Kibworth Harcourt Parish Council – 5th May
The annual public parish council meeting was held on 5 May at 7 pm in the Studio at the Kibworth Community Hub.
Annual election decisions
Chairman: Cllr. Kevin Feltham unanimously re-elected as Chairman.
Vice Chair: Cllr. John Tillotson unanimously re-appointed.
Councillor representatives were confirmed for the Joint Burial Board, Joint Recreation Board, Village Hall, HR Committee, and other community organisations.
Annual Reports
Reports from the Chairman, Joint Recreation and Joint Burial Boards were presented.
Major Local Issues
Council Tax “Special Expenses” dispute: Harcourt residents are paying substantially more than Beauchamp residents (£23.51 vs £0.67). Harborough District Council have acknowledged an error and further updates are awaited.
Local Government Reorganisation: Government is expected to decide later in 2026 between proposals for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. Concerns remain about potential city expansion and boundary changes.
Community Governance Review: Work continues towards exploring a merger of the two Kibworth parish councils, with a public petition being promoted. The petition can be signed both online and in person. The paper petition is available in the Kibworth Community Library, and the online petition can be signed at: https://c.org/Gf2L77TM8T
Planning and Development
Discussion focused on the proposed 550-home development west of Warwick Road.
Main concerns raised: Traffic congestion around railway bridge traffic lights, increased traffic on Fleckney Road and Warwick Road, l
ack of a pedestrian crossing on Warwick Road, insufficient junction improvements, location of the proposed primary school, wider impacts on Wistow Road and the A6.
Finance
The council approved:
April bank reconciliation and financial statements.
Payments totalling £9,394.89.
Asset Register (31 March 2026).
Submission of 2025/26 accounts for internal audit.
Transfers into earmarked reserves: £500 Elections, £5,000 parish van, £3,940 Polwell Park
Renewal approved for LRALC/NALC annual membership (£744.62) and ICO registration (£47).
Community Hub Updates
The new Scribe online booking system is expected to go live soon; this will link to the parish council accounts system.
Utility costs fixed on three-year contracts, and a card payment system now installed.
Preparations are underway for the Hub’s 90th anniversary celebrations of when it was built in September 1936.
Pest control is dealing with squirrel activity in the roof space.
Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities
Funding has been received for new metal swings at Jubilee Green.
Council are awaiting decisions on further community grant funding for the improvements to The Rookery pathway.
The next public parish council meetings are on 7 July (walkabout) and on 4 August in the Studio Kibworth Community Hub at 7pm
Please visit our website for more information about us at www.kh-pc.gov.uk.
If you would like to get involved or let us know of any community news about up-and-coming events, then please contact the Parish Council.
Sara Barrett (clerk@kh-pc.gov.uk)
Kibworth Harcourt Post Mill Open Weekend
