The Annual Meeting of South Kesteven District Council saw few changes to the councillors in the 'cabinet', but some revisions have been made to reflect changing priorities and the impact of the pandemic.

The meeting started with the re-election of Coun Breda Griffin and Coun Ian Stokes as chairman and vice-chairman of the council.

The pair were re-elected to these largely ceremonial roles as due to the pandemic, they were only first elected to the roles late in the autumn, rather than last May, and with lockdowns hampering their roles, councillors felt both should serve another year.

The council leader remains Coun Kelham Cooke (Con-Casewick), who was re-elected leader of the ruling Conservative group last week.

His deputy remains Coun Barry Dobson (Con- Dole Wood) whose responsibilities include delivering on SKDC ambitious leisure centre proposals.

At the meeting yesterday, Coun Cooke then announced changes to the cabinet, including his own portfolio of responsibilities.

Coun Cooke said: "As we will refresh key strategies including the Economic Development Strategy, ensuring it aligns with the corporate plan. I look forward to taking this forward as the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Growth. Building upon the work that has already been put into action by Cllr Barry Dobson."

"Councillor Barry will continue in the role as Deputy Leader, supporting me with Economic Development and Growth especially with the Future High Street Fund, and InvestSK with his hugely successful Tea Break sessions regularly hosting around 70 businesses.

"Cllr Dobson will also fulfil the role of Cabinet Member for Leisure.

"Over the next 12 months, through LeisureSK, we will need to look at a programme of leisure investment and adopt a sport and physical activity strategy to improve the health and wellbeing of all.

"With the establishment of LeisureSK we are primed to make the most of many opportunities."

Housing will be an area of focus, which follows on from the council being found guilty of breaching housing health and safety regulations and it also announcing a multi-million programme of heating and other improvements to its council housing stock, as Nub News reported this week.

Coun Cooke continued: "We've approached the issue in the right way and are moving forward to address our challenges with innovative solutions. My colleague Councillor Robert Reid, Cabinet Member for Housing and Property will be taking this forward.

"I do not underestimate the amount of work that has been undertaken by Robert (Con-Bourne Austerby) and he has all our thanks for this work, as I know we have challenges still ahead as we work with the Housing Regulator."

Coun Reid was previously Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning.

Grantham Springfield Conservative Cllr Adam Stokes continues as Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources.

"I know the budget pressures over the last year have been immense and he has worked hard with [Interim Director of Finance Richard Wyles] and the finance team to ensure we are in a good position."

Coun Cooke then announced an extra Grantham councillor joining the cabinet, Coun Linda Wootten (Con- Belmont).

He said: "In November, this year, we will undertake a Peer Review supported by the Local Government Association. It is the right time for this as the challenge will include some focus on leadership, governance, corporate capacity and financial resilience.

"There will also be a Scrutiny Review by the Centre of Governance and Public Scrutiny which is planned to take place in July. This will be worked on in support with all members and the Constitution Committee with the newest member to the cabinet, Cllr Linda Wootten, who will be the Cabinet Member for Corporate Governance.

"We will as a council actively review the Corporate Plan, and where we are with its targets and consider how it fits the post-pandemic business model."

Reviewing the council's cultural services, will be the Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, which remains Coun Rosemary Trollope-Bellew (Con-Casewick).

Coun Cooke said: "I must also thank Rosemary for the incredible work currently taking place with the refurbishment of the Stamford Arts Centre, the Bourne Corn Exchange and our superb online offer with the arts."

Coun Cooke then announced the return to cabinet of Coun Nick Robins (Con-Castle) was several years was Cabinet Member for Retail and Visitor Economy at SKDC.

He is now SKDC's cabinet member for Planning and Planning Policy.

Coun Cooke then confirmed council ambitions to reduce its carobon emissions, adding SKDC has received a central government grant of £950,000 to support its work under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

"My colleague Coun Dr Peter Moseley, Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations will take this forward.

Coun Dr Peter Moseley (Con- Aveland) also has responsibility for the delivery of the refuse collection and related environmental services.

The other cabinet appointment was Cllr Annie Mason, Cabinet Member for People and Safer Communities. In addition to running the news awards scheme and the community hub, Coun Mason will also pick up the HR portfolio and lead SKDC's new HR Strategy, which will see a hybrid model of office and home-working for council staff.

Coun Cooke concluded: "Last year I said how it had been the most unpredictable and challenging of years, and it certainly was.

"But what made the unpredictable and challenging lead to success, is the determination and teamwork amongst the officers and members to provide the best possible services for residents and businesses in our district."