On the subject of the UKSPF Stakeholder Consultation, and noting the recent letter from the clerk to the Long Sutton Parish Council contains information that may mislead the public, it would be remiss not to seek to correct that impression that the parish council only became of the consultation indirectly on June 22.
As with all parish councils, the clerk was emailed on June 14, June 22 and June 24 with information about the UKSPF and how to engage in the process.
On Friday June 29 the clerk wrote to advise they had not been made aware of the UKSPF and by Monday July 1 received a helpful response offering to hold a separate briefing for the Long Sutton parish councillors and conformation that the points raised would be included as part of the consultation.
It is reassuring the parish council has acknowledged the emails were received and an apology has been offered.
It should also be noted that other parish councils have not had the same issues and having received the emails, have taken part in the process.
Turning to the comments on how the UKSPF should be distributed, we have been very pleased with the response from a range of people and stakeholders, providing many excellent suggestions for how best to use the fund to its maximum potential to have a positive impact on our communities.
There will be a transparent process to determine how this fund should be allocated and whilst the parish councils may well have a part to play, there are also many other fantastic organisations that can play an important role in levelling up our communities.
Nick Worth
Vice chair of South Holland District Council
