News :Waltham

Independent inspectors Ofsted have once again rated North Lincolnshire Council’s support for children and families as Outstanding – marking a fourth consecutive top rating and 14 years of the highest possible rating.

Children and families’ lives are being changed for the better every day in North Lincolnshire, with inspectors praising the council as “inspirational” and “exceptional”, driven by a “relentless” focus on improvement and “robust political” backing.

Inspectors found that leaders have “further strengthened practice, delivering clear and positive impact” – with children across North Lincolnshire continuing to benefit from high-quality support at every stage of their journey.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “No other council in the country has achieved what we have. The difference that is being made to children’s lives day in, day out has been recognised by independent inspectors at Ofsted.

“I know sometimes we miss bins, and sometimes the roads could be better, but people are the priority – especially those who do not get the help nor support from anywhere else.

“There is no greater responsibility we have than the care and support we provide – and that simply wouldn’t exist without the hard work and dedication of the teams in children’s social care and across every part of the council.

“This is not a one-off. This is many years of consistently outstanding support for children and families in North Lincolnshire. That doesn’t happen by accident.”

The report highlights a system that is not standing still, describing “inspirational senior leaders, exceptional managers and staff” working together with partners to drive continuous improvement and better outcomes for families.

North Lincolnshire’s ‘one family’ approach was singled out as a key strength, with inspectors noting it is “deeply embedded and delivers consistently high-quality practice”, supported by a wide range of services that are improving children’s lives.

Across the board, inspectors found children are safer, better supported and making strong progress, underpinned by exceptionally strong partnerships, a stable workforce and a relentless focus on continuous improvement.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for independent families – children, said: “This is about families feeling safe, being listened to and knowing there are people who care about them and will stand by them.

“There will be children leaving school and embarking on their careers in the coming weeks who have only had outstanding, giving them the best start in life – and that consistency matters.

“Behind every line of this report is a real story – a child now safe when they might not have been, a young person who has been heard when they felt invisible and families who have someone alongside them when things were at their hardest.”

Rachel Smith, director of children’s services, said: “We are incredibly proud of the people who work here in North Lincolnshire and we are really pleased that Ofsted have recognised the practice that we see day in and day out.

“Our staff and our partners have continued to raise standards through innovation and a shared commitment to learning and improvement with a clear focus on always doing the right thing.

“The report published today is a testament to our workforce who show real commitment and care every day, always keeping children and families at the heart of everything that they do.”

The post Four-in-a-row: 14 years of outstanding support for children and families in North Lincolnshire appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

Repair work to College Road, East Halton will begin on Monday (27 April), with contractors moving onto site to start the long-awaited rebuild.

The project will see the road fully rebuilt from the ground up, with the embankment repaired and strengthened, a new surface laid, and sections of safety barrier replaced.

When complete, the route will be restored and made safe and reliable for the long term, with the road expected to reopen by July.

This next step follows months of detailed work to finalise the design and deal properly with the badger sett, ensuring the road can be rebuilt safely while meeting environmental requirements.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Residents have shown real patience while we’ve worked through the challenges on this scheme, and I want to thank them for that.

“We’re now almost there, with work starting on Monday. Issues like this – including dealing properly with protected wildlife – do take time, but we’ve been determined to get to a point where we can move forward safely and properly.

“We know the impact this has had locally, and every extra day matters. That’s why the focus now is on getting the work done as quickly as possible and reopening the road.”

The scheme is being delivered in partnership with Natural England, ensuring a balanced approach that protects wildlife while enabling essential repairs to go ahead.

Further updates will be shared as work progresses.

The post East Halton road works to begin Monday as contractors move onto site appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

Residents wishing to support or reject the proposal on the 30mph speed limit extension have until May 6 to submit feedback

Original Source .

The children were consulted throughout

Original Source .

The school opened last year

Original Source .

With just two days to go until Reclaim the Night , Safer Nights walk, Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of the council and Jonathan Evison, @HumbersidePCC are helping to raise awareness of violence against women and girls, and the importance of safer streets across North Lincolnshire.

Video

Video

Original Source .

In the heart of Scunthorpe town centre, we’re opening up a new space for people who want to be part of the town’s cultural, creative and digital future.

This isn’t just a unit – it’s an opportunity to plug into a growing creative community, test ideas, collaborate with peers and start building something new.

It’s a space designed to support creative industries entrepreneurs, offering access to advice, support with business planning and the chance to learn alongside others on a similar journey.

This is about strengthening Scunthorpe’s cultural offer, supporting local creative talent and bringing new energy, activity and confidence into the town centre. It’s about turning ideas into opportunity, and creativity into sustainable enterprise.

No need for perfect.

Just a strong idea – or even the start of one.

Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We want to build a stronger cultural and creative community here in Scunthorpe and give people the chance to be part of the town’s cultural, creative and digital future.

“Whether you’re producing content, designing, making, performing, coding or curating, this space is about helping people create, connect and be seen.

“It’s about strengthening Scunthorpe’s cultural offer, backing creative talent, and giving people the space and confidence to step forward, try something new and be part of the town centre’s future.”

No long process.

No barriers upfront.

Just a space – and a conversation.

Come and see what’s possible at the open day on 15 April, 9am to 5pm,

Meet the team, explore the space, connect with others

Got an idea?

Come and see where it could take you.

Register here.

The post A space to create. A place to belong. Your move. appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

Plans to finally connect Scunthorpe’s southern motorway junction to the rest of the town have now been submitted – marking a major step towards delivering the long-awaited link.

The proposed road will connect the M181 roundabout directly to Burringham Road, turning what has long been seen as a standalone junction into a working southern gateway.

