The Council of Hinckley and Bosworth met on Tuesday 14 April 2026, discussing a range of important local issues. Key decisions included the approval of the Year of Reading initiative for 2026, the disposal of land at Harrowbrook Industrial Estate, and a strong stance against proposals to merge local police forces.

Year of Reading Initiative Approved

The council unanimously approved the motion to support the national Year of Reading in 2026. This initiative, championed by Councillor R Webber-Jones, aims to improve literacy outcomes for early years children, boys aged 10 to 16, and disadvantaged communities. The council pledged to champion reading across the borough, sign a national pledge, work with local partners, and deliver a programme of activities. These activities will include a borough-wide story writing competition, a book exchange at the Snapdragon festival, and tailored reading opportunities for those in temporary accommodation or facing cost of living pressures. An amendment was accepted to acknowledge the work of the National Literacy Trust and Her Majesty The Queen's long-standing interest in literacy.

The Cock Inn, Sibson

A petition with 2,637 signatures was presented by Councillor MJ Surtees, calling for the urgent restoration of the Grade II listed pub, The Cock Inn, in Sibson, by its owners, Star Pubs and Bars (Heineken UK). Councillor SL Bray, Leader of the Council, confirmed that officers have been in ongoing communication with Star Pubs and Bars. A recent meeting with the owners' professional team, including an architect and structural engineer, was described as positive, and the council is awaiting confirmation of their repair plans and timescales. Councillor Bray stated that if refurbishment plans are not forthcoming, officers will consider using enforcement powers. He also noted that this was the first time Councillor Surtees had brought this issue to the council chamber during her tenure.

Local Plan - Norton Juxta Twycross

Councillor SL Bray announced that he had requested officers remove the proposed new settlement at Norton Heath, near Norton Juxta Twycross, from the emerging Local Plan. This site, put forward by developers for up to 10,000 dwellings, was withdrawn following a review of responses from local residents and statutory consultees, as well as changes to proposed boundaries and the developing evidence base. The Local Plan will now proceed to the Regulation 19 consultation stage. Councillor RG Allen questioned when confirmation or consultation would occur regarding the reallocation of the housing numbers previously destined for Norton Heath.

Proposed Freehold Disposal of Plot 22 Harrowbrook Industrial Estate

The council approved the freehold disposal of Plot 22 at Harrowbrook Industrial Estate for £250,000. The report indicated that the building is old, with an asbestos roof and minimal insulation, making it difficult to re-lease at a reasonable figure. The disposal is expected to result in a capital receipt of £203,288. Councillor KWP Lynch, Executive Member for Finance, proposed the recommendation, noting that the sale would bring in more than the building itself. The decision aligns with the council's objectives to promote economic development and support local businesses.

Police Force Mergers Opposed

The council resolved to oppose any proposals to merge local police forces into regional or national entities. They called on the government to prioritise increased funding for community policing teams, national standards for vetting and technology upgrades, and enhanced rural crime support. A letter will be sent to the Home Secretary expressing this opposition. An amendment proposed by Councillor C Harris, seeking clarity on the evidence base and financial case for mergers, was debated but ultimately lost.

NHS Day Case Centre Concerns

A motion expressing deep concern over the potential cancellation of the new NHS day case centre proposed in Hinckley was carried. The council resolved to request the Integrated Care Board (ICB) urgently reconsider its position, explore the potential for an urgent care centre on the former community hospital site, and request an urgent meeting with ICB executives. The motion also called upon the Member of Parliament for Hinckley and Bosworth to issue an apology to the council and its Leader for what were described as misleading statements. Councillor SL Bray highlighted the council's support for NHS colleagues, including a £22m investment in a new diagnostic centre and hosting new physio and occupational health facilities.

Article 4 Direction on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

Councillor SL Bray announced his intention to propose the adoption of an Article 4 Direction to provide greater planning control over the location of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Hinckley. This follows a public consultation where a range of views were expressed, including concerns about the concentration of HMOs and their impact on neighbourhoods, as well as the need to maintain housing choice. He also confirmed he had written to the Home Secretary demanding a pause on asylum placements in the borough due to housing pressures and community cohesion concerns. Councillor Bray stressed that HMOs are an essential type of housing for local people.

The Bull Inn, Witherley

The council is continuing to monitor The Bull Inn pub in Witherley, which has been closed since 2022 following fire damage. Officers have been liaising with Historic England and developing a site brief to market the property, aiming to find a new buyer and bring the site back into use as a key gateway development for the borough. Recent enforcement action successfully removed a temporary HGV storage and sales business from the site.

