The Scrutiny Commission met on Thursday 27 August 2026 to discuss a range of important council strategies and policies, including local government reorganisation, a future-ready council strategy, and a landlord property safety policy. Key decisions were made to recommend the endorsement of the Future Ready Council Strategy and the approval of the Landlord Property Safety and Compliance Policy.

Local Government Reorganisation and Establishment of Voluntary Joint Committee

The commission received an update on the government's decision to establish two new unitary councils for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland, which will replace the current ten legacy authorities. Councillor C Lambert, Chair of the Scrutiny Commission, noted that the decision to create these new councils was mandated and unlikely to be halted by potential judicial reviews. The commission was informed that council tax would be harmonised across the new authorities, with each setting its own budget and operating model. It was suggested that assets and services, such as the Hinckley Hub, would likely be retained. The commission recommended to the Executive that they approve the establishment of two voluntary Joint Committees, subject to similar approval from all Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland councils. They also recommended delegating the nomination of representatives for these committees to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council. The commission noted the overwhelming support for the North, City, South proposal during the government's consultation, which was ultimately rejected by the former minister.

Future Ready Council Strategy

The Scrutiny Commission reviewed the Future Ready Council Strategy for 2026-2028, which aims to ensure Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council remains resilient, financially sustainable, and customer-focused during a period of significant change, including Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Councillor Sharon Stacey, Deputy Chief Executive (Transformation and People Services), presented the strategy, highlighting its alignment with the Corporate Plan 2024-2028 and its six proposed priorities: People and Culture; Readiness for Local Government Reorganisation; Early Intervention and Prevention; Service Innovation; Maximising Opportunities for Our People and Communities; and Enabling Place-Based Prosperity. The commission welcomed the strategy, acknowledging its importance as a reference point for the council's legacy and its transition into new unitary arrangements. They endorsed the strategy and supported the development of a delivery action plan and an annual review process to monitor progress.

Landlord Property Safety and Compliance Policy

The commission reviewed the Landlord Property Safety and Compliance Policy, which establishes a framework for ensuring the safety and quality of the council's Housing Revenue Account (HRA) homes. Gary Upton, Director of Place Services, explained that the policy supports the delivery of the Safety and Quality Consumer Standard and has been shaped by tenant feedback. The policy outlines a risk-based approach to property compliance, clear governance, accountability, and defined compliance areas such as gas, electrical, fire, asbestos, and water safety. The commission queried the guidance available for tenant safety within their own homes, and it was advised that this is addressed through other mechanisms. The commission approved the Landlord Property Safety and Compliance Policy 2026, noting its strengthened alignment with Consumer Standards and endorsing the council's risk-based, transparent, and accountable approach to compliance.

Local Authority Housing Fund - Round 4

The commission received a briefing on the proposed use of Local Authority Housing Fund Round 4 (LAHF R4) grant funding, which will support the acquisition of six residential properties. Madeline Shellard, Director (Places Services), explained that the funding aims to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation and associated costs, providing settled housing. The grant, totalling £751,000, will contribute to the acquisition of three properties for temporary accommodation and three for households supported through government resettlement schemes. The commission noted that the total capital cost of the programme is estimated at £1.5 million, with the remaining balance to be met from council capital resources. The commission noted the report, which will proceed to Council for the next stage of decision-making.

Cyber Security Strategy

The commission reviewed the Cyber Security Strategy 2026-2028, which aims to manage cyber security risks across the organisation in response to an increasingly complex and volatile threat landscape. John Palmer and Julie Kenny, from the ICT Service, presented the strategy, highlighting its alignment with the UK Government Cyber Security Strategy and guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The strategy focuses on managing cyber security risk, protecting systems and services, detecting cyber security events, responding and recovering well, and building skills, knowledge, and culture. The commission queried the robustness of the disaster recovery and business continuity plans. They recommended to the Executive that the strategy be approved and noted the positive work undertaken by the ICT Service to date.

Overview & Scrutiny Annual Report

The commission received the Overview & Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025-26, which outlines the work undertaken by the overview and scrutiny function. Councillor C Lambert, Chair of the Scrutiny Commission, presented the report, highlighting the continuity within the leadership triumvirate and strengthened cross-party working. The report detailed the commission's work, including pre-decision scrutiny of various policies and strategies, reviews of specific topics, and scrutiny of the annual budget. The commission endorsed the report and recommended it to the Council for approval.

Overview & Scrutiny Statutory Guidance: Terms of Reference for Overview & Scrutiny

The commission received a report to remind members of the terms of reference for the overview and scrutiny function, as set out in the council's constitution. The report detailed the general role of overview and scrutiny, including reviewing and scrutinising decisions, making reports and recommendations, and exercising the right to call in decisions. Specific responsibilities of the Scrutiny Commission and Finance & Performance Scrutiny were also outlined. The commission received and noted the terms of reference.

The commission also noted the minutes of the Finance & Performance Scrutiny meeting held on 6 July 2026.