The Cabinet of Leicestershire County Council met on Tuesday 24 March 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the proposed highways and transportation capital programme, strategies for enabling travel choice, and the future of school term dates. The meeting also covered the transfer of the East Midlands Freeport's accountable body role, the 'Belonging in Education' strategy, the Domestic Abuse Reduction Strategy, and the draft Leicestershire Carers Strategy.

Environment and Transport 2026/27 Highways and Transportation Capital Programme and Works Programme

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the Environment and Transport Department's proposed Highways and Transportation Capital Programme and Works Programme for 2026/27. These programmes have been developed within the financial parameters set by the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2026/27 to 2029/30. The report highlighted the challenging financial context in which these programmes are being developed and delivered, noting that current funding levels are insufficient to meet current and future needs of the county's transport infrastructure. The report also mentioned the submission of the draft Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) to the Department for Transport (DfT).

Key areas of planned expenditure included major schemes such as the Zouch Bridge Replacement, Melton Depot Replacement, and Market Harborough Improvements. Minor schemes and other works encompassed areas like Local Authority Bus Grant funding, Property Flood Risk Alleviation, Safety Schemes, and Active Travel Improvements. A significant portion of the budget was allocated to Transport Asset Management, covering maintenance of roads, footways, bridges, and street lighting. The report also detailed the funding allocations from the DfT, noting that while consolidated funding is welcomed, it is insufficient to address the overall decline of Leicestershire's existing highways assets.

Delivering the Local Transport Plan (LTP4) 2025-2040 - Enabling Travel Choice Strategy

The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss the Enabling Travel Choice Strategy (ETCS), a key component of the Council's Local Transport Plan (LTP4) 2025-2040. The report outlined the outcomes of an initial consultation aimed at informing the development of the ETCS, which seeks to enable people to make informed travel choices across all modes of transport. The strategy aims to understand the transport needs of existing communities and businesses, and to ensure that occupiers of new developments have genuine travel choices. The report detailed the findings of an initial nine-week consultation, The Big Travel Survey, which engaged with communities, businesses, and stakeholders. The survey results indicated that car/van is the predominant mode of transport, with public transport issues being the most significant barrier to accessing local services. The Cabinet was asked to approve the draft ETCS document for a twelve-week public consultation.

East Midlands Freeport: Change of Accountable Body and Governance Implications

The Cabinet was to consider the transfer of the Accountable Body role for the East Midlands Freeport (EMF) from Leicestershire County Council to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). This transfer is a directive from the Government following EMCCA's establishment as a Mayoral Strategic Authority. The report outlined the implications for governance, assurance, and voting rights, noting that EMCCA's preferred position is to hold both Accountable Body and Founding Member status. The County Council proposed an additional vote for Leicestershire representatives to balance potential voting imbalances arising from this change. The transfer was scheduled to be effective from 1 April 2026.

Leicestershire School Term Dates Autumn 2027 to Summer 2032

The Cabinet was asked to approve a consultation on three potential models for Leicestershire school term and holiday dates covering the period from autumn 2027 to summer 2032. The Education Act 2002 places a statutory obligation on the County Council to determine the number of school days schools must open. The current traditional Leicestershire pattern, with an early July finish, is popular with many parents for financial reasons, but can cause issues for families with children in different schools or for teachers. The proposed models aim to balance term lengths and address concerns about learning loss and childcare costs during longer summer breaks. Model 1, the Council's preferred option, includes an early autumn start, a two-week autumn half-term, more balanced terms, and a slightly shorter and earlier summer break.

'Belonging in Education' Strategy 2026-2029

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the 'Belonging in Education' Strategy, which aims to ensure all children and young people in Leicestershire feel a strong sense of belonging in their school and community. Developed collaboratively with schools, parents, and partners, the strategy identifies four key priority areas: ensuring every child has a sense of belonging, building relationships as foundations, fostering autonomy, and equipping schools to support when belonging breaks down. The strategy aligns with the Department for Education's White Paper, 'Every Child Achieving and Thriving,' and aims to improve academic achievement, social-emotional development, and attendance. The Cabinet was asked to approve the draft strategy for consultation.

Domestic Abuse Reduction Strategy 2026–2029: Permission to Consult

The Cabinet was to consider the draft Leicestershire Domestic Abuse Reduction Strategy 2026–2029. Developed following a comprehensive needs assessment and extensive engagement with survivors and partners, the strategy outlines four priorities: improving data quality and information sharing, early intervention and prevention, targeted support and safe accommodation, and strong partnerships. The report highlighted the statutory duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, including the need to assess and commission support in safe accommodation and recognise children as victims. The Cabinet was asked to approve the draft strategy for a twelve-week public and stakeholder consultation.

Draft Leicestershire Carers Strategy 2026-2030

The Cabinet was scheduled to review the draft Leicestershire Carers Strategy 2026-2030. This strategy aims to recognise, value, and support carers in Leicestershire. Developed through extensive engagement with over 300 carers, the draft strategy identifies three key priorities: ensuring carers are recognised, valued, and listened to; providing accurate, timely, and relevant information and advice; and supporting carers' wellbeing and access to services. The report detailed the findings from engagement activities, including the need for recognition, respite, tackling isolation, easier access to services, and support for young carers. The Cabinet was asked to approve the draft strategy for consultation.

A511 Growth Corridor - Approval to Undertake Pre-Commencement Works and Submit the Full Business Case

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the A511 Growth Corridor project, which is described as a major road network growth corridor. This item was marked as exempt under Paragraphs 3 and 10 of Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, meaning that the public and press would likely be excluded from this part of the meeting. The report indicated that approval was sought to undertake pre-commencement works and submit a full business case.

Local Government Reorganisation - Response to Consultation

This item, also marked as exempt under Paragraphs 3 and 10 of Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, concerned the Council's response to the consultation on local government reorganisation. The Cabinet was expected to consider and potentially approve the Council's formal response to this consultation.