The Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission of Leicester City Council met on Thursday 3 September 2026 to discuss several key issues affecting the city. Scheduled topics included an update on Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) for Zone 1 and the proposed Zone 2, an overview of the BUSK Leicester pilot initiative, and a review of the Festival & Events Grants Programme for 2026/27. The Commission also considered its work programme for the upcoming year.

Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) Zone 1 and Zone 2

The Commission was scheduled to receive a report providing an overview of the work undertaken under the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Zone 1. This order, established under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014¹, aims to manage behaviours that have a detrimental effect on the quality of life in specific localities. The report was expected to detail the activities of Public Spaces Officers in patrolling the Zone 1 area, engaging with residents and businesses, and addressing anti-social behaviour. It was also to outline data-led projects focusing on areas like Cank Street, New Walk/Upper Nelson Street, encampments, and Town Hall Square, detailing efforts to secure vulnerable locations and reduce drug-related activity and rough sleeping.

Additionally, the meeting was to cover the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order for Zone 2. This proposal, informed by the learning from Zone 1, was developed following an analysis of intelligence, reported incidents, and community concerns. A public consultation on the Zone 2 PSPO had been conducted, and the report was to detail plans for its implementation, including finalising the draft order, designing and installing signage, and developing an enforcement and communications plan. The report highlighted that the PSPO Zone 2 would complement existing city centre arrangements and support a consistent approach to managing anti-social behaviour.

BUSK Leicester – Overview

A report was scheduled to provide an overview of the new BUSK Leicester pilot initiative, which ran from March to May 2026. This initiative, part of the Heart of Leicester Strategy, aimed to create a simple process for buskers and street performers to use designated city centre pitches. The pilot involved an online booking system, with performers agreeing to terms and conditions regarding noise levels and consideration for local businesses.

The report was expected to cover the pilot's locations, including High Street, East Gates, Belgrave Gate, and Gallowtree Gate, and detail the marketing and communications efforts, which included social media campaigns and promotion at events like the Riverside Festival. Stakeholder engagement with organisations such as 2Funky Arts and the Leicester Music Board was also to be discussed. The report was to present findings from the pilot, including 117 bookings taken, with individual performers making up 80% of these. Feedback from partners like the PSPO Team and the Police was to be included, alongside survey results from artists and creatives, which indicated strong positive responses regarding performance opportunities and city animation. The report was also to outline proposed next steps, including expanding performance locations, improving branding, refining the booking process, and strengthening marketing and evaluation.

Festival & Events Grants Programme 2026/27 – Overview

The Commission was scheduled to review the 2026/27 Festivals and Events Grants Programme. This report was to detail the background of the programme, which supports partner organisations in delivering a wide array of festivals and events across the city, in addition to the events directly managed by Leicester City Council's Festivals and Events team.

The report was to outline a new commissioning process and assessment criteria for the grants. The purpose of the programme is to invest in quality, inclusive, and environmentally responsible festivals and events that deliver cultural, social, and economic outcomes for Leicester. The report was expected to detail the eligibility criteria for applicants, which included being based within Leicester, being a legally constituted organisation, and demonstrating the capacity to safely deliver the event. Applications were assessed on alignment with Leicester City Council's programme objectives, such as quality cultural programming, community cohesion, place-making, and economic impact.

A provisional budget of £230,000 was allocated for the 2026/27 programme, an increase from the previous year, reflecting the Council's commitment to a more balanced and inclusive cultural offering. The report was to list the 20 organisations and events recommended to receive funding, with grant awards ranging from £5,000 to £45,000. Notable recipients included Leicester Caribbean Carnival, Leicester Mela Festival, Leicester Pride, and Leicester Comedy Festival. The report was also to cover funding conditions, reporting, and evaluation procedures for grant recipients.

Work Programme

The Commission was also scheduled to consider its work programme for the upcoming year. This item typically involves reviewing planned future topics for discussion and allowing members to suggest additional items they deem necessary for scrutiny. The provided work programme indicated planned discussions on topics such as the Pride in Place Programme, Community and Libraries Needs Assessment, the LMAG Capital Project, and Ward Funding Annual Report.