The Cabinet of Leicestershire County Council met on Tuesday 28 April 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the future of school term dates, the Youth Justice Strategic Plan, and a new strategy for the council's rural estate. Other key topics included plans for a joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan, the allocation of a new Crisis and Resilience Fund, and the scheduling of future council meetings.

Leicestershire School Term Dates, Autumn 2027 to Summer 2032

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider proposals for Leicestershire's school term and holiday dates for the academic years between Autumn 2027 and Summer 2032. The report presented two potential models for consultation, both aiming to retain the traditional early July finish to the school year, which is popular with local families. Model 1 was designed to maintain the historic pattern with a one-week autumn half-term, while Model 2 proposed an earlier return to school in August to accommodate a two-week autumn half-term. The aim of these proposals is to ensure a balanced distribution of school days across terms and to address concerns such as the impact of long summer breaks on child protection referrals and learning loss. The report noted that while Leicestershire County Council had collaborated with Leicester City Council on these proposals, the specific models for consultation differed slightly between the two authorities. The Cabinet was recommended to approve a consultation on these two models, with a further report to be presented in September 2026 following the consultation period.

Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2026-2027

A key item on the agenda was the proposed Leicestershire Youth Justice Strategic Plan for 2026-2027. This plan is a statutory requirement under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and is linked to the release of the Youth Justice Grant from the Ministry of Justice. The report highlighted that the plan would be for one year due to anticipated reforms in the youth justice sector. The strategic priorities for 2026-27 were outlined as: improving education, employment, and training outcomes for young people; 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, such as looked-after children and ethnic minority children, within the youth justice system. The report detailed the strong performance of the Leicestershire Youth Justice Service, noting low levels of first-time entrants, long-term reoffending, and minimal use of remand and custody.

Investing in Leicestershire Programme Rural Estate Strategy 2026-2036

The Cabinet was asked to approve the Investing in Leicestershire Programme (IiLP) Rural Estate Strategy for 2026-2036. This strategy sets out the vision, ambitions, and objectives for the management and development of the Council's rural estate over the next decade. The vision aims to create a rural estate that supports thriving rural businesses, the local economy, and communities, while contributing to the Council's strategic objectives and delivering financial benefits. The strategy acknowledged opportunities such as restructuring estate clusters, improving farm buildings, and generating income from environmental schemes, alongside challenges like market volatility, high maintenance costs, and tenant engagement. Key ambitions included retaining a core estate of viable farms, realising the estate's potential for financial benefits, increasing its contribution to the Council's strategic plan, and strengthening partnerships. The strategy proposed a restructuring of the estate to create starter and progression holdings, with a focus on self-financing and market-rate returns. Consultation with tenants and stakeholders had indicated support for the strategy's vision and ambitions, with an emphasis on improved communication, support for new entrants, and environmental improvements.

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 local authorities to prepare new Minerals and Waste Local Plans (M&WLPs) by the end of 2026. The report recommended approval in principle for Leicestershire County Council to collaborate with Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council to prepare a joint M&WLP for the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland area. 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 risks associated with the upcoming local government reorganisation and to share resources and achieve cost efficiencies. The new system mandates a 30-month timeframe for plan preparation, examination, and adoption, presenting a significant challenge, particularly when combined with the uncertainties of local government reorganisation. Further reports would be presented to the Cabinet on the proposed governance, resourcing, and timetable arrangements for the joint plan.

Crisis and Resilience Fund 2026-2029

The Cabinet was informed about the new government grant, the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which will run 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. Leicestershire County Council is set to receive £16.9 million over three years, with an additional allocation for oil-heated households. The delivery plan outlined a single front-door service for residents seeking crisis support, with a focus on cash-first payments and timely, needs-based assessments. The fund will also provide housing payments (delivered by district councils in Years 1 and 2, and the new unitary authority in Year 3), resilience support through contracted external organisations, and community coordination to ensure a joined-up approach to help. 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

Finally, the Cabinet was asked to recommend dates for future County Council meetings for the municipal years 2027/28 and 2028/29. This recommendation is a statutory requirement under the Local Government Act 1972 and the Council's Standing Orders. The proposed dates included meetings for budget considerations and annual meetings, with a note that local government reorganisation might affect the final timetable.