Updates on Local Government Reorganisation, Food Waste and other topics
LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION
Residents may be aware from news articles of the Government's programme of local government reorganisation that will replace all two tier county and district councils with new unitary councils. To help residents find out what this will mean for them and the area of North Kesteven there is a webpage entitled 'Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation' on the Council's website which is updated as and when appropriate. North Kesteven District Council will be submitting its own proposal for local government reorganisation for consideration by the Government. In the meantime, the Council is committed to continuing to deliver 'business as usual' providing services to our residents and businesses.
NK COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARDS
Every year NKDC celebrates the achievements of District residents through the NK Community Champion Awards and nominations are now open for the 2025 awards. There are a number of categories including Community Spirit, Young Achiever and Contribution to Health and Wellbeing. More details can be found on NKDC's website and so if you know someone who works quietly and tirelessly in the community, please do think about making a nomination.
FOOD WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE FROM 2026
All residents will see 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. 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 residents' waste from the kerbside- to collect food waste separately on a weekly basis. It is not a local decision, but a legal requirement aimed at improving recycling rates and sustainability across the UK.
Households will receive 2 food waste caddies, one 5-litre indoor caddy and one 23- litre outdoor caddy. Both caddies will have lockable lids designed to keep odours, wildlife and rodents at bay. Food that can go in the caddies include - meat and fish -raw or cooked- including bones, tea bags and coffee grounds, bread, pastries and cakes and raw/cooked fruit and vegetables, including peelings.
The food waste will be collected weekly, using dedicated vehicles, so there will be no mixing with other types of waste. The food waste will be diverted from the Energy from Waste plant to an existing anaerobic digestion facility, where it will be turned into biogas and fertiliser used by farmers.
There will be more information to come and NKDC will work with residents during the roll out of the food waste collection service. There will also be the opportunity to meet the team at the Heckington Show and find out more.
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ANNUAL ELECTORAL CANVAS
In July the Annual Electoral Canvass, to update the Electoral Register, will begin. The NK Electoral Services Team will either email or send a form to all households across the District. If electors could please follow the instructions and complete what is required, this ensures NKDC knows who is registered and ready to vote.
More information is available on NKDC’s website - www.n-Kesteven.gov.uk/
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FIVE GRANT FUNDS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Five grant funds are offering almost £550,000 in support between them - the funds which are now open for applications are as follows:
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The Flourishing Communities Grant - funded through an additional year of UK Shared Prosperity Fund monies in NK. A new fund and will support community sector organisations with projects designed to make communities safer and healthier, through capital grants of up to £1500.
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The Events Grants - funded through an extension to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in NK. It will support new events or existing events looking to grow. Grants can include both capital and most revenue costs.
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The Business Energy and Resources Grant - funded through the Rural England Prosperity Fund. This grant will help fund small and micro businesses to reduce energy costs and improve resource efficiency by supporting them with investment in new technology.
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The Small Business Grant - continues using remaining monies from a previous allocation by NKDC. It will continue to support the growth of small and microbusinesses in the District and is available to businesses across all sectors locally including start-ups.
- The Sleaford Shopfront Grant Scheme - funded through an additional year of UK Shared Prosperity Fund monies. It offers funding towards targeted repairs, reinstatement and replacement of shop fronts.
More information is available on the NKDC's website - search 'Grants for Communities and Businesses'