The Cabinet of North West Leicestershire Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to discuss a range of important financial, operational, and policy matters. Key topics include the Treasury Management Stewardship Report for 2025/26, a review of supplementary estimates and capital approvals, and the adoption of a new Corporate Business Continuity Policy. The meeting will also cover the Food Safety Service Delivery Plan for 2026-27 and proposals for the East Midlands Freeport Strategic Infrastructure and Contributions Supplementary Planning Document.

Treasury Management Stewardship Report 2025/26

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, the Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, will present the Treasury Management Stewardship Report for the 2025/26 financial year. This report is intended to inform the Cabinet about the Council's treasury management activities undertaken during that period. The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy's (CIPFA) Code of Practice requires local authorities to produce such reports. The report indicates that a prudent approach was taken regarding investment activity, prioritising security and liquidity over yield, and that there were no breaches of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement during the reporting period.

Supplementary Estimates and Capital Approvals

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE will also present a report on supplementary estimates and capital approvals. This is a regular report to Cabinet to enable the approval of supplementary estimates, virements, and capital movements in a timely manner for the efficient operation of the Council. For this period, the report seeks approval to move the Solar Panels scheme at Ashby Leisure Centre from the Development Pool to the Active Programme, with a budget of £195,000 funded from the Business Rates Reserve. This initiative aligns with the Council's sustainability objectives.

Corporate Business Continuity Policy

Councillor Nicholas Rushton, the Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, will present the Corporate Business Continuity Policy for Cabinet approval. This policy provides a consistent, Council-wide framework to support resilience, assurance, and continuous improvement in the event of disruptions. Business continuity management complements the Council's statutory role in civil contingencies and emergency planning, focusing on maintaining and restoring critical services and internal operations. Service-level Business Continuity Plans are already in place, and the policy aims to provide organisation-wide governance and best-practice assurance. Training for senior leadership is also being procured to strengthen strategic readiness.

Food Safety Service Delivery Plan 2026-27

Councillor Michael Wyatt, the Community, Environment and Climate Change Portfolio Holder, will present the Food Safety Service Delivery Plan for 2026-27. This plan is required by the Food Standards Agency and outlines how the Council will discharge its statutory duties under the Food Safety Act 1990. The plan details programmed activities such as inspections, audits, sampling, and complaint investigations, as well as operations at the Border Control Post at East Midlands Airport (EMA). The report also reviews the service's performance in 2025/26, noting a high completion rate for programmed interventions and significant activity at the EMA Border Control Post. The budget for the service is £376,330, with no additional funding required.

East Midlands Freeport Strategic Infrastructure and Contributions SPD

Councillor Tony Saffell, the Planning Portfolio Holder, will update Cabinet on the preparation of the East Midlands Freeport Strategic Infrastructure and Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This SPD aims to support the coordinated delivery and funding of strategic transport infrastructure required for the development of the three East Midlands Freeport (EMF) sites and other benefiting sites. It proposes a framework for pooled contributions towards this infrastructure. The report details the outcome of public consultation held between March and April 2026, outlining amendments made to the SPD in response to feedback, particularly concerning the timing of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) and the weight to be given to the SPD as a material planning consideration. Cabinet is asked to recommend the adoption of the SPD to the Local Plan Committee.

Customer Service Performance Update 2025/26

Councillor Andrew Woodman, the Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, will present the Customer Service Performance Update for 2025/26. This report summarises key metrics and trends, highlighting successes and areas for improvement in customer service delivery. It notes that call volumes remained stable, with a higher proportion of enquiries resolved at the first point of contact. However, the call abandonment rate increased, attributed to longer average handling times for more complex enquiries and recruitment challenges. The report also details the increased use of digital self-service options and the steady growth in registered 'My Accounts'. Despite challenges including increased abusive behaviour and staff pressures, Customer Services successfully retained its accreditation, and mandatory customer care training was introduced for all Council officers.

Corporate Compensation and Remedies Policy

Councillor Andrew Woodman will also present an updated Corporate Compensation and Remedies Policy. This policy replaces the existing Housing Compensation Policy with a single corporate framework to ensure consistency across all service areas. It aligns with best practice from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and the Housing Ombudsman, outlining the Council's approach to providing redress for service failures, including apologies, practical remedies, and financial compensation. The policy includes an authorisation framework for financial awards and confirms the Council's commitment to accessibility and equality.

Annual Corporate Complaints 2025/26

Councillor Andrew Woodman will present the Annual Corporate Complaints Report for 2025/26. This report details complaints received across all directorates, as well as decisions from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) and the Housing Ombudsman (HO). The report shows a decrease in stage 1 and stage 2 complaints compared to the previous year, although Housing Repairs and Waste Services received the highest volumes. The Council met its target for stage 1 complaint responses in 79% of cases, an improvement on the previous year. The report also highlights key complaint themes, financial remedies awarded, and external Ombudsman determinations, with a focus on learning and service improvement. A self-assessment against the Housing Ombudsman's Complaint Handling Code is included in Appendix 1.

Housing Service Permission to Consult – Compliance Policies

Councillor Andrew Woodman will seek Cabinet approval to consult on three draft Housing Compliance Policies: Electrical Safety, Gas Safety, and Lift Safety. These policies are due for review and are being updated to reflect legal requirements and best practice. The consultation process will involve tenants and stakeholders to ensure the policies are practical and address resident concerns. Following consultation and review, the finalised policies will be presented to Cabinet for formal approval.

Property Services Responsive Repairs and Minor Works Contract

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