New funds boost cinema plans for Sleaford

A long-awaited cinema may finally be on the horizon after new funding commitments.

North Kesteven’s budget, which was passed by a full council meeting on February 27, also included a council tax rise of 2.61%.

The Heart of Sleaford project, which includes a new cinema and public space improvements, was first given council backing in 2019 but faced delays during the pandemic.

The budget adds £2.2m to an existing £2.8m pot with the hopes of finally making it a reality.

Leader Coun Richard Wright (Con) told the meeting: “We have an investment fund of £5m which, subject to concluding negotiations, will finally allow a cinema development to come forward for the area.”

The council tax rise will mean that most households will pay between £3.50 and £4.44 extra for 2025/26 – around 10p extra per week.

The rise was below the maximum 3% limit allowed by the Government, which leaders said showed the council’s stable financial position.

Coun Wright said: “The budget builds on our strong financial position and renews our commitment to residents.

“The capital programme includes over £300m of investment, which would be a huge achievement in the best of times – and this is far from the best of times.

“But we can’t be complacent and must make sound decisions on council tax, focusing on the long-term.”

Coun Wright warned that rural areas like North Kesteven were being underfunded by the Government in favour of urban ones.

The budget passed almost unanimously, with only one vote against.

Coun Linda Edward-Shea (Lab) agreed: “It would be counter-productive to increase council tax by any less.

“However, the cost of living crisis is still a crisis.

“Every councillor should keep emphasising (to the government) the difficulty and expense of rural life.”