Read the October 2026 update here ...
Councillor Lucille Hagues – Newsletter
October 2026
GREAT BRITISH ENERGY FUND
Community organisations in England and Wales and Northern Ireland can apply to the Great British Energy Community Fund (GBECF) to develop and build community owned clean energy projects. Eligible applicants include town and parish councils, legally constituted and incorporated community organisations to develop energy projects for local people. Projects must be designed to be at least 50% community owned when operational and demonstrate clear local community benefit. North Kesteven cannot apply for this fund.
Funding is available in three stages: up to £40,000 for feasibility work, up to £100,000 for project development, and up to £3 million towards capital projects. The fund can support solar, wind, hydro, battery storage, heat networks, energy efficiency, and other clean energy initiatives. The deadline for application is the 12th of November 2026.
SHAPING HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES - NHS SURVEY
Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS group (LCHG) recently announced the intention to formally merge its hospital and community NHS Trusts in Lincolnshire.
The aim is to create one organisation built around the needs of its diverse communities and to address the challenges being faced now and transform how care is delivered in the future.
The proposed merger of United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) and Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS), will take effect from April 2027.
Staff, residents, stakeholders, and the public of Lincolnshire are being invited to share their views on the planned merger, and on how health and care services could be delivered differently in the future.
To get involved please fill in this survey or invite them to come and talk to you by contacting (01522) 573986 or emailing ulht.lchscommunications@nhs.net
HELP SHAPE NEW SERVICE TO SUPPORT PEOPLE TO STAY IN WORK
The NHS is developing a new WorkWell service across Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire to help people to stay in work, return to work, and access support when a health condition affects their ability to work. It is seeking feedback to help shape how the service is delivered locally.
Who can take part? They would like to hear from:
People aged 16 to 64 with a health condition or disability
People who are worried their health or mental health may affect their ability to stay in work
People who have recently stopped working because of a health problem
Family members and carers
The consultation closes on 4th October 2026
ROADWORKS REMINDER
Up-to-date information about roadworks in Lincolnshire can be found on the one.network website.
HERON PROJECT
The Heron Project is being delivered in partnership with the Universities of Nottingham and Lincoln and focuses on preventing falls among older people who receive care and support at home.
It is looking for people with lived experience, including:
Older people who use home care services
Family members, friends, and unpaid carers
People who have experienced a fall or are worried about falling
Home care workers and care professionals
No research experience is needed. It is particularly keen to hear from people who can share experiences, ideas, and insights to help ensure the research is relevant, practical, and accessible.
The HERON involvement Group will help researchers understand what matters most to people, review information, suggest improvements and help shape resources that could support older people to stay safe, confident, and independent at home.
The first welcome meeting will take place online (details below), although people can also speak with them separately if they are unable to attend. Meetings are expected to take place approximately every three months with members deciding when and where sessions will take place. People with live experience can be paid for their involvement and agreed expenses covered.
HERON Involvement Group – Welcome Meeting Friday, 16th October 2026 11.00am to 12.00pm MICROSOFT TEAMS MEETING
Meeting I.D: 382 291 426 439 68
Passcode: 9GG2qt7g
For more information about the Heron Project, please contact co-production@every-one.org.uk
CINEMA PLANS APPROVED FOR SLEAFORD
Planning permission has been granted for cinema operator Savoy to bring forward its four-screen 349 seat scheme to the heart of Sleaford.
The plans submitted by Savoy Cinemas Ltd in early June were signed off on Friday 11th September 2026, paving the way for an anticipated start on site in November leading to an opening in early 2028.
Read the full press release on the Council website.
Best Wishes
Lucille