The Cabinet of North West Leicestershire Council met on Tuesday 22 September 2026, approving funding for new posts to support the Corporate Landlord function and authorising the delegation of contract awards for the Marlborough Centre regeneration project. The meeting also saw the noting of minutes from previous meetings and working parties, alongside updates on general fund and housing revenue account finances.

General Fund Finance Update - 2026/27 Quarter 1

The Cabinet noted the report on the General Fund finance update for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. The report indicated no variances against Directorate budgets, with a projected surplus of £0.638m in investment interest income due to prudent budgeting and investment in higher-yielding Money Market Funds. The Council's Financial Procedure Rules require regular reporting on expenditure against budget allocations.

Housing Revenue Account Finance Update - 2026/27 Quarter 1

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, presented the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) finance update for the first quarter of 2026/27. Members expressed support for the report, highlighting positive developments in property refurbishment and the acquisition of new properties, noting the HRA was in a significantly improved position compared to the post-COVID period. The report indicated a projected net operating expenditure pressure of £0.293m, primarily due to increased costs in repairs and maintenance, partially offset by higher-than-budgeted interest income. Measures to mitigate these pressures include reviewing the capitalisation of costs, monthly budget monitoring meetings, and a review of the HRA Business Plan.

Allocation of Resources for Corporate Landlord Function

Councillor Andrew Woodman also presented a report on the allocation of resources for the Corporate Landlord function. The Cabinet approved the creation of two additional posts within the Property Services Team: a Facilities Officer and a Premises Officer. Funding for these posts in 2026/27 will be drawn from the Council's Contingency Budget, with future years' funding to be included in the 2027/28 budget proposals. This move is intended to strengthen governance and ensure operational consistency across the Council's General Fund assets, supporting compliance with statutory obligations.

Minutes of the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party - 18 August 2026

The Cabinet noted the minutes of the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party meeting held on 18 August 2026, presented by Councillor Tony Gillard, Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder. The working party, which considers budget and financial issues affecting the Coalville Special Expenses area, made no specific recommendations to Cabinet in this instance. Discussions during the working party meeting included queries about planned expenditure for Western Avenue Recreation Ground and reasons for a decrease in burials at Broom Leys Cemetery.

Ashby Business Improvement District (BID)

Councillor Tony Gillard presented the report on the Ashby Business Improvement District (BID). Following a review of the BID's proposals for its second term, the Cabinet delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, to cast the Council's four votes in support of the bid in the upcoming re-ballot. This decision supports the continuation of the Council's involvement in the Ashby BID, which has been credited with significant improvements in the town. The BID's proposed activities for 2027-2032 include street rangers, crime monitoring, enhanced street cleaning, trade waste management, and a Town Masterplan. The Council's annual levy contribution is estimated at £2,426.25.

Consultancy Services for the Local Plan

Councillor Keith Merrie, Acting Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented a report requesting an exemption from the Council's standard procurement rules for consultancy services related to the Local Plan. The Cabinet approved the exemption and the award of a contract to HYAS for Phase 2 of the Local Plan's development, covering its examination and adoption. This decision is crucial for meeting the Council's obligations in preparing the Local Plan, with a deadline for submission by December 2026. The total cost for Phase 1 and Phase 2 consultancy services will be £156,000, funded by salary savings and a government grant.

Marlborough Centre Regeneration

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of the Council, presented the report on the Marlborough Centre Regeneration project. The Cabinet noted the progress of the project, which is a significant milestone for Coalville town centre. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Monitoring Officer, and S151 Officer, to award the enabling works contract and the fit-out works contract for the Marlborough Centre Project, subject to costs remaining within the agreed budget. Further delegation was given to agree all other costs and payments required to deliver the project up to the agreed budget limit. This delegation is intended to expedite the project's completion before potential Local Government Reorganisation impacts. The project, with an approved budget of £6,464,627, aims to convert the upper floors to residential units and restore the building's heritage façade.

Acquisitions and Disposal - Offer for the Purchase of 17 Ashby Road Moira

The Cabinet approved the recommendations in the report presented by Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, regarding an offer to purchase a Council property at 17 Ashby Road, Moira. This decision enables the Council to respond to the offer.

Housing Contracts - HIP Support Contractor

The Cabinet approved the recommendations in the report presented by Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, concerning the HIP Support Contractor. This decision ensures compliance with the Council's Contract Procedure Rules.

The meeting concluded at 5:21 pm.