The Cabinet of North West Leicestershire Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to discuss a range of financial updates, regeneration projects, and business improvement district proposals. Key topics include the financial performance of the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, as well as updates on the Ashby Business Improvement District and the Marlborough Centre regeneration project in Coalville.

General Fund Finance Update - 2026/27 Quarter 1

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, will present the General Fund Finance Update for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. The report details the financial position of the Council's main revenue account, which covers day-to-day income and expenditure for services such as waste collection, planning, environmental health, and housing support. The update will focus on significant variances from the approved budgets.

Housing Revenue Account Finance Update - 2026/27 Quarter 1

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, will present the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Finance Update for the first quarter of 2026/27. The HRA is a ring-fenced account for council housing, meaning its income can only be spent on housing services. This report will inform Cabinet of the forecasted outturn for the year, highlighting any significant variances from the approved budgets.

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

Councillor Tony Gillard, Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, will present the minutes from the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party meeting held on 18 August 2026. This working party considers budget and financial issues that specifically affect the Coalville Special Expenses Area and makes recommendations to Cabinet. The minutes will be presented for Cabinet's noting.

Ashby Business Improvement District

Councillor Tony Gillard, Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, will present a report on the Ashby Business Improvement District (BID). This follows a notification from Ashby BID of its intention to reballot for a second five-year term, commencing 1 April 2027. The report outlines the proposed business plan, financial management arrangements, and the implications for the Council, including its role in the ballot process and its own financial contribution as a levy payer. The Council is being asked to review the proposals and delegate authority to cast its votes in support of the BID.

Marlborough Centre Regeneration – Delegation to Award Contracts

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of the Council, will present a report on the Marlborough Centre regeneration project in Coalville. The report updates Cabinet on the project's progress and seeks delegated authority for the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Monitoring Officer, and Section 151 Officer, to award contracts for enabling works and fit-out works. This delegation is requested to ensure the project can proceed promptly and be completed before potential changes arising from Local Government Reorganisation.

Consultancy Services for the Local Plan

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, Acting Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, will present a report requesting an exemption from the Council's standard procurement rules for consultancy services required for the Local Plan. The report highlights the critical need for specialist support to ensure the Local Plan is submitted for examination by the December 2026 deadline. It proposes awarding a contract to Hyas, a planning specialist that has already provided Phase 1 support, to deliver Phase 2 services, aggregating the total value to £156,000. This exemption is sought due to the significant knowledge and experience Hyas possesses, which is deemed essential for timely completion and to avoid duplication of effort.

Allocation of Resources for Corporate Landlord Function

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, will present a report seeking Cabinet approval for the allocation of additional staffing resources to the Property Services Team. This is to support the implementation of the Corporate Landlord model, which aims to improve governance and compliance in the management of Council-owned assets. The proposal includes the creation of two new posts: a Facilities Officer and a Premises Officer. Funding for the remainder of the 2026/27 financial year is proposed to come from the Council's Contingency Budget, with future years' costs to be incorporated into the 2027/28 budget proposals.