’s easy and quick to do online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
“Young people, students and people who move frequently are much less likely to be registered to vote so #NVRD is as important as ever.”
Local residents can get a paper copy of the registration form by contacting the electoral registration office on
Flying the flag for Commonwealth Day
South Holland District Council proudly joined with other local authorities, community groups and organisations across the world to mark Commonwealth Day.
Councillors came together with local dignitaries and war veterans for a special flag raising ceremony outside the council’s offices in Priory Road in Spalding on Monday morning.
Council Chairman Cllr Francis Biggadike raised the Commonwealth flag at 10am – the precise time that thousands of others all over the globe were doing the same.
The gathered crowd included members of the Royal British Legion, the Naval Association, the Spalding and District Remembrance Association and Petronella Keeling, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire.
Several South Holland councillors also attended the ceremony, which saw a specially written Commonwealth Affirmation read out as well as a message of good wishes from her Majesty the Queen.
Cllr Biggadike said: “It was fantastic to see so many people attend the ceremony which gave everyone a chance to appreciate everything the Commonwealth stands for.
“Publicly signalling the continued influence the Commonwealth plays around the world in the 21st century and the values it represents is an opportunity we are again proud to be part of.”
Over 850 Commonwealth flags were raised throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man to mark the event.
The unique initiative, now in its third year, is again catching the imagination of thousands of participants from all walks of life.
Flag fliers included Heads of State and Prime Ministers, Lord Mayors, school children and students, Girl Guides and Scouts, Sea, Army, and Air Cadets, charities and community groups as well as Commonwealth Ex-Servicemen and major shipping lines.
Photos show SHDC Chairman Cllr Francis Biggadike raising the Commonwealth flag outside Priory Road
Purchase of Moulton Park
South Holland District Council is delighted to announce the purchase of Moulton Park for £302,000.
The deal follows the authority’s commitment to addressing a lack of green open space in the district
and developing stronger and healthier communities which residents can take pride in.
Cllr Anthony Casson, South Holland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Facilities Management, said: “We’re very pleased that the deal has been completed and we now look forward to developing the site into a park that people from across the district can enjoy.
“We will be looking at the option of installing a play area and other equipment and facilities at the site.
“As part of our Corporate Plan we are fully committed to supporting communities to develop and thrive and to have pride in South Holland.
“I’m confident that the park will provide residents with a first class recreational facility for many years to come.”
Back in 2012 the South East Lincolnshire Open Space Assessment found that there will be a shortfall of green open space
and parks and gardens up until 2031.
Since the findings were published, South Holland District Council has been actively seeking for opportunities to acquire open space and will continue to do so.
For more information on parks and open spaces in South Holland visit www.sholland.gov.uk
Open Arts 2016 winners celebrate
Two artists are celebrating after winning awards at this year’s South Holland Open Arts exhibition.
The winner of Best Newcomer chosen by the judges was Wendy Jones Dabrowska for her painting ‘Room With a View’.
The winner of the Best Photography prize was Alison Loakes for ‘Ketton Quarry’.
Visitors to the exhibition can vote for their favourite artwork by filling out voting slips and posting them in a box at the venue.
The winner will be announced after the exhibition has closed and they will be awarded the prestigious Public Vote trophy.
Meet the buyer hailed a success
A special networking event giving local businesses the chance to understand about opportunities for working with South Holland District Council has been hailed as a success.
The first ever ‘Meet the Buyer’ event took place at the South Holland Centre in Spalding on February 24 and was attended by over 80 people.
Organised by the council’s Economic Development Team, the event gave business representatives the opportunity to learn about winning contracts to provide goods and services for the authority, as well as taking part in some valuable networking.
Cllr Nick Worth, South Holland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Business Growth, said:
“We’ve already had a lot of positive feedback from firms who attended and I’m confident that the event has created the potential for future working relationships.
“Our teams were able to find out more about the businesses that are out there which are offering new and exciting ideas, services, and ways of operating, which could help us further enhance our services and become more efficient and effective.
“We are particularly keen to spend as much money as possible within the local economy, and this kind of event helps to dispel some of the myths about it being difficult to sell to the Council.”
