What is the Spalding Town Board?
The Spalding Town Board has been set up to oversee the £20M Long-Term Funding which was announced for Spalding in October 2023. The Board is responsible for developing a town investment plan, working closely with local people. The board met for the first time in March 2024.
What is the status of the board?
The Town Board is not a legal entity. Its role is advisory to the local authority which is the accountable body for the funding and for the delivery of the plan.
Who are the board members?
The board members bring together a range of expertise and experience including from local business, local government, public services, community groups, education, the police, and tourism. The local MP, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Leader of South Holland District Council are also members. You can see the full list of members here.
How were the board members appointed?
The board members were appointed through engagement led by the local authority and in collaboration with the Chair. This is in line with the guidance published by Government.
Who is the chair of the Board?
Robin Hancox is the Chair of the Board. Robin is Managing Director of FreshLinc and Lincolnshire Field Products. The chair of the board is independent and was invited to become chair by the local authority, in line with government guidance.
Why has the board been set up?
A requirement of the Long Term Plan for Towns funding is for Spalding to set up a Town Board to oversee the funding and develop a long-term plan for the town, working closely with the local community.
What is the role of the board?
The board is responsible for the development of a long-term plan for Spalding. This will include a vision for Spalding and a three year investment plan which will be submitted to government. The board will subsequently oversee the delivery of the funding and the investment plan.
How have the views of the community been taken into consideration?
A consultation ran from 17th May – 21st June 2024. This centred on an online and paper survey as well as further activities which included events and community engagement. In addition, feedback was also collected via online sources. This feedback will help to shape the development of the vision and the investment plan for Spalding.
How will the board continue to involve the community?
The board is committed to keeping the community informed and involved. Further updates will continue to be shared online – on this website and on social media – and with the local media. In addition, there will be many more opportunities for engagement in the future, and local people will be invited to get involved and share their views as the plan and projects develop. The board wants to work with the community collaboratively to make a difference for Spalding.
What are the timescales the board is working towards?
The board is developing a vision and three year investment plan; we are waiting for confirmation of the deadline for the submission of this.
Can I attend a board meeting?
The meetings are private as they are focused on planning and co-ordination of the long term plan programme, and could involve potentially commercial sensitive information – they are not formal meetings based around consideration of reports etc. We will be providing regular updates from the board on progress, and the meetings minutes are available on this website after every meeting.
How can I find out more?
Get in touch spalding.townboard@sholland.gov.uk