The Cabinet of Leicestershire County Council met on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, to discuss several key strategic plans and policy updates. Scheduled topics included proposals for Leicestershire's school term dates for the next five academic years, the Youth Justice Strategic Plan for 2026-2027, and the Investing in Leicestershire Programme's Rural Estate Strategy for 2026-2036. The meeting also covered the new plan-making system and the potential for a joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan with Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council, the allocation of the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, and the proposed dates for Council meetings in 2027/28 and 2028/29.

Leicestershire School Term Dates Autumn 2027 to Summer 2032

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider two potential models for Leicestershire's school term and holiday dates for the academic years between autumn 2027 and summer 2032. The Education Act 2002 places a statutory obligation on the County Council to determine the number of school days that maintained schools must be open, ensuring at least 190 days per year. The report indicated that a public consultation would be undertaken on these proposed models to inform a recommended approach. The traditional Leicestershire pattern, which includes an early July finish to the school year, was noted as being popular with families. Two models were presented for consultation, both retaining the early summer break, with Model 1 featuring a one-week autumn half-term and Model 2 proposing an earlier return to school in August to accommodate a two-week autumn half-term. The consultation was scheduled to run for six weeks, commencing on 5 May 2026.

Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2026-2027

A report was presented seeking approval for the submission of the Leicestershire Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2026-2027 to the County Council. This plan is a statutory requirement under section 40 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and is linked to the release of the Youth Justice Grant from the Ministry of Justice. The plan reflects on the progress of the previous 2023-26 plan and sets out strategic priorities for the forthcoming year. The report highlighted that the plan is a one-year strategy due to anticipated reforms in the youth justice sector. Key priorities for 2026/27 were outlined as improving education, employment, and training outcomes for children; strengthening children's health and wellbeing; improving support for victims; enhancing prevention pathways for children at risk of entering the criminal justice system; and ensuring a coordinated response for children at the highest risk of harm, exploitation, or serious violence. The plan also emphasised a commitment to reducing the disproportionate representation of certain groups within the youth justice system.

Investing in Leicestershire Programme Rural Estate Strategy 2026-2036

The Cabinet was asked to approve the Investing in Leicestershire Programme (IiLP) Rural Estate Strategy 2026-2036. This strategy outlines the proposed future vision, ambitions, and objectives for the management and development of the Council's rural estate over the next decade. The strategy aims to create a rural estate that supports thriving rural businesses, the rural economy, and local communities, while contributing to the Council's strategic objectives and delivering ongoing financial benefits. The report detailed the current structure of the estate, its financial and non-financial performance, and identified opportunities and challenges. Key ambitions included retaining a core estate of farms to support new entrants and existing tenants, realising the estate's potential for financial benefits to support service provision, increasing its contribution to the Council's Strategic Plan, and strengthening partnerships. The strategy also proposed restructuring the estate to maximise its potential, including the disposal of uneconomic holdings and reinvestment in core units and development opportunities.

The New Plan-Making System and a Joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan with Rutland County Council and Leicester City Council

The Cabinet was advised on the implications of the new plan-making system for England, which requires Leicestershire County Council, as the Minerals and Waste Planning Authority, to prepare a new Minerals and Waste Local Plan (M&WLP) before the end of 2026. The report sought approval in principle for Leicestershire County Council to collaborate with Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council to prepare a joint M&WLP across the three authority areas. This joint approach was considered sensible due to the strategic nature of minerals and waste issues, which often cross local authority boundaries. It was also seen as a way to mitigate uncertainty related to the upcoming local government reorganisation and to share resources. The new system mandates a 30-month timeframe for plan preparation, examination, and adoption, with a requirement to publish an Intention to Commence by 31 December 2026.

Crisis and Resilience Fund 2026-2029

The Cabinet was informed about the new government grant, the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which will support residents in Leicestershire from April 2026 to March 2029. This three-year programme replaces previous schemes like the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments, with an emphasis on long-term financial resilience. The report outlined the delivery plan, which includes crisis payments for immediate financial needs, housing payments (delivered by district councils in Years 1 and 2, and the new unitary authority in Year 3), resilience support such as debt advice and budgeting, and community coordination to ensure a streamlined route to help. Leicestershire County Council is set to receive £16.9 million over three years, with an additional £222,102 for Year 1 to support households using heating oil. The expenditure profile is expected to shift from crisis support towards resilience building over the three-year period.

Dates of Council Meetings in 2027/28 and 2028/29

The Cabinet was asked to recommend dates for Council meetings for the next two municipal years to the County Council. This is a requirement under the Local Government Act 1972 and the Council's Standing Orders. The proposed dates included a budget meeting in February and an Annual Meeting in May for both 2027 and 2028, along with several other general business meetings throughout each year. The report noted that Local Government Reorganisation might affect this timetable.