The Corporate Scrutiny Committee of North West Leicestershire Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 15 October 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the Cabinet's responses to previous scrutiny recommendations, an update on the Council's performance against its delivery plan for the first quarter of 2026/27, and a financial update for the same period. Additionally, the committee is set to consider a new Artificial Intelligence Policy and an update on the Homelessness Reduction Action Plan.

Cabinet Response to Scrutiny Recommendations

The committee is scheduled to review the Cabinet's responses to recommendations previously made by the committee. This includes feedback on the Corporate Business Continuity Policy, the Annual Corporate Complaints report, the Corporate Compensation and Remedies Policy, and the Council Delivery Plan – Performance Report for Quarter 4 of 2025/26. The reports indicate that Cabinet has noted the scrutiny comments on these matters.

Council Delivery Plan - Performance Report 2026/27 Quarter 1

The committee is expected to consider the Council Delivery Plan – Performance Report for the first quarter of 2026/27. This report, presented by Hannah Panter, Head of Human Resources and Organisation Development, outlines the Council's performance against its objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) as agreed in the Council Delivery Plan. The report highlights positive progress in areas such as the adoption of the Good Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document and improvements in housing satisfaction. However, areas requiring attention include the Zero Carbon Roadmap, which is rated amber, and complaint response performance, which is below the target. The report also details specific KPIs related to planning and regeneration, housing and community services, clean and green initiatives, and a well-run council.

Finance Update - 2026/27 Quarter 1

A finance update for the first quarter of 2026/27 is scheduled for discussion. The report, presented by Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Finance, and authored by Anna Crouch, Head of Finance, covers both the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). For the General Fund, the report indicates a forecast outturn position that is currently balanced, with an investment income surplus of £0.638m. However, it notes potential additional costs related to the local government pay award. The Housing Revenue Account, however, is forecasting a net operating expenditure pressure of £0.293m, primarily due to increased costs in repairs and maintenance, and supervision and management, partially offset by higher interest income. The report also details the HRA capital programme and treasury management positions.

Artificial Intelligence Policy

The committee is scheduled to consider a draft Artificial Intelligence Standard Usage Policy. This policy, presented by Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Property and Customer Services, and developed by Joshua James, Transformation Programme Officer, aims to establish a framework for the responsible use of AI within the Council. The policy outlines core principles, governance, permitted and restricted uses, and requirements for accuracy, human oversight, and data security. It applies to all users of AI for Council-related purposes and complements existing policies on information governance and data protection.

Homelessness Reduction Action Plan and Local Outcomes Framework Targets

An update on the Homelessness Reduction Action Plan and Local Outcomes Framework Targets is also on the agenda. This report, presented by Councillor Andrew Woodman and authored by David Scruton, Housing Strategy and Systems Team Manager, outlines the Council's proposed targets for reducing homelessness, including a reduction in households with children in temporary accommodation and an increase in prevention and relief success rates. The report details the development of the action plan through partner consultation and addresses the requirement for a policy on the suitability of temporary accommodation. Financial implications are noted as being covered by existing budgets and grant funding.

Items for Inclusion in the Future Work Programme

Finally, the committee will consider items for inclusion in its future work programme. This will involve reviewing the plan of forthcoming Cabinet decisions and the current work programme to identify potential topics for future scrutiny.