The Executive of Hinckley and Bosworth Council met on Wednesday 29 July 2026 to discuss and approve a new Fraud Strategy, a revised Risk Management Policy, and an updated Temporary Accommodation Policy. The meeting also covered tenant engagement, a new Tenant Voice Strategy, a Void Policy, the repurposing of John Nichols Street Hostel, a Community Asset Transfer Policy, and an update on Awaab's Law.

Fraud Strategy

The Executive considered and approved the Fraud Management Strategy and Action Plan. This strategy aims to safeguard public funds and assets, promote a culture of openness and accountability, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations, including the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). The strategy outlines a phased approach to improving the council's fraud risk management maturity, with a target of Level 3 by March 2027 and Level 4 by March 2028. Key actions include developing a fraud risk register, establishing clear reporting routes, and implementing staff training. Councillor K. Lynch, Executive member for finance, ICT & asset management, moved the report, and Councillor M. Cartwright, Executive member for climate change, environment & rural affairs, seconded it.

Risk Management Policy

The Executive reviewed and endorsed the new Risk Management Policy. This policy aims to support a culture of well-measured risk-taking, integrate risk management into business planning and decision-making, and ensure that risks are assessed, recorded, and managed effectively. The policy defines risk as an uncertain event that should it occur, will have an effect on the council's objectives and/or reputation, and outlines a four-step process for risk management: identifying, assessing, managing, and reviewing risks. Councillor S. Bray, Leader of the Council, and Councillor K. Lynch, Executive member for finance, ICT & asset management, were noted as having oversight of this policy. Councillor K. Lynch moved the report, and Councillor M. Cartwright seconded it.

Tenant Satisfaction Measures and Tenant Engagement Update

The Executive received an overview of tenant engagement activity undertaken during the 2025/26 financial year. Overall tenant satisfaction increased to 84.4%, with significant improvements noted in repairs satisfaction, which rose to 84.6%. Complaint handling and ASB case management remain areas for improvement. The report highlighted the extensive range of engagement activities, including neighbourhood-based initiatives, service-specific workshops, and policy consultations, demonstrating how tenant feedback has influenced housing services. Councillor M. Mullaney, Executive member for housing and community safety, moved the report, and Councillor W. Crooks, Executive member for planning, seconded it.

Homelessness Temporary Accommodation Policy

The Executive approved the implementation and adoption of the Temporary Accommodation Policy. This policy provides a clear framework for securing, allocating, and managing temporary accommodation for homeless households, aiming to ensure suitability, fair allocation, cost management, and safeguarding. The policy addresses the increasing demand and rising costs associated with homelessness services and supports the Council's Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy. Councillor M. Mullaney moved the report, and Councillor L. Hodgkins, Executive member for parks, open spaces & neighbourhood services, seconded it.

Tenant Voice Strategy

The Executive endorsed the new Tenant Voice Strategy (2026-2029). This strategy focuses on demonstrating how tenant feedback influences decisions and services, moving beyond simply measuring engagement activity. Key priorities include flexible engagement methods, more inclusive tenant involvement, and clear accountability across housing services. The strategy aligns with the Regulator of Social Housing's Transparency, Influence and Accountability (TIA) Standard and Consumer Standards Code of Practice. Councillor M. Mullaney moved the report, and Councillor L. Hodgkins seconded it.

Void Policy

The Executive noted and endorsed the updated Landlord Services Voids Policy. This policy establishes a clear framework for managing empty council properties from tenancy end to reletting, aiming to minimise void turnaround times, reduce rent loss, and ensure properties are safe and meet required standards. The policy also highlights the use of void periods for long-term investment and sustainability improvements. Councillor M. Mullaney moved the report, and Councillor M. Bools, Deputy Leader of the Council, seconded it.

John Nichols Street Hostel - Supported Accommodation

The Executive approved entering into a partnership with Falcon Support Services to repurpose John Nichols Street Hostel as supported accommodation for up to 15 single homeless individuals. This initiative aims to make better use of an underutilised council asset, provide dedicated support for single homeless people, and achieve estimated annual savings of £148,000 compared to current temporary accommodation costs. Councillor M. Mullaney moved the report, and Councillor K. Lynch seconded it.

Safeguarding Community Assets - Community Asset Transfer

The Executive adopted a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Policy. This policy provides a clear framework for considering requests from community organisations to use or manage council-owned assets, ensuring decisions are transparent, consistent, and aligned with council priorities. The policy emphasizes that CAT is a discretionary process and that Housing Revenue Account (HRA) assets will only be considered in exceptional circumstances with clear tenant benefit and legal robustness. Councillor S. Bray, Leader of the Council, moved the report, and Councillor M. Cartwright seconded it.

Awaab's Law (Damp and Mould) Update

The Executive noted the progress made since the implementation of Awaab's Law in October 2025, with 100% compliance achieved for damp and mould cases within statutory timescales. The report also highlighted the expanded requirements of Phase 2 of Awaab's Law, which comes into effect in October 2026 and extends statutory obligations to a wider range of Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) hazards. This will require a more multi-disciplinary approach involving tenancy management and safeguarding interventions, placing increased pressure on housing services. Councillor M. Mullaney moved the report, and Councillor W. Crooks seconded it.