This week in Hinckley and Bosworth:

Council Vows to Fight Government's Remote and Out of Touch Local Government Reorganisation

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council has declared its intention to challenge the government's decision to merge Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland into two new, larger unitary councils. Councillors overwhelmingly voted to oppose the reorganisation, arguing it will lead to increased council tax, a loss of local services, and a council that is remote and out of touch with the needs of its residents.

The decision, confirmed by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 16 July 2026, will see the creation of a Leicester Council and a Leicestershire & Rutland council. Councillor Stuart Bray, Leader of the Council, condemned the move as a stitch-up orchestrated by the failing Labour administration at Leicester and stated that the government lacks a mandate for such a significant change, as it was not included in their manifesto.

If you think a council that stretches from Hinkley to Oakham, from Markfield to Market Harborough, from Burbage to Botchesford, taking in Loughborough, Melton, Ashby, Colville along the route, is local, then you and I have clearly got a different idea of what local means, Councillor Bray argued. He warned that the process of equalising council tax across the new, larger authority would lead to a stark increase for residents in Hinckley and Bosworth, placing further pressure on households already struggling with rising costs.

The council's opposition is rooted in the belief that these larger authorities will be less responsive to local needs and will inevitably lead to cuts in discretionary services like parks, health initiatives, and community safety programmes. The most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents are expected to bear the brunt of these changes.

Honorary Alderman David Bill, a long-serving figure in local politics, spoke passionately in support of the motion, reflecting on the council's achievements since its creation in 1974. He highlighted successful projects such as The Crescent, the Hinkley Club, and the leisure centre, and praised the council's parks, housing, and street cleaning services. Mr. Bill lamented the potential destruction of what has been built over the years, warning against repeating past mistakes that have led to the dismantling of successful departments.

The council's Chief Executive has been instructed to seek urgent talks with other affected councils to explore grounds for challenging the government's decision and to formally notify the Prime Minister.

• What this means for you: This reorganisation could fundamentally change how local services are delivered and funded in Hinckley and Bosworth. Residents may face higher council tax bills and a reduced level of local control over decision-making, potentially impacting services they rely on.
• Find out more: Council meeting on 23 July 2026

Council to Review Housing Policies and Tackle Fraud Amidst Financial Scrutiny

The Executive committee is set to meet on Wednesday 29 July 2026, with a packed agenda focusing on crucial housing matters and the council's commitment to tackling fraud and managing risk. Key discussions will include updates on tenant satisfaction, the implementation of Awaab's Law, and strategies for reducing reliance on temporary accommodation.

Improving Tenant Lives and Housing Standards

The meeting will consider an updated Temporary Accommodation Policy[^5], designed to ensure that housing provided to homeless households is suitable, fairly allocated, and cost-effective. This comes as the council faces increasing demand for temporary housing, which carries significant operational, safeguarding, and financial risks.

Furthermore, an update on Awaab's Law[^13] will inform members of progress since its implementation in October 2025. This law aims to improve the safety and quality of social housing, with a focus on damp and mould. Phase 2, due in October 2026, will extend these requirements to a broader range of housing hazards, placing further pressure on repairs and housing management services. The Tenant Voice Strategy (2026-2029)[^6] will also be presented, outlining how tenant feedback will be used to shape housing services and ensure greater transparency.

Combating Fraud and Managing Risk

The council is also set to consider an updated Fraud Management Strategy & Action Plan[^1]. This strategy aims to protect public funds and promote a culture of accountability, with a target of achieving a minimum of Level 3 in fraud risk management maturity by March 2027. The Risk Management Policy[^3] will also be reviewed, ensuring that risks and opportunities are systematically considered in the council's decision-making processes.

• What this means for you: These discussions directly impact the quality and safety of your housing, particularly if you are a council tenant. The focus on fraud and risk management is crucial for ensuring that public money is used effectively and responsibly, safeguarding essential services.
• Find out more: Executive meeting on 29 July 2026

Other Matters

Planning Committee to Consider New Housing and Industrial Developments

The Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday 28 July 2026 to decide on several significant planning applications. These include proposals for new housing developments in Desford and Markfield, and the construction of an industrial and logistics unit in Hinckley. The committee will also receive an update on recent planning appeals.

