The Executive of Hinckley and Bosworth Council met on Wednesday 25 March 2026 to approve several key strategies and policies. Decisions included endorsing the Economic Regeneration Strategy 2026-2029, approving the Young People's Strategy 2026-2029, and adopting a suite of updated housing policies. The meeting also addressed environmental initiatives, including new pesticide and grassland management policies, and the council's first Biodiversity Duty Report.

Pesticides and Grassland Review

The council noted current measures to reduce pesticide use and approved a £10,000 capital budget for a new mechanical weed ripper for a pedestrian sweeper. Members also noted current grass cutting regimes and initiatives to increase biodiversity. Officers will review pesticide use annually to ensure progress towards minimisation and eradication, incorporating best practices and exploring pesticide-free techniques. The council reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable land management and the health of its communities and ecosystems through these reviews.

Economic Regeneration Strategy 2026-2029

The Economic Regeneration Strategy for 2026-2029 was endorsed by the Executive. This strategy outlines the vision, key statistics, and aims around the themes of people, places, and prosperity, aligning with the corporate plan. The strategy incorporates climate change considerations and was developed following a six-week public consultation. Key achievements from the previous 2021-2025 strategy were also noted.

Biodiversity Duty Report

Members endorsed the council's first Biodiversity Duty Report, which details actions, performance, and future plans for meeting the strengthened biodiversity duty under the Environment Act 2021. The report highlights achievements in habitat enhancement, grassland management, tree planting, and community engagement. It also addresses Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) performance, noting a borough-wide net loss in habitat units despite gains in hedgerows, and outlines future actions to improve BNG governance and performance.

Leicester and Leicestershire Statement of Common Ground relating to housing needs

The council agreed to become a signatory to the Leicester and Leicestershire Statement of Common Ground relating to housing needs. This decision means the council will sign up to an additional 48 dwellings per annum, which is crucial for progressing the local plan under the current system. This figure is less than half of the 102 dwellings per annum previously agreed in the 2022 Statement of Common Ground. The decision acknowledges Leicester City's unmet housing need of approximately 9,618 dwellings from 2024 to 2045. The council's own standard method housing need has increased to 663 dwellings per annum, bringing the total proposed housing requirement to 711 dwellings per annum. This figure is consistent with recent public consultation on the emerging Local Plan.

Young People's Strategy 2026-2029

The Young People's Strategy 2026-2029 was approved, detailing the council's work with young people aged 11-19, and up to 25 for those with special educational needs or disabilities. The strategy, developed with input from 53 young people, focuses on five key themes: Employment, Empowerment, Enjoyment, Health and Wellbeing, and Safety. The council also endorsed the achievements of the current 2023-2026 strategy to date. All work will be delivered using existing resources.

Council Housing Land Strategy (HRA)

The Executive endorsed the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Land Strategy. This strategy outlines the council's approach to managing, utilising, and investing in HRA land assets to ensure effective management, increase housing supply, support environmental objectives, and enhance the quality of life for tenants. The strategy complements the council's housing and climate ambitions by enabling new affordable homes, supporting carbon reduction, and improving the utility of garage sites and car parks.

Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy

The council approved an updated Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy. This policy outlines the council's approach to tackling ASB and hate incidents, supporting victims, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, including the ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The policy has been updated following tenant feedback, with improvements to transparency, support for vulnerable victims, and prevention tools. All implementation costs will be met from existing resources.

Housing Policy Framework 2026

A suite of housing policies was approved and adopted, including the Tenancy Policy, Aids and Adaptations Policy, Housing Repairs and Maintenance Policy, Condensation, Damp and Mould Policy, Asbestos Management Policy, Tenancy Fraud Policy, Compensation and Reimbursement Policy, Decant Policy, and Mutual Exchange Policy. These policies have been refreshed to align with the Social Housing Regulation Act and strengthened Consumer Standards, with tenant involvement integral to their development. Delegated authority was given to the Director (Place Services) to make minor amendments as required by legislation. The council also committed to ongoing policy review and expanded tenant involvement mechanisms.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor SL Bray and closed at 7:08 pm.