This week in Hinckley and Bosworth:

Council Funds Secured for Community Projects, But Future Funding Uncertainties Remain

The Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 6 July 2026, reviewing the final spend of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). These funds, totalling over £850,000 for UKSPF and £120,000 for REPF in the 2025-26 financial year, have supported 20 and 10 projects respectively. Daniel Britton, who presented the update, confirmed that all allocated funds were spent, delivering tangible benefits across the borough. While many projects have concluded, some, like the Warm Spaces initiative, will continue with council core funding.

However, the committee also noted that this marks the final year of the UKSPF programme, with future allocations expected to decrease significantly. This raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of community initiatives that have relied on this funding.

The committee also reviewed the council's corporate performance indicators for 2025-26. Out of 53 indicators, 32 met their targets, with 14 falling within 15% of their target. Six indicators missed their targets by more than 15%. A significant corporate risk identified was the challenge of setting a balanced Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) due to financial pressures, reduced government support, and rising costs.

Councillor P Williams raised concerns about an increase in sickness absence, particularly stress-related absences. Sharon Stacey confirmed an increase, with a portion attributed to non-work-related issues, and assured the committee that absence is managed monthly by the Senior Leadership Team. The council also celebrated winning Apprentice Employer of the Year at the Leicestershire Employment Hub Awards, with 11 apprenticeships currently underway.

Business Rates Dissolution Impacts Council Funding

Ashley Wilson provided an update on business rates, reporting that the council was more or less spot on the budget for the year, with a small overall gain of £11,000. A significant point of discussion was the dissolution of the Leicestershire pool for 2026-27. This means the council will no longer receive a £1 million boost to its funding that had been part of its budget. Wilson noted that while the new arrangement might be simpler, it comes at a considerable cost to the council.

Housing Revenue Account Sees Significant Improvement in Rent Collection

Lois Hodgkins presented a report on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) rent performance for 2025-26, highlighting a substantial improvement in rent collection. Total rent arrears stood at just over £540,000 across 439 households, the lowest year-end arrears position in three years. Arrears have reduced by over £150,000 compared to March 2025. Rent collection achieved 98.58%, exceeding the target of 97%. This improvement was achieved despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures and an increasing number of tenants receiving Universal Credit. The success is attributed to a whole service approach to tenancy management, making rent collection a core responsibility for all tenancy management officers.

• What this means for you: The UKSPF funding has supported vital community projects, but the reduction in future funding could impact services. The council's financial performance and the dissolution of the business rates pool directly affect the council's budget, which in turn influences the services it can provide. The improvement in rent collection for the Housing Revenue Account is positive news for the financial health of the council's housing stock.
• Find out more: Finance & Performance Scrutiny meeting on 06 July 2026

This week in Hinckley and Bosworth:

Major Planning Decisions Loom: MIRA Technology Park Expansion and Normandy Way Housing Development on the Agenda

The Planning Committee met on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to consider a significant number of planning applications that will shape the future development of the borough. The most prominent of these was the outline application for the expansion of MIRA Technology Park in Caldecote. This cross-boundary application, which had previously been granted permission but was later quashed due to a Judicial Review, seeks to introduce new employment uses (Class B2), office and service uses (Class E g), and storage (Class B8). The plans also include the construction of a new spine road, car parking, and landscaping.

A key point of contention was the proposed mitigation for the Drayton Lane junction. National Highways reviewed an alternative proposal for signalisation, deeming it technically feasible but potentially impractical due to land availability and costs. They maintained that the applicant's submitted mitigation, a left-in, left-out arrangement, was appropriate. However, objectors, including Extra Room Self Storage (ERSS), argued that a signalised scheme was deliverable and that the proposed left-in, left-out arrangement would infringe on established access rights. The report concluded that while signalisation was technically possible, further information was needed to confirm its deliverability, and the left-in, left-out junction was deemed acceptable for mitigating the proposal's impact.

The committee also considered a reserved matters application for a substantial housing development north of Normandy Way, Hinckley. This application sought approval for the layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping of 406 homes, following an earlier outline permission. The development includes a mix of 1 to 5-bedroom properties, with 20% designated as affordable housing. Local residents had raised objections concerning privacy, sunlight, noise, and pollution, particularly regarding the proximity of new homes to existing properties on Ashby Road and Ashby Grange. Minor amendments were made to the plans to address these concerns, including adjustments to boundary fences and the positioning of new dwellings.

A smaller application for a single-storey rear extension at 43 Park Road, Hinckley, was also on the agenda. This extension, which includes the conversion of a dining room to a bedroom, is intended to accommodate a disabled family member. The proposal was considered to be in keeping with the area and unlikely to negatively impact residential amenity or highway safety. The application was presented to the committee as the property is owned by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council.

The committee also received an update on the progress of various planning appeals.