If approved, drivers in Ashby, Bottesford, Burringham, Yaddlethorpe and Messingham will benefit from a faster, more direct route to the motorway – easing pressure on Berkeley Circle and improving traffic flow across the town.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is a big step forward – we know residents have been asking for years where that roundabout leads and now we know. This is how this will be turned into a proper route.

“We’ve done the groundwork and secured the funding – now it’s right that the plans go through the proper planning process. This will be considered independently, as it should be, but what we’ve done is make sure everything is in place to deliver it.

The scheme will be delivered by Keepmoat and is funded through the Local Regeneration Fund, with funding confirmed as part of the council’s approved budget.

This latest milestone follows continued investment in the local road network, focused on keeping traffic moving and supporting growth across North Lincolnshire.

Cllr Neil Poole, deputy leader and cabinet member for highways, said: “This is the step that gets it moving.

“Once approved, this link will make a real difference – giving communities a direct route to the motorway and taking pressure off Berkeley Circle.

“It’s a practical improvement residents will feel every day.”

The post Burringham Bypass moves forward – plans submitted for Scunthorpe’s southern motorway link appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

Working-age residents in North Lincolnshire facing terminal illness will no longer have to worry about a council tax bill, under a new scheme agreed by councillors.

A new support scheme in North Lincolnshire responds to growing evidence that people at the end of life often face a sharp drop in income alongside rising costs.

National charity Marie Curie has highlighted this issue and called for councils to act – North Lincolnshire Council has.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Facing losing a loved one is one of the hardest things any family can go through and the last thing anyone should be worrying about in those circumstances is a bill landing on the doormat.

“This is about doing the right thing. We’re stepping in with practical support when it matters most, so families can focus on each other without any added financial pressure.”

From April 2026, the scheme will provide targeted support for working families, easing immediate financial pressure at the most difficult time and removing one of the key worries identified by end-of-life charities.

Under the scheme, where a resident has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and meets the eligibility criteria, the council will use its discretionary powers to fully remove council tax liability for the household for a year.

The approach means families can focus on spending time together and arranging care and support – not worrying about bills landing on the doormat.

Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for independent families (adults), said: “This will make a real difference to people at the most difficult point in their lives. We know that when someone is facing terminal illness, everything changes – emotionally, practically and financially.

“By removing council tax at that moment, we’re giving people space to focus on their care, their family and the time that matters most, without that added pressure.”

The scheme will operate under powers available to councils to reduce council tax liability in exceptional circumstances and will sit alongside existing council tax support and discounts.

The scheme will initially run for two years while the council monitors take-up and impact.

Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for transformation and sustainability, added: “We are determined to make sure support works for people when they need it most.

“This is a targeted, responsible use of the council’s powers to support residents in exceptional circumstances that is compassionate, respectful and provides practical help.”

Further information on eligibility and how to apply will be published on the council’s website.

Matthew Whittley, Senior Local Public Affairs Manager at Marie Curie, said: “North Lincolnshire Council deserves real credit for taking this important step to support working age residents facing the end of life. By removing council tax for people who are terminally ill, the council is showing real leadership and proving that compassionate, practical policy change is entirely achievable.

“Marie Curie has long highlighted the financial pressures people face at the end of life, and this scheme directly responds to that evidence. We urge other councils across England to urgently follow the example of North Lincolnshire and the nearly 20 other councils so far to have made this move – people who are dying and struggling with their bills simply cannot afford to wait.”

The post One less bill to worry about: 12 months council tax removed for families facing terminal illness appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .

A bid has been submitted to bring UK Town of Culture 2028 to Scunthorpe, with residents and businesses across North Lincolnshire being asked to back the town’s proposal.

Rather than focusing on venues or one-off events, the bid centres on visible change across neighbourhoods – empty units back in use, parks filled with activity, events happening beyond the town centre, young people leading projects, and everyday spaces becoming part of what’s on offer.

Scunthorpe was built from five towns – Ashby, Brumby, Crosby, Frodingham and Scunthorpe. The bid uses that as its starting point, aiming to bring activity into every part of the town.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We know there are challenges – every town has them – but there is real strength in the communities across Scunthorpe, and that’s what this bid is built on.

“This is the start of the journey. We’re putting our hat in the ring and making the case for Scunthorpe on a national stage.

“We want people to get behind this, to take part and to help tell the story of the place they live – because the best stories about Scunthorpe come from the people who know it best.”

The initial expression of interest has been funded through external funding, not local taxpayers’ money. If successful, up to £3m of additional investment could be secured to support activity across the town.

What people will actually see:

• Shuttered high street units turned into working studios, pop-up workshops and places you can walk into, not walk past
• Parks filled with activity – outdoor performances, installations and events where there’s usually just empty space
• Neighbourhoods putting on their own events – from street-level festivals to food, music and community-led activity
• Young people leading projects – creating digital work, exhibitions and events, building real skills and portfolios
• Workplaces and everyday spaces opening up – with activity happening alongside daily life, not hidden away in venues

The expression of interest, submitted by North Lincolnshire Council and partners, sets out how that funding would be used to turn everyday spaces into places where things happen – from neighbourhood events and maker spaces to youth-led digital projects and activity in workplaces and community venues.

Scunthorpe is up against towns across the country, from Blackburn and Barnsley to Redditch and neighbouring Grimsby, with more than 20 already submitting bids.

With hundreds of places showing interest, only a small number will make the shortlist.

The programme is designed to support skills, improve wellbeing and strengthen local connections, using culture as a practical tool rather than a standalone offer.

A shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028 is expected in June, with shortlisted towns invited to develop more detailed plans.

The post Five towns. One Scunthorpe – bid submitted for UK Town of Culture 2028 appeared first on North Lincolnshire Council.

Original Source .