The Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council is scheduled to hold its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. Key items on the agenda include the appointment of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the upcoming year, a review of the Planning Committee's size and political balance, and a significant decision regarding the potential creation of a town council for Hinckley. The meeting will also consider a motion to raise awareness of Genetic Haemochromatosis.

Amendment to Planning Committee Size and Political Balance Review

A report is scheduled for discussion concerning a proposed reduction in the size of the Planning Committee from 17 to 13 members. This change is being considered in anticipation of reforms stemming from the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which are expected to be implemented by the end of September 2026. The report also addresses the need to review the allocation of seats to political groups and non-aligned members on various council bodies to maintain political balance, as required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The proposed new allocation of seats across committees, including the Planning Committee, is detailed, with the Planning Committee's terms of reference also set to be amended.

Community Governance Review: Hinckley Final Recommendations

The council is to be advised on the outcome of the second stage of consultation for a Community Governance Review concerning the unparished area of Hinckley. The report presents recommendations for the creation of a town council for Hinckley. This follows a review initiated in light of the government's Devolution White Paper, with the aim of ensuring effective and convenient local government that reflects local identities and interests.

The recommendations include:

• The creation of a local council for the unparished area of Hinckley.
• Establishing this as a town council, reflecting Hinckley's existing identity as a town.
• Naming the council Hinckley Town Council .
• Dividing the parish into four wards: Castle, Clarendon, De Montfort, and Trinity, with specific numbers of councillors allocated to each.
• Setting the total council size at 20 councillors.
• Scheduling the first elections for the town council in May 2027, aligning with elections for the proposed unitary authority.
• Authorising the Director (Resources & Audit) to make the necessary orders for these changes.

The report also notes that work is underway to identify potential assets and services that could be transferred to a new Town Council and the implications for Hinckley residents.

Motion on Genetic Haemochromatosis Awareness

Councillor C Allen has proposed a motion, to be seconded by Councillor S Gibbens, concerning Genetic Haemochromatosis (GH). The motion highlights that GH is a common genetic condition affecting approximately one in 50 people, where the body absorbs excessive iron, potentially leading to severe organ failure, cancer, and chronic fatigue if untreated. It notes that the condition is frequently underdiagnosed.

The council is being asked to resolve to:

• Support World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week 2026 by promoting awareness of the condition and its symptoms within local communities.
• Support the 'Light Up Red' campaign by illuminating local landmarks in red during the awareness week.
• Share information about GH through council channels such as social media, the website, and newsletters.
• Collaborate with health partners, GP practices, and community groups to spread awareness.
• Request the Chief Executive to write to local health partners to emphasise the importance of early diagnosis and local engagement.
• Share informational resources from Haemochromatosis UK on the council's social media platforms and in public community areas.

Appointment of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

The meeting is scheduled to begin with the appointment of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the ensuing municipal year.

Establishment and Appointment to Council Bodies

Further items on the agenda include confirming the establishment of various council bodies, their terms of reference, and appointing chairs, vice-chairs, and members. Recommended appointments for standing working groups, the Leicestershire Partnership Joint Committee, and representatives to outside bodies are expected to be detailed in a supplementary agenda.