The Executive of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council met on Wednesday 3 June 2026, approving a Statement of Common Ground on strategic distribution floorspace, a new Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Policy, and a formal Right to Buy Policy. The council also endorsed the adoption of the HRA Estates Services Policy.

Leicester and Leicestershire Unmet Need Statement of Common Ground

The council agreed to become a signatory to the Leicester and Leicestershire Statement of Common Ground on Strategic Distribution Floorspace. This agreement is a crucial piece of evidence for the emerging Local Plan, demonstrating joint working to establish objectively assessed needs for strategic distribution floorspace across the functional economic market area (FEMA). The statement identifies a requirement for Hinckley and Bosworth to accommodate approximately 755,800 square metres of this floorspace by 2046. Of this, around 43% has already been met through existing commitments. The remaining need can be met through sites that have already been consulted on and are progressing through the planning system, including Wiggs Farm at Bagworth, Cliffe Hill Farm at Markfield, Wapping and Harrow Farm on the A5 at Hinckley, and a site south of Soarbrook representing an expansion of Hinckley Park. Signing the statement ensures an agreed, evidence-based position with neighbouring authorities, which is critical for demonstrating the soundness of the emerging Local Plan. Failure to sign would risk the plan being found unsound, leaving the council reliant on older policies and vulnerable to speculative development.

Councillor WJ Crooks, Executive member for Planning, moved the report, stating that not signing up would prevent the Local Plan from being completed. Councillor MB Cartwright, Executive member for Climate Change, Environment & Rural Affairs, seconded the motion, highlighting the necessity of signing to progress the Local Plan. Councillor Daisy Shields raised concerns about potential derailment if other districts, such as Blaby or Harborough, did not approve the statement, and questioned Charnwood Borough Council's significantly lower allocation. Councillor Chris Brown, Assistant Director Planning and Regeneration, clarified that if other authorities did not sign, it would be their risk, and that Charnwood's allocation was due to having only one site. He also confirmed that the Local Plan would survive any future local government reforms after April 2028.

Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Policy and Procedure

The council approved the Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Policy and Procedure 2026-29. This policy provides a clear, consistent, and legally compliant framework for how the council responds to disclosures of domestic abuse from residents and tenants, regardless of gender. The policy acknowledges the disproportionate impact of violence against women and girls, aligning with national strategy and statutory guidance, while ensuring support is available to all victims and survivors. Domestic abuse is recognised as a widespread issue, and as a local authority and social landlord, the council is often a first or only point of contact for those experiencing abuse. The policy aims to ensure consistent responses, enhance tenant safety, and manage risks effectively, meeting enhanced responsibilities under housing, safeguarding, and social housing regulation. The policy and procedure were developed through consultation with tenants, residents with lived experience, and internal services.

Councillor MT Mullaney, Executive member for Housing and Community Safety, thanked the team for their work on this important issue. Councillor Linda Hodgkins, Executive member for Parks, Open Spaces & Neighbourhood Services, welcomed the report and specifically highlighted the points regarding the removal of perpetrators from properties. Councillor Michael Bools, Deputy Leader of the Council, praised the work and asked about the proactivity of upskilling staff. Rachel Burgess, from Transformation and Communities, confirmed that the council had been proactive in training staff across departments, including housing, customer services, and designated safeguarding officers, in completing DASH assessments and risk mitigation. Councillor Mullaney also noted the council's proactive domestic abuse outreach services, stating that Hinckley and Bosworth, along with Blaby, were the only authorities in Leicestershire with such services, supporting approximately 167 survivors last year. Councillor Mullaney also welcomed the delegated authority for minor amendments to the policy. The recommendation to approve the policy and procedure was moved by Councillor Mullaney and seconded by Councillor Bools, and was unanimously agreed.

Right to Buy Policy

The council approved the adoption of the Right to Buy Policy. This policy formalises the council's existing practices for managing applications and responsibilities under the statutory Right to Buy scheme, ensuring transparency, consistency, and legal compliance. It outlines eligibility criteria, how applications are handled, discount application, and measures to prevent fraud and protect specialist or excluded housing stock. The policy aims to provide clarity for tenants and staff, support fair decision-making, and strengthen the council's assurance position in relation to the Social Housing (Regulation) Act and consumer standards. It also helps manage legal and financial risks by setting clear procedures and strengthening verification.

Councillor Mullaney moved the report, highlighting the historical context of the Right to Buy policy and its impact on housing stock. He expressed pride in the council building its first council house in years and a commitment to increasing housing stock. Councillor Bill Cullen, Chief Executive, recalled voting against the sale of council stock in the 1980s and queried if the policy prevented families from buying council houses to profit from them. He also asked if there was a policy for offering properties back to the council if sold on. Councillor Mullaney confirmed that fraud would be investigated and that the council has a right of first refusal on properties sold within 10 years. Councillor M B Cartwright asked about the percentage of discount that could be reclaimed if substantial works had been done to a property. Councillor Mullaney explained that the cost floor is factored into the discount applied. The recommendation to approve the policy was moved by Councillor Mullaney and seconded by Councillor Cartwright, and was unanimously agreed.

HRA Estates Services Policy

The council endorsed the adoption of the HRA Estates Services Policy. This policy establishes a clear and consistent framework for the delivery, management, and monitoring of estate services, including grounds maintenance, communal cleaning, tree management, garage site services, service roads, and estate-based health and safety responsibilities. The policy aims to ensure clear service standards, understood roles and responsibilities, and proper compliance with regulatory expectations. It also supports wider objectives for clean, safe, and attractive neighbourhoods, aligning with the HRA Land Strategy and environmental commitments. The policy clarifies responsibilities for both the council and residents, promoting partnership working.

Councillor L Hodgkins, Executive member for Parks, Open Spaces & Neighbourhood Services, moved the report, highlighting that the policy sets out the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and the council. Councillor Mullaney seconded the motion, commending the work done on garage sites and green spaces, and stating that the policy would stand the council in good stead. The recommendation to approve the adoption of the policy was moved by Councillor Hodgkins and seconded by Councillor Mullaney, and was unanimously agreed.