The Cabinet of Leicestershire County Council met on Tuesday 21 July 2026, approving a new Tree Management Strategy and a draft Strategic Plan for public consultation. The meeting also addressed the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation, the Belonging in Education Strategy, and the Domestic Abuse Reduction Strategy.

Tree Management Strategy Approved

The Cabinet approved the refreshed Tree Management Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy outlines the council's approach to managing its trees and woodlands, aiming to conserve and enhance the tree resource, promote public safety, and support the council's ambition to plant one million trees by 2032. Councillor Kevin Crook, proposing the motion, highlighted trees as nature's own solar powered carbon capture devices and welcomed the council's commitment to tree planting and management. Councillor Andrew Hamilton-Gray seconded the motion, expressing excitement for the strategy's benefit to local communities and biodiversity.

Local Government Reorganisation Update and Joint Committees

An update was provided on the government's plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland. The Secretary of State had decided to proceed with a two-unitary proposal submitted by Leicester City Council, with boundary modifications. The Cabinet noted that this would require a Structural Changes Order, subject to Parliamentary approval, to abolish existing councils and establish new unitary authorities. Councillor Jane Moore, Chief Executive, presented the report, emphasizing the need for preparedness and effective response. Councillor Dan Harrison, Leader of the Council, stated that while this was not the outcome the council had argued for, their responsibility was now to protect services and staff and ensure a smooth transition. Councillor Kevin Crook, seconding the motion, expressed strong disagreement with the decision, calling it the wrong decision and a political decision dressed up as a technical one. He stressed the council's duty to protect Leicestershire's interests during implementation.

Strategic Plan (2027-2031) Consultation Approved

The Cabinet approved the draft Strategic Plan (2027-2031) for public consultation. This plan sets out the council's key priorities, outcomes, and vision for Leicestershire. Councillor Mike Sandys, Director of Public Health, Communities, Law and Governance, explained that the plan is shaped around the Better Leicestershire programme, with priorities including a better Leicestershire for residents, communities, the economy, and the council itself. He noted that the plan's timescale extends beyond the intended date for a new council, but it would provide a stable foundation during the transition period and steer future arrangements. Councillor Carl Abbott, seconding the motion, welcomed the ambitious vision and the proposed consultation to ensure the plan reflects local priorities and aspirations. The consultation will run from 27 July to 9 October 2026.

Annual Treasury Management Report 2025/26 Noted

The Cabinet noted the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2025/26. Councillor Declan Keegan, Director of Corporate Resources, presented the report, highlighting that the council's investment return exceeded the benchmark rate, providing £12 million in income, boosted by a further £4.5 million from specific investments. The council also repaid £44.5 million of external debt, reducing its holdings to £130.5 million, the lowest level in 20 years. Councillor Harrison Fowler praised the report, noting the significant investment income and debt payoffs, which he stated saves us a million pounds each year in associated capital borrowing.

Belonging in Education Strategy 2026-2029 Approved

The final Belonging in Education Strategy 2026-2029 was approved, following a six-week public consultation. Councillor Tim Brown, Interim Director of Education, Inclusion, Additional Needs, explained that the strategy provides the overarching framework for the education system, emphasizing that young people achieve better outcomes when they feel they belong. The consultation revealed strong support for the strategy's priorities, with feedback leading to greater clarity on delivery, a stronger focus on inclusion for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), clearer accountabilities, and a stronger voice for children and young people. Councillor Charles Pugsley proposed the motion, highlighting the strategy's vision that every child and young person in Leicestershire should feel seen, heard and supported.

Domestic Abuse Reduction Strategy 2026-2029 Approved

The Domestic Abuse Reduction Strategy 2026-2029 was approved. Councillor Sharon Cooke, Interim Director of Children and Families, presented the strategy, which follows a consultation period and is informed by a SafeLives Needs Assessment. The strategy sets out a coordinated approach to reducing domestic abuse across Leicestershire, focusing on prevention, early intervention, partnership working, and improved outcomes for victims. Councillor Charles Pugsley commended the strategy, stating it sets out a coordinated approach to reducing domestic abuse and making the best use of resources. Councillor Carl Abbott seconded, highlighting the strategy's importance in addressing the causes of demand and improving outcomes for victims.

Response to Blaby District Council Local Plan Consultation Agreed

The Cabinet agreed the County Council's emerging position on Blaby District Council's Local Plan Regulation 19 consultation. Councillor Janna Walker, Assistant Director, Development and Growth, explained that the response focuses on ensuring growth is supported by the right infrastructure and services. While generally supporting planned growth, the County Council identified that the plan, in its current form, fails to meet the National Planning Policy Framework tests of soundness regarding transport evidence and policy. Councillor Andrew Hamilton-Gray moved the recommendations, emphasizing the need for further work on transport impacts and infrastructure delivery. Councillor Harrison Fowler seconded, agreeing that the plan's transport provisions were inadequate, stating, from a transport perspective, they haven't. The County Council will undertake its own transport evidence work.

Harborough District Local Plan Engagement Authorised

The Cabinet authorised the Director of Growth, Environment and Transport to work with Harborough District Council (HDC) in preparing for the Plan's Examination in Public (EiP). This includes working to resolve the County Council's transport concerns and seeking to reach a Statement of Common Ground (SoCG) on transport matters. Councillor Janna Walker explained that the inspectors had requested an SoCG by 14 August 2026. Councillor Andrew Hamilton-Gray moved the recommendations, stating the aim was to ensure the County Council could clearly represent its position to the inspectors. Councillor Harrison Fowler seconded, agreeing with the concerns raised about the A6 corridor and the need for clarity on infrastructure delivery.

Action Taken by Chief Executive on Crisis and Resilience Fund Noted

The Cabinet noted the action taken by the Chief Executive to approve the procurement of two contracts relating to the Crisis and Resilience Fund. Councillor Mike Sandys, Director of Public Health, Communities, Law and Governance, explained that due to the absence of a June Cabinet meeting and the urgency of the procurement, the Chief Executive had approved the contracts. These contracts are for a payment mechanism and financial resilience services, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. Councillor Carl Abbott proposed noting the action, stating it was appropriate to progress this by the Chief Executive's action given the urgency.

The meeting concluded with the noting of no urgent items and no items referred from Overview and Scrutiny.