• What this means for you: These planning decisions have a direct impact on the economic landscape and housing availability in the borough. The MIRA Technology Park expansion could bring jobs but also raises questions about infrastructure and environmental impact. The Normandy Way development will increase housing supply, but residents' concerns about the impact on their immediate neighbourhoods are a crucial consideration.
• Find out more: Planning Committee meeting on 30 June 2026

Housing and Environmental Improvements Take Centre Stage at Scrutiny Commission

The Scrutiny Commission met on Thursday 02 July 2026 to delve into critical housing and environmental matters, with a particular focus on improving the lives of residents and the sustainability of the borough.

Environmental Improvement Programme to Enhance Local Heritage

The commission reviewed the proposed Environmental Improvement Programme for 2026/27. This long-standing programme, now in its nearly 30th year, aims to preserve and enhance the heritage and conservation aspects of the borough's built environment. The planned projects for the upcoming year include:

• Installation of blue plaques to commemorate local heritage.
• Repairs to towpaths along the Ashby Canal.
• Restoration of milestones in Burbage.
• Restoration of graves and memorials.
• Repair of churchyard walls.
• Resurfacing of memorial garden paths.
• Improvements to seating areas.
• Refurbishment of heritage memorials.
• Refurbishment of a Silver Jubilee Gate.

The total estimated cost for these nine schemes is £71,948.66, with a net cost to the council of £34,988.33, which is within the allocated budget. The report also provided an update on the progress of projects from the 2025/26 programme.

New Policy to Address Temporary Accommodation Crisis

A significant focus was placed on the Temporary Accommodation Policy. This policy is designed to create a clear and consistent framework for providing and managing temporary accommodation, ensuring it meets legal standards, is suitable for residents, and is cost-effective. The council has seen a substantial rise in demand for temporary accommodation, leading to increased costs and heightened operational, safeguarding, and financial risks. The policy outlines principles for suitability, fair allocation, cost management, safeguarding, standards, enforcement, and move-on procedures, aligning with the council's Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy and statutory duties.

Awaab's Law Implementation and Tenant Engagement Highlighted

The commission received an update on the implementation of Awaab's Law, focusing on Phase 1 (damp and mould) and the upcoming Phase 2 requirements. Awaab's Law aims to improve the safety and quality of social housing. The report indicated 100% compliance with statutory timescales for damp and mould cases reported between October 2025 and March 2026. Phase 2, due in October 2026, will extend statutory requirements to a broader range of Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) hazards, necessitating a more integrated approach involving repairs and tenancy management.

The commission also reviewed the Annual Tenant Engagement Overview for 2025/26, highlighting how tenant feedback influences housing services. While overall satisfaction is high at 84.4%, areas like complaints handling (45.5%) and anti-social behaviour handling (73.9%) require further improvement. A new Tenant Voice Strategy for 2026-2029 was presented, aiming to embed tenant influence across all social housing services and ensure transparency in how feedback is used.

Plans to Reduce Reliance on Costly Temporary Accommodation

Phase 3 of the council's programme to reduce reliance on expensive nightly paid temporary accommodation for single homeless households was presented. This phase proposes acquiring one-bedroom properties for council-owned temporary accommodation and repurposing the John Nichols Street Hostel as supported accommodation in partnership with Falcon Support Services. The acquisition of 10-15 one-bedroom properties is estimated to cost up to £2.5 million, with projected savings on temporary accommodation costs.

• What this means for you: These initiatives directly impact the quality of housing, the safety of residents, and the preservation of local heritage. The focus on temporary accommodation and Awaab's Law demonstrates a commitment to improving living conditions for social housing tenants. The environmental programme ensures that local history and natural spaces are protected for future generations.
• Find out more: Scrutiny Commission meeting on 02 July 2026

Other Matters

Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee to Review UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Housing Revenue Account

The Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 06 July 2026. The committee received an update on the Hinckley & Bosworth UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) for 2025/26, detailing the final spend and delivery across 20 projects for UKSPF and 10 for REPF. A summary of the council's performance for 2025/26 was also presented, showing that 32 out of 53 performance indicators met their targets. The committee also reviewed business rates performance for Q4 2025/26 and received a report on rent performance within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), highlighting a significant improvement in arrears. Finally, the committee considered its work programme for 2026/27 – 2027/28.

• What this means for you: These reports provide insight into how council funds are being used, particularly for community development through the UKSPF, and the financial health of the council's housing stock. The performance review ensures services are meeting targets, and the work programme outlines future scrutiny priorities.
• Find out more: Finance & Performance Scrutiny meeting on 06 July 2026

This week in Hinckley and Bosworth:

Council Grapples with Financial Performance Amidst Variances and Collection Challenges

The Leicestershire Partnership Revenues & Benefits Joint Committee met on Thursday 25 June 2026, reviewing the financial performance for the 2025-2026 financial year. While the partnership reported an overall net underspend of £126,808, this was largely due to employee costs being £170,000 below budget, primarily because of vacant posts. Conversely, postage costs were £45,000 over budget. The committee also noted that Council Tax and Business Rates collection targets were not met for the financial year ending March 2026, a situation attributed to wider national affordability pressures. This shortfall could impact the council's ability to fund essential services, particularly those supporting vulnerable residents who may be most affected by economic downturns.