Several businesses which attended the event said they found it extremely beneficial.
Ark ICT Solutions said:
“This was a really great way to meet the right people in one easy setting.”
Chatterton’s Solicitors said:
“We found this event very useful. It gave us a great insight into how the Council works and the processes that are involved. The networking sessions were also very good.”
Infotel Solutions said:
“This was a well organised event with excellent communication beforehand.”
A special networking event giving local businesses the chance to understand about opportunities for working with South Holland District Council has been hailed as a success.
The first ever ‘Meet the Buyer’ event took place at the South Holland Centre in Spalding on February 24 and was attended by over 80 people.
Organised by the council’s Economic Development Team, the event gave business representatives the opportunity to learn about winning contracts to provide goods and services for the authority, as well as taking part in some valuable networking.
Cllr Nick Worth, South Holland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Business Growth, said:
“We’ve already had a lot of positive feedback from firms who attended and I’m confident that the event has created the potential for future working relationships.
“Our teams were able to find out more about the businesses that are out there which are offering new and exciting ideas, services, and ways of operating, which could help us further enhance our services and become more efficient and effective.
“We are particularly keen to spend as much money as possible within the local economy, and this kind of event helps to dispel some of the myths about it being difficult to sell to the Council.”
Several businesses which attended the event said they found it extremely beneficial.
Ark ICT Solutions said:
“This was a really great way to meet the right people in one easy setting.”
Chatterton’s Solicitors said:
“We found this event very useful. It gave us a great insight into how the Council works and the processes that are involved. The networking sessions were also very good.”
Infotel Solutions said:
“This was a well organised event with excellent communication beforehand.”
Budget agreed for 2016-17
South Holland District Council members unanimously agreed last night to approve the 2016/17 Budget and the four year financial plan.
As part of this Band A council tax will increase by 6p per week, Band B by 7p per week and Band C by 9p.
The Band D charge will increase by £5 per year (10p per week) - but 84.1 per cent of our residents pay council tax bands A to C.
This small increase, the first in six years, was agreed in order to protect frontline services following heavy reductions in Government funding.
Cllr Peter Coupland, portfolio holder for finance, explained that the move will ensure weekly refuse and recycling collections, and environmental services will continue.
“This rise goes against my instincts but we simply won’t lose essential services that our residents rely on,” Cllr Coupland said.
“We are in financially challenging times and have seen our annual Revenue Support Grant reduced by 30 per cent compared to last year, putting us under heavy pressure to find efficiency savings, particularly as we continue to pay 50 per cent of the Council Tax we charge per year to Internal Drainage Boards in the district for land drainage management as part of our flood defences.
“Through careful financial management we are in a better position than most authorities to be able to cover these reductions in funding while maintaining good levels of service.”
Chief financial officer Julie Kennealy said:
“The council has in place a sound financial plan. We will be working hard to deliver the plan which will secure a financially stable future. Through continued innovation we will change the way we operate and work with partners to meet the needs of our community including those most vulnerable, while delivering a minimum of 10% efficiency savings.”
For full details on the budget for 2016-17 visit www.sholland.gov.uk.
Sign up for garden waste service
Residents interested in signing up for South Holland District Council’s pilot garden waste collection scheme are being urged to do so as soon as the application process opens on Monday.
Simply visit the new-look website www.sholland.gov.uk/gardenwaste from Monday, February 15 and complete a four-step process to secure your collection.
Householders currently not in the pilot area can still enter their properties details and be added to a waiting list.
If you don’t have internet access you can call or pop in to our customer service centre at our offices in Priory Road, Spalding.
The pilot scheme is initially only offered to 2,500 households so subscriptions will be on a first come first served basis.
Once households have successfully signed up to the scheme a brown wheeled bin will be delivered to their households. Collections will then commence in April.
A high demand for the service is anticipated and given that spaces are limited, residents are being urged to sign up right away to avoid being placed on a waiting list.
Cllr Roger Gambba-Jones, portfolio holder for waste management, said: “We are committed to helping residents recycle and believe that this scheme represents excellent value for money.
