Councillors must come together to help residents in a changing world, says new civic leader

Coun Anna Kelly (Independent – Bourne West) has been elected as the chair of South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) for the coming year – with the authority soon set to be scrapped as part of major local government change.

Coun Kelly was elected at an SKDC Annual General Meeting on Thursday, May 21 and spoke about the need for a ‘unified chamber’ in a bid to tackle local issues.

She said: “Our chamber here in Grantham is a microcosm of the wider world.

“Our current world is changing in many ways. Nations and communities in general are feeling the weight of life’s pressures and anxiety that comes with that change.

“We, as the 56 councillors, representing 363 square miles of south Lincolnshire – are charged with the business of understanding the needs, concerns and aspirations of the residents that we serve across this district.

“We are responsible for driving forward improvements in our services to our community.

“We councillors have to offer a positive vision and a secure future whilst responding to the outside pressures that affect our district.

“As district councillors, we need to ensure that our communities know that the reason we come together, the reason we debate, the reason we search for solutions, raise council tax and test and grapple with issues in this chamber is because our focus is for them – the people we represent, the communities across South Kesteven – and it is not for our own political aspirations.

“Our debate and decision-making must be worthy of the people we serve and we need to be unified in working for South Kesteven in this new and final year of South Kesteven District Council as we know it.”

Coun Kelly added: “Intrinsic to this, I ask you in this year to support fundraising activities.

“My chosen charities for the year are the Grantham Earlesfield Community Centre charity and their projects particularly for young people under 30 years of age.

“And also to support the Stamford, Bourne and Deepings Carers Sitting Service – which offers respite to carers by sharing the care of their loved ones and giving them some time to step back from their constant caring.

“I trust that you will do all you can to support this fundraising.”

Coun Kelly takes over from Coun Ian Selby (Independent – Grantham Harrowby) who has held the role for the last year.

Coun Pam Byrd (Independent – Market & West Deeping) has also been elected as the vice chair of the council for the year ahead.

The role of chairman is a ceremonial one and has no decision-making responsibilities.

It involves presiding over full council meetings, acting as a non-political ambassador for the community and upholding the council’s constitution.