This week in North West Leicestershire:

Coalville Special Expenses: Financial Health and Future Events Under Review

The Coalville Special Expenses Working Party met on Tuesday 18 August 2026 to review the financial performance of special expenses for Coalville and discuss upcoming events. The meeting provided an update on the 2025/26 financial outturn and the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, highlighting areas of overspend and underspend.

Financial Performance: Balancing Budgets and Reserves

The provisional outturn for 2025/26 showed an overspend of £0.013m against a budget of £0.544m. This was largely due to reduced burial income and increased spending on repairs and maintenance at Coalville's parks and recreation grounds. Despite this, the Coalville Special Expenses Reserve increased, standing at £0.069m as of 31 March 2026.

Looking ahead to 2026/27, the first quarter monitoring forecasts a deficit of £0.029m against available funding. This is partly due to an anticipated increase in Parks and Recreation grounds repairs and maintenance costs. The report noted that the earmarked reserve is forecast to represent 8% of recurring expenditure by the end of March 2027, falling below the recommended 10% minimum level. This could impact the council's ability to fund essential services and respond to unforeseen costs in the future.

Events Programme: From Music to Christmas Cheer

The working party also received an update on the 2026/27 events programme. The Music and Picnic in the Park event, held in July 2026, was reported as a success with high attendance. Planning is underway for the Christmas in Coalville event on 28 November 2026, which will include late-night shopping and a Christmas Light Switch On. The town centre Christmas decorations programme for 2026/27 is also detailed, including lamp post decorations, bespoke decorations on the Memorial Clock Tower, and Christmas trees. The report also mentioned ongoing planning for Coalville 200, celebrating 200 years of cultural heritage in Coalville in 2028, and Coalville's entry into the UK Town of Culture Competition 2028.

These events are important for community engagement and local vibrancy, but their funding relies on careful financial management of the special expenses budget.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party meeting documents.

Corporate Scrutiny Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Corporate Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday 20 August 2026 has been cancelled.

This week in North West Leicestershire:

Kegworth Residents Face Decisions on 150 New Homes

The Planning Committee met on Tuesday 11 August 2026 to consider a significant planning application for 150 new homes on land adjoining Ashby Road, Kegworth, Derbyshire. The proposal, which includes associated infrastructure, public open space, and landscaping, was recommended for approval by council officers, subject to a Section 106 agreement[^1].

The application was called in by Councillor Sutton due to concerns about design, environmental impact, traffic, sustainability, and the density of the proposed development. The report detailed how the development would be assessed against the council's planning policies, including its contribution to housing needs and the provision of affordable housing. The proposed mix includes 45 affordable dwellings, with 30 for social rent and 15 for discounted open market sale.

Concerns were raised about the impact on existing residents' amenities, including noise from nearby transport links like the M1 motorway, East Midlands Gateway, and East Midlands Airport. A Noise Mitigation Strategy was considered acceptable by the Council's Environmental Protection Team, subject to conditions.

The development is expected to deliver a biodiversity net gain, although a licence from Natural England will be required for badger setts. The Highways Authority raised no objections, subject to contributions towards travel packs and bus passes.

The council is seeking £1,183,280.55 in financial contributions from the developer to cover costs for education, libraries, transportation, health services, and local amenities. Archaeological assessments have also indicated potential for prehistoric and Roman remains, requiring conditions for mitigation.

This decision has the potential to significantly alter the landscape and community of Kegworth, impacting local infrastructure and services. The council's aim is to ensure that development is sustainable and benefits both new and existing residents.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Planning Committee meeting documents.

Coalville Special Expenses: Financial Health and Future Events Under Review

The Coalville Special Expenses Working Party met on Tuesday 18 August 2026 to review the financial performance of special expenses for Coalville and discuss upcoming events. The meeting provided an update on the 2025/26 financial outturn and the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, highlighting areas of overspend and underspend.

Financial Performance: Balancing Budgets and Reserves

The provisional outturn for 2025/26 showed an overspend of £0.013m against a budget of £0.544m. This was largely due to reduced burial income and increased spending on repairs and maintenance at Coalville's parks and recreation grounds. Despite this, the Coalville Special Expenses Reserve increased, standing at £0.069m as of 31 March 2026.

