Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
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Borough hosts annual rural conference - 13 March 2023

Published Monday, 13 March 2023
Men talking

The annual Rural Conference, organised by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC), was recently held at Twycross Zoo, attracting delegates from across the borough.

More than 80 delegates representing the rural parishes of the borough, along with key partners including Leicestershire Police, the Rural Community Council, voluntary and community sector and business representatives attended.

This year’s event focused on bringing delegates up to date on key priorities including: 

  • Work to help support residents who are suffering from the impact of the rising cost of living, including the Warm Spaces initiative
  • Progress on the key ambitions set out in the council’s Climate Change Strategy 
  • Community projects update funded through the Borough Council’s Parish and Community Initiative Fund
  • Update and question and answer session from Hinckley Police LPU Commander

Delegates also heard about the work of the borough’s Youth Council, including the making of a video to profile the important work of Hinckley area food banks, and new funding secured through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

Colin Fyfe, Chief Executive at Hinckley & Rugby Building Society (HRBS) spoke about the Hinckley & Bosworth Climate Change Business Forum he currently chairs on behalf of the borough council and there was an overview of the work and progress of HRBS in relation to their organisation’s climate change ambitions. 

One task set by the building society challenged the audience, using a dolls house for demonstration purposes to come up with as many initiatives as possible to demonstrate how you could reduce household running costs and climate impact. 

Inspector Steve Palmer, Local Police Unit Commander, also spoke to report on the key challenges, success, and priorities for rural policing, as well as the important work of the HBBC Community Safety Team and its ongoing work and campaigns to improve community safety and wellbeing.

Councillor Martin Cartwright, executive member for rural affairs, said:

“I would like to thank all our parish councillors and clerks along with our partners for all the work they do for the borough’s communities. The Rural Conference is a celebration of your work and an opportunity to update colleagues and neighbours. We look forward to progressing new initiatives in the forthcoming year.”

For further details about the rural work programme and strategy please contact Edwina Grant, strategic and community planning officer, Edwina.grant@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk