The Leicestershire County Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 18 February 2026, was set to address a comprehensive agenda covering the council's financial strategy, constitutional matters, and operational policies. Key discussions were anticipated regarding the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2026/27 to 2029/30, including proposed budget allocations, growth, and savings measures, alongside a review of the council's standing orders and contract procedure rules. The meeting was also scheduled to consider the council's Pay Policy Statement and receive various position statements from lead members and committee chairs.

Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 – 2029/30

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the council's financial planning, with a detailed report on the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2026/27 – 2029/30. This strategy outlined the council's budget proposals, including projected revenue budgets for the next four years, and the capital programme. The report detailed proposed growth areas, such as increased funding for children's and family services, and adults and communities, alongside planned savings initiatives. A key recommendation was a proposed 2.99% Council Tax increase for 2026/27. The strategy also addressed the council's approach to reserves, treasury management, and capital investment, including the Investing in Leicestershire Programme Strategy 2026 - 2030. The report included appendices detailing the revenue budget summary, growth and savings plans, the capital programme, and various financial policies such as risk management, insurance, and treasury management strategies.

Review of Standing Orders (Meeting Procedure Rules)

The meeting was scheduled to consider proposed changes to the council's Standing Orders (Meeting Procedure Rules), which had been adjourned from a previous meeting. These proposed amendments aimed to clarify and streamline meeting procedures, including rules on the annual meeting, the appointment of chairmen, quorum, the order of business, and the process for questions and motions. The changes also sought to make the rules easier to navigate and align them with current practices and legal requirements.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/27

The Employment Committee's report on the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 was presented for approval. This statement outlines the council's policies on chief officer remuneration, the pay of the lowest-paid employees, and the relationship between chief officer and other employee salaries. It details the council's approach to job evaluation, grading, additional payments, and pension entitlements. The statement also includes the council's pay multiple, which is the ratio between the highest paid employee and the median average salary of the council's workforce.

Contract Procedure Rules and Procurement Act 2023

The Corporate Governance Committee's report on Changes to the Contract Procedure Rules was scheduled for consideration. These proposed changes reflect updates to accommodate the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023, including revised financial thresholds, clarification on contract durations, and the inclusion of terms related to the Corporate Procurement Board. The rules also address preliminary procurement steps, competitive tendering procedures, direct awards, and contract management, with a focus on ensuring fair treatment of suppliers and compliance with procurement law.

Position Statements

Several position statements were scheduled to be presented, offering updates on key areas of council activity. These included statements from the Leader of the Council on Member Conduct, Local Government Reorganisation, and building local and regional strategic relationships. The Lead Member for Resources was expected to provide an update on the Efficiency Review, and the Lead Member for Environment and Transport was to report on winter preparations and the response to Storm Claudia. The Chairman of the Scrutiny Commission was also due to provide a statement on the Commission's work.

Questions Asked Under Standing Order 7(1)(2) and (5)

A significant portion of the meeting was allocated to answering questions submitted by elected members under Standing Order 7. These questions covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Communication Measures: Measures and policies in place to ensure effective communication with members and how compliance is measured.
• SEND Funding: The council's stance on school funding, particularly concerning transfers from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block, and the implications of consultations.
• Fraudulent Contracts: Inquiries regarding the identification and reporting of fraudulent contracts, and the evidence behind such claims.
• Parking Enforcement: Concerns about dangerous and obstructive parking on Cropston Road, Anstey, and requests for increased enforcement.
• Members' Code of Conduct Complaints: The number of complaints made under the Members' Code of Conduct, and how this has impacted council resources.
• Bus Service Franchising: The administration's plans for using new powers to franchise bus services to improve public transport in smaller villages.
• On-site Working: The data and evidence supporting the administration's desire for 50% on-site working from staff, and its cost-effectiveness.
• Saving Plans: Clarification on the £72 million saving plan, its implementation, and reasons for budget overspends.
• Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS): The council's role in advising on the design, operation, and maintenance of SuDS ponds for new developments.
• CCTV Roadside Cameras: The offline status of CCTV cameras, the extent of the problem, and assurances regarding the functioning of the CCTV network.
• Reform UK's DOGE Team Audit Offer: Contact with Reform UK's DOGE Team regarding their offer to conduct a free audit of the council's finances.
• Arriva Bus Service 12 Route: Review findings on the routing of Arriva bus service 12 along Church Lane, Whitwick, and the council's power to reroute services.

The meeting was also scheduled to address the report of the Appointment Committee regarding the appointment of a Chief Executive, and to consider various notices of motion, including urgent action on SEND funding, community flood signage schemes, and opposing Labour's Digital ID scheme.