Looking ahead to 2026/27, the first quarter monitoring forecasts a deficit of £0.029m against available funding. This is partly due to an anticipated increase in Parks and Recreation grounds repairs and maintenance costs. The report noted that the earmarked reserve is forecast to represent 8% of recurring expenditure by the end of March 2027, falling below the recommended 10% minimum level. This could impact the council's ability to fund essential services and respond to unforeseen costs in the future.

Events Programme: From Music to Christmas Cheer

The working party also received an update on the 2026/27 events programme. The Music and Picnic in the Park event, held in July 2026, was reported as a success with high attendance. Planning is underway for the Christmas in Coalville event on 28 November 2026, which will include late-night shopping and a Christmas Light Switch On. The town centre Christmas decorations programme for 2026/27 is also detailed, including lamp post decorations, bespoke decorations on the Memorial Clock Tower, and Christmas trees. The report also mentioned ongoing planning for Coalville 200, celebrating 200 years of cultural heritage in Coalville in 2028, and Coalville's entry into the UK Town of Culture Competition 2028.

These events are important for community engagement and local vibrancy, but their funding relies on careful financial management of the special expenses budget.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party meeting documents.

Other Matters

This week in North West Leicestershire:

Council Faces Scrutiny Over Audit Reports and Financial Statements

The Audit and Governance Committee met on Wednesday 05 August 2026, to tackle crucial financial oversight matters, including the external auditor's report on rebuilding assurance for council accounts, the draft statement of accounts for 2025/26, and an update on treasury management. The committee also reviewed the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman's annual letter and considered proposed amendments to the Council's constitution.

Rebuilding Trust in Council Finances

A key focus was the external auditor's report on Building Back Assurance. Following several years where audit opinions were disclaimed due to a national backlog, this initiative aims to progressively rebuild confidence in the Council's financial statements. The report from Azets, the external auditors, outlines the strategy to return to a position where a full audit opinion can be issued. This is vital for transparency and ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly, offering reassurance to residents that their money is accounted for accurately. The statutory backstop date for issuing audit reports for the 2025/26 financial year is 31 January 2027.

Scrutinising the 2025/26 Financial Health

The committee was presented with the draft statement of accounts for the year ending 31 March 2026. These accounts provide a comprehensive overview of the Council's financial performance and position, prepared in line with the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015. The draft accounts, which include core financial statements, notes, a narrative statement, and the Annual Governance Statement, are subject to external audit. The period for public inspection of these draft accounts was scheduled to run from 1 July 2026 to 11 August 2026, allowing residents to scrutinise the Council's financial dealings.

Treasury Management: A Stable Outlook

An update on the Council's treasury management activities for the first quarter of the financial year 2026/27 (April to June 2026) was also provided. This report details the Council's approach to managing its investments, with a strong emphasis on security and liquidity. The aim is to ensure that the Council's funds are managed prudently, safeguarding public money while generating returns. The report was expected to cover the economic context, market conditions, and compliance with the Council's treasury management strategy and prudential indicators.

Learning from Complaints: The Ombudsman's Review

The committee reviewed the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman's (LGSCO) annual review letter for 2025/26. This letter summarises complaint statistics relating to the Council, highlighting the number of complaints investigated and upheld. It also assesses the Council's compliance with recommendations and the provision of satisfactory remedies. This review is crucial for identifying areas where service delivery can be improved, ensuring that residents' concerns are addressed effectively and that lessons are learned to prevent future issues, particularly for those who may be more vulnerable and reliant on council services.

Constitutional Changes for Planning Efficiency

Proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution were also considered. These changes are linked to the coming into force of the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, which aim to increase the number of planning applications determined by officers. This could potentially speed up the planning process, but the committee was asked to review the specific changes required to the Constitution, particularly concerning call-in arrangements and committee referral criteria.

Internal Audit and Risk Management Updates

The committee received progress reports on internal audits for the first quarter of 2026/27 and an update on the Council's Corporate Risk Register. These reports are essential for monitoring the effectiveness of internal controls, identifying significant risks, and ensuring that the Council is operating efficiently and securely. The Corporate Risk Register update specifically highlighted any changes to risks, particularly concerning the Local Plan.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Audit and Governance Committee meeting documents.

