The Finance and Performance Scrutiny Committee of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council met on Monday 16 March 2026 to review various financial and performance reports. Key discussions included the performance of Environmental Services, updates on the Performance and Risk Management Framework for Quarters 2 and 3 of 2025/26, and reports on Business Rates and Sundry Debts for the same periods. The committee also received an update on Treasury Management activities for Quarter 3 of 2025/26 and reviewed the Finance & Performance Scrutiny Work Programme.

Frontline Service Review - Environmental Health

Members received an update on the performance of the Environmental Services Team during the 2024/25 financial year. The team, comprising approximately 12 staff, delivers a range of statutory services, some of which are chargeable. It was noted that Environmental Services collaborates with other departments, particularly in handling 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.

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 response times for complaints had not met targets in the third quarter, and this issue was being addressed by senior management. A new method for reporting performance is being developed for the upcoming financial year. Regarding debt over 90 days, a member suggested focusing on long-standing debts rather than temporary late repayments and sought clarification on the percentages presented in the report. Discussions also touched upon the nature of complaints, distinguishing between reasonable and unreasonable ones, 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 update reports for the second and third quarters of 2025-2026. These reports provide an update on business rates performance and pooling arrangements. The reports were noted.

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 raised about the high level of debt related to homelessness. Members were reminded that due to the nature of this debt, full recovery is not always feasible or appropriate, reflecting the council's proactive approach to preventing homelessness. The reports were noted.

Treasury Management Quarter 3 2025/26

Members were informed about the council's treasury management activities during the third quarter of 2025/26. It was forecast that interest rates were unlikely to decrease. In response to a question, it was clarified that the 20 properties mentioned in the report were acquired to reduce the costs associated with temporary accommodation for those experiencing homelessness. 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 for the next meeting. The work programme was noted.