The committee also discussed an internal audit report for Council Tax Support and National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) for the same period. While the report indicated a Substantial Opinion on the control framework, it highlighted areas for improvement, including variances between Valuation Office Agency schedules and property records, and a lack of regular review for discounts and exemptions. These issues, if not addressed, could lead to inaccuracies in billing and potentially affect the financial support available to eligible households.

Looking ahead, the committee considered proposed performance indicators for 2026-2027. For Council Tax, revised targets aim for upper quartile performance, acknowledging economic pressures. For new claims, the target is set at 16 days, reflecting increasing case complexity. The target for changes in circumstances remains at four days, supported by automation.

• What this means for you: The financial performance and collection rates directly impact the council's budget and its capacity to deliver services. Shortfalls in collection and underspends due to vacant posts can have ripple effects on service provision and staffing levels.
• Find out more: Leicestershire Partnership Revenues & Benefits Joint Committee meeting on 25 June 2026

Planning Committee to Decide on Major MIRA Technology Park Expansion and Normandy Way Housing Development

The Planning Committee is set to convene on Tuesday 30 June 2026, with significant decisions on the horizon. A key item is the outline application for the expansion of the MIRA Technology Park in Caldecote. This ambitious project, which spans multiple local authority boundaries, seeks permission for employment uses including manufacturing, office, and storage. The plans also include a new spine road and car parking. This application has a complex history, having been previously granted permission but subsequently quashed by a Judicial Review. The primary focus of discussion will be highway safety and access, particularly concerning proposed changes to junctions with the A5. National Highways has reviewed alternative proposals, suggesting that while signalisation of the Drayton Lane junction is technically feasible, it may not be practical due to land requirements and costs. The applicant's proposed left-in, left-out arrangement for Drayton Lane is supported by local highway authorities for safety reasons.

The committee will also consider a reserved matters application for a housing development on land north of Normandy Way, Hinckley. This proposal seeks approval for 406 dwellings, including 81 affordable housing units. Concerns have been raised by local residents regarding the proximity of new housing to existing properties on Ashby Road and Ashby Grange, citing potential impacts on privacy, sunlight, and noise. The applicant has made minor amendments to address some of these concerns. The report details proposed landscaping, open spaces, play areas, and ecological enhancements.

Additionally, a smaller application for a single-storey rear extension at 43 Park Road, Hinckley, is scheduled. This extension aims to provide a ground-floor bedroom and wet room for a disabled family member and is considered to be in keeping with the area. The committee will also receive an update on various planning appeals.

• What this means for you: These planning decisions will shape the future landscape and economic development of the borough. The MIRA Technology Park expansion could bring significant employment opportunities, but also raises concerns about infrastructure and environmental impact. The Normandy Way development will add to the housing stock, but residents are rightly concerned about the impact on their immediate neighbourhoods.
• Find out more: Planning Committee meeting on 30 June 2026

Scrutiny Commission to Review Voluntary Sector Impact and Housing Policies

The Scrutiny Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday 02 July 2026, with a diverse agenda that includes a review of the voluntary sector's impact, updates on housing policies, and a look at the council's financial performance. The commission will examine the vital role of the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in supporting residents, particularly those facing challenges such as digital poverty. This review will likely highlight how grants and funding streams enable crucial services that often reach the most vulnerable members of our community.

The commission will also receive an update on the council's financial performance, likely including a review of treasury management activities and the collection of sundry debts. This will provide insight into how the council is managing its finances and the effectiveness of its debt recovery processes, which are essential for maintaining service delivery.

Furthermore, the commission is expected to review updated policies related to council housing estates and the Right to Buy scheme. These policies are crucial for ensuring that residents receive clear standards for estate services and that the Right to Buy scheme is administered transparently and legally, protecting valuable council housing assets.

• What this means for you: The scrutiny of the voluntary sector ensures that funding is directed effectively to support those most in need. Updates on financial performance and housing policies provide transparency on how your council tax is being managed and how housing services are being delivered.
• Find out more: Scrutiny Commission meeting on 02 July 2026

Other Matters

Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee to Review Financial Performance

The Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday 06 July 2026. The agenda for this meeting has not yet been published, but it is expected to cover the council's financial performance, treasury management, and sundry debts.