• What this means for you: These decisions will influence the future landscape of the borough, impacting housing availability, local infrastructure, and potential employment opportunities.
• Find out more: Planning Committee meeting on 28 July 2026

This week in Hinckley and Bosworth:

Council Approves £2.5 Million for Temporary Accommodation to House Vulnerable Residents

The Council met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 and took a significant step towards addressing the growing homelessness crisis by approving a £2.5 million programme to acquire one-bedroom properties for temporary accommodation. This initiative aims to reduce the council's reliance on expensive nightly paid placements and provide more suitable and stable housing for single individuals and households experiencing homelessness.

Councillor MT Mullaney, Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety, highlighted the increasing pressure on temporary accommodation, particularly for single people. People often contact me when they are facing real uncertainty and pressure, particularly where the accommodation they are placed in affects their well-being, work, family life, and sense of stability, she stated. This programme will allow the council to purchase between 10 to 15 one-bedroom properties, offering a more dignified and secure environment than typical nightly paid options.

A revenue budget of up to £384,250 was also approved to manage these properties. The scheme is projected to generate annual savings of between £219,000 and £273,750, demonstrating a invest to save approach. Councillors welcomed the move, with Councillor MC Cartwright noting that acquiring assets is much better than paying for bed and breakfast accommodation. The properties will be managed under council terms and conditions, ensuring a higher standard of accommodation.

• What this means for you: This decision directly benefits individuals and families facing homelessness by providing them with safer, more stable temporary housing. It also represents a more financially responsible approach for the council, freeing up resources that can be reinvested in other essential services.
• Find out more: Council meeting on 14 July 2026

Local Plan Moves Forward for Public Consultation Amidst Housing Target Debates

The Council also approved the publication of the Hinckley and Bosworth Local Plan (proposed submission version) for public consultation. This crucial document sets out the council's strategy for delivering 15,687 dwellings and 65 hectares of employment land by 2045. Councillor WJ Crooks, Executive Member for Planning, emphasised the necessity of progressing the plan to ensure development is managed effectively and to prevent central government intervention.

However, the process was not without debate. An amendment proposed by Councillor C Lambert sought to remove a specific site allocation at Cliff Hill Farm, Markfield, from the draft plan, arguing that insufficient evidence supported its inclusion. Councillor Harris, the ward councillor for Markfield, described the site as a contentious conversation for quite some time. Despite these concerns, the amendment was defeated.

The broader challenges of meeting government-imposed housing targets were acknowledged by several councillors. Councillor Dr JR Moore described the plan as a shit sandwich, reflecting the difficult position the council is in, but ultimately supported it as the alternative would be a plan imposed by central government. Councillor SL Bray, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the pressure of these targets, stating, the government, he supports, the party he supports, has put in mandatory housing targets, which we have to hit across the whole borough. He also criticised the Conservative Party for their criticism of the council's lack of a local plan, noting their low attendance at the meeting.

• What this means for you: The Local Plan will guide future development in the borough, influencing where new homes and businesses are located. While the plan aims to ensure planned growth, the debate highlights the ongoing tension between local needs and national housing targets, which can lead to difficult decisions about land use and development.
• Find out more: Council meeting on 14 July 2026

Other Matters

The Ethical Governance and Personnel Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 14 July 2026 was cancelled.

This week in Hinckley and Bosworth:

Council Funds Secured for Community Projects, But Future Funding Uncertainties Remain

The Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 6 July 2026, reviewing the final spend of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). These funds, totalling over £850,000 for UKSPF and £120,000 for REPF in the 2025-26 financial year, have supported 20 and 10 projects respectively. Daniel Britton, who presented the update, confirmed that all allocated funds were spent, delivering tangible benefits across the borough. While many projects have concluded, some, like the Warm Spaces initiative, will continue with council core funding.

However, the committee also noted that this marks the final year of the UKSPF programme, with future allocations expected to decrease significantly. This raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of community initiatives that have relied on this funding.

The committee also reviewed the council's corporate performance indicators for 2025-26. Out of 53 indicators, 32 met their targets, with 14 falling within 15% of their target. Six indicators missed their targets by more than 15%. A significant corporate risk identified was the challenge of setting a balanced Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) due to financial pressures, reduced government support, and rising costs.

