News :Waltham

North Lincolnshire Council will tomorrow consider a major report on the future structure of local government in Greater Lincolnshire.

The meeting, taking place on Tuesday 25 November, will review the Government’s statutory invitation for proposals on potential changes to how councils across the area are organised.

The report sets out the findings of the council’s largest ever public engagement, in which more than 12,000 residents shared their views on the future of local government, alongside independent financial and service analysis and the proposals being prepared by neighbouring authorities.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is an important moment for North Lincolnshire. The report brings together a huge amount of evidence, including the views of thousands of residents, independent expert analysis and the impact on vital partnerships.

“Councillors will have the opportunity to consider all of that in full when we meet.”

Councillors will determine the council’s response to Government at the meeting. The agenda and reports are available on the Democracy area of the website.

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What does a council leader actually do? How do big decisions get made? And what really sits behind the hundreds of services a council delivers every day?

In the first episode of In Conversation – North Lincolnshire Council’s sister podcast – residents get an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how the council works – featuring a candid discussion between council leader, Cllr Rob Waltham and Chief Executive Alison Barker.

Listeners will hear why local government is far more than bins, roads and budgets – and how thousands of daily decisions shape life “from the moment a child is born”.

“This job makes a difference to people’s lives every single day,” says Barker. “That breadth of impact is huge – and it’s why we must keep learning, keep changing and keep doing what works.”

The conversation dives into leadership, culture, and how the council continually adapts to a fast-changing world.

“Our children’s services are outstanding because they’re not static,” Barker explains. “They try things. Sometimes they don’t work – and that’s okay, because that’s how you learn.”

Cllr Waltham offers a frank look at public expectations: “People think councils are just about the bins or the roads. But we deliver more than 700 statutory services – and we use that influence to make life better for people every single day.”

The episode also reveals the strong leadership partnership at the top of the organisation.

“Alison was absolutely the right choice for this council,” Cllr Waltham says. “Our values align – it’s about giving real purpose to people, and making North Lincolnshire the best it can be.”

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The hidden work behind more than 700 council services
• How leaders make tough decisions with real-world impact
• Why learning from mistakes is a core part of the council’s culture
• What “outstanding” looks like behind the scenes
• How communities and residents shape the council’s priorities
• The values driving the Leader and Chief Executive
• Why a modern council must stay agile, experimental and people-focused
• How North Lincolnshire is building a better future by investing in what works

The full episode is now available on YouTube and Spotify.

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Hundreds of older residents are now getting fit and active for free through North Lincolnshire Council’s Fit for Free programme – boosting health, confidence and wellbeing in communities across the area.

Since April, almost 500 new participants have joined, with more than 1,200 people in total now benefitting from free gym sessions, fitness classes and wellbeing support across local leisure centres. Early November figures show even more residents continuing to sign up.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The most important thing is the difference this is making to people’s lives’ and it is fantastic to see almost 500 residents who weren’t gym members before are now getting fitter, feeling better and becoming more active.

“This is exactly what we set out for this to achieve. Many councils don’t invest in older people, we do.”

This surge in participation means hundreds of people are taking positive steps to improve their physical and mental health – supporting the council’s ambition to help residents live well for longer and reduce avoidable pressure on health and care services.

Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities (rural) added: “This isn’t just about gym sessions. It’s about confidence, prevention and helping people stay well in their own communities. Seeing so many residents take advantage of this support is hugely positive.”

If you are aged 66 or over you can get fit for free with two months’ access to the gym, swimming and virtual fitness classes. Find further information on our  fit  for  free page.

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There’s something exciting happening in Worlaby – a brand-new play park designed especially for teenagers is on the way.

Thanks to a £30,000 boost from North Lincolnshire Council, young people in the village will soon have their own space to meet up, get active and enjoy the outdoors.

The new park – funded through the council’s Community Grants Programme – will feature equipment chosen with teens in mind, giving them a proper hang-out spot that’s fun, safe and right on their doorstep.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see another community project like this start to come to life.

“This is about giving young people somewhere they can really make their own – a space to be active, social and proud of their village – things like this really matter.”

The project is being led by Worlaby Parish Council, with work due to start once the equipment is ready to go.

Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for community wellbeing (rural), said: “Every village needs a spot like this – somewhere to meet friends, burn off energy and just have fun. Worlaby’s new park will be a brilliant addition that brings the whole community together.”

Since launching in 2011, the fund has supported hundreds of projects across North Lincolnshire – investing in the spaces, activities and facilities that residents say make the biggest difference.

Grants are available for junior and youth groups, charitable bodies, co-operatives, not-for-profit organisations, and individuals demonstrating excellence in sport, art, or culture. Support is also available for venue hire, helping to keep community spaces open and active. Find out how a grant could make a difference in your community.

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Every great business starts somewhere – from Dyson’s first prototype in a garden shed, Gymshark’s first embroidered t-shirt or Amazon’s first book sold from Jeff Bezos’s garage.

Now, North Lincolnshire Council is helping local people turn their ideas into reality, with free advice, one-to-one support and grants of up to £500 available for new start-ups.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are committed to creating an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive – this cash not only helps new businesses get off the ground but also ensures long-term resilience in our communities.”

