The Scrutiny Commission of Hinckley and Bosworth Council met on Thursday 12 March 2026 to discuss a range of important policy updates and strategic plans. Key decisions included the endorsement of the Economic Regeneration Strategy 2026-2029, the Young People's Strategy 2026-2029, and several updated housing policies covering tenancy, anti-social behaviour, decants, mutual exchanges, aids and adaptations, fraud, compensation, repairs, damp and mould, and asbestos management. The Commission also reviewed progress on recommendations from a 2022 planning service review and noted updates on affordable housing delivery and pesticide and grassland management.

Pesticides and Grassland Review

The Commission was updated on progress regarding the Climate Change and Biodiversity Strategy's action to review pesticide use. It was confirmed that the council only treats weeds on its own land, including housing land, sheltered schemes, and industrial estates. While a hot foam weed treatment trial was found to be resource-intensive and unsustainable, the council is exploring options for an interactive map on its website to display treatment schedules and plans to publish a notice in the tenants' newsletter to improve public awareness. The Commission endorsed the current measures to reduce pesticide use, noted initiatives to increase biodiversity in grassland mowing regimes, and supported an annual review of pesticide use. A bid for a £10,000 capital budget in 2026/27 for a new mechanical weed ripper was also endorsed.

Parish & Community Initiative Fund

The Commission considered the allocation of the Parish and Community Initiative Fund and the Community Equipment Grant for 2026/27. Officers indicated that applicants were familiar with the application process and reported no difficulties. The Community Equipment Grant process was noted as being a lighter touch, reflected in the number of applications received. The report was noted, and officers were thanked for their efforts.

Affordable Housing Annual Report

Members received an update on the delivery of affordable housing in the borough. It was highlighted that a national initiative aims to involve registered housing providers earlier in the planning process to prevent situations where planning permission is granted but a registered provider cannot be secured. The Commission requested a breakdown of housing types, and it was noted that officers work with housing allocations staff to ensure the types of houses being built meet demand, with a particular housing type being regularly requested. Affordable housing providers must be registered with Homes England, and officers are collaborating with charitable providers to explore using Section 106 monies to reduce homelessness. The Commission noted the report and endorsed the positive delivery of affordable housing completions and permissions, which have exceeded the core strategy targets.

Economic Regeneration Strategy 2026/30

The Economic Regeneration Strategy 2026-2029 was presented for consideration. The Commission endorsed the strategy and noted the key achievements from the previous Economic Regeneration Strategy 2021-2025.

Young People Strategy

The Young People's Strategy 2026-2029 was presented, with members discussing the importance of work experience and volunteering for young people seeking employment. Concerns were raised about engaging young people not in formal education and the need to expand the council's business partnerships to offer more employment opportunities and support. Members thanked officers for their work on the strategy and their ongoing support for young people. The Commission endorsed the strategy and noted the achievements of the current Young People's Strategy 2023-2026, as well as the work undertaken across the council in relation to young people.

Review of Recommendations of Planning Service Review

Members received an update on the progress made following the 2022 planning service review. The Commission highlighted lessons learned, including the importance of early issue identification, workload monitoring, understanding the impact of appeals, and addressing member behaviour. Officers were congratulated on the actions taken, resulting in a stable and professional team with strong leadership. The Commission noted the positive outcomes against the review's recommendations and the ongoing positive direction of the planning service.

Council Housing Land Strategy (HRA)

The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Land Strategy was presented, outlining the process for identifying sites for sale or development. It was noted that a Right to Buy policy would be presented at a future meeting. The Commission noted and endorsed the Council Housing Land Strategy.

Tenancy Policy

The Commission considered the Tenancy Policy, which details the council's approach to managing its housing stock, determining tenancy types, and ensuring compliance with legislation. It was noted that the policy consolidates previous documents into a single document. Members welcomed the involvement of tenants in its development and endorsed the policy, also noting the proposed tenant engagement and communication plan.

ASB Policy

The updated Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy was presented, reflecting current legislation. Members expressed satisfaction that the policy differentiates between ASB caused by tenants and non-tenants. The report was noted, and the updated ASB Policy was endorsed.

Decant and Mutual Exchange Policies

The Commission considered the Decant Policy and the Mutual Exchange Policy, both of which have been developed with tenant feedback. It was clarified that a decant is a temporary move, although tenants may request to remain in the new property. The Mutual Exchange Policy is advertised to tenants, while the Decant Policy is communicated when relevant. A statutory formula exists for calculating compensation for home loss, and there are occasions where tenants may need to surrender and resume their tenancy. The Commission endorsed both the Decant Policy and the Mutual Exchange Policy.

Housing Aids and Adaptations Policy

The Aids and Adaptations Policy was presented. It was reported that some officers are undergoing training to become Trusted Assessors for minor adaptations, which will free up occupational therapy services to focus on larger adaptations and expedite hospital discharge times. The Commission endorsed the Aids and Adaptations Policy and noted the training of key staff to Trusted Assessor status.

Housing Fraud and Compensation Policies

Members reviewed the Tenancy Fraud Policy and the Compensation Policy. The focus of the Tenancy Fraud Policy is on prevention rather than enforcement, with checks conducted at all stages of tenancy processes. Members were informed that they receive updates via the council's website, tenants' newsletter, and monthly events. The Commission requested that the tenants' newsletters be shared with members. Both the Tenancy Fraud Policy and the Compensation Policy were endorsed, and the tenants' newsletter will be shared with members.

Housing Repairs Policies

The Housing Repairs Policy, Damp and Mould Policy, and Asbestos Management Policy were presented. Members welcomed the inclusion of target response times in the policies. Regarding the Damp and Mould Policy, it was noted that emphasis is placed on education, with both Tenancy Management and Housing Repairs officers able to provide advice on prevention. Members expressed satisfaction with the tenant involvement in the creation of these housing repairs policies. The Housing Repairs Policy, Damp and Mould Policy, and Asbestos Management Policy were all endorsed.