Witherley Playing Fields and Defibrillators

Agreements have been reached to lease playgrounds in Ratcliffe Culey and Fenny Drayton, ensuring their continued availability for local families. The council has also taken ownership of four community defibrillators in Witherley, Fenny Drayton, Atterton, and Ratcliffe Culey. This action was taken to provide reassurance to the community and ensure no interruption to these important local facilities, with the council working to support Witherley Parish Council.

Food Waste Recycling

In response to a question from Councillor C Allen, Councillor L Hodgkins, Executive Member for Streetscene Services, confirmed that the Medium Term Financial Strategy, agreed in February 2026, covered the costs of the food waste recycling initiative. While government funding is not fully secured from 2027/28, a consultation on the financial settlement is expected. Initial data shows an increase in collected volumes in the northern area, and an update will be provided to councillors at the end of Quarter 1.

Identifying Savings and Income Streams

Councillor C Harris asked about the progress of identifying savings and additional income streams to ensure a balanced budget once reserves are exhausted. Councillor KWP Lynch, Executive Member for Finance, stated that the Medium Term Financial Strategy includes savings of approximately £2 million. Further proposals are being considered to save around £0.7 million on temporary accommodation costs. The timeline for presenting these proposals to Scrutiny and Council is expected to be early to mid-summer. Councillor Lynch also highlighted the impact of the government's financial settlement on the council's funding.

Local Government Reorganisation

Councillor SL Bray reported on the council's formal response to the government's consultation on local government reorganisation in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. The council's proposal advocates for a North, City, South approach, aiming for three financially sustainable councils. The council awaits the government's decision, expected in July.

Cost of Living Support

The council's welfare support service has assisted over 1,500 residents in the past year, helping them access entitlements and maximise income. The Warm Welcome spaces initiative provided 138 weekly sessions across the borough during winter, supported by 67 venues and 46 grants of £1,200 to voluntary and community organisations. The council is also working to ensure households using home heating oil are aware of available support, particularly in areas with a higher concentration of oil-reliant properties.

Neighbourhood Health Centre

Hinckley Health Centre has been confirmed as one of the first 27 neighbourhood health centres to be rolled out across England. This initiative aims to provide more joined-up care closer to people's homes. Council officers are playing a leading role in the steering group progressing the details of this plan and continuing discussions regarding the former hospital site.

Spring Events

The council is looking forward to hosting the annual St George's Day event on Saturday, 25 April, featuring Morris dancers, storytelling, children's crafts, and face painting. This event is part of a broader programme of activities designed to bring vibrancy to the town centre.

HRA Land Disposal - Warwick Close, Thornton

This item was withdrawn from the agenda and will not be considered at this meeting.

Mayor's Communications

Councillor REH Flemming, Mayor of the Borough of Hinckley and Bosworth, presented a long service award to Paul Farmer for 25 years of service to the council, starting as an assistant gardener gravedigger and progressing through various roles to his current position as community park kiosk attendant. He also updated the council on his recent civic and charity engagements, including the Girl's Guide 100th Years of Thanksgiving Day, the Myra Teen Tech event, his civic service at St John's Church, the Churches Together Walk of Witness, and his charity dinner, which raised £380. This was noted as his last full council meeting as Mayor before his handover.

Questions to Executive Members

• Leicestershire Police Funding: Councillor RG Allen asked about the council's position on a letter from Leicestershire Police alleging that the Planning department had refused funding requests. Councillor WJ Crooks, Executive Member for Planning, stated that the council's stance is consistent with other local planning authorities in Leicestershire, and the contributions sought by the Police do not currently meet the legal tests for Section 106 Agreements. The council is coordinating legal advice on behalf of five local authorities to assist the Police.
• Food Waste Recycling: Councillor C Allen inquired about the costs, government contributions, take-up rates, and volumes collected for the new food waste recycling service. Councillor L Hodgkins, Executive Member for Streetscene Services, provided details on the funding and initial collection data, promising quarterly updates.
• Identifying Savings: Councillor C Harris asked for the status of the project to identify savings and additional income streams. Councillor KWP Lynch, Executive Member for Finance, outlined the savings identified in the Medium Term Financial Strategy and ongoing work on temporary accommodation costs and capital flexibilities, with proposals expected in early to mid-summer.
• Norton Heath Proposals: Councillor RG Allen sought an update on the Norton Heath proposals in the draft local plan and confirmation of statutory consultee support. Councillor WJ Crooks stated that the Leader would address this in his position statement.