Other Matters

This week in North West Leicestershire:

Council Cabinet Tackles Housing Fleet Renewal and Property Acquisitions Amidst Financial Updates

The Cabinet met on Tuesday 28 July 2026, to address a range of critical issues impacting council services and future development. Key decisions included the procurement of a new housing fleet, the acquisition of new properties, and updates on the council's financial health, with significant implications for housing services and local regeneration.

Investing in a Greener Housing Fleet

A major decision involved the renewal of the council's Housing Repairs fleet. The existing fleet is nearing the end of its operational life, leading to escalating maintenance costs and reliability issues. To address this, the Cabinet considered a proposal for an EV-first approach, prioritising electric vehicles where feasible, supplemented by alternative fuel vehicles where necessary. This move towards a greener fleet is not just about efficiency; it's about reducing the council's environmental impact and contributing to cleaner air in our communities.

The procurement of contracts for this new fleet is estimated to cost between £2.45 million and £2.86 million. This significant investment is crucial for ensuring the continued delivery of essential housing repairs and maintenance services, directly impacting the quality of life for residents in council properties. The Cabinet was asked to approve the procurement and delegate authority for the contract award.

Expanding Housing Stock with Section 106 Acquisitions

In a move to increase the availability of affordable housing, the Cabinet also considered the acquisition of 22 properties in the Ashby-de-la-Zouch area. These homes, built by Bloor Homes as part of a Section 106 agreement[^1], will be purchased for £3.7 million, funded by Right to Buy receipts. The properties include a mix of maisonettes, houses, and bungalows, all expected to have a high Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating due to in-roof solar panels.

This acquisition is a strategic step to bolster the council's housing stock, providing much-needed homes for residents. The use of Right to Buy receipts for this purpose ensures that the funds generated from council house sales are reinvested into providing new affordable homes. The Cabinet was asked to endorse the addition of £3.7 million to the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme and recommend this expenditure to Full Council.

Financial Outturns and Reserve Allocations

The meeting also provided crucial updates on the council's financial performance for the 2025/26 financial year.

• General Fund: A provisional saving of £1.15 million was reported for the General Fund, an increase from previous forecasts. This saving is set to be transferred to the General Fund Reserve, strengthening the council's financial resilience. However, the report also highlighted financial pressures within the Place and Community Services Directorates. Recommendations were made to Full Council for the creation of new earmarked reserves, including a Planning Income Reserve and an ICT Cyber Assessment Grant Reserve, alongside a significant addition to the Business Rates Reserve. These decisions are vital for ensuring the council can manage its finances effectively and continue to fund essential services, particularly for vulnerable residents who rely on them.
• Housing Revenue Account (HRA): The HRA reported a provisional deficit of £1.690 million, largely due to increased expenditure in Repairs and Maintenance and asset impairment costs. This deficit is proposed to be funded through a transfer from HRA General Reserves. The Cabinet was asked to recommend to Full Council the use of these reserves and to approve the acceleration of the Home Improvement Programme, Stock Conditions Surveys, and Roofing Programme, to be funded through the Major Repairs Reserve. These financial decisions directly impact the upkeep and improvement of council housing, affecting the living conditions of many residents.

Addressing Water Management in Coalville

The Cabinet also received the final report and recommendations from the Community Scrutiny Task and Finish Group concerning water management in the Coalville Strategic Growth Area. The group highlighted serious concerns about sewerage pollution along the River Sence, linked to new housing development and an overburdened sewer system. The Cabinet was asked to agree to proposed actions, including urging Severn Trent Water (STW) to review its planning application approach, implement interim mitigation measures, and work with the Council on public messaging about responsible sewer use. The report also recommended political representations to the local MP regarding the enactment of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, which would establish Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Approval Bodies. This issue is critical for protecting our local environment and ensuring that development does not worsen existing water quality problems, which can have significant ecological and public health impacts.

New Recycling System Rollout Progress

An update was provided on the new recycling containers project, with preparations underway for the rollout of a simpler twin-bin recycling system and a weekly food waste collection service, scheduled to commence in November 2026. The Cabinet was asked to approve the rationale for Phase One of the rollout and agree on the preferred bin lid colours: orange for plastics, cans, tins, foil, and aerosols, and blue for paper and card. This initiative aims to simplify recycling for residents and improve the council's environmental performance, contributing to the council's Clean and Green priority.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Cabinet meeting documents.