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, a Right to Buy policy, and an Estate Improvement 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 is a crucial piece of evidence for the emerging Local Plan, which aims to ensure its legal compliance and soundness upon examination. The statement identifies a need for Hinckley and Bosworth to accommodate approximately 755,800 square metres of strategic distribution floorspace by 2046. Of this, around 43% has already been met through existing commitments and completions. The remaining need can be met through sites already consulted on or progressing through the planning system, including Wiggs Farm at Bagworth, Cliffe Hill Farm at Markfield, Wapping and Harrow Farm at Hinckley, and an expansion of Hinckley Park. Signing this statement avoids the risk of the emerging Local Plan being found unsound, which would leave the council reliant on older policies and vulnerable to speculative development.

Councillor MB Cartwright moved the report, stating that failure to sign would prevent the Local Plan from being completed. He noted that while figures had altered due to changing government housing needs, the industrial land requirement had reduced significantly. Councillor Daisy Shields raised concerns about the potential for other districts, such as Blaby or Harborough, not to approve the statement, and questioned Charnwood Borough Council's significantly lower allocation. Councillor Chris Brown, Chief Executive, 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 a made Local Plan would survive any future local government reforms.

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

The Executive approved the Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Policy and Procedure for 2026-29. This policy provides a clear, consistent, and legally compliant framework for how the council responds to domestic abuse disclosures from residents and tenants, regardless of gender. The policy acknowledges the disproportionate impact of VAWG on women and girls, in line with national strategy, but ensures support is available to all victims and survivors. As both a local authority and a social landlord, the council has enhanced responsibilities under housing, safeguarding, and social housing regulation to protect tenant safety. Domestic abuse is a significant driver of homelessness and tenancy breakdown, and housing services are often the first point of contact for disclosures. The policy ensures consistent, lawful, and safe responses, with landlord powers used in a risk-assessed and coordinated manner. It was developed through consultation with tenants and residents with lived experience.

Councillor MT Mullaney moved the report, thanking the team for their work on this important issue and highlighting the policy's application to all residents. Councillor Linda Hodgkins welcomed the report, particularly the provisions for perpetrator removal from properties and the clarity on support for all victims. Councillor KWP Lynch inquired about the proactivity of upskilling staff, to which it was explained that training had been expanded across departments, including customer services, and that the council, alongside Blaby District Council, had one of the most proactive domestic abuse support services in Leicestershire. Councillor Mullaney also welcomed the delegated authority for minor amendments to the policy.

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 exercising its responsibilities under the statutory Right to Buy scheme, ensuring transparency, consistency, and robustness. It outlines eligibility criteria, how applications are handled, discount application, exemptions, and checks to prevent fraud. The policy also aims to protect specialist or excluded housing stock where legally permitted. A key benefit is providing clarity for tenants and staff, supporting fair decision-making, and strengthening the council's assurance position in relation to the Social Housing (Regulation) Act and consumer standards.

Councillor Michael Bools moved the report, noting the historical context of the policy and its impact on housing stock. He expressed pride in the council's recent building of council houses and a desire to continue adding to its stock. Councillor Bill Cullen seconded the report, recalling his opposition to the sale of council stock in the 1980s. He raised concerns about potential fraud, such as a son buying a council house and letting his mother live there, and inquired if the policy prevented such scenarios. He also asked about the council's right of first refusal if a property was subsequently sold. Councillor Madeline Shellard confirmed that fraud would be investigated and that the right of first refusal still applied, with the council assessing whether to exercise it based on property condition and location. She also clarified that substantial works to a property could be factored into the discount applied.

Estate Improvement Policy

The Executive endorsed the adoption of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Estate 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 tenants understand what to expect and provides officers with a clear basis for service standards and accountability, contributing to the quality, appearance, and safety of neighbourhoods. It supports wider objectives around clean, safe, and attractive neighbourhoods and aligns with regulatory expectations, estate safety duties, the HRA Land Strategy, and environmental and placemaking commitments.

Councillor Michael Bools moved the report, highlighting the policy's role in setting out rights and responsibilities for both tenants and the council, and the engagement process. He praised the work done in areas like garage sites, noting that the policy would help continue this positive work. Councillor Linda Hodgkins seconded the report, welcoming the clarity it provided for tenants and officers and its support for a consistent approach to estate management. She also noted a correction to the recommendation, which should read The Executive approved.