The Cabinet of North West Leicestershire Council met on Tuesday 28 July 2026 to discuss a range of important financial and operational matters. Key topics included updates on the council's financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year, plans for local government reorganisation, and the renewal of the housing fleet. The meeting also addressed proposals for new recycling containers and water management strategies in the Coalville area.

Local Government Reorganisation Update

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of the Council, presented an update on the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The report detailed the government's decision to establish two unitary authorities: one for an expanded Leicester City and another for the county areas and Rutland. The Cabinet was asked to note the government's decision and endorse actions to prepare for the transition, including the potential establishment of voluntary joint committees to aid in planning. Authority was to be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to respond to the government's decision and nominate representatives to any joint committees. The report outlined the expected timeline for LGR, with new authorities formally taking effect in April 2028.

General Fund Finance Update - 2025/26 Provisional Outturn

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, presented the provisional outturn for the General Fund for the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated a saving of £1.15 million, an increase from the previously forecast saving. The Cabinet was recommended to note this saving and its proposed transfer to the Earmarked Reserves, including the creation of new reserves for planning application income and an ICT cyber assessment framework. The report also detailed movements within the Council's capital programme and highlighted the application of brought-forward grant funding.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Finance Update - 2025/26 Outturn

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, provided an update on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) provisional outturn for 2025/26. The report indicated a provisional deficit of £1.690 million, primarily due to increased expenditure in repairs and maintenance, and asset impairment costs. It was proposed that this deficit be funded through a transfer from HRA General Balances, reducing unrestricted reserves. The Cabinet was recommended to note this position and to recommend to Full Council the use of HRA General Reserves to fund the deficit. The report also provided an update on the HRA Capital Programme, with recommendations to accelerate certain programmes funded through the Major Repairs Reserve.

Housing Fleet Renewal – Award of Contracts

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, presented a report on the Housing Fleet Renewal project. The existing Housing Repairs fleet was at the end of its operational life, leading to increased maintenance costs and reduced reliability. The report proposed a phased replacement programme over two years, with an EV-first, mixed-fuel approach to balance environmental commitments with operational needs. The procurement was intended to be conducted through The Procurement Partnership Limited (TPPL) framework. The Cabinet was asked to approve the procurement of contracts for the replacement fleet and delegate authority for the award of the contracts.

Acquisitions and Disposals - Section 106 Acquisition

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, sought Cabinet approval to purchase 22 properties in the Ashby-de-la-Zouch area from Bloor Homes over three years. These properties, acquired through a Section 106 agreement, would be funded from Right to Buy receipts and would add to the Council's Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme. The report detailed the breakdown of property types, financial implications, and project risks. The Cabinet was asked to endorse the addition of £3.7 million to the HRA Capital Programme and to enter into a contract with Bloor Homes, subject to Council approval.

Water Management in the Coalville Strategic Growth Area – Recommendations of the Community Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Tony Saffell, Planning Portfolio Holder, presented the report on water management in the Coalville Strategic Growth Area, detailing recommendations from the Community Scrutiny Committee's Task and Finish Group. The report highlighted concerns regarding sewerage pollution in the River Sence, the capacity of the sewer system, and the effectiveness of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). The Cabinet was asked to agree actions for each of the five recommendations made by the Task and Finish Group, which included engaging with Severn Trent Water (STW) on planning application responses, requesting interim mitigation measures, exploring additional planning controls for SuDS, making political representations for the enactment of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, and reinforcing public messaging on appropriate sewer use.

New Recycling Containers Project Update

Councillor Michael Wyatt, Community, Environment and Climate Change Portfolio Holder, provided an update on the progress of the new recycling containers project. The report detailed the preparations for rolling out a new simpler recycling system, including the procurement of new vehicles and containers, staff engagement, and the communications strategy. The Cabinet was asked to consider comments from the Community Scrutiny Committee, approve the rationale for Phase One of the rollout, agree the preferred proposal for bin lid colours, and adopt the Waste and Recycling Collections Service Statement. The report also outlined the Council's current recycling rate and its aspiration to increase it.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider items where the press and public would be excluded due to the likely disclosure of exempt or confidential information.

Customer Services Telephony Contact Centre Solution Contract

The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss a report presented by Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, regarding a contract for a customer services telephony contact centre solution.