“I would urge anyone interested in signing up to do so straight away on February 15 to avoid disappointment.”
The scheme will see a total of 250 daily kerbside collections on a two-week rota.
This will be split between Spalding households one week and Holbeach, Crowland, Long Sutton, Sutton Bridge, Donington, Gosberton and Surfleet the next week.
There will be an initial charge of £49 for 24 collections a year and an initial one off charge of £15 to cover extras including delivery and lease of the bins.
Residents wishing to participate on an ad hoc basis or those living in a property which isn’t suitable for a wheelie
bin can purchase paper sacks.
For further information on the scheme and recycling advice visit www.sholland.gov.uk.
LINCOLNSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 350 SPALDING STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM TOP-NOTCH INSIGHT ON CAREERS
350 students from Spalding benefited from careers advice at an event delivered by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, supported by the Skills Funding Agency.
The event, held at South Holland Post 16 Centre was attended by business including East Midlands Ambulance Services, Lincolnshire Police, the Navy and Royal Marines, plus local Firms Sleafordian Transport, Educational Business Partnership and Karsten UK.
Highlights from the day included a variety of ‘have a go’ activities which allowed students to sample the kinds of careers on offer. The activities included hand massages, hair styling, nail art and identifying bones on a skeleton, provided by Boston College.
The event was delivered as part of ‘Your Future’ careers events being run by Accredited Chambers of Commerce across England.
The events are a key part of the Chamber Network’s Bridging the Gap campaign which is aimed at improving connections between business and education, so that young people are better prepared for work and businesses have the skills they need.
Phil Scarlett, Spalding & District Area Chamber President said following the success of the Spalding event, Lincolnshire Chamber will be bringing similar fairs in Market Rasen, Boston, Skegness and Lincoln in the next few months.
“The Spalding careers fair was brilliant, there was a real buzz in the room from students and businesses. What makes these fairs different is the practical yet engaging information being shared with young people aged 14-24-years-old”, explained Phil Scarlett. “Each fair aims to unite young people with local businesses across Lincolnshire.
“Through the Chamber we work with businesses of all shapes and sizes, and we understand the challenges some have finding new recruits to join their teams.
“On the other hand, we also know that young people sometimes aren’t aware of the local job and training opportunities in their local town. So by bringing a careers fair to Spalding we hope to address both these problems by connecting talented students with local businesses.”
Feedback from students who attended was positive with several commenting on how useful it had been to actually try practical activities. One student commented that the day had helped her secure a Saturday job, which will give her valuable experience in her chosen career.
The next career fairs will take place in Lincoln, Boston, Skegness and Market Rasen. If you would like more information about attending as a exhibiting business please ring or email
Historic manuscript goes on display
An historic manuscript charting the details of Lincolnshire families over hundreds of years has gone on display at Ayscoughfee Hall Museum.
The museum is currently displaying a range of items belonging to the Spalding Gentlemen’s Society, focussed on the recently acquired manuscript.
The piece is an 18th century manuscript titled ‘Armes and Memoires of ffamilies in Lincolnshire’ compiled by Maurice Johnson of Ayscoughfee Hall.
The striking green and gold document depicts the genealogies of a number of renowned Lincolnshire families.
It is believed to date from the 1710s or 1720s and features beautifully written and illustrated entries for various local families, presumably known to Maurice Johnson.
Over 200 families are listed, some of whose histories are traced back to the eleventh century.
The exhibition also features an index of names which visitors are able to search, and also to order facsimile copies of pages from the Society, which they hope will help genealogical researchers visiting Spalding.
Cllr Gary Taylor, SHDC portfolio holder for Arts Development, said: “Anyone who has a passion for local history will be fascinated by this exhibition which has already attracted much interest.”
A spokesperson for Spalding Gentlemen’s Society said: “The Council of the Spalding Gentlemen’s Society would like to extend a special thanks to the Friends of the National Libraries, whose generous support enabled the Society to purchase ‘Armes and Memoires of Families in Lincolnshire in 2014’.
The objects displayed show the broad range of collections held by the Society, which are accessible by appointment and at the Society’s open Sundays, held on the third Sunday of the winter months.
