The Cabinet of North West Leicestershire Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 27 October 2026 to discuss a range of important financial, regeneration, and policy matters. Key topics on the agenda include the General Fund budget for 2027/28, an annual review of the District Wide Regeneration Framework, and the adoption of a new Artificial Intelligence Policy.

District Wide Regeneration Framework Annual Review

The Cabinet is set to consider the annual review of the District Wide Regeneration Framework. This framework outlines the Council's ambitious plan for economic regeneration across the district, aiming to improve the local economy, boost town centres, protect historical assets, and unlock new opportunities for communities. The report details progress on 38 regeneration projects, with 15 having been completed. Notable completed projects include improvements to Marlborough Square, the Belvoir Shopping Centre (which now houses the Customer Service Centre), and phase one of the Moira Furnace restoration. Priorities for 2026/27 include the regeneration of the Marlborough Centre, the creation of Stenson Square Gardens, and phase two of Moira Furnace. The report also highlights that two projects, the Former St John's Ambulance Site and Nottingham Road, currently lack allocated funding and will be considered in future budget cycles. The review will also address how the cumulative impact of the regeneration frameworks can be measured.

General Fund Budget Setting 2027/28 - Update One

An update on the General Fund budget for 2027/28 will be presented, providing a five-year outlook for the Council's financial planning. The report indicates that while the financial position is manageable for 2027/28 and 2028/29, a more challenging situation is anticipated from 2029/30 when transitional funding is expected to end, potentially creating an indicative savings requirement of approximately £3.9 million. The report outlines key variables affecting the budget, including the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, council tax and business rates performance, service cost pressures, and government grants. It also notes that General Fund reserves are forecast to reduce by £17 million by 31 March 2027, prompting a review to rationalise and strengthen their management. The Council is recommended to note the initial financial position, principal assumptions and risks, and endorse the commencement of work to develop savings and income proposals for the 2027/28 budget.

Artificial Intelligence Policy

The Cabinet is scheduled to consider the adoption of the Council's Artificial Intelligence Standard Usage Policy. This policy aims to establish a consistent framework for the responsible, secure, and effective use of AI across the Council. It addresses potential risks associated with AI, such as accuracy, bias, information governance, and accountability, while enabling potential productivity and service improvements. The policy applies to all employees, contractors, and third parties acting on behalf of the Council. Key controls include ensuring a named Council officer remains accountable for AI-assisted work, requiring outputs to be checked for accuracy and bias, and prohibiting the input of personal or confidential information into unapproved AI tools. The policy also outlines specific guidance for AI-assisted customer correspondence and recruitment processes, and requires that AI does not become the sole basis for decisions affecting individuals. The Corporate Scrutiny Committee has reviewed the draft policy and provided comments, which are included in the report.

Supplementary Estimates and Capital Approvals

The Cabinet will consider supplementary estimates and capital approvals. This includes a recommendation to approve the addition of a £0.182 million Rough Sleeping Grant to the General Fund Budget. Additionally, the report seeks approval to move £0.195 million from the development pool to the active programme for the installation of solar panels at the Ashby Leisure Centre. This project aims to install solar panels and other energy efficiency measures to benefit from a combined heat and power system.

Acquisitions and Disposals - Right to Buy Buyback Measham

A report concerning acquisitions and disposals will be presented, specifically focusing on the Right to Buy buyback in Measham. The proposal is to seek Cabinet approval to acquire a two-bedroom house at 14 Potters Way, Measham for £0.260 million. This property was previously sold under the Right to Buy scheme and is being repurchased to help mitigate the loss of council stock. The acquisition is intended to meet the district's need for two-bedroom housing and is supported by the property's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B. The report notes that as the property was sold by the Council in 2022, it is subject to a refund of 20% of the original discount if purchased before March 2027. The funding for this acquisition is proposed to be met from the Housing Supply budget within the Housing Revenue Account capital programme.

Award of Unit 4 Licences Contract

The Cabinet is being asked to approve the procurement and award of a Software as a Service (SaaS) licences contract for the continued operation of the Council's Unit 4 ERPx finance system. The current agreement expires on 16 December 2026. The proposed procurement will be conducted through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) G-Cloud framework. The report indicates that the annual costs are expected to increase by approximately £120,000 per year due to a change from a council-wide licensing model to a named-user model and the removal of previous contract discounts. The cost will be allocated 75% to the General Fund and 25% to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The Cabinet is recommended to approve the award of the contract, delegate authority to the Section 151 Officer to finalise the contract, and note the resulting budget pressure for 2026/27 and 2027/28.

The meeting will also address the confirmation of minutes from the previous meeting held on 22 September 2026. Items concerning the award of a contract for a security guard at the Customer Centre and investment property leasehold disposals are scheduled to be discussed with the press and public excluded due to the likely disclosure of exempt or confidential information.