The Cabinet of North West Leicestershire Council met on Tuesday 23 June 2026, discussing a range of financial, policy, and service delivery matters. Key decisions included the approval of supplementary estimates and capital approvals, the adoption of a new Corporate Business Continuity Policy, and the endorsement of the Food Safety Service Delivery Plan for 2026/27. The Cabinet also supported revisions to the East Midlands Freeport Strategic Infrastructure and Contributions Supplementary Planning Document and noted updates on customer service performance and corporate complaints.

Treasury Management Stewardship Report 2025/26

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, presented the Treasury Management Stewardship Report for 2025/26. The report informed the Cabinet of the Council's treasury management activities undertaken during the financial year. The Cabinet noted the report, which detailed a prudent approach to investment activity with a priority on security and liquidity over yield. No breaches of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement were identified.

Supplementary Estimates and Capital Approvals

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, presented the report on Supplementary Estimates and Capital Approvals. The Cabinet approved the movement of capital schemes from the development pool to the active programme. Specifically, the Solar Panels scheme at Ashby Leisure Centre was moved to the active programme with a budget of £195,000, funded from the Business Rates Reserve. This initiative aligns with the Council's sustainability objectives by reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency.

Corporate Business Continuity Policy

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, presented the Corporate Business Continuity Policy. The Cabinet approved the adoption of the policy, which establishes a consistent, organisation-wide framework for business continuity management, governance, accountability, training, testing, and review. It was noted that service-level business continuity plans are already in place, and the new policy provides organisational assurance and best-practice guidance. Training for senior leadership on business continuity is also being procured to strengthen strategic readiness.

Food Safety Service Delivery Plan 2026/27

Councillor Michael Wyatt, Community, Environment and Climate Change Portfolio Holder, presented the Food Safety Service Delivery Plan for 2026/27. The Cabinet approved the plan, which outlines how the Council will discharge its statutory duties under the Food Safety Act 1990 and comply with the Food Standards Agency Framework Agreement. The report also noted the service's performance and achievements in 2025/26, which included a 94% completion rate for programmed interventions and significant activity at the Border Control Post at East Midlands Airport.

East Midlands Freeport Contributions SPD

Councillor Tony Saffell, Planning Portfolio Holder, presented the East Midlands Freeport Strategic Infrastructure and Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The Cabinet supported the proposed revisions to the draft SPD and recommended that the Local Plan Committee adopts it, subject to no material comments from statutory consultation bodies on the strategic environmental assessment and habitats assessment screening report. The SPD aims to ensure the coordinated delivery and funding of strategic transport infrastructure for the East Midlands Freeport sites and other benefiting developments, with contributions sought on an equitable and proportionate basis. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place to make minor modifications prior to adoption.

Customer Service Performance Update 2025/26

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, presented the Customer Service Performance Update for 2025/26. The report highlighted that call volumes remained stable, with a higher proportion of enquiries resolved at the first point of contact. Face-to-face interactions at the Customer Centre also stabilised after an initial peak. While average call handling times increased due to more complex enquiries, the Council saw a significant rise in online form usage and 'My Account' registrations. The report also noted challenges with recruitment and increased abusive behaviour, leading to a temporary reduction in capacity and an increase in call abandonment rates. Despite these challenges, Customer Services retained its accreditation with excellence in several areas.

Corporate Compensation and Remedies

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, presented the updated Corporate Compensation and Remedies Policy. The Cabinet approved the new policy, which replaces the existing Housing Compensation Policy with a single corporate framework applicable across all service areas. This policy aligns with Ombudsman best practice, providing a consistent approach to redress, including apologies, practical remedies, and financial compensation where appropriate. Authority was delegated to the Director of Resources to make minor amendments to the policy.

Annual Corporate Complaints 2025/26

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, presented the Annual Corporate Complaints Report for 2025/26. The report indicated a decrease in both Stage 1 and Stage 2 complaints compared to the previous year. Housing Repairs and Waste Services received the highest number of complaints, though these were considered minimal in proportion to the volume of interactions. The report detailed complaint themes, outcomes, and performance against response time targets, noting an improvement in Stage 1 response times. The Cabinet noted the comments from the Corporate Scrutiny Committee and reviewed the self-assessment, confirming the Council's compliance with the Housing Ombudsman's Complaint Handling Code.

Housing Service Permission to Consult – Compliance Policies

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing and Property Portfolio Holder, presented the report seeking permission to consult on new compliance policies for the Housing Service. The Cabinet approved public consultations on draft policies for Electrical Safety, Gas Safety, and Lift Safety. These reviews aim to ensure the policies remain practical, understandable, and aligned with legal requirements and tenant concerns, with formal tenant and stakeholder engagement planned for July 2026.

Property Services Responsive Repairs and Minor Works Contract

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, presented the report on the Property Services Responsive Repairs and Minor Works Contract. The Cabinet approved the recommendations in the report, which related to contractual matters for property services.

Following the discussion of these public items, the Cabinet resolved to exclude the press and public from the remainder of the meeting to discuss exempt information relating to the Property Services Responsive Repairs and Minor Works Contract.