The exhibition is open until the end of March. Admission is free.
For more information and opening times at Ayscoughfee Hall museum visit www.sholland.gov.uk.
Ken McErlain | Communications Officer | South Holland District Council
Direct Dial:
www.sholland.gov.uk
Pride Officer is reducing litter
A drive to reduce litter from the district’s streets continues with a dedicated officer employed as part of the Pride In South Holland campaign. Pride Officer Dave Rodwell’s main job is to report littering, dog fouling and fly-tipping but he will also focus on encouraging people to use litter bins, especially when disposing cigarettes. His efforts have already met with a positive response.
Dave said: “The role is all about educating rather than enforcing and I’m finding that people are starting to recognise and approach me.
“We are determined to keep the streets free of cigarette butts and litter and by actively speaking to people we hope the message is getting across.
“It’s all about engaging and empowering the public, we’re not here to police people or point the finger.
“I personally enjoy getting out and meeting new people, so it’s a perfect job for me. Anyone who spots me out and about is welcome to come over for a chat.”
Roger Gambba-Jones, portfolio holder for waste management, said: “The Pride in South Holland campaign has already enjoyed much success but we’re not resting on our laurels.
“Our Pride officer combined with our recently-acquired Glutton cleaning machine will be ensuring that litter is reduced.”
For more information about the Pride in South Holland campaign visit www.sholland.gov.uk
Food safety courses for businesses
Local Businesses can gain vital qualifications in food safety by taking part in training courses run by South Holland District Council in conjunction with South Kesteven District Council
Local firms can take part in a Level 2 certificate in Catering at workshops held at SHDC’s offices in Spalding, SKDC’s offices in Grantham and Stamford Arts Centre
By law, all food handlers must receive adequate supervision, instruction and/or training in food hygiene
Cllr Malcolm Chandler, SHDC’s portfolio holder for Food Safety, said: “We are committed to supporting local businesses and residents by providing low cost quality courses that are locally based
I would urge any firms that haven’t already taken part in the courses to do so
SHDC is a registered training centre for the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and is providing the training on behalf of SKDC
By taking part in the courses you will have a better understanding of
Food poisoning and prevention
Food safety management systems
Food safety law
Safe food storage
Level 2 Course Dates for 2016
Monday 11 and Monday 18 April 2016 - 5pm to 8pm - at South Holland District Council offices
Monday 6 June 2016 - 9.30 am to 5 pm - South Kesteven District Council Offices, Grantham
Tuesday 21 June 2016 - 9.30 am to 5 pm - Stamford Arts Centre
Wednesday 7 September 2016 - 9.30 am to 5 pm - South Kesteven District Council offices, Grantham
Tuesday 20 September 2016 - 9.30 am to 5 pm - Stamford Arts Centre
Monday 14 November 2016 - 9.30 am to 5 pm - South Kesteven District Council offices, Grantham
Tuesday 22 November 2016 - 9.30 am to 5 pm - Stamford Arts Centre.
The cost of the Level 2 course is £55 per person. This includes course literature, examination fee and certificate upon successful completion of the course and exam
Time Bank
SHDC are working with Timebanking UK to set up a time bank in South Holland. Timebanking is a way for people to help others in their community and be rewarded for it in time. For example shopping, dog walking, gardening and companionship. For every hour of time helping someone you receive one time credit. You can spend credits when you need help from someone else. Everyone’s time is equal, you give an hour and you get an hour back.
Three free Question and Answer sessions to raise awareness of time banks have been organised. To find out more come along to Tonic Health, Spalding at 11am on Tuesday 9th Feb, 11am in Crowland Parish Rooms on Friday 12th Feb or Holbeach youth club on Monday 22nd Feb at 11am. If you have any questions contact South Holland District Council community development team on 761161 or e-mail
Councillors help football team
A junior football team took to the field in a brand new kit recently – thanks to three South Holland Councillors
Pinchbeck Junior Girls Under 13’s were able to get a full kit of shirts, shorts, socks and tracksuit tops after Councillors Sally Slade, Elizabeth Sneath and James Avery donated £500 from their designated ward budgets.