• What this means for you: This committee plays a crucial role in overseeing the council's financial health, ensuring that public money is managed responsibly and effectively.
• Find out more: Finance & Performance Scrutiny meeting on 06 July 2026

This week in Hinckley and Bosworth:

Witherley Parish Faces Major Governance Review: Four Options on the Table

The Council met on Tuesday 9 June 2026 to discuss the future of Witherley Parish, a decision that could significantly alter local governance for residents. Following petitions from the community, a Community Governance Review has been underway, and the council has now agreed to consult the public on four distinct options for the parish's future structure. These options range from maintaining the status quo to abolishing the parish council entirely, with varying proposals for new parish arrangements.

The four options for public consultation are:

• Option 1: Abolish Witherley Parish and Parish Council. Create a new parish for Ratcliffe Culey governed by a parish meeting, a new parish and parish council for Fenny Drayton, and a new parish council for the remaining areas of Witherley and Atterton.
• Option 2: Abolish Witherley Parish and Parish Council. Create separate parishes for Ratcliffe Culey and Fenny Drayton, grouped under a common Fenny Drayton and Ratcliffe Culey Parish Council, and a separate parish council for Witherley and Atterton.
• Option 3: Maintain the current parish arrangements with no changes.
• Option 4: Abolish Witherley Parish and Parish Council with no alternative community governance arrangements, meaning all services would fall under the borough council's special expenses.

Councillor S.L. Bray, Leader of the Council, explained that while Ratcliffe Culey residents petitioned for their own parish council, legislation prevents this due to its small electorate. However, a parish meeting is a viable alternative. The council has opted for a shortened six-week consultation period (22 June to 31 July 2026) to allow for potential further stages.

Councillor M.B. Cartwright voiced concerns about ensuring all residents, especially those less digitally connected, are aware of the consultation. Councillor Bray assured that letters would be sent to every household. Councillor Dr. J.R. Moore stressed the importance of supporting local communities through parish and town councils, particularly in light of local government reorganisation, and expressed a personal preference against complete abolition. Councillor Sutton echoed this, highlighting the need for strong parish councils. Councillor Bray emphasised that the ultimate decision rests with the public and urged high participation.

• What this means for you: This review directly impacts how local services are managed in Witherley Parish. The outcome could lead to new governance structures, potentially affecting local representation and decision-making for residents. Your input is crucial in shaping this future.
• Find out more: Council meeting on 9 June 2026

Hinckley to Gain a New Town Council

In a significant move to enhance local democracy, the Council has formally agreed to establish a new local council for the unparished area of Hinckley, to be known as Hinckley Town Council. This decision follows a Community Governance Review that identified a democratic deficit for Hinckley residents, particularly in the context of wider local government reorganisation.

The proposed town council will be divided into four wards: Castle, Clarendon, De Montfort, and Trinity, and will comprise 20 councillors. The first elections for these councillors are scheduled for May 2027. Crucially, the council has also agreed to appoint temporary councillors to the new Town Council at a future meeting, ensuring its operational readiness.

• What this means for you: The creation of Hinckley Town Council offers a new layer of local representation for residents within the town. This could lead to more localised decision-making and a stronger focus on Hinckley's specific needs and priorities.
• Find out more: Council meeting on 9 June 2026

Audit Committee's Annual Report Highlights Progress and Challenges

The Council received and approved the Audit Committee's Annual Report for 2024/25. Councillor D.S. Cope, Chair of the Audit Committee, presented the report, noting significant improvements in the committee's effectiveness in overseeing governance, risk, and fraud. While external audit opinions on the council's Statement of Accounts faced delays due to a national backlog, internal audit functions and corporate governance oversight have seen considerable progress. The committee's self-assessment has driven positive changes, and a fraud strategy is currently under development.

Councillor R.G. Allen and Councillor K.W.P. Lynch commended the committee's vital work, acknowledging its importance despite its often dry nature. The report was carried unanimously.

• What this means for you: This report demonstrates the council's commitment to financial oversight and good governance. While national issues are causing delays in external audits, the internal processes are strengthening, aiming to protect public funds and ensure accountability.
• Find out more: Council meeting on 9 June 2026

Other Matters

Mayor's Communications and Leader's Statement

Mayor Councillor C. Gibbens shared updates on her initial engagements, including judging the Hinkley Bids garden show and attending a charity run. She also announced her intention to undertake a zip-line challenge for her chosen charities, despite a fear of heights. Councillor S.L. Bray, Leader of the Council, provided a position statement, highlighting successes in events like Proms in the Park, the Warm Welcome initiative, and progress on the Twycross Zoo National Centre. He also discussed the ongoing Article 4 consultation in Barwell and Earl Shilton regarding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and expressed frustration with Home Office policies.

• What this means for you: These statements offer insights into the council's activities and priorities, from community events to addressing social issues and development projects.
• Find out more: Council meeting on 9 June 2026