The North West Leicestershire District Council Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 28 July 2026 to discuss a range of important financial and operational matters. Key topics include updates on the provisional financial outturn for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account for the 2025/26 financial year, alongside significant proposals for housing fleet renewal and the acquisition of new properties. The meeting will also address the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation process and review recommendations concerning water management in the Coalville Strategic Growth Area.

Local Government Reorganisation Update

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of the Council, will present an update on the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The report details the government's decision to establish two unitary authorities for the area and outlines the next steps for preparing for this significant change. Cabinet is asked to note the government's decision and endorse actions to prepare for and engage with the LGR process. This includes delegating authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to respond to the decision and to approve the establishment of voluntary joint committees. These committees will bring together members from existing predecessor councils to plan the transition, with representatives to be nominated by the Chief Executive and Leader.

General Fund Finance Update - 2025/26 Provisional Outturn

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, will present the provisional outturn position for the Council's General Fund for the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicates a provisional saving of £1.15m, which is an increase from the forecast reported at Quarter 2. This surplus is attributed to a combination of service pressures and favourable variances, including increased investment income and additional grant funding. Cabinet is recommended to note this saving and approve the transfer of £1.15m to the Training and Development Reserve. The report also details recommendations to Full Council regarding the creation of new earmarked reserves for planning application income and an ICT cyber assessment framework, as well as the addition of £7.309m to the Business Rates Reserve. The use of £0.984m of brought-forward UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant funding to support expenditure incurred during 2025/26 is also noted and approved.

Housing Revenue Account Provisional Outturn - 2025/26

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, will present the provisional outturn position for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2025/26. The HRA is showing a provisional deficit of £1.690m, primarily due to increased expenditure pressures in Repairs and Maintenance and asset impairment costs. It is proposed that this deficit be funded through a transfer from HRA General Balances, reducing unrestricted reserves. Despite this, the HRA is considered financially sustainable, though continued focus on managing cost pressures is required. Cabinet is recommended to note the deficit and recommend to Full Council the use of £1.69m from HRA General Reserves to fund it. The report also notes the position of the HRA Capital Programme and recommends to Full Council the acceleration of the Home Improvement Programme, Stock Conditions Surveys, and Roofing Programme, to be funded through the Major Repairs Reserve.

Housing Fleet Renewal – Award of Contracts

Councillor Andrew Woodman will also present a report on the Housing Fleet Renewal project. The Council's Housing Repairs fleet is at the end of its operational life, leading to increased maintenance costs and reduced reliability. The report proposes procuring contracts for a replacement fleet, with an EV-first approach prioritising electric vehicles where operationally viable, supplemented by alternative fuel vehicles. Maintenance will remain in-house under a formal Service Level Agreement. Cabinet is asked to approve the procurement of these contracts, with an estimated value between £2.45 million and £2.86 million, and to delegate authority for the contract award to the Strategic Director responsible for Housing, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder and Section 151 Officer.

Acquisitions and Disposals - Section 106 Acquisition

Councillor Andrew Woodman will present a report seeking Cabinet approval to purchase 22 properties in the Ashby-de-la-Zouch area over the next three years. These properties, built by Bloor Homes as part of a Section 106 agreement, will be acquired for £3.7 million, funded from Right to Buy receipts. The acquisition is intended to help mitigate the loss of stock through Right to Buy and contribute to the Council's housing needs. Cabinet is asked to endorse the addition of £3.7m to the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme and recommend this expenditure to Full Council. Subject to this approval, Cabinet is also asked to enter into a single contract with Bloor Homes for the acquisition and delegate authority to the Strategic Director responsible for Housing to finalise all necessary legal and contractual documents.

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

Councillor Tony Saffell, Planning Portfolio Holder, will present a report on the recommendations from the Community Scrutiny Committee's Task and Finish Group regarding water management in the Coalville Strategic Growth Area. The report addresses concerns about sewerage pollution along the River Sence, linked to new housing development and the capacity of the existing sewer system. The Task and Finish Group has made five recommendations, including asking Severn Trent Water (STW) to review its approach to planning applications, implement interim mitigation measures, provide evidence of ingress and infiltration issues, and work with the Council to reinforce public messaging about appropriate sewer use. Cabinet is asked to thank the Task and Finish Group for its work and agree the proposed actions for each recommendation.

New Recycling Containers Project Update

Councillor Michael Wyatt, Community, Environment and Climate Change Portfolio Holder, will provide an update on the progress of the new recycling containers project. The report details preparations for the rollout of a new simpler twin bin recycling system, including the procurement of vehicles and containers, staff engagement, and the communications strategy. It also outlines the rationale for Phase One of the rollout, which will cover approximately 12,832 households in the Wednesday collection zone. Cabinet is asked to consider comments from the Community Scrutiny Committee, comment on the progress and plans, approve the rationale for Phase One, agree the preferred proposal for bin lid colours (orange for plastics, cans, glass, and blue for paper and card), and adopt the Waste and Recycling Collections Service Statement.

Customer Services Telephony Contact Centre Solution Contract

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, will present a report on the Customer Services Telephony Contact Centre Solution Contract. The report details the proposed solution for the Council's contact centre telephony system. Cabinet is asked to approve the procurement of this solution and delegate authority for the contract award.