The councillors recently presented the girls with a certificate before watching them in action
Mike Bracegirdle, the team’s coach, said: When I first asked Sally Slade about support for the girl’s team, the reply came back very quickly that they would love to help us
Everyone at the club thought it was a great gesture, especially offering us £500, which is a great deal of money
There are 18 girls in the under 16’s and 14 in the under 13’s team, though any girl who wants to play is always welcome
We entered both teams into the Girls only League, the S-tech Cambridgeshire Women’s and Girls Football League and needed a kit for them
It is difficult to keep asking local companies and individuals to support the club with donations for kit, so the money has helped to turn a group of interested girls into a fully formed football team, all playing regularly and loving every minute of it.
Cllr Slade said: We are always happy to help local causes and we hope that the team will enjoy wearing their new kit.
South Holland Councillors regularly use their designated ward budgets to support community groups and good causes across the district.
For more information and to find your local councilor visit www.sholland.gov.uk.
Cllrs Sally Slade, Elizabeth Sneath and James Avery used their designated ward budgets to help out Spalding Hockey Club.
They contributed a combined £750 towards the goals which will be used in competitive matches and training sessions by the club’s teams.
The club, based at Glen Park in Surfleet, regularly takes part in fund raising initiatives to help maintain their artificial pitch and playing facilities.
It has eight senior league teams (five men's and three ladies) and provides regular coaching and playing opportunities for over 100 local youngsters.
In a joint statement, the councillors said: “We are happy to support Spalding Hockey Club, as it does such a great job for sport and fitness locally, plus it is raising the profile of South Holland on a sporting stage."
Fred Morris, Chairman of Spalding Hockey Club, said: “Everyone at the club is extremely grateful to the councillors for helping us out.
“The goals are state-of-the-art and wouldn’t look out of place in an Olympics match. Our next project is to install pitch-side dugouts and shelter for spectators.
“We have to continually raise money just to keep the club going and maintain our facilities, so any help along the way comes in very handy.”
South Holland Councillors have designated ward budgets which they use to help all manner of community groups and causes across the district.
To find your local councillor visit www.sholland.gov.uk.
New cleaning machine hits the streets.Cigarette butts and chewing gum are being blitzed from streets by South Holland District Council’s powerful new cleaning machine.
As part of our successful Pride in South Holland campaign to clean up unloved sites in the district we’ve obtained a Glutton vacuuming machine.
The potent machine is highly effective at cleaning up cigarette butts, drinks bottles and chewing gum from pavements.
It is electric and runs silently, using a lengthy vacuuming nozzle to clear hard-to-reach pavement cracks and kerbsides.
Our street sweeping team will be using the Glutton machine to clean streets and pavements on a daily basis.
The machine is initially being trialled for three months and if it proves successful then it could be secured for an extended period.
A pavement sweeper is also being used in conjunction with the Glutton machine to clear dirt from walkways.
Cllr Roger Gambba-Jones, portfolio holder for Waste Management, said: “We’re confident that the Glutton machine will prove extremely effective at clearing litter from our streets.
“It has been used by other local authorities across the country and has already met with positive acclaim.
“Our small street cleaning team do an excellent job, but we’re always looking for ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the service and support our determination to make the district a clean and enjoyable place to live.”
The Pride in South Holland campaign was launched last year to tackle eyesore sites in the district and has made great strides.
Highlights have included the cleaning up of the former Bull and Monkie pub in Spalding, clearing over 200 tonnes of fly-tipped rubbish from roadsides and the re-painting of children’s play areas.
The initiative also coincides with a national campaign run by Keep Britain Tidy to remove chewing gum from streets which launches this month.
For more information about this project visit www.keepbritaintidy.org
LOOK BEFORE YOU BOOK
Thinking of eating outIf you’re planning that special meal with work colleagues, friends or family we would like to remind you to ‘look before you book’.
you can’t tell a restaurant’s hygiene standards by how clean and tidy it is.
It’s the things you can’t see – like germs spread by bad hygiene practices.There’s one easy way to set your mind at rest – check the Food Hygiene Rating which tells you about the hygiene standards in restaurants and other food businesses.
