The Scrutiny Commission met on Thursday 22 October 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including proposed changes to the council's constitution, the budget plan for 2027/28, and strategies for tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. The commission also reviewed the council's work programme and forward plan of executive decisions.

Review of the Council's Constitution

The commission considered proposed updates to the council's constitution, which included amendments to job titles and delegations arising from organisational restructuring, and updates to the terms of reference for the Audit Committee and the Ethical Governance and Personnel Committee. Significant changes were also proposed for the Planning Committee, aligning with new government legislation aimed at increasing home delivery through more consistent decision-making processes. These reforms introduce a new scheme of delegation for planning applications, categorising them into those delegated to officers and those that could be determined by committee if they pass a gateway test. This test will be undertaken by a nominated officer and member. The commission recommended these amendments to the council.

Budget Plan 2027/28

Ashley Wilson presented the budget plan for 2027/28, highlighting significant financial pressures facing local government, particularly district councils. Uncertainty surrounding local government reorganisation and a lack of clarity on government funding settlements were key concerns. The plan detailed a historical decrease in government funding, leading to increased reliance on council tax and local business rates. Ashley Wilson outlined projected shortfalls in core spending power due to inflation and unfunded pressures such as food waste collection and homelessness services. Despite these challenges, the council has maintained services and invested in its estate. The budget plan for 2027/28 anticipates pressures from the removal of a one-off grant, potential business rate reassessments, the ongoing cost of the food waste service, and an estimated 3.3% pay increase. The commission noted the budget plan for 2027/28.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy / Local Plan to End Homelessness 2026-2029

Sharon Stacey presented the draft homelessness and rough sleeping strategy for 2026-2029, developed in response to increasing demand, affordability pressures, and rising use of temporary accommodation. The strategy aligns with the government's national plan to end homelessness and focuses on six priorities: preventing homelessness earlier, making homelessness brief, ending rough sleeping, improving accommodation and housing supply, meeting complex and diverse needs, and working as one system through stronger partnerships. The commission noted the progress made in developing the strategy and the achievements of the previous strategy, as detailed in Appendix A of the report.

Rough Sleeping Programme Allocation 2026/27

Sharon Stacey also provided an update on the Rough Sleeping Programme Allocation for the financial year 2026/27. The council has been awarded over £100,000 in ring-fenced funding to be used for revenue or capital expenditure consistent with the programme's purpose. The funding will support prevention and early intervention, rapid re-support for people sleeping rough, short-term accommodation, and tenancy sustainment for those with complex needs. The commission noted the purpose and proposed use of the allocation, as well as a proposed £45,000 virement into the homelessness staffing budget from a previous grant. The commission recommended to Council the acceptance of the allocation, the establishment of supplementary budgets, and approval of the virement.

Temporary Accommodation - Supplementary Budget Request

Sharon Stacey presented an updated position on homelessness demand and the requirement for a net supplementary revenue budget of £247,850 for temporary accommodation in 2026/27. The financial pressure is unavoidable due to the council's statutory homelessness duties. The report detailed measures taken to reduce reliance on costly nightly paid accommodation, including acquiring family properties, utilising HRA stock, piloting a shared housing option for single applicants, and partnering with a homelessness charity. A £2.5 million capital programme has also been approved to acquire homes for single people. The commission noted the actions taken and the savings achieved, and recommended to Council the approval of the supplementary revenue budget requirement.

Housing Association (Registered Provider) Review: Scoping Report

The commission discussed the scoping report for a review into registered providers operating within Hinckley & Bosworth. The review aims to examine housing management practices and policies, which are of importance to residents. The commission agreed to invite registered providers to the December meeting to provide evidence. The discussion highlighted concerns regarding the delivery of affordable housing through planning policies, the management of void properties, and the effectiveness of registered providers in addressing anti-social behaviour and tenant engagement. The commission decided to focus the review on voids and re-let times, housing association nomination and allocation processes, and the management of anti-social behaviour. It was also agreed that the planning member working group would look at the relationship between registered providers and affordable housing provision.

Local Government Reorganisation Update

Sharon Stacey provided a verbal update on local government reorganisation. The pause announced on 7 September 2026, whilst the government reviewed LGR decisions, means the timetable for this review remains unclear. The government remains committed to devolution and establishing mayoral strategic authorities. The commission was informed that shadow elections are not expected to take place in May 2027, and preparations are underway for borough elections as normal. Most LGR workstreams across the 10 councils have been paused, but chief executives are continuing to meet to explore a working group around devolution and transformation opportunities. Three possible options are emerging: pushing ahead with LGR in areas of consensus, undertaking further work in areas where more support is needed, or withdrawing decisions in overly complicated areas. Leicestershire County Council has also launched its own legal challenge. The districts remain committed to devolution, but the city's pause in support for a mayoral strategic authority has created a lack of consensus. The districts are strongly advocating for involvement in devolution discussions, and a letter has been sent to Angela Rayner outlining the financial impact of the pause.

Minutes of Finance & Performance Scrutiny

Miriam commented that the Finance & Performance Scrutiny meeting had been a finance-based meeting, covering treasury management, the housing revenue account, sundry debts, and the finance management framework for 2026/27. She noted detailed discussions on homelessness. The commission noted the minutes of the Finance & Performance Scrutiny meeting.