The Cabinet of Leicestershire County Council met on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, to discuss a range of significant issues, including the council's medium-term financial strategy, the ongoing local government reorganisation legal challenge, and the approval of new school term dates. Key decisions made included the approval of a revised capital programme, the endorsement of a new Carers Strategy, and the adoption of a new SEND Reform Plan in principle.

Local Government Reorganisation - Legal Challenge

The Cabinet noted the significant change in circumstances following the government's announcement of a review into the Local Government Reorganisation programme. This review includes the 14 decisions made in July 2026, and councils have been asked to cease implementation work until the review concludes. The Cabinet deferred consideration of a proposed pre-action protocol letter and authorised the Chief Legal Officer and Monitoring Officer to write to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government seeking written confirmation that the existing decision affecting local government reorganisation in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will be treated as having no effect, and that any future decision will be made afresh. If satisfactory confirmation is not received within seven days, the Chief Executive will be authorised to finalise and send a letter to the Secretary of State under the Pre-Action Protocol for Judicial Review.

Medium Term Financial Strategy - Budget Monitoring and Strategy Refresh

The Cabinet noted the significant financial challenges faced by the County Council, including a projected £4.8 million underspend for the current financial year, which reduces the requirement for reserves to balance the in-year budget to £10.6 million. However, the report highlighted ongoing pressures, particularly concerning the costs of special educational needs services, which are forecast to exceed grant funding by £62 million. The Cabinet approved the proposed approach to updating the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2027 to 2031 and approved the revised Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30, which totals £600 million.

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

Following a public consultation, the Cabinet approved a recommended term date model for Leicestershire schools. The model retains the traditional Leicestershire fortnight with an early July finish to the school year and a one-week October half-term, with the half-term break moved one week earlier in response to feedback. This decision aims to balance respondent preferences for the early summer break with concerns about the length of the autumn term.

Leicestershire SEND Reform Plan

The Cabinet approved in principle the national SEND Reform policy direction and the submission of the Local Leicestershire SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education. The plan outlines a three-year programme to create a more inclusive, confident, and financially sustainable SEND system for children and young people aged 0-25. The delivery approach will focus on Experts at Hand and SEND Sufficiency and Inclusion Bases. The final SEND Reform Plan will be submitted to the Cabinet later in 2026 for formal approval.

Carers Strategy - Outcome of Consultation and Approval of Final Strategy

The Cabinet approved the Leicestershire Carers Strategy 2026-2030, which has been developed following an eight-week public consultation. The strategy reflects feedback from carers, professionals, and other stakeholders, and prioritises recognising and valuing carers, providing accurate information and advice, and supporting carers' health and wellbeing. The strategy aims to demonstrate the Council's commitment to supporting carers across the county.

Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Service Re-Procurement

The Cabinet approved the use of a direct award process C for the procurement of the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery service. This decision was based on evidence of the current provider's strong performance, value for money, and the need to ensure continuity of service. The Director of Public Health, Communities, Law and Governance was authorised to enter into contractual arrangements for the new substance use contract, to be effective no later than 1 April 2028.

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 response recognises the challenges faced by plan-making authorities and supports the Plan's spatial strategy, subject to continued delivery of committed infrastructure and appropriate funding mechanisms. The County Council will work with NWLDC to ensure the Local Plan clearly addresses transport evidence and embeds the Community Infrastructure Levy.

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 response acknowledges the challenges faced by the council and supports the Plan's spatial strategy, subject to satisfactory delivery and contributions strategies for infrastructure. The County Council will work with H&BBC to ensure the Local Plan addresses transport evidence and proactively considers the Community Infrastructure Levy. Amendments to the detailed response were authorised to be made by the Director of Growth, Environment and Transport.

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. Despite a reduction in the overall capital value of the programme, it continued to deliver significant income and performed well operationally, supporting the council's longer-term objectives.

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

The Cabinet noted the 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 continues to support essential services and the council's financial position, with positive delivery in some areas, while also acknowledging pressures from construction inflation and maintenance liabilities.

Corporate Complaints and Compliments Annual Report 2025-2026

The Cabinet noted the Corporate Complaints and Compliments Annual Report for 2025-2026. The report indicated an increase in both complaints and compliments received, with complaints concentrated in Special Educational Needs Assessment and transport-related services. While Stage 1 complaint response times showed a slight decrease in meeting the 10-day target, 90% were still responded to within the 40-day maximum. Stage 2 complaints saw a significant increase, highlighting the need for early resolution and improved response quality. The report also noted an increase in Ombudsman enquiries, but a reduction in upheld decisions.

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 of the Council, to approve the procurement of contracts relating to Extra Care Services. This urgent action was necessary to ensure the continuity of care for approximately 120 individuals following a provider's notice to end their contract.

A511 Growth Corridor - Scheme Update and Business Case Submission

The Cabinet noted the revised forecast outturn cost of the A511 MRN Growth Corridor Scheme at £84 million, an increase from the previous £70 million estimate. Submission of the Full Business Case to the Department for Transport was approved, and the Director of Growth, Environment and Transport was authorised to finalise and submit it. A further report will be presented in December 2026 to decide whether to proceed to Stage 2 construction or consider alternative delivery approaches, with potential implications for the Council's Medium Term Financial Strategy.

Leicestershire and Rutland Safeguarding Children Partnership Yearly Report 2025/26

The Cabinet noted the draft Leicestershire and Rutland Safeguarding Children Partnership Yearly Report for 2025-26. The report highlights significant work undertaken around child sexual abuse, improvements to quality assurance, and the recruitment of Young Scrutineers to ensure children's voices are at the heart of the partnership's work. Challenges include increased demand and the implementation of national reforms.

Draft Leicestershire and Rutland Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2025/26

The Cabinet noted the draft Leicestershire and Rutland Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report for 2025-2026. The report details the Board's work over the year, focusing on priorities such as equality, diversity, inclusion, timeliness, proportionality, and the impact of learning. It highlights an increase in safeguarding alerts and enquiries in Leicestershire, and a significant increase in alerts in Rutland. The report also details actions taken following Safeguarding Adults Reviews and updates to multi-agency safeguarding procedures.

Leicestershire SEND Reform Plan

The Cabinet approved in principle the national SEND Reform policy direction and the submission of the Local Leicestershire SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education. The plan aims to create a more inclusive, confident, and financially sustainable 0-25 SEND system. The delivery approach will focus on Experts at Hand and SEND Sufficiency and Inclusion Bases. The final plan will be submitted to the Cabinet later in 2026 for formal approval.

The meeting also included declarations of interest from several councillors regarding local member interests in agenda items.