The Scrutiny Commission of Hinckley and Bosworth Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 7 May 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on policies related to domestic abuse, housing services, and the Right to Buy scheme, alongside an update on the voluntary and community sector and a review of community governance.

Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Policy and Procedure

A significant item on the agenda is the presentation of the Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Policy and Procedure for 2026-2029. This policy aims to provide a clear, consistent, and trauma-informed framework for staff to identify, respond to, and support tenants and residents experiencing domestic abuse or VAWG. The report highlights the ongoing prevalence of domestic abuse nationally and outlines the council's statutory responsibilities under legislation such as the Domestic Abuse Act 2021¹ and the Equality Act 2010². The policy has been developed with input from various council teams, including safeguarding, community safety, and housing, as well as tenants and residents with lived experience. The intention is for the policy to be supported by ongoing staff training.

Council Housing Service HRA Estates Services Policy

The commission is also set to consider the Council Housing Service HRA Estates Services Policy. This policy aims to establish a clear, consistent, and transparent framework for the delivery, management, and monitoring of estate-based services across the council's housing stock. These services include grounds maintenance, cleaning of communal areas, and management of shared facilities. The policy is intended to ensure clean, safe, and well-maintained environments, supporting resident wellbeing and legal compliance, including adherence to the Social Housing (Regulation) Act³ and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005⁴. Tenant feedback was incorporated during the development of this policy, with a workshop held on 24 February 2026.

Right to Buy Policy

The Right to Buy Policy is also scheduled for discussion, with the aim of seeking endorsement for its adoption. This policy is designed to manage the statutory Right to Buy scheme⁵ in a consistent, transparent, and legally compliant manner. It outlines the council's statutory duties, eligibility criteria for secure tenants under the Housing Act 1985⁶, and the process for administering the scheme. The policy also addresses fraud prevention, the calculation of discounts in accordance with statutory provisions, and property exemptions, such as those for elderly or disabled persons' dwellings. Post-sale conditions, including the repayment of discounts and the right of first refusal for the council, are also detailed.

Voluntary and Community Sector Commissioning Update

An update on the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) partnership arrangements and commissioning outcomes for 2024/25 is on the agenda. This report will highlight key achievements arising from the VCS partnership, which has been in place since 2013 to support the work of the VCS and its volunteers. It will also detail the outcomes of the VCS commissioning programme, including grants distributed through the 'Making a Difference' and 'Community Volunteering Fund'. The report will also cover the 'Warm Welcomes' project, which provided support to households during colder periods, and broader VCS partnership outcomes, including outreach hubs and events.

Community Governance Review – Final Recommendations

The commission will consider the final recommendations of the Community Governance Review for the unparished area of Hinckley. This review, undertaken in accordance with the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007⁷, proposes the creation of a town council for Hinckley. The recommendations include the style of the parish as a town, the name Hinckley Town Council, the division of the parish into four wards (Castle, Clarendon, De Montfort, and Trinity), and the council size of 20 councillors. The report outlines the reasons for these recommendations, stemming from a desire to address a perceived democratic deficit for Hinckley residents following local government reorganisation.

Overview & Scrutiny Statutory Guidance Action Plan

An action plan arising from the review of the overview and scrutiny statutory guidance will be presented for approval. This plan was developed following a self-assessment against the guidance produced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government⁸ and a subsequent member workshop. The action plan aims to enhance the effectiveness of the overview and scrutiny function within the council.

Forward Plan of Executive and Council Decisions

The latest forward plan of Executive and Council decisions will also be presented. This plan lists decisions to be taken by the Executive or Council within a specified period, identifying key decisions which require at least 28 days' notice.

Other items

The agenda also includes the Scrutiny Commission Work Programme and the Forward Plan of Executive and Council Decisions.