11th May 2026 Annual Parish Council Meeting
Doddington & Whisby Parish Council Annual Parish Council Meeting 11th May 2026
2026.05.01. Election of Chair. Councillor Cunliffe proposed Councillor Robinson. This was seconded by Councillor Waite and agreed by all.
2026.05.02. Election of Vice-Chair. Councillor Whiles proposed Councillor Cunliffe. This was seconded by Councillor Moody and agreed by all.
2026.05.03. Public forum. No members of the public in attendance.
2026.05.04. District Council/County Council news/updates
District Councillors Goldson and Johnston had shared their annual report ahead of the meeting which had been circulated to the Parish Council.
Local Government Reorganisation has meant challenging times at the District Council. The Council now await the Ministerial decision in July on one of the 3 primary proposals, including the Neighbourhood Groups.
Shadow Elections will take place on 6th May 2027 with a transition period to a ‘vestment day in April 28. What is apparent, is the dissolution of the District Councils and significant reductions in representative Councillors.
North Kesteven Council has managed a prudent financial regime and entered 2026 with provision for a stable and reliable financial future. Accepting the vagaries of external impacts (political and financial). We again figure as a Council in the TOP 6 and are shortlisted for a performance award.
The food waste programme has been successfully implemented.
House building continues over the whole of North Kesteven. NKDC follow the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan and various Neighbourhood Planning criteria.
The ever present and growing impact of Solar Farms will inevitably affect our Wards directly, with projects adjacent to our village environs. Those over 100MW are National Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) Permission for these rests with the Government and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. This also applies to the new Anglia Water Reservoir proposal in the South of the County.
The District Councillors wished all their Parishes success in their local community projects and initiatives and thanked Doddington and Whisby Parish Council for their professionalism and active profile.
County Councillor Woodruff gave a summary of the County achievements from the previous financial year.
The 2026/27 budget was set in February 2026, and Lincolnshire residents will have the lowest council tax level of all comparable councils nationally. At the same time, the Council has continued to invest in the vital services residents rely on, including children’s services, adult services and road maintenance. A key success has been the creation of 11 new SEND hubs, the first wave of many that will be opened across the county. This £7m investment will offer SEND pupils the extra support they need to thrive in a mainstream school, making a real difference to families.
The County Council has joined forces with North Kesteven District Council and proceedings have begun to request a judicial review on the Springwell Solar Farm application.
In September the Council approved a new property rationalisation programme and have already started saving money, helping communities and have generated money to invest in other infrastructure through the sale of buildings sitting empty.
The executive has agreed to invest £12.4m over four years, to carry out essential repairs to Lincoln Castle, preserving it for future generations. The castle plays an important role in the county’s economy, and last year it brought in £11m to the county, with people visiting from around the world to see one of only four original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta.
An extra £4.4m has been approved for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue to invest in modernising procedures, equipment and fleet.
Among the key investments are nine brand new fire engines, which will come into service over the next two years, with a longer-term investment ambition to secure nine further vehicles by 2030.
Locally, Councillor Woodruff has been actively involved in traffic calming discussions and will continue to work with the Parish Council on this matter.
A major drainage scheme for Main Street Doddington has been put through for consideration for 2027/28.
Councillor Robinson thank the Councillors for their continued support which was echoed by all.
2026.05.05. Formal session commenced at 19:20.
2026.05.06. Councillor Robinson welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2026.05.07. Apologies for absence were received and accepted from Councillor Hall.
2026.05.08. Declarations of interest. None.
2026.05.09. The minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting held on 12th May 2025 previously circulated to members and published in draft to the website as required under the Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities were unanimously agreed and signed by the Chairman.
2026.05.10. Finance
10.1 Items of expenditure were authorised and income and budget position to date noted. Appendix A
2026.05.11. Annual Audit
11.1 The Annual Internal Audit Report AGAR 2025/26 was received and noted
11.2 The Annual Governance Statement 2025/26 (Section 1) was considered, approved and signed by the Chairman and Parish Clerk
11.3 The accounts were certified by the Parish Clerk and the Accounting Statement for 2025/26 (Section 2) were considered, approved, and signed the Chairman and Parish Clerk
11.4 The Certificate of Exemption form for 2025/26 was signed by the Chairman and Parish Clerk.
2026.05.12. Review. The following policies and procedures were reviewed and agreed with no amendments proposed.
12.1 Asset register
12.2 Financial Standing Orders.
12.3 Standing Orders
12.4 Delegation Policy
12.5 The continued method of payment via bank transfer, Direct Debit or cheque as per Financial Standing Orders was agreed.
