The Cabinet of Leicestershire County Council met on Tuesday 21 July 2026, approving a refreshed Tree Management Strategy, a draft Strategic Plan for public consultation, and the final Belonging in Education Strategy. The meeting also addressed the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation, the Annual Treasury Management Report, the Domestic Abuse Reduction Strategy, and responses to local plan consultations for Blaby and Harborough districts.

Tree Management Strategy Approved

The Cabinet approved the refreshed Tree Management Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy outlines the council's approach to managing its trees and woodlands, aiming to conserve and enhance the tree resource, promote public safety, and support the council's ambition to plant one million trees by 2032. The strategy aligns with industry best practice and national policies, with resourcing to come from existing budgets, external grants, or specific business cases. The Environment, Flooding and Climate Change Overview and Scrutiny Committee's comments were noted.

Update on Local Government Reorganisation

An update was provided on the government's plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland. The Secretary of State's decision to proceed with a two-unitary authority proposal, with modifications, was noted. The Cabinet agreed to establish voluntary joint committees to support transition planning and authorised the Chief Executive to take necessary steps to protect the County Council's interests during the transition. Further reports will be brought to the Cabinet as implementation details become clearer. Councillor Harrison acknowledged that this was not the outcome the council had argued for, but stressed the importance of managing the transition effectively. Councillor Crook expressed strong disagreement with the decision, calling it the wrong decision and a political decision dressed up as a technical one, but agreed that the council had a duty to protect Leicestershire's interests.

Strategic Plan (2027-2031) Consultation Approved

The Cabinet approved the draft Strategic Plan (2027-2031) for public consultation. This plan sets out the council's key priorities, outcomes, and vision for Leicestershire. It is shaped around the Better Leicestershire programme, focusing on a better Leicestershire for residents, communities, the economy, and the council itself. The consultation period will run from 27 July to 9 October 2026, with a further report presenting the consultation outcomes to be considered in November. Councillor Harrison emphasised the importance of a clear and supported strategic plan during the transition to new local government structures. Councillor Abbott seconded the motion, highlighting the plan's ambitious vision and its role in providing stability.

Annual Treasury Management Report 2025/26 Noted

The Annual Treasury Management Report for 2025/26 was noted. The report detailed the treasury management activities and performance for the financial year. Declan Keegan, Director of Corporate Resources, presented the report, highlighting that investment returns exceeded the benchmark, and the council had repaid a significant amount of external debt, resulting in savings. Councillor Fowler praised the report, noting the £16.6 million investment income and the reduction in debt to its lowest position in 20 years. He also commented on the restrictive nature of SIPFA guidance regarding investments.

Belonging in Education Strategy 2026-2029 Approved

The final Belonging in Education Strategy 2026-2029 was approved, following a six-week public consultation. The strategy aims to ensure that all children and young people feel a sense of belonging in their educational settings, which is seen as fundamental to attendance, wellbeing, inclusion, and achievement. The strategy has been updated to reflect feedback received during the consultation, with a stronger focus on inclusion for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), clearer accountability, and a greater voice for children and young people and their families. Councillor Pugsley moved the motion, emphasizing the collaborative development of the strategy. Councillor Harrison seconded, highlighting the strategy's focus on inclusion and relationships.

Domestic Abuse Reduction Strategy 2026-2029 Approved

The Domestic Abuse Reduction Strategy 2026-2029 was approved. This strategy, developed following a consultation and needs assessment, sets out a coordinated approach to reducing domestic abuse across Leicestershire. It focuses on four key priorities: improving data quality and information sharing, early intervention and prevention, targeted support and safe accommodation, and strong partnerships. Councillor Pugsley commended the strategy for its coordinated approach and improved outcomes for victims. Councillor Abbott seconded, highlighting its focus on prevention, collaboration, and evidence-based interventions.

Response to Blaby District Council Regulation 19 Local Plan Consultation

The Cabinet noted the report on the progress of Blaby District Council's Local Plan and the County Council's proposed response to the Regulation 19 consultation. The County Council recognises the challenges faced by plan-making authorities and does not raise fundamental issues with the plan's spatial strategy, subject to a suitable delivery and contribution strategy. However, it was noted that the plan, in its current form, fails to meet the National Planning Policy Framework tests of soundness concerning its transport evidence and policy approach to mitigating cumulative transport impacts. The Director of Growth, Environment and Transport was authorised to make amendments to the detailed response. Councillor Hamilton-Gray moved the motion, emphasizing the need for robust transport policies. Councillor Fowler seconded, highlighting concerns about uncosted infrastructure plans and the lack of collaboration with Blaby District Council on transport modelling.

Harborough District Local Plan

The Cabinet noted the report on the progress of the Harborough District Local Plan and the County Council's position on a Statement of Common Ground (SoCG) on transport matters. The County Council has raised similar issues to those in the Blaby Local Plan regarding transport impacts and infrastructure delivery. The Inspectors have requested a SoCG by 14 August 2026. The Director of Growth, Environment and Transport was authorised to work with Harborough District Council to prepare this, acknowledging that unresolved transport concerns could pose a risk to the plan's progression. Councillor Hamilton-Gray moved the motion, stressing the importance of collaborative working. Councillor Fowler seconded, drawing parallels with the Blaby District situation and expressing concerns about unrealistic housing targets. Mr. Phil King, County Councillor for the Gartree Division, spoke as a local member, highlighting the direct consequences of the Harborough Local Plan on his constituents and expressing concerns about the lack of clarity on infrastructure delivery and funding.

Action Taken by the Chief Executive Regarding Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Cabinet noted the action taken by the Chief Executive to approve the procurement of two contracts relating to the Crisis and Resilience Fund. This action was taken due to the absence of a June Cabinet meeting and the need for urgent procurement to deliver the fund between 2026 and 2029. The fund is government-funded and aims to support households experiencing financial crisis and invest in preventative activity. Councillor Abbott proposed noting the action, stating it was appropriate to progress this by the Chief Executive's action given the urgency. Councillor Harrison seconded, thanking officers for their pace in setting up the fund.