The Cabinet of Leicestershire Council met on Tuesday 03 February 2026 to discuss a range of important strategic issues. Key topics included the provisional Medium Term Financial Strategy for the next four years, a new School Places Strategy for 2026 to 2031, and a Climate Resilience Delivery Plan. The Cabinet was also scheduled to consider a Statement of Common Ground relating to housing distribution across Leicester and Leicestershire.

Provisional Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 to 2029/30

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the provisional Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the period 2026/27 to 2029/30. This strategy is a rolling financial plan that is updated annually and aims to provide a basis for the planning of services over the next four years. The report highlighted that the council has faced significant financial challenges for a number of years due to austerity measures and increased spending pressures, particularly in social care and special educational needs, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and inflation. The MTFS is intended to align with the council's Strategic Plan, which outlines aspirations for Leicestershire through five strategic outcomes: a clean, green future; great communities; improving opportunities; strong economy, transport and infrastructure; and keeping people safe and well. The report noted that a supplementary report detailing the final MTFS proposals was being prepared.

School Places Strategy 2026 to 2031

A key item on the agenda was the School Places Strategy for 2026 to 2031. The report detailed the outcome of a consultation on the draft strategy and sought approval for its adoption. The strategy outlines how the council will fulfil its statutory duty to ensure sufficient high-quality school places across all phases, including mainstream, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and alternative provision. It addresses the background, principles, and challenges of delivering school places in Leicestershire, informed by demographic trends and predicted housing growth. The strategy also sets out the council's approach to planning, commissioning, and funding school places, including plans for school reorganisation where necessary. The report highlighted that a School Places Delivery Plan would be developed to support the strategy's implementation.

Children and Family Services Departmental Plan 2026-2029

The Cabinet was asked to approve the Children and Family Services Departmental Plan for 2026 to 2029. This plan sets out the high-level priorities for the department over the next three years, building on the work of the previous plan. It is intended to fulfil statutory duties and provide a framework for the department's vision, planning, commissioning, and delivery of services. The plan is aligned with the County Council's Strategic Plan, specifically contributing to the Safe and Well and Improved Opportunities strategic outcomes. It also aligns with partnership plans, including the Leicestershire Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy and priorities of the Leicestershire Children and Families Partnership plan. The department has identified three ambitions: Build Strong Foundations, Be Safe and Belong, and Enjoy and Achieve, with nine associated priorities to drive improved outcomes for children, young people, and families.

Climate Resilience Delivery Plan

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the Climate Resilience Delivery Plan. This plan, previously known as the Net Zero Action Plans, has shifted its focus from carbon reduction to climate adaptation and responding to severe weather events. It also includes projects that deliver financial savings or additional social, economic, or environmental benefits. The plan incorporates actions related to flood mitigation and climate adaptation and resilience, as previously agreed by the Cabinet. The report noted that annual reporting on the Delivery Plan's progress would be included in the Environmental Performance and Progress Report.

Leicester and Leicestershire Authorities – Statement of Common Ground relating to Housing Distribution

A significant item on the agenda was the Statement of Common Ground (SoCG) relating to housing distribution, prepared by the Leicester and Leicestershire local authorities. The Cabinet was asked to approve the County Council becoming a signatory to this statement. The SoCG addresses key strategic matters including the Duty to Cooperate, housing needs to 2046 under the new Standard Method published in December 2024, unmet housing need, and its apportionment. This statement is intended to support the submission of Local Plans by Blaby District Council, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, and Oadby and Wigston Borough Council by the December 2026 deadline. The report highlighted the long track record of joint working on cross-boundary strategic matters across Leicester and Leicestershire. The SoCG is supported by evidence from the Updated Housing Distribution Paper, which recalculates Leicester City's unmet housing need. The document also noted that the Government intends to repeal the Duty to Cooperate, but effective joint working will remain important.