The Cabinet of Leicestershire County Council met on Tuesday 8 September 2026, addressing a range of significant issues including the council's financial strategy, local government reorganisation, and the approval of several key strategies and plans. Key decisions included noting the significant financial challenges and approving the approach to refreshing the Medium Term Financial Strategy, alongside approving a revised Capital Programme. The Cabinet also agreed to defer a decision on a legal challenge regarding local government reorganisation pending further clarification from the government.

Medium Term Financial Strategy - Budget Monitoring and Strategy Refresh

The Cabinet noted the significant financial challenges facing the County Council, including a projected £4.8 million underspend for the current financial year, which reduces the need for reserves to balance the in-year budget. However, the report highlighted ongoing pressures, particularly in SEND services, which are forecast to exceed grant funding by £62 million. The Cabinet approved the proposed approach to updating the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2027-2031 and approved the revised Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30, which totals £600 million. This revised programme includes new DfE grants for High Needs and Special/Alternative Provision, reducing the overall funding shortfall requiring borrowing to £57 million.

Local Government Reorganisation - Legal Challenge

The Cabinet noted the latest developments regarding the government's review of the Local Government Reorganisation programme. A letter from the Minister confirmed that the 14 decisions made in July 2026, including those affecting Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, would be reviewed, and councils were asked to cease implementation work. The Cabinet deferred a decision on sending a proposed pre-action protocol letter and instead authorised the Chief Legal Officer to write to the Ministry seeking written confirmation that the existing decision would be treated as having no effect and that any future decision would be made afresh. The Cabinet also agreed to authorise the Chief Executive to send a pre-action protocol letter if satisfactory confirmation was not received within seven days, though this authority does not extend to commencing judicial review proceedings.

Leicestershire School Term Dates Autumn 2027 to Summer 2032 - Outcome of Consultation

The Cabinet approved the recommended school term date model for Leicestershire, following a public consultation. The approved model retains a one-week October half-term, with the holiday moved one week earlier in response to feedback. It also maintains the traditional Leicestershire fortnight early summer break and aligns with Leicester City Council's arrangements where possible.

Leicestershire SEND Reform Plan

The Cabinet approved in principle the national SEND Reform policy direction and the submission of Leicestershire's draft SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education. The plan, which aims to create a more inclusive, confident, and financially sustainable 0-25 SEND system, will be delivered through Experts at Hand and SEND Sufficiency and Inclusion Bases. The Cabinet noted that the final SEND Reform Plan will be submitted for formal approval later in 2026. Approval of this plan is a prerequisite for accessing significant national grant funding, including support for historic High Needs deficits.

Carers Strategy - Outcome of Consultation and Approval of Final Strategy

The Leicestershire Carers Strategy 2026-2030 was approved by the Cabinet. The strategy has been updated to reflect feedback from extensive consultation with carers, professionals, and other stakeholders. It focuses on three key priorities: recognising and valuing carers, providing accurate and timely information and advice, and supporting carers' health and wellbeing to access services when needed. The strategy also includes an action plan detailing commissioning intentions and governance arrangements.

Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Service Re-procurement

The Cabinet approved the use of a direct award process (Process C) for the procurement of the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery service, aligning with Public Health Grant funding requirements and national guidance. The Director of Public Health was authorised to enter into contractual arrangements for a new substance use contract to take effect no later than 1 April 2028. This decision was based on evidence of the current provider's strong performance, successful outcomes, and good value for money when benchmarked against comparator authorities.

Response to the North West Leicestershire District Council Regulation 19 Local Plan Consultation

The Cabinet approved the County Council's formal response to the North West Leicestershire District Council's Local Plan Regulation 19 consultation. The County Council recognised the challenges faced by plan-making authorities and did not raise fundamental issues with the spatial strategy, subject to continued delivery of committed infrastructure and appropriate funding strategies. The County Council will work with NWLDC to ensure the Local Plan clearly reflects transport evidence and proactively considers Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The Director of Growth, Environment and Transport was authorised to make amendments to the detailed response based on officer views of viability and infrastructure evidence.

Response to the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Regulation 19 Local Plan Consultation

The Cabinet approved the County Council's formal response to the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council's Local Plan Regulation 19 consultation. The County Council acknowledged the challenges faced by the borough council but did not raise fundamental issues with the spatial strategy, subject to suitable delivery and contributions strategies, and consideration of viability implications. The County Council will collaborate with H&BBC to ensure the Local Plan reflects transport evidence and proactively considers CIL. The Director of Growth, Environment and Transport was authorised to make amendments to the response.

