The Council meeting on Tuesday 09 June 2026 saw a significant discussion and decision regarding the future governance of Witherley Parish. After considering extensive public consultation responses, the Council unanimously voted to proceed with a further period of consultation on four distinct options for the parish's future, including the potential creation of new parish councils for Ratcliffe Culey, Fenny Drayton, and the remaining Witherley and Atterton area, or maintaining the status quo, or abolishing parish governance altogether. Additionally, the Council approved the establishment of Hinckley Town Council, with the first elections scheduled for May 2027, and agreed to appoint temporary councillors to the new council in the interim.

Community Governance Review for Witherley Parish

The Council has decided to proceed with a further consultation on the future governance of Witherley Parish. This decision follows an initial consultation period which received 86 unique responses, representing 7% of the eligible electorate. A majority of respondents indicated a desire for change, with varying degrees of feeling across different settlements within the parish.

Councillor SL Bray, Leader of the Council, presented the outcomes of the consultation and the recommendations of the Community Governance Review Member Working Group. He explained that while the petition from Ratcliffe Culey residents requested their own parish council, legislation prevents this due to the settlement having fewer than 150 electors. However, Benny Drayton and the remaining area of Witherley and Atterton are of sufficient size to have their own parish and parish council.

The Council will now consult on four options:

• Option 1: Abolition of Witherley Parish and Witherley Parish Council, with the creation of a parish for Ratcliffe Culey governed by a parish meeting, a parish and parish council for Fenny Drayton, and a new parish council for Witherley and Atterton.
• Option 2: Abolition of Witherley Parish and Witherley Parish Council, with the creation of separate parishes for Ratcliffe Culey and Fenny Drayton, grouped under a common council. A separate parish and parish council would be created for Witherley and Atterton.
• Option 3: No change to the current arrangements for Witherley Parish or Witherley Parish Council.
• Option 4: Abolition of Witherley Parish and Witherley Parish Council with no alternative community governance arrangements, meaning all services would fall under the borough council's special expenses arrangements.

Councillor Bray proposed updating the terms of reference to reflect the extended consultation period and delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Member Working Group, to agree draft recommendations and enter into a third consultation if necessary. Councillor RG Allen, Leader of the Conservative Group, seconded the proposal, emphasizing the need for residents to participate in the consultation, aiming for a higher turnout than the initial 7%. Councillor MB Cartwright, Executive Member for Climate Change, Environment & Rural Affairs, sought confirmation that every resident would be written to, ensuring awareness of the consultation. Councillor Dr JR Moore, while acknowledging past difficulties within Witherley Parish Council, highlighted the positive community spirit and voluntary activity, expressing a preference against the complete abolition of the parish council. Councillor BE Sutton endorsed Councillor Moore's sentiments, stressing the importance of a strong parish council in light of local government reorganisation. Councillor Bray confirmed that all residents would be written to and urged maximum participation in the consultation. The motion to approve the report was carried unanimously.

Establishment of Hinckley Town Council

The Council unanimously approved the creation of Hinckley Town Council. This decision follows a community governance review for the Hinckley area and aims to address a perceived democratic deficit for residents following local government reorganisation.

The new town council will be established for the unparished area of Hinckley and will be divided into four wards: Castle, Clarendon, De Montfort, and Trinity. The council will comprise 20 councillors, with specific allocations for each ward: Castle (4 councillors), Clarendon (6 councillors), De Montfort (6 councillors), and Trinity (4 councillors). The first elections for the town council are scheduled for May 2027.

Crucially, the Council also agreed to appoint temporary councillors to the Hinckley Town Council in advance of the May 2027 elections, in accordance with Section 91 of the Local Government Act 1972. This measure is intended to ensure the council can function effectively from its inception. The Director (Resources & Audit) has been authorised to make the necessary orders for these changes. The Council also noted ongoing work to identify potential assets and services that could transfer to the new town council.

Audit Committee Annual Report

The Council received and unanimously approved the Audit Committee Annual Report for 2024/25. Councillor DS Cope, Chair of the Audit Committee, presented the report, highlighting the committee's self-assessment which has led to improvements in governance and risk management. He noted the positive Value for Money (VFM) conclusion from external auditors and the high level of assurance provided in the Head of Internal Audit's opinion for the Annual Governance Statement.

The report detailed the committee's work over the year, including oversight of external and internal audits, anti-fraud and corruption measures, risk management, and corporate governance. Key achievements included a positive VFM conclusion from external auditors and a strong Annual Governance Statement. Areas for improvement noted were the ongoing national backlog in audit completions, which is expected to continue until 2027/28, impacting the timely sign-off of accounts.

The report also outlined the training and development undertaken by the Audit Committee members, which has enhanced their understanding of their role and responsibilities. The committee's work was commended by Councillor R Allen and Councillor KWP Lynch for its vital importance, despite the subject matter being considered dry. Councillor Lynch humorously remarked that the report was more boring than my budget speech, a sentiment echoed by Councillor CM Allen, who acknowledged the crucial nature of the committee's work. Councillor Cope expressed pride in the committee's achievements, emphasizing the team effort involved.

Other Matters Discussed

Mayor's Communications: Mayor REH Flemming, Mayor of the Borough of Hinckley and Bosworth, delivered her communications, which included presenting a long service award to staff member Simon Smith. She also provided an update on her engagements, including visits to the Triumph factory, judging the Hinkley Bids garden show, supporting a charity run in Richmond Park, and attending the unveiling of a blue plaque at the Stamford Arms in Groobie. The Mayor also announced her upcoming charity fundraising event, a zip-line challenge in Wales, despite her fear of heights.

Leader of the Council's Position Statement: Councillor SL Bray, Leader of the Council, provided his position statement, thanking teams for their work on events such as Proms in the Park and the garden competition. He highlighted the success of the Warm Welcome events, initiated during the cost of living crisis, and the ongoing Article 4 consultation in Barwell and Earl Shilton regarding Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). He also mentioned progress on the Twycross Zoo National Centre and the council's tenant engagement initiatives. Councillor Bray expressed frustration with the pace of local government reorganisation and the government's planning policies, which he believes limit local democratic scrutiny.

Minutes of the Scrutiny Commission: The minutes of the Scrutiny Commission meeting held on 7 May 2026 were received for information. Councillor P Williams introduced the minutes, noting the positive engagement with the voluntary community sector and the review of several policies.

Appointments to Council Bodies: Following the annual meeting, the Council made numerous appointments to various committees and working groups, including the Appeals Panel, Audit Committee, Ethical Governance & Personnel Committee, Finance & Performance Scrutiny, Hinckley Area Committee, Licensing Committee, Planning Committee, and Scrutiny Commission. Appointments were also made to the Asset Strategy & Regeneration Group, Member Development Group, Leicestershire Partnership Joint Committee, and various outside bodies.

Motion on World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week: A motion was carried unanimously to support World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week 2026. The Council resolved to promote awareness of the condition, illuminate local landmarks in red, share information through council channels, and work with health partners to encourage early diagnosis.

Withdrawn Item: Item 12, Appointments to Hinckley Town Council, was withdrawn from the agenda and will be deferred to a future meeting.