The Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council met on Tuesday 29 September 2026, where councillors discussed the government's plans for local government reorganisation, approved funding for new council homes, and addressed a postcode issue for new housing developments. The council also received updates on the Overview & Scrutiny annual report and heard the Leader of the Council's position statement.

Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the government's proposals for local government reorganisation (LGR) in Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland. Councillor S.L. Bray, Leader of the Council, expressed strong disapproval of the government's dog's breakfast approach, highlighting the wasted time, effort, and money spent by councils on a process that is now on pause. He called for the plans to be dropped entirely. Councillor C.M. Allen echoed these sentiments, stating that taxpayers should not fund the government's incompetence. Councillor M.T. Mullaney added that the plans for Leicestershire were disastrous, with only 7% of the public supporting them. Councillor Dr. J.R. Moore expressed relief that the reorganisation had been paused, but cautioned against making laws based on exceptional cases, particularly concerning the abuse of elected representatives. Councillor P. Williams noted the disruptive impact of LGR on council staff and hoped for clarity soon. The council resolved to establish the full cost of LGR to date and for the Leader to write to the Secretary of State and Prime Minister to demand reimbursement for incurred costs and to call for clear answers on the future of LGR.

Local Authority Housing Fund Round 4

The council approved the acceptance and use of the government's Local Authority Housing Fund Round 4 grant funding to support the acquisition of six residential properties. Councillor M.T. Mullaney presented the report, explaining that the £751,000 in grant funding, along with council capital investment, would help acquire properties to increase the supply of good quality council-owned accommodation for households facing homelessness. Three properties will be used for temporary accommodation, and three for resettlement purposes, with the aim of reducing reliance on costly temporary placements and providing longer-term housing solutions. Councillor C.M. Allen sought confirmation that the resettlement properties would be solely for Afghan women and children, which Councillor M.T. Mullaney confirmed, adding that these homes would eventually fall into standard council housing stock. The motion to approve the report was carried unanimously.

Postcode Correction for New Housing Development

A motion proposed by Councillor W.J. Crooks, seconded by Councillor M.C. Bools, was passed to correct a postcode issue for new homes being built on Barton Road in Osbaston. The Post Office had incorrectly assigned a Barlestone postcode to these properties, despite neighbouring properties and local businesses having Osbaston postcodes. Both the Barlestone and Osbaston parish councils had requested the change. The motion was amended to include a request for the relevant officer to write directly to Royal Mail to ensure the postcode correction is followed through swiftly.

Mayor's Communications and Other Business

The Mayor, Councillor R.E.H. Flemming, delivered her communications, reflecting on a busy period of attending various events across the borough, including the Battle of Bosworth commemoration, Barwell Carnival, and the Hinkley Beard motor show. She also highlighted the success of local businesses and community events, such as the Concordia Theatre's production of We Will Rock You.

The council also received the Leader of the Council's Position Statement, which covered the LGR and devolution, the draft homelessness and rough sleeping strategy, the Peggs Close regeneration project, the local plan regulation 19 consultation, the Jo Cox Foundation's work to tackle abuse and intimidation of elected representatives, town centre policing support, the Making a Difference awards, upcoming events, and solar panels at Hinckley Leisure Centre car park.

The minutes of the Scrutiny Commission meeting held on 27 August 2026 were received for information. Councillor C. Lambert presented the Overview & Scrutiny annual report, which was subsequently approved by the council.

A motion proposed by Councillor R. Allen regarding local government reorganisation was withdrawn.

The council then moved into a private session to discuss matters from which the public may be excluded, relating to an ongoing investigation.