The Leader, Cllr. Ben Taylor announced that there had been a change to Cabinet appointments and paid tribute to Cllr. Les Phillimore for his more than six years of leadership and dedicated service to Blaby District Council, the Cabinet, and the local community.

The Leader also welcomed Cllr. Susan Findlay as a new Member of the Cabinet Executive and confirmed her appointment as Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community Safety and Environmental Services.

No disclosures were received.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2026 (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2026, as circulated, were approved and signed as a correct record.  

Requests received by the Protocol deadline to be reported by the Senior Democratic Services Officer with details of the Agenda Item to which they relate. (Such persons entitled to use the Protocol attend for the purpose of making representations, answering questions or giving evidence relating to the business of the meeting and the time allocated to each person is a maximum of three minutes unless extended at the discretion of the Chairman).

No requests were received.

To consider the report of the Finance Group Manager (enclosed).

DECISION

That the response to Scrutiny Commission recommendations as set out at Appendix A of the report be approved.

Reason:

The Local Government & Public Involvement In Health Act 2007 places a duty which requires Cabinet Executive to respond to Scrutiny Recommendations within two months of receiving them.

Considered – Report of the Finance Group Manager, presented by Cllr. Cheryl Cashmore, the Finance, People and Transformation Portfolio Holder.

Other Options Considered:

No other options have been considered.  Not responding to Scrutiny would not comply with requirements of the Local Government & Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.

The Leader, Cllr. Ben Taylor thanked the Scrutiny Commission, Officers and non-executive Members who supported Scrutiny for the work carried out this past year.  The Leader recognised the positive work that has taken place and in particular, the work to tackle homelessness, and Cabinet’s responses to Scrutiny on this matter. 

To consider the report of the Executive Director – Place (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.     That the Enhanced Biodiversity Duty Report be approved for publication and submitted to Defra no later than 31 March 2026.

2.     That delegated authority is given to the Executive Director Place, for any post submission action required by Defra, in consultation with the Leader.

3.     That progress updates on actions identified be provided from the Climate Change Cross-Party Working Group.

Reasons:

1.     Defra require the publication and submission of the Enhanced Biodiversity Duty report.

2.     To ensure clarity of decision making.

3.     To consider the introduction of further actions in the interest of Climate Change.

Considered – Report of the Executive Director – Place.

Other Options Considered:

It is a requirement of Blaby District Council to publish and submit the EBD report to Defra. There are no other options available.

The Leader, Cllr. Ben Taylor thanked the Executive Director - Place and the team for all their hard work.