Simply visit the Food Standards Agency website: www.food.gov.uk/ratings or if you’re out and about check for the green and black sticker, if you can’t see one, just ask.
Councillor Malcolm Chandler, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Health, said:
“Our Food, Health and Safety Team works hard by continually monitoring standards across the district and offering advice and guidance on good hygiene practices and I’m pleased to say we generally have good levels of standards across the district."
“A good food hygiene rating is something to be proud of. It matters to customers so we are encouraging all businesses in the district to display their rating and have a prosperous Christmas season.”
The ratings are determined following an unannounced visit by local authority food safety officers, who follow national guidelines and are trained to make sure ratings are consistently applied.
The ratings run from 0 to 5, with a 5 rating meaning a very good level of food hygiene.
Around 97% of food businesses in South Holland are rated 3 or better so there are plenty of places with good standards.
If you don’t see a green and black sticker in the window or you spot a low rating online, you can make a better informed choice.
To Keep up to date with the latest businesses who are awarded a 5 rating, follow South Holland District Facebook page:
Crackdown on illegal alcohol
South Holland District Council’s licensing team are launching a crackdown on illegal alcohol sales in in the district with a clear message for those breaking the law – clean up your act or face severe consequences.
As part of a new campaign, officers from the Licensing Team will be visiting licensed premises
Working alongside Lincolnshire Police and Trading Standards, the principal aim is to check for smuggled alcohol which is undercutting legitimate businesses and defrauding the government of funds for vital services.
They will also be checking the compliance of licence conditions and offering guidance to ensure that operators are working in a responsible and legally compliant manner.
Our officers can’t be everywhere at once – so we’re calling on the public to keep a look out for illegal drinks, cigarettes and operations in the district.
It’s easy to spot smuggled alcohol – if drinks are illegal they won’t have a small round Excise Duty stamp on the bottles, as shown.
Cllr Malcolm Chandler, portfolio holder for licensing, said: “Alcohol bottles over 35CL in size and with an alcoholic content of 30% or above must have Excise Duty paid on each bottle.
“For every smuggled bottle sold the government is defrauded out of £7.26 which should be going towards vital public services such as the NHS.
“Our officers already carry out regular inspections but we’re increasing our profile to protect the public and ensure that businesses can thrive legitimately.
“Most of the traders in South Holland operate within the law offering our communities a valuable service, but unfortunately a small minority do not.
“For any traders breaking the law we will find you and deal with you. Don’t run the risk of losing your licence and going out of business.”
Smuggled alcohol is brought into the UK by criminal gangs who sell it on at a reduced price, undercutting businesses who pay the legitimate rate. These products could also contain ingredients that may be harmful.
Shop owners who sell it risk having their licences revoked, heavy fines or even worse a stint in jail.
In recent weeks, two Spalding stores caught selling illegal drinks have had their premises licences revoked subject to appeal.
Anyone who spots smuggled alcohol, cigarettes on sale, or inappropriate licensing conditions in South Holland can contact our Licensing Team on .
As part of a new campaign, officers from the Licensing Team will be visiting licensed premises
Working alongside Lincolnshire Police and Trading Standards, the principal aim is to check for smuggled alcohol which is undercutting legitimate businesses and defrauding the government of funds for vital services.
They will also be checking the compliance of licence conditions and offering guidance to ensure that operators are working in a responsible and legally compliant manner.
Our officers can’t be everywhere at once – so we’re calling on the public to keep a look out for illegal drinks, cigarettes and operations in the district.
It’s easy to spot smuggled alcohol – if drinks are illegal they won’t have a small round Excise Duty stamp on the bottles, as shown.
Cllr Malcolm Chandler, portfolio holder for licensing, said: “Alcohol bottles over 35CL in size and with an alcoholic content of 30% or above must have Excise Duty paid on each bottle.
“For every smuggled bottle sold the government is defrauded out of £7.26 which should be going towards vital public services such as the NHS.
“Our officers already carry out regular inspections but we’re increasing our profile to protect the public and ensure that businesses can thrive legitimately.