12.6 The schedule of regular payments due in relation to a continuing contract or obligation as previously circulated was agreed.
12.7. The bank mandate was reviewed and agreed with no amendments proposed.
2026.05.13. Planning.
13.1. Planning Application Reference: 26/0507/HOUS. Proposal: Proposed single storey rear extension, internal ground and first floor reconfiguration, addition of front and rear facing dormer windows and new front porch. No comments.
13.2. Application 26/0275/PAR Agricultural Building at Top House Farm Thorpe Road Whisby Lincoln – Decision - Prior notification required and approved. Noted.
13.2.2. Application Reference: 25/0951/FUL. Proposal: Erection of a single storey dwelling. Decision – Approved. Noted.
2026.05.14. Clerks/ Councillors Report – to receive any updates on any outstanding matters of business.
14.1 Highways – traffic calming. Councillor Robinson advised that he had recently met with Kyra Nettle, County Highways Manager, following the earlier meeting with Councillor Sean Matthews and Councillor Alan Woodruff. Highways had confirmed that a new traffic survey is expected to be commissioned during June 2026 to re-establish current vehicle movements and traffic volumes through the village. The results of this survey will help inform Highways’ assessment of traffic conditions and any further consideration of potential traffic calming measures or crossing provision. The Parish Council will continue to engage with Lincolnshire County Council and Highways to support both parties as they consider the findings and determine the appropriate next steps. Action: All
Councillor Robinson also advised that he had discussed the proposed locations for the village gates. The final location remains an open item, with further input and confirmation of feasibility being sought. In the meantime, Councillor Robinson still intends to speak to the residents who live near the proposed location on Kennel Lane before proceeding with the application. Action: Councillor Robinson.
Councillor Robinson also advised that he discussed the locations for the village gates and his intention is to speak to the residents who live near the proposed location on Kennel Lane before going ahead with the application. Action: Councillor Robinson.
14.2 Community Emergency Plan. Councillor Moody advised that he has studied a neighbouring councils community plan and suggested a working party be formed to progress this. Action Councillor Moody.
14.3 Litter. The Parish Clerk advised that she has approached Highways for advice on finding a litter picking contractor following a negative internet search. Highways advised that they don’t use external contractors for litter picking and the roads in question should only be accessed for this activity during a road closure.
2026.05.15. Correspondence.
The Parish Council received an email about plans for the Parochial Church Council to rebuild the Doddington Church spire and an opinion was being sought as to the Parish Councils feelings on this matter.
The councillors were very interested in the project and would like to be kept informed. Action: Parish Clerk.
2026.05.16. Date of next meeting.
6th July 2026 at the earlier time of 18:00.
Appendix A
Items of expenditure to authorise and items of income to note.
28.02.2026 Unity Trust Bank Service charge -6.00
04.03.2026 Npower Streetlight electricity -40.05
20.03.2026 E.ON Energy Solution Quarter 4 streetlight maintenance -19.20
20.03.2026 Kerrie Vickers Refreshments -23.75
27.03.2026 Npower Streetlight electricity -33.25
27.03.2026 Kerrie Vickers Salary March 2026 -253.19
31.03.2026 Unity Trust Bank Service charge -7.00
01.04.2026 NKDC Precept 6750
22.04.2026 Unity Trust Internal transfer -4855
22.04.2026 Kerrie Vickers Antivirus software reimbursement -24.99
28.04.2026 Kerrie Vickers Salary -253.39
28.04.2026 HMRC Tax/National Insurance -59.40
Budget to note
Expenditure Budget Actual
Salaries 3,600.00 -297.79
Expenses 250.00 -15.00
Maintenance 1,500 .00 0.00
Fee's/Subs 400.00 0.00
Insurance 600.00 0.00
Office Running Costs 50.00 -24.99
Election Costs 200.00 0.00
S137 150.00 0.00
Total expenditure -337.78
Income Precept 6,750.00
Balance of Accounts
Current Account 6,412.62
Savings Account 29,867.37
Total 36,279.99