The Scrutiny Commission met on Thursday 27 August 2026 to discuss a range of important council strategies and policies, including plans for local government reorganisation and a new cyber security strategy. The Commission also reviewed and endorsed the council's Future Ready Council Strategy and the Landlord Property Safety and Compliance Policy .

Local Government Reorganisation and Establishment of Voluntary Joint Committee

The Commission received an update on the government's decision to establish two new unitary councils for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland (LLR). This reorganisation will see the current ten legacy authorities replaced by two new entities: Leicestershire & Rutland Council, with 94 councillors, and Leicester Council, with 91 councillors. Councillor C Lambert, Chair of the Scrutiny Commission, noted that while potential judicial reviews were possible, they would not currently halt the implementation of this mandated decision.

The Commission was informed that there would be a harmonisation of council tax across the new unitary authorities, with each responsible for setting its own budget. The operating model of the new councils, including the retention of assets and services such as the Hinckley Hub, would be a decision for the new authorities themselves. A joint communications arrangement is in place between the ten legacy authorities to keep residents informed during the transition.

The Scrutiny Commission recommended to the Executive that they approve the establishment of two voluntary Joint Committees, subject to similar approval from all LLR councils. These committees will oversee the implementation of the reorganisation until the shadow authorities are established. The Commission also recommended that the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, be delegated authority to nominate representatives and substitute members for the Voluntary Joint Committee for Leicestershire and Rutland Council. Furthermore, the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, would be delegated authority to approve draft terms of reference for the Joint Committee and make minor amendments. The Commission noted that these voluntary committees would become statutory committees upon the enactment of the Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland (Structural Changes) Order 2026. Finally, the Commission recommended that the Monitoring Officer be delegated authority to make any necessary consequential amendments to the Council's constitution arising from the resolution of Council. The Commission also noted the overwhelming support for the North, City, South proposal during the government's consultation, which was ultimately rejected by the former government minister.

Future Ready Council Strategy

The Scrutiny Commission received and endorsed the Future Ready Council Strategy 2026-2028 . This strategy outlines how Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council will remain resilient, financially sustainable, and customer-focused during a period of significant change, including Local Government Reorganisation and public sector reform. The strategy aims to build on the findings of the Corporate Peer Challenge undertaken in 2024 and will serve as a legacy for the current authority within the new unitary structures.

The strategy is built around six proposed priorities: People and Culture; Readiness for Local Government Reorganisation; Early Intervention and Prevention; Service Innovation; Maximising Opportunities for Our People and Communities; and Enabling Place-Based Prosperity. The Commission welcomed the strategy, acknowledging its importance as a reference point for future work. They supported the development of a delivery action plan and an annual review process to monitor progress.

Landlord Property Safety and Compliance Policy

The Commission reviewed and approved the Landlord Property Safety and Compliance Policy 2026 . This policy establishes a clear framework for ensuring that all Housing Revenue Account (HRA) owned homes are safe, secure, and free from hazards, meeting all relevant health and safety requirements. The policy adopts a risk-based, transparent, and accountable approach to compliance, integrating with other related policies such as repairs, damp and mould, and asset management.

During the discussion, members queried the guidance available for tenant safety within their own homes. It was advised that this specific aspect was addressed by other mechanisms rather than being directly within this policy. The Commission noted the strengthened alignment of the policy with the Consumer Standards, particularly the Safety and Quality Standard.

Cyber Security Strategy

The Scrutiny Commission reviewed the Cyber Security Strategy 2026-2028 and recommended its approval to the Executive. The strategy aims to protect essential services, safeguard personal and council information, and build trust with residents, partners, and suppliers in the face of an increasingly complex and volatile cyber threat landscape. The strategy aligns with the UK Government Cyber Security Strategy and guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Members queried the robustness of the disaster recovery and business continuity plans. The Commission noted the positive work already undertaken by the ICT Service in this area.

Local Authority Housing Fund - Round 4

The Commission received a report on the proposed use of Local Authority Housing Fund Round 4 (LAHF R4) grant funding, which will support the acquisition of residential properties. The council has been allocated £751,000 in grant funding, with the council contributing the remaining balance to acquire six properties. Three properties will be used to support temporary accommodation needs, reducing reliance on more expensive placements, and two properties, plus one larger property, will be used to support households through government resettlement schemes. These resettlement properties will eventually transfer into the council's general housing stock.

The Commission noted that the report would proceed to Council for the next stage of decision-making.

Overview & Scrutiny Annual Report

The Commission endorsed the Overview & Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-26 and recommended it to Council for approval. The report outlines the work undertaken by the overview and scrutiny function during the past year, highlighting achievements and the outcomes of various reviews and scrutiny activities.

Overview & Scrutiny Statutory Guidance: Terms of Reference for Overview & Scrutiny

Members received and noted the terms of reference for the overview and scrutiny function, as outlined in the council's constitution. This report served to remind members of the role and responsibilities of the Scrutiny Commission and Finance & Performance Scrutiny.

Minutes of Finance & Performance Scrutiny

The minutes of the Finance & Performance Scrutiny meeting held on 6 July 2026 were noted.