The Cabinet of North West Leicestershire Council was scheduled to consider a range of financial and strategic matters, including budget updates, regeneration frameworks, and the adoption of an Artificial Intelligence policy. The meeting was also scheduled to discuss the award of contracts for software licences and security services, as well as property acquisitions.

Supplementary Estimates and Capital Approvals

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider a report on supplementary estimates and capital approvals, presented by Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder. This report was scheduled to seek approval to add an external grant of £0.182m to the General Fund Budget, specifically the Rough Sleeping Grant. Additionally, the Cabinet was scheduled to approve the movement of £0.195m from the development pool to the active programme for solar panels at Ashby Leisure Centre.

General Fund Budget Setting 2027/28 - Update One

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE was also scheduled to present an update on the General Fund Budget Setting for 2027/28. This report was scheduled to provide a five-year outlook for the General Fund, taking into account decisions made and intelligence gained since the budget was approved in February 2026. The report was scheduled to highlight an emerging General Fund savings requirement of approximately £0.6 million in 2027/28 and £3.9 million in 2029/30, subject to various assumptions regarding government funding, council tax performance, and service pressures. The report was scheduled to endorse the commencement of early work to develop savings and income proposals for consideration in the 2027/28 budget-setting process.

District Wide Regeneration Framework Annual Review

Councillor Tony Gillard, Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, was scheduled to present the annual review of the District Wide Regeneration Framework. This report was scheduled to provide an update on progress for both the Coalville and District Regeneration Frameworks, detailing a revised programme of 38 regeneration projects, 15 of which were scheduled to have been completed. The report was scheduled to outline priorities for 2026/27 and 2027/28, including the regeneration of the Marlborough Centre and the development of Stenson Square Gardens. The report was also scheduled to address the resourcing of ongoing project delivery and the communications strategy for the regeneration programme.

Artificial Intelligence Policy

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE was scheduled to present a report seeking Cabinet approval to adopt and implement the Council's Artificial Intelligence Standard Usage Policy. This policy was scheduled to establish a framework for the responsible, secure, and effective use of artificial intelligence across the Council, aiming to enable productivity and service improvements while managing risks related to information security, accuracy, fairness, and accountability. The policy was scheduled to apply to employees, contractors, and third parties acting on behalf of the Council, with specific guidance on AI-assisted customer correspondence and recruitment processes.

Acquisitions and Disposals - Right to Buy Buyback Measham

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, was scheduled to present a report concerning the acquisition of a property previously sold under the Right to Buy scheme. The report was scheduled to seek approval to purchase 14 Potters Way, Measham, for £0.260m, with the intention of bringing it back into Council ownership to help mitigate the loss of stock through Right to Buy and disposals. The property was noted to have an EPC rating of B, making it an attractive acquisition with minimal immediate works required.

Award of Unit 4 Licences Contract

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE was scheduled to present a report seeking Cabinet approval to procure and award a Software as a Service (SaaS) licences contract for the continued operation of the Council's Unit 4 ERPx finance system. The current agreement was scheduled to expire on 16 December 2026, and the report was scheduled to outline the necessity of obtaining new licences to ensure continued access to the core financial system. The report was scheduled to note an expected annual cost increase of approximately £120,000, with the cost allocated 75% to the General Fund and 25% to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

Award of Contract for the Provision of a Security Guard at the Customer Centre

This item was scheduled to be presented by Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder. The report was scheduled to seek approval for the award of a contract for the provision of a security guard at the Customer Centre.

Investment Property Leasehold Disposals

Councillor Tony Gillard, Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, was scheduled to present a report concerning investment property leasehold disposals. The details of this item were scheduled to be discussed in private session, with the press and public excluded.