The Council meeting on Tuesday 9 June 2026 saw councillors approve the Audit Committee's annual report and agree to proceed with a further stage of consultation on the Witherley Community Governance Review. The meeting also addressed various mayoral communications and the leader's position statement, covering a range of local initiatives and ongoing council business.

Audit Committee Annual Report

The Council approved the Audit Committee's annual report for 2024/25. Councillor David Cope, Chair of the Audit Committee, presented the report, highlighting the committee's self-assessment which had led to improvements in how risk is reported and governed. He noted that the external auditors issued a positive Value for Money conclusion, free from significant weaknesses. The report also detailed the work undertaken by the committee, including oversight of external and internal audits, anti-fraud measures, risk management, and corporate governance. Councillor Cope thanked officers and committee members for their efforts, and Councillor Stuart Bray seconded the motion to approve the report, acknowledging the vital importance of the committee's work.

Witherley Community Governance Review: Draft Recommendations

The Council considered the draft recommendations for the next stage of the Community Governance Review for Witherley Parish. Councillor Stuart Bray, Leader of the Council, presented the report, outlining the outcome of the initial consultation. He explained that while a majority of respondents favoured change, the strength of feeling varied. The review group had identified four viable options to present for further public consultation, acknowledging that Ratcliffe Culey's electorate was below the legal threshold for a parish council, necessitating alternative governance arrangements such as a parish meeting.

The four options presented for consultation were:

1. Option 1: Abolition of Witherley Parish Council, creation of a parish for Ratcliffe Culey with a parish meeting, a parish council for Fenny Drayton, and a new parish council for Witherley and Atterton.
2. Option 2: Abolition of Witherley Parish Council, creation of separate parishes for Ratcliffe Culey and Fenny Drayton, a common council for these two parishes, and a separate parish council for Witherley and Atterton.
3. Option 3: No change to the current arrangements for Witherley Parish Council.
4. Option 4: Abolition of Witherley Parish Council with no alternative community governance arrangements.

Councillor Bray proposed shortening the second consultation period from eight to six weeks to allow for a potential third consultation. Councillor R. Allen seconded the motion, thanking residents for their initial input and encouraging further participation. Councillor M.B. Cartwright raised a point about ensuring all residents were aware of the consultation, to which it was confirmed that letters would be sent to every household. Councillor Dr. J.R. Moore spoke in favour of empowering local communities through parish councils, expressing personal reservations about the complete abolition of the Witherley Parish Council. Councillor B.E. Sutton echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for strong parish councils in light of local government reorganisation. The Council unanimously resolved to proceed with the consultation on the four options, update the terms of reference to reflect the shortened consultation period, and delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive to manage any necessary third consultation.

Leader of the Council's Position Statement

Councillor Stuart Bray, Leader of the Council, delivered his position statement, touching upon a variety of council activities and initiatives. He thanked the teams responsible for Proms in the Park and other recent events, highlighting the success of the Hinckley Leisure Centre's tenth anniversary and the Warm Welcome celebration event. Councillor Bray also discussed the ongoing consultation for an Article 4 Direction in Barwell and Earl Shilton, aimed at providing greater council oversight on House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) applications. He mentioned upcoming recruitment and business engagement events, and expressed pleasure at the progress being made on the new £24 million Twycross Zoo Global Conservation Centre. The Leader also reaffirmed the council's commitment to its tenants, outlining outreach efforts and the tenant garden competition. He briefly touched upon Local Government Reorganisation, the Executive's recent decisions on tackling domestic violence and approving new housing policies, and the National Year of Reading initiative, which includes a story-writing competition.

Several councillors contributed to the discussion following the Leader's statement. Councillor R.G. Allen praised the positive report and thanked all involved in council events. Councillor M.B. Cartwright highlighted the importance of preparing parish councils for potential elections. Councillor M.J. Mullaney spoke about the success of the Warm Welcome scheme and the importance of tenant engagement, while also noting the progress of the National Year of Reading. Councillor M.J. Surtees echoed the praise for council events and welcomed the Article 4 consultation, emphasizing its role in providing more control and oversight.

Councillor Bray concluded the discussion by thanking members for their contributions and reiterating the council's determination to continue working for residents. He also addressed concerns raised by Councillor Cartwright regarding parish council elections and the potential impact of government policy on planning scrutiny.

Mayor's Communications

The Mayor, Councillor C. Gibbens, presented a long service award to Simon Smith, a team leader in Environmental Protection, recognising his 25 years of service to the council. She detailed his career progression and highlighted his dedication, professionalism, and positive impact. The Mayor also shared highlights from her first few weeks in office, including attending the Mustang owners' meet-up at the Triumph factory, judging the Hinkley Bids garden show, and supporting a young local runner, Jack, who was undertaking a 102km run for his friend Liam. She also mentioned the unveiling of a blue plaque at the Stamford Arms in Groobie to celebrate the life of William Everard, founder of Everard's Brewery, and the successful Proms in the Park event. The Mayor concluded by announcing her upcoming charity fundraiser, a zip-line challenge in Wales, despite her fear of heights.

Other Business

The meeting also included the confirmation of minutes from previous meetings, declarations of interest, and the Leader of the Council's Position Statement. The minutes of the Scrutiny Commission meeting held on 7 May were received for information. Item 12, Appointments to Hinckley Town Council, was withdrawn from the agenda and deferred to a future meeting. The meeting concluded at 7:15 pm.