Councillor P Williams raised concerns about an increase in sickness absence, particularly stress-related absences. Sharon Stacey confirmed an increase, with a portion attributed to non-work-related issues, and assured the committee that absence is managed monthly by the Senior Leadership Team. The council also celebrated winning Apprentice Employer of the Year at the Leicestershire Employment Hub Awards, with 11 apprenticeships currently underway.

Business Rates Dissolution Impacts Council Funding

Ashley Wilson provided an update on business rates, reporting that the council was more or less spot on the budget for the year, with a small overall gain of £11,000. A significant point of discussion was the dissolution of the Leicestershire pool for 2026-27. This means the council will no longer receive a £1 million boost to its funding that had been part of its budget. Wilson noted that while the new arrangement might be simpler, it comes at a considerable cost to the council.

Housing Revenue Account Sees Significant Improvement in Rent Collection

Lois Hodgkins presented a report on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) rent performance for 2025-26, highlighting a substantial improvement in rent collection. Total rent arrears stood at just over £540,000 across 439 households, the lowest year-end arrears position in three years. Arrears have reduced by over £150,000 compared to March 2025. Rent collection achieved 98.58%, exceeding the target of 97%. This improvement was achieved despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures and an increasing number of tenants receiving Universal Credit. The success is attributed to a whole service approach to tenancy management, making rent collection a core responsibility for all tenancy management officers.

• What this means for you: The UKSPF funding has supported vital community projects, but the reduction in future funding could impact services. The council's financial performance and the dissolution of the business rates pool directly affect the council's budget, which in turn influences the services it can provide. The improvement in rent collection for the Housing Revenue Account is positive news for the financial health of the council's housing stock.
• Find out more: Finance & Performance Scrutiny meeting on 06 July 2026

This week in Hinckley and Bosworth:

Major Planning Decisions Loom: MIRA Technology Park Expansion and Normandy Way Housing Development on the Agenda

The Planning Committee met on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to consider a significant number of planning applications that will shape the future development of the borough. The most prominent of these was the outline application for the expansion of MIRA Technology Park in Caldecote. This cross-boundary application, which had previously been granted permission but was later quashed due to a Judicial Review, seeks to introduce new employment uses (Class B2), office and service uses (Class E g), and storage (Class B8). The plans also include the construction of a new spine road, car parking, and landscaping.

A key point of contention was the proposed mitigation for the Drayton Lane junction. National Highways reviewed an alternative proposal for signalisation, deeming it technically feasible but potentially impractical due to land availability and costs. They maintained that the applicant's submitted mitigation, a left-in, left-out arrangement, was appropriate. However, objectors, including Extra Room Self Storage (ERSS), argued that a signalised scheme was deliverable and that the proposed left-in, left-out arrangement would infringe on established access rights. The report concluded that while signalisation was technically possible, further information was needed to confirm its deliverability, and the left-in, left-out junction was deemed acceptable for mitigating the proposal's impact.

The committee also considered a reserved matters application for a substantial housing development north of Normandy Way, Hinckley. This application sought approval for the layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping of 406 homes, following an earlier outline permission. The development includes a mix of 1 to 5-bedroom properties, with 20% designated as affordable housing. Local residents had raised objections concerning privacy, sunlight, noise, and pollution, particularly regarding the proximity of new homes to existing properties on Ashby Road and Ashby Grange. Minor amendments were made to the plans to address these concerns, including adjustments to boundary fences and the positioning of new dwellings.

A smaller application for a single-storey rear extension at 43 Park Road, Hinckley, was also on the agenda. This extension, which includes the conversion of a dining room to a bedroom, is intended to accommodate a disabled family member. The proposal was considered to be in keeping with the area and unlikely to negatively impact residential amenity or highway safety. The application was presented to the committee as the property is owned by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council.

The committee also received an update on the progress of various planning appeals.

• What this means for you: These planning decisions have a direct impact on the economic landscape and housing availability in the borough. The MIRA Technology Park expansion could bring jobs but also raises questions about infrastructure and environmental impact. The Normandy Way development will increase housing supply, but residents' concerns about the impact on their immediate neighbourhoods are a crucial consideration.
• Find out more: Planning Committee meeting on 30 June 2026

Housing and Environmental Improvements Take Centre Stage at Scrutiny Commission

The Scrutiny Commission met on Thursday 02 July 2026 to delve into critical housing and environmental matters, with a particular focus on improving the lives of residents and the sustainability of the borough.