The start-up grants can be used to support residents setting up their own business or becoming self-employed within their first 12 months of trading – with the available to help cover essential costs such as:

• Marketing and advertising
• Equipment such as desktop computers
• Training, permits or accreditations.

The Barrel Shop in Barton-upon-Humber – a zero-waste store selling a wide range of groceries, cleaning products and cosmetics – recently received a grant.

They invested in a commercial electronic weighing scale and a computerised stock control system – helping the business streamline its operations by improving stock accuracy and enabling more efficient day-to-day management.

Cllr Waltham added: “This funding is about giving local people the tools they need to succeed and supporting the kind of ambition that keeps our towns and villages strong – by backing local talent, we’re investing in the future of North Lincolnshire and delivering real opportunities that matter to our residents.

“The Barrel Shop is a fantastic example of innovation that is creating jobs and supporting the town to thrive.”

The team at the Barrel Shop also worked with the council’s one-to-one support to produce a clear business plan and cashflow forecast, and completed the online start-up workshop to build their knowledge and confidence as a new business owner.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners are invited to attend a series of informal drop-in sessions taking place across North Lincolnshire over the coming months.

These events offer the opportunity to speak one-to-one with a business advisor and discover the range of support and funding available, including how to access the start-up grants.

All sessions run from 9am to 11.30am on the following dates:

Waters’ Edge, Barton – Wednesday 3 December 2025

Ashby Hub – Wednesday 7 January 2026

Normanby Gateway, Scunthorpe – Wednesday 14 January 2026

The Angel, Brigg – Wednesday 28 January 2026

Crowle Hub – Wednesday 11 February 2026

No appointment is necessary – simply drop in at a convenient time. However, if preferred, appointments can be pre-booked via an online form.

If you’re unable to attend in person, you can also schedule a 45-minute online appointment with a start-up advisor at your convenience.

The programme directly supports Priority Three of the North Lincolnshire Economic Growth Plan 2023–2028: to increase business start-ups and sustain high survival rates. It also aligns with the UKSPF’s wider mission to promote inclusive, local economic growth.

For more information about the grant and how to apply, go to the Invest in North Lincolnshire website or email businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk.

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Residents across North Lincolnshire are discovering new ways to cook smarter, save energy and cut costs thanks to a series of free community sessions from North Lincolnshire Council.

The demonstrations – open to anyone who has received a free air fryer through the council’s energy-saving initiative – will showcase how this modern kitchen gadget can help create quick, healthy, and affordable meals while using less power.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “People are already finding that small changes in how we use modern technology can make a big difference. These sessions are about sharing ideas, inspiring confidence, and helping everyone make the most of the tools that can save energy and money day to day.”

The sessions, taking place in hubs across the region, will share practical tips on how to prepare quick, healthy, and affordable meals, all while saving energy and reducing electricity bills.

It is part of a wider programme helping residents stay active, healthy, and supported, particularly during the colder months.,

Older residents will receive extra fuel payments, free winter warm packs, and low-energy appliances to cut bills and stay safe at home. They’ll also have the chance to build digital skills, which will boost confidence, tackle isolation and help people stay connected.

Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for sustainability and transformation, said: “Air fryers use much less energy than conventional ovens and are a fantastic way to prepare tasty, healthy meals quickly. By giving residents the tools and know-how to use them confidently, we’re helping households live more sustainably while cutting costs.”

Each session lasts around 45 minutes, with time slots available starting 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm at the following locations:

• Monday 27 October – Scunthorpe Central
• Monday 27 October – Barton Assembly Rooms
• Tuesday 28 October – Ashby Community Hub
• Tuesday 28 October – Winterton Hub
• Wednesday 29 October – Brigg Hub
• Wednesday 29 October – Haxey Memorial Hall

Places on all sessions must be booked in advance. To reserve a space, email community.recreation@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297270.

An online instruction video is also available at www.northlincs.gov.uk/airfryers. Those without access to the internet can use computers and wi-fi free of charge at any North Lincolnshire library.

The sessions are part of North Lincolnshire Council’s Household Support Fund programme, which is funded by the UK Government.

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North Lincolnshire Council is set to sign the national Age-Friendly Employer Pledge, recognising the experience and contribution of workers aged 50 and over and committing to helping people build fulfilling, flexible careers later in life.

The move is part of the council’s ongoing work to create a modern, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves. It supports flexible working, lifelong learning and progression opportunities for employees at every stage of their careers.

By keeping valuable experience and knowledge in the workplace, the council is helping strengthen local services and the wider North Lincolnshire economy – ensuring that skills, confidence and opportunity continue to grow across generations.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “A thriving workforce reflects its community. Valuing experience and keeping people in work for longer is good for families, good for the local economy and good for public services.

“This pledge shows that we’re serious about helping people continue to contribute, learn and achieve at every age.”

Cllr Elaine Marper, cabinet member for transforming the customer journey, said: “Our residents don’t stop contributing at 50 and neither should opportunity.

“We’re removing barriers, offering flexibility and showing what an age-inclusive employer looks like. It’s about recognising that experience is one of our greatest strengths.”

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An appeal for witnesses has been launched

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