This council is for turning: SKDC reverses £100k Thatcher statue unveiling fund Controversial spend will no longer take place Council leader Kelham Cooke (right) said delays caused by COVID-19 gave fundraisers more time. South Kesteven District Council has U-turned over a decision to underwrite a £100,000 event for the unveiling of a £300,000 statue of Margaret Thatcher in Grantham town centre. The council controversially agreed to put aside £100,000 to cover the costs of the event, hoping that private donations and fundraising would mean it might not be necessary to stump up the money. However, council leaders on Monday said the delay to the event caused by the COVID-19 pandemic would give organisers the time needed to raise the cash.