Environmental Improvement Programme to Enhance Local Heritage

The commission reviewed the proposed Environmental Improvement Programme for 2026/27. This long-standing programme, now in its nearly 30th year, aims to preserve and enhance the heritage and conservation aspects of the borough's built environment. The planned projects for the upcoming year include:

• Installation of blue plaques to commemorate local heritage.
• Repairs to towpaths along the Ashby Canal.
• Restoration of milestones in Burbage.
• Restoration of graves and memorials.
• Repair of churchyard walls.
• Resurfacing of memorial garden paths.
• Improvements to seating areas.
• Refurbishment of heritage memorials.
• Refurbishment of a Silver Jubilee Gate.

The total estimated cost for these nine schemes is £71,948.66, with a net cost to the council of £34,988.33, which is within the allocated budget. The report also provided an update on the progress of projects from the 2025/26 programme.

New Policy to Address Temporary Accommodation Crisis

A significant focus was placed on the Temporary Accommodation Policy. This policy is designed to create a clear and consistent framework for providing and managing temporary accommodation, ensuring it meets legal standards, is suitable for residents, and is cost-effective. The council has seen a substantial rise in demand for temporary accommodation, leading to increased costs and heightened operational, safeguarding, and financial risks. The policy outlines principles for suitability, fair allocation, cost management, safeguarding, standards, enforcement, and move-on procedures, aligning with the council's Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy and statutory duties.

Awaab's Law Implementation and Tenant Engagement Highlighted

The commission received an update on the implementation of Awaab's Law, focusing on Phase 1 (damp and mould) and the upcoming Phase 2 requirements. Awaab's Law aims to improve the safety and quality of social housing. The report indicated 100% compliance with statutory timescales for damp and mould cases reported between October 2025 and March 2026. Phase 2, due in October 2026, will extend statutory requirements to a broader range of Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) hazards, necessitating a more integrated approach involving repairs and tenancy management.

The commission also reviewed the Annual Tenant Engagement Overview for 2025/26, highlighting how tenant feedback influences housing services. While overall satisfaction is high at 84.4%, areas like complaints handling (45.5%) and anti-social behaviour handling (73.9%) require further improvement. A new Tenant Voice Strategy for 2026-2029 was presented, aiming to embed tenant influence across all social housing services and ensure transparency in how feedback is used.

Plans to Reduce Reliance on Costly Temporary Accommodation

Phase 3 of the council's programme to reduce reliance on expensive nightly paid temporary accommodation for single homeless households was presented. This phase proposes acquiring one-bedroom properties for council-owned temporary accommodation and repurposing the John Nichols Street Hostel as supported accommodation in partnership with Falcon Support Services. The acquisition of 10-15 one-bedroom properties is estimated to cost up to £2.5 million, with projected savings on temporary accommodation costs.

• What this means for you: These initiatives directly impact the quality of housing, the safety of residents, and the preservation of local heritage. The focus on temporary accommodation and Awaab's Law demonstrates a commitment to improving living conditions for social housing tenants. The environmental programme ensures that local history and natural spaces are protected for future generations.
• Find out more: Scrutiny Commission meeting on 02 July 2026

Other Matters

Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee to Review UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Housing Revenue Account

The Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 06 July 2026. The committee received an update on the Hinckley & Bosworth UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) for 2025/26, detailing the final spend and delivery across 20 projects for UKSPF and 10 for REPF. A summary of the council's performance for 2025/26 was also presented, showing that 32 out of 53 performance indicators met their targets. The committee also reviewed business rates performance for Q4 2025/26 and received a report on rent performance within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), highlighting a significant improvement in arrears. Finally, the committee considered its work programme for 2026/27 – 2027/28.

• What this means for you: These reports provide insight into how council funds are being used, particularly for community development through the UKSPF, and the financial health of the council's housing stock. The performance review ensures services are meeting targets, and the work programme outlines future scrutiny priorities.
• Find out more: Finance & Performance Scrutiny meeting on 06 July 2026