“Most of the traders in South Holland operate within the law offering our communities a valuable service, but unfortunately a small minority do not.
“For any traders breaking the law we will find you and deal with you. Don’t run the risk of losing your licence and going out of business.”
Smuggled alcohol is brought into the UK by criminal gangs who sell it on at a reduced price, undercutting businesses who pay the legitimate rate. These products could also contain ingredients that may be harmful.
Shop owners who sell it risk having their licences revoked, heavy fines or even worse a stint in jail.
In recent weeks, two Spalding stores caught selling illegal drinks have had their premises licences revoked subject to appeal.
Anyone who spots smuggled alcohol, cigarettes on sale, or inappropriate licensing conditions in South Holland can contact our Licensing Team on .
Lincolnshire-wide crackdown on Benefit Fraud launched
A campaign has been launched by Councils across Lincolnshire in an attempt to crack down on Housing Benefit fraud and error.
A Parliamentary report which looked at the annual expenditure of Housing Benefit in the UK found that most councils were affected by claimant error or deliberate fraud.
In Lincolnshire the annual spend on Housing Benefit is £160 million pounds for around 52,500 households.
Lincolnshire authorities have joined forces and are working together to support the Government’s bid to cut the cost of fraud and error.
The Lincolnshire campaign, called ‘Tell Us’ runs until March 2016.
The campaign’s message to Housing Benefit claimants is simple. If you claim Housing Benefit you must tell your Council about all changes in your circumstances, including:
- Money coming into the home - such as pensions, wages, other benefits or tax credits.
- People who live in your home.
- Savings and investments.All Lincolnshire Councils will be checking the Housing Benefit claims being made.
- As a priority, the initial focus will be on those considered a high risk of not having reported changes which means they may have received too much Housing Benefit which will have to be paid back.
Whilst most claims will be genuine and correct, the review is essential in order to find those that are wrong.
Some residents may have simply forgotten to let their Council know that they have had a change in their circumstances, such as children moving out or leaving full time education, getting a job or a pay increase.
Changes such as these should be brought to the attention of their District or Borough Council as soon as possible to avoid claiming the wrong amount of Housing Benefit.
Now is the time to notify the Council of a change before fraud investigators take more serious action, which can include prosecution.
Cllr Peter Coupland, Portfolio Holder for Finance at South Holland District Council, said:
“Anyone who claims Housing Benefit and has had a change in their circumstances that might affect the amount of benefit they receive should contact their local District or Borough Council immediately.
“Most residents will be claiming the correct amount, and therefore do not need to worry.
“However, it is an offence not to declare changes in circumstances, and anyone found to be in receipt of Housing Benefit that they are not entitled to may have to pay back the money and could face court action or financial penalty.
“Tell Us. We want to help claimants avoid being in such a position.”
Extra care housing prioritised
The delivery of specialist housing for people with care needs has been adopted as a key priority for South Holland District Council.
Extra Care Housing is accommodation where care and support is provided onsite 24 hours a day in a communal setting yet residents retain a degree of independence over their own lives.
It is usually provided within complexes of between 40 and 60 units of self-contained accommodation.
Extra care housing schemes are often available across a range of tenures, from affordable rented and shared ownership through to market sale.
South Holland has been identified as a priority area for Extra Care Housing due to the area’s demographics and lack of existing supply.
Recently councillors unanimously approved the decision to make the delivery of Extra Care Housing a priority and work is now underway to identify opportunities to make the vision a reality.
Cllr Christine Lawton, portfolio holder for housing, said:
“We are acting now to meet the demands and needs of an ageing population and increase the choice available in the local housing market to those who wish to remain in specialist accommodation whilst receiving care.”
The 2011 Census identified that around 27% of the district’s population is of pensionable age, compared with 18% nationally.
Government population projections predict that there will be a 51% increase in the population of those aged 55 or over by 2036 and that over the same period, the population of those aged 85 or older will increase by 175%.
At the same time dementia rates in South Holland are anticipated to rise by 109%, along with an 88% rise in the number of people expected to suffer with mobility problems