The Cabinet of North West Leicestershire Council met on Tuesday 25 August 2026 to discuss a range of financial matters, housing policies, and performance reports. Key topics included supplementary estimates and capital approvals, the renewal of a software contract, and the council's performance against its delivery plan.

Supplementary Estimates and Capital Approvals

Councillor Keith Merrie, Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, presented a report on supplementary estimates and capital approvals. The report outlined proposals to add the Asylum Dispersal Grant and the Homelessness, Rough Sleeping and Domestic Abuse Grant to the General Fund Budget. It also recommended the movement of £0.01m from the development pool to the active programme for the 'CCTV – Upgrade to Server and New Cameras' project. Furthermore, a recommendation was to be made to full Council to bring forward the Play Area Grants for 2027/28 and 2028/29 into 2026/27.

Uniform IDOX Software and Licensing Contract Renewal

Councillor Keith Merrie also presented a report regarding the renewal of the Uniform IDOX software and licensing contract. This integrated document management ICT system is crucial for services including Environmental Health, Licensing, Planning, and Building Control. The report detailed that the new contract was expected to cost £0.339m over three years, representing an increase of £0.055m on the current contract. A budget pressure of £0.015m for 2026/27 was anticipated, to be funded from the contingency reserve, with future years to be funded through budget growth. The procurement was to be conducted via the VAS Framework.

Council Delivery Plan - Performance Report - Quarter 1 2026/27

Allison Thomas, Chief Executive, presented the performance report for Quarter 1 of the 2026/27 financial year against the Council Delivery Plan. The plan, which covers the period from 2023/24 to beyond the elections to the new Shadow Authority for Leicestershire and Rutland in May 2027, outlines four key priority areas: A well-run Council, Clean and Green, Housing and Communities, and Planning and Regeneration. The report detailed progress against 18 key performance indicators (KPIs) and included a summary of the Zero Carbon Roadmap activity for 2025/26 and an update on the transformation programme. Areas of positive progress included the adoption of the Good Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document, progress towards the Local Plan Regulation 19 consultation, and strong housing satisfaction scores. Areas identified for improvement included complaint response performance and planning performance for other applications.

Minutes of the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party

Councillor Tony Gillard, Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, presented the minutes from the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party meetings held on 11 February 2026 and 2 June 2026. The Working Party's role is to consider budget and financial issues affecting the Coalville Special Expenses Area and to make recommendations to Cabinet. The minutes from the February meeting noted discussions on the Events Update for 2026/27, with requests for clearer financial breakdowns and feedback on the 'Christmas in Coalville' event. The June meeting minutes covered updates on Capital Projects and Events for 2026/27, with discussions including the need for dog bins and benches at Western Avenue play area, the condition of a wall at Coalville cemetery, and thanks to the National Forest for tree planting support.

Review of Housing Policies: Reasonable Adjustments Policy, No Access Policy and Aids and Adaptations Policy

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, presented a review of housing policies. The report sought Cabinet approval for a new Reasonable Adjustments Policy, a new No Access Policy, and a revised Aids and Adaptations Policy, following tenant and stakeholder consultation. The Reasonable Adjustments Policy aims to ensure the Council meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the Housing Ombudsman's Complaint Handling Code. The No Access Policy sets out the Council's approach to gaining access to tenants' homes for essential duties. The Aids and Adaptations Policy was reviewed to ensure it reflects current legislative requirements and good practice, with amendments made following consultation with Leicestershire County Council's Occupational Therapist Team.

Housing Contracts - EPC Supplier

Councillor Andrew Woodman also presented a report on the procurement of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Supplier. The Council has a statutory responsibility to maintain accurate information on the energy performance of its housing stock. The report sought approval to procure an EPC supplier through an open tender process, with an estimated expenditure of up to £0.150m for a potential three-year contract. The contract would ensure continuity of service and compliance with energy efficiency regulations. The report noted that the contract would include termination and extension provisions to accommodate potential changes related to Local Government Reorganisation.