The Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council met on 16 March 2026 to review various financial and performance reports. Key discussions included the performance of Environmental Health services, the council's risk management framework, business rates, sundry debts, and treasury management activities. The committee noted the reports presented, with some specific concerns raised regarding complaint response times and the level of homelessness debt.

Frontline Service Review - Environmental Health

Members received an update on the performance of the Environmental Services Team for the 2024/25 financial year. The committee was informed that the team comprises approximately 12 staff and delivers a mix of statutory and chargeable services. It was noted that Environmental Services collaborates with other council departments, particularly concerning complaints related to development projects. The committee requested that key performance indicators, including multi-year trends and workload data, be provided outside of the meeting. Members also requested that food hygiene ratings be included in future reports. The report was noted by the committee.

Performance & Risk Management Framework Quarters 2 and 3 - 2025/26

The committee reviewed the performance and risk management reports for the second and third quarters of the 2025/26 financial year. It was highlighted that complaint response times had not met targets in the third quarter, and this issue is being addressed by senior leadership. The council is developing a new approach to performance reporting for the upcoming financial year. Regarding debt over 90 days, a member suggested focusing on long-standing debts rather than temporary late payments and sought clarification on the percentages presented in the report. Discussions also touched upon the distinction between reasonable and unreasonable complaints, and the challenges posed by AI in complaint analysis. The reports were noted.

Business Rates & Pooling Update Quarters 2 and 3 - 2025-2026

The committee considered the business rates and pooling updates for the second and third quarters of 2025-2026. These reports provide an overview of business rates performance and the council's participation in the business rates pooling arrangement with other Leicestershire councils. The reports were noted by the committee.

Sundry Debts Quarter 2 and 3 - 2025-2026

The committee reviewed the sundry debts reports for the second and third quarters of 2025-2026. Concern was expressed regarding the significant level of debt attributed to homelessness. Members were reminded that, in line with the council's Anti-Poverty Strategy, it is not always appropriate or feasible to pursue full recovery of these debts, reflecting the council's proactive approach to preventing homelessness. The reports were noted.

Treasury Management Quarter 3 2025/26

The committee was updated on the council's treasury management activities during the third quarter of 2025/26. It was forecast that interest rates were unlikely to decrease significantly. In response to a question, it was clarified that the 20 properties mentioned in the report, intended to reduce temporary accommodation costs, are linked to homelessness initiatives. The report was noted.

Finance & Performance Scrutiny Work Programme

The committee discussed the Finance & Performance Scrutiny Work Programme for 2025/2026. It was noted that a review of overview and scrutiny work programmes might influence the programme to be presented at the next meeting. The work programme was noted.