The North West Leicestershire District Council met on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, to discuss a range of important issues, including opposition to a proposed mandatory Digital ID scheme, a petition against housing development in Whitwick, and the approval of revised capital programmes. The council also agreed to proceed with a community governance review and made an appointment to an outside body.

Opposition to Mandatory Digital ID Scheme

The council formally opposed the Labour Government's plans to introduce a mandatory Digital ID scheme for all UK residents. Councillor Michael Wyatt, Community and Climate Change Portfolio Holder, moved the motion, which highlighted concerns that the scheme could criminalise millions, particularly vulnerable groups, and raise significant privacy and civil liberties issues. The motion also stated that the scheme would be an expensive measure that would undermine public trust and fail to address pressing community priorities such as NHS backlogs and the cost of living crisis. The council resolved to request the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for the Home Department, local Members of Parliament, and the Minister for Digital Infrastructure to express their firm opposition and call for the plans to be scrapped.

Petition Against Housing Development in Whitwick

A petition with 1005 valid signatures was presented, opposing the proposed construction of 242 houses on land off Torrington Avenue and Hall Lane (Site Reference C19a) in Whitwick. The petitioners raised concerns about the environmental impact, including the threat to green spaces, natural habitats, and biodiversity, as well as negative effects on air quality and water drainage. They also highlighted the potential for overcrowding and strain on infrastructure, such as increased traffic congestion and pressure on essential services like healthcare. The petition argued that the development would erode the separation between Whitwick and Coalville, diminishing the village's distinct identity and historical integrity. The Infrastructure Portfolio Holder presented the petition.

Capital Programme Update and Approvals

Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder, presented a report on the Capital Update. The council approved revised capital programmes as detailed in Appendix A of the report. This included the allocation of £23,000 to create a new, health and safety-compliant post room at Whitwick Business Centre, funded from the business rates reserve. The scheme aims to convert a vacant unit into a dedicated post room, a small meeting space, and a lettable unit, improving staff safety and providing additional income opportunities. The total approved capital programme for 2025/26 to 2029/30 amounts to £32,554,770.

Community Governance Review

The council agreed to approve the terms of reference for a Community Governance Review (CGR). Councillor Nicholas Rushton, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented the report, which outlined the process for reviewing electoral arrangements in the unparished areas of the district and considering the creation of new town or parish councils. The review will also address specific requests from Ashby Town Council regarding warding arrangements, boundaries with Packington parish, the number of councillors, and the potential renaming of the parish to include Blackfordby. Ibstock Parish Council also requested a review of its boundaries, particularly concerning the Ellistown & Battram ward. The review process is scheduled to commence with public consultation in December 2025 and is expected to conclude with final recommendations in November 2026, with any changes coming into effect at the May 2027 elections.

Appointment to an Outside Body

The council appointed the Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder to represent the council on the Safer North West Leicestershire Partnership and to take up the role of Vice Chair. This appointment was made following a request from the partnership to fill the vacant Vice Chair position, as noted in their revised terms of reference.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 4 November 2025 were approved and signed by the Chair of the Council as a correct record.