The Council meeting on Tuesday 9 June 2026 addressed the future governance of Witherley Parish, with councillors agreeing to proceed with a further consultation on four potential options for its future structure. The meeting also saw the approval of the Audit Committee's annual report and the establishment of Hinckley Town Council, with temporary councillors to be appointed.

Community Governance Review for Witherley Parish

The Council discussed the ongoing Community Governance Review for Witherley Parish, which was initiated following petitions from residents requesting changes to parish arrangements. After an initial consultation period, a member working group has proposed four options for further public consultation. These options range from maintaining the current arrangements to abolishing the parish council entirely.

The four options presented for consultation are:

1. Option 1: Abolition of Witherley Parish and Parish Council, with the creation of a 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.
2. Option 2: Abolition of Witherley Parish and Parish Council, with the creation of 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.
3. Option 3: No change to the current parish arrangements.
4. Option 4: Abolition of 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, presented the report, highlighting that while Ratcliffe Culey's petition requested its own parish council, legislation prevents this due to its electorate being below the 150-elector threshold for a parish council. However, a parish meeting is permissible. The council agreed to consult on these four options, with a shortened consultation period of six weeks (22 June to 31 July 2026) to allow for a potential third consultation if necessary. Authority was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the member working group, to agree draft recommendations and manage any further consultation stages.

During the discussion, Councillor M.B. Cartwright raised concerns about ensuring all residents were aware of the consultation, particularly those who might be digitally excluded. Councillor Bray confirmed that letters would be sent to every household in the parish. Councillor Dr. J.R. Moore emphasised the importance of supporting local communities through parish and town councils, especially in light of local government reorganisation, and expressed a personal preference against the complete abolition of the parish council. Councillor Sutton echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for strong parish councils in the context of devolution. Councillor Bray reiterated that the decision rested with the public and urged high participation in the consultation.

Audit Committee Annual Report

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, highlighting improvements in the committee's effectiveness in considering governance, risk, and fraud. The report noted that while external audit opinions on the Council's Statement of Accounts were delayed due to a national backlog, internal audit functions and corporate governance oversight had seen significant progress. The committee's self-assessment had led to positive changes, and a fraud strategy is currently being developed. The report was commended by Councillor R.G. Allen and Councillor K.W.P. Lynch, who acknowledged the vital, albeit dry, nature of the committee's work. The motion to approve the report was carried unanimously.

Establishment of Hinckley Town Council

The Council resolved to create a local council for the unparished area of Hinckley, to be styled as a town council and named Hinckley Town Council. The parish will be divided into four wards: Castle, Clarendon, De Montfort, and Trinity. The council will comprise 20 councillors, with specific allocations for each ward. The first elections for Hinckley Town Council are scheduled for May 2027. Crucially, the Council agreed to appoint temporary councillors to the new Town Council in accordance with Section 91 of the Local Government Act 1972, with these appointments to be made at a future meeting. The Director (Resources & Audit) was authorised to make the necessary orders for these changes. This decision follows a Community Governance Review for Hinckley, which identified a democratic deficit that would exist for residents following local government reorganisation without a town council.

Mayor's Communications

Mayor Councillor C. Gibbens delivered her communications, reflecting on her first few weeks in office. She highlighted several engagements, including judging the Hinkley Bids garden show, attending a Mustang owners' meet-up, and supporting a charity run in Richmond Park. She also spoke about the unveiling of a blue plaque at the Stamford Arms in Groobie to commemorate William Everard and the Everard family brewery. The Mayor also announced her intention to undertake a zip-line challenge in Wales for her charities, despite a fear of heights.

Leader of the Council's Position Statement

Councillor S.L. Bray, Leader of the Council, presented his position statement, thanking teams for their work on events such as Proms in the Park and the garden competition. He highlighted the success of the Warm Welcome events, which provide support during the cost of living crisis, and thanked Angela Egan for her efforts. He also discussed the Article 4 consultation underway in Barwell and Earl Shilton regarding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), expressing frustration with Home Office policies. Progress on the new Twycross Zoo National Centre was noted, as was ongoing work with council tenants. Councillor Bray also touched upon local government reorganisation, describing its pace as colourful, and mentioned recent executive decisions, including those related to the National Year of Reading.

Several councillors contributed to the discussion on the Leader's statement. Councillor C.M. Allen welcomed the positive report and thanked those involved in council events. He affirmed that the Article 4 consultation was not a blanket ban on HMOs but a measure to increase council control and oversight. Councillor M.B. Cartwright reminded parish councils to prepare for potential elections. Councillor Dr. J.R. Moore spoke about the success of the Warm Welcome scheme and the importance of tenant engagement. Councillor M. Shepherd-Bulls praised the Proms in the Park event and the progress on HMOs. Councillor Bray concluded by reiterating the council's commitment to residents and addressing concerns about the impact of local government reorganisation on parish councils.

Other Matters

• Minutes of Previous Meetings: The minutes of the meetings held on 14 April and 12 May 2026 were confirmed.
• Urgent Business and Declarations of Interest: No urgent business was raised, and declarations of interest were noted from several councillors, including Councillor Dr. J.R. Moore, who declared an interest as a member of Witherley Parish Council.
• Questions and Petitions: No questions were submitted, and no petitions were received.
• Minutes of the Scrutiny Commission: The minutes of the Scrutiny Commission meeting held on 7 May 2026 were received for information.
• Appointments to Hinckley Town Council: This item was withdrawn from the agenda and will be deferred to a future meeting.

The meeting concluded at 19:15.