The Cabinet of North West Leicestershire Council met on Tuesday 28 July 2026 to discuss a range of financial updates, local government reorganisation, and key service delivery projects. Topics included the provisional financial outturn for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account for 2025/26, plans for the renewal of the housing fleet, and an update on the new recycling containers project. The meeting also addressed recommendations from the Community Scrutiny Committee regarding water management in the Coalville Strategic Growth Area.

Local Government Reorganisation Update

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of the Council, presented an update on the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR). The report detailed the government's decision to establish two unitary authorities: one for an expanded Leicester City, and another for the county areas and Rutland. The Cabinet was asked to note the report and government decision, delegate authority to the Chief Executive to respond to the decision, and approve the establishment of voluntary joint committees to aid in the transition planning. These committees would bring together members from predecessor councils to plan the transition until shadow authorities are formed following elections in May 2027.

General Fund Finance Update: 2025/26 Provisional Outturn

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, presented the provisional outturn for the Council's General Fund for the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated a saving of £1.15 million, an increase from the previously forecast saving. The Cabinet was asked to note this saving, which would be transferred to the General Fund Reserve. The report also detailed variances across directorates, including pressures in the Place and Community Services Directorates, and savings in Corporate Items and Financing. Recommendations were made to Full Council for the approval of new earmarked reserves, including a Planning Income Reserve and an ICT Cyber Assessment Grant Reserve, and a significant addition to the Business Rates Reserve.

Housing Revenue Account Finance Update: 2025/26 Provisional Outturn

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, presented the provisional outturn for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2025/26. The HRA reported a provisional deficit of £1.690 million, primarily due to increased expenditure in Repairs and Maintenance and asset impairment costs. This deficit was proposed to be funded through a transfer from HRA General Reserves, reducing unrestricted reserves. The Cabinet was asked to note the deficit and recommend to Full Council the use of HRA General Reserves to fund it. Recommendations were also made to Full Council for the acceleration of the Home Improvement Programme, Stock Conditions Surveys, and Roofing Programme, to be funded through the Major Repairs Reserve.

Housing Fleet Renewal – Award of Contracts

Councillor Andrew Woodman also presented a report on the Housing Fleet Renewal project. The existing Housing Repairs fleet was at the end of its operational life, leading to increased maintenance costs and reduced reliability. The report proposed an EV-first mixed-fuel approach, prioritising electric vehicles where operationally viable, with alternative fuel vehicles used where necessary. Maintenance would remain in-house under a formal Service Level Agreement. The Cabinet was asked to approve the procurement of contracts for a replacement Housing Repairs fleet, with an estimated value of £2.45 million to £2.86 million, and to delegate authority for the contract award.

Acquisitions and Disposals - Section 106 Acquisition

Councillor Andrew Woodman presented a report seeking Cabinet approval to purchase 22 properties in the Ashby-de-la-Zouch area over three years. These properties, built by Bloor Homes as part of a Section 106 agreement, would be acquired for £3.7 million, funded from Right to Buy receipts. The properties include a mix of maisonettes, houses, and bungalows, with an expected Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B due to in-roof solar panels. The Cabinet was asked to endorse the addition of £3.7 million to the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme and recommend this expenditure to Full Council.

Water Management in the Coalville Strategic Growth Area – Recommendations of the Community Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Tony Saffell, Planning Portfolio Holder, presented the final report and recommendations from the Community Scrutiny Task and Finish Group on water management in the Coalville Strategic Growth Area. The report highlighted concerns regarding sewerage pollution along the River Sence, linked to new housing development and an over-capacity sewer system. The Cabinet was asked to thank the Task and Finish Group for its work and agree the proposed actions for each recommendation. These included requesting Severn Trent Water (STW) to review its approach to planning applications, implement interim mitigation measures, provide evidence on SuDS issues, and work with the Council to reinforce public messaging on appropriate sewer use. The report also recommended political representations to the local MP regarding the enactment of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

New Recycling Containers Project Update

Councillor Michael Wyatt, Community, Environment and Climate Change Portfolio Holder, provided an update on the progress of the new recycling containers project. The report detailed preparations for the rollout of a new simpler twin bin recycling system and a weekly food waste collection service, scheduled to begin in November 2026. The Cabinet was asked to consider comments from the Community Scrutiny Committee, comment on the progress and plans, approve the rationale for Phase One of the rollout, agree the preferred proposal for bin lid colours (orange for plastics, cans, tins, foil and aerosols, and blue for paper and card), and adopt the Waste and Recycling Collections Service Statement.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The Cabinet was informed that the press and public would be excluded from the remainder of the meeting due to the likely disclosure of exempt or confidential information.

Customer Services Telephony Contact Centre Solution Contract

Councillor Andrew Woodman presented a report on the Customer Services Telephony Contact Centre Solution Contract. The report detailed the proposed solution and sought approval for the contract award.