This week in Leicester:

Late-Night Businesses Face Scrutiny as Licensing Committee Weighs Public Safety

Leicester's Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee convened on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to tackle two significant licensing applications, one of which involved a new premises licence for Amigo Grill at 27 Narborough Road, Leicester. The application, proposing late-night refreshment until 5