The Council of Hinckley and Bosworth met on Tuesday 14 April 2026, discussing a range of important local issues. Key decisions included the approval of the Year of Reading initiative for 2026, the disposal of council land at Harrowbrook Industrial Estate, and a strong stance against proposals to merge local police forces.

Year of Reading Initiative

The council unanimously approved the designation of 2026 as the Year of Reading, a national initiative aimed at improving literacy outcomes for early years children, boys aged 10 to 16, and disadvantaged communities. Councillor R Webber-Jones, who proposed the motion, highlighted the strong link between reading skills and educational attainment, employment prospects, and overall well-being. The council pledged to champion reading across the borough, sign a national pledge, and work with local partners, including schools and libraries, to deliver a programme of activities. These will include a borough-wide story writing competition, a book exchange at the Snapdragon festival, and tailored reading opportunities for residents in temporary accommodation and those facing cost of living pressures. An amendment was accepted to acknowledge the work of the National Literacy Trust and Her Majesty The Queen's long-standing interest in literacy.

The Cock Inn, Sibson

A petition with 2,637 signatures was presented by Councillor MJ Surtees, calling for the urgent restoration of The Cock Inn, a Grade II listed pub in Sibson, which has been vacant since 2019. Councillor SL Bray, Leader of the Council, confirmed that officers have been in communication with the owners, Star Pubs and Bars, and that a positive meeting had taken place with their appointed professional team, including an architect and structural engineer. He announced that architects would be starting work in mid-May to restore the pub. Councillor Surtees expressed frustration that no structural work had been done for six years, while Councillor Bray questioned why this issue had not been brought to the council chamber sooner by the opposition.

Local Plan - Norton Heath Proposals

Councillor SL Bray announced that the development of a new settlement, known as Norton Heath, proposed for up to 10,000 homes north of Twycross, would be removed from the emerging Local Plan. This decision followed a review of responses from local residents and statutory consultees, as well as changes to the proposed boundaries and the developing evidence base, which did not support the inclusion of the site. The Local Plan will now proceed to the Regulation 19 consultation stage. Councillor RG Allen questioned when confirmation would be provided on the reallocation of the housing numbers previously destined for Norton Heath.

Proposed Freehold Disposal of Plot 22 Harrowbrook Industrial Estate

The council approved the freehold disposal of Plot 22 at the Harrowbrook Industrial Estate for £250,000. Councillor KWP Lynch, Executive Member for Finance, explained that the building was old, with an asbestos roof and poor insulation, making it difficult to lease at a reasonable figure. The sale will result in a capital receipt of £203,288 for the council.

HRA Land Disposal - Warwick Close, Thornton

This item was withdrawn from the agenda and will not be considered at this meeting.

Police Force Mergers

The council resolved to oppose any proposals to merge local police forces into regional or national entities. They called on the government to prioritise increased funding for community policing teams, national standards for vetting and technology upgrades, and enhanced rural crime support. A letter will be sent to the Home Secretary outlining these views. An amendment proposed by Councillor C Harris, seeking clarity on the evidence base and financial case for mergers, was defeated.

Urgent Motion Regarding Hinckley Day Case Centre

The council passed an urgent motion expressing deep concern that the Integrated Care Board (ICB) was considering cancelling the new NHS day case centre proposed for Hinckley. The council resolved to request the ICB to urgently reconsider its decision, explore the potential for an urgent care centre on the former community hospital site, and requested an urgent meeting with ICB executives. The motion also called upon the Member of Parliament for Hinckley and Bosworth to issue an apology to the Council and its Leader for what the council described as misleading statements.

Questions from Councillors

• Leicestershire Police Funding: Councillor RG Allen asked about the council's position on a letter from Leicestershire Police alleging that the Planning department had refused funding requests. Councillor WJ Crooks, Executive Member for Planning, stated that the contributions sought by the Police were not considered legally compliant with the CIL tests, unlike other financial contributions for education and healthcare. The council is coordinating legal advice on behalf of five local authorities to assist the Police.
• Food Waste Recycling: Councillor CM Allen inquired about the costs and take-up rates of the new food waste recycling containers. Councillor L Hodgkins, Executive Member for Streetscene Services, confirmed that the Medium Term Financial Strategy covered the issue and that government funding was not fully secured beyond 2027/28. While participation data was limited, collection volumes had increased slightly in the northern area. An update will be provided to councillors at the end of Quarter 1.
• Identifying Savings: Councillor C Harris asked for the status of the project to identify savings and income streams to ensure a balanced budget. Councillor KWP Lynch, Executive Member for Finance, stated that savings of approximately £2 million were being considered as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy, with further work on temporary accommodation costs and capital flexibilities underway. Proposals are expected to be presented to Scrutiny and Council in early to mid-summer.
• Norton Heath Proposals: Councillor RG Allen also asked for an update on the Norton Heath proposals in the draft Local Plan. Councillor WJ Crooks stated that the Leader would address this in his position statement.