Investing in Leicestershire Programme Annual Performance Report 2025-2026

The Cabinet noted the performance of the Investing in Leicestershire Programme for the period April 2025 to March 2026. The report indicated that while the capital value of the programme reduced by £12.2 million, largely due to valuation factors, the programme continued to deliver important financial benefits with a net income of £8.6 million. Operational performance was positive, with new lettings and reduced debt.

Corporate Asset Management Plan 2022-2026 Annual Performance and Strategy Update Report 2025-2026

The Cabinet noted the annual performance against the Corporate Asset Management Plan for 2025-2026 and supported the implementation of the updated Action Plan. The report highlighted that the council's property portfolio, valued at £521 million, supported service delivery and financial resilience. While capital value increased by £2 million, performance indicators showed mixed results, with 52% achieved compared to 67% the previous year, largely due to market conditions affecting the Investing in Leicestershire programme. Environmental performance was positive, with energy use down 11%.

Corporate Complaints and Compliments Annual Report 2025-2026

The Cabinet noted the Corporate Complaints and Compliments Annual Report for 2025-2026. The report showed an increase in corporate complaints by 27% compared to the previous year, with Special Educational Needs Assessment (SENA) and SEN transport being the highest complaint areas. Stage 1 complaint response times within the maximum 40-day limit were maintained at 90%, but responsiveness within 10 and 20 days decreased. Stage 2 complaints increased significantly, with response times also declining. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman received 146 complaints and enquiries, with an uphold rate of 89% for investigated cases. Compliments increased by 63%.

Leicestershire SEND Reform Plan

The Cabinet approved in principle the national SEND Reform policy direction and the submission of Leicestershire's draft SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education. The plan, which aims to create a more inclusive, confident, and financially sustainable 0-25 SEND system, will be delivered through Experts at Hand and SEND Sufficiency and Inclusion Bases. The Cabinet noted that the final SEND Reform Plan will be submitted for formal approval later in 2026. Approval of this plan is a prerequisite for accessing significant national grant funding, including support for historic High Needs deficits.

Leicestershire Carers Strategy 2026-2030

The Leicestershire Carers Strategy 2026-2030 was approved by the Cabinet. The strategy has been updated to reflect feedback from extensive consultation with carers, professionals, and other stakeholders. It focuses on three key priorities: recognising and valuing carers, providing accurate and timely information and advice, and supporting carers' health and wellbeing to access services when needed. The strategy also includes an action plan detailing commissioning intentions and governance arrangements.

Action Taken by the Chief Executive to Approve the Procurement of Contracts in Relation to Extra Care Services

The Cabinet noted the action taken by the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader, to approve the procurement of contracts relating to Extra Care Services. This urgent action was necessary due to a provider giving notice on their contract, with an end date of 31 October 2026, and insufficient time to follow the full Cabinet approval process before the procurement needed to commence to ensure continuity of care.

Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Service Re-procurement

The Cabinet approved the use of a direct award process (Process C) for the procurement of the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery service, aligning with Public Health Grant funding requirements and national guidance. The Director of Public Health was authorised to enter into contractual arrangements for a new substance use contract to take effect no later than 1 April 2028. This decision was based on evidence of the current provider's strong performance, successful outcomes, and good value for money.

Response to the North West Leicestershire District Council Regulation 19 Local Plan Consultation

The Cabinet approved the County Council's formal response to the North West Leicestershire District Council's Local Plan Regulation 19 consultation. The County Council recognised the challenges faced by plan-making authorities and did not raise fundamental issues with the spatial strategy, subject to continued delivery of committed infrastructure and appropriate funding strategies. The County Council will work with NWLDC to ensure the Local Plan clearly reflects transport evidence and proactively considers Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The Director of Growth, Environment and Transport was authorised to make amendments to the detailed response based on officer views of viability and infrastructure evidence.

Response to the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Regulation 19 Local Plan Consultation

The Cabinet approved the County Council's formal response to the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council's Local Plan Regulation 19 consultation. The County Council acknowledged the challenges faced by the borough council but did not raise fundamental issues with the spatial strategy, subject to suitable delivery and contributions strategies, and consideration of viability implications. The County Council will collaborate with H&BBC to ensure the Local Plan reflects transport evidence and proactively considers CIL. The Director of Growth, Environment and Transport was authorised to make amendments to the response.

A511 Growth Corridor - Scheme Update and Business Case Submission

This item was heard in private session.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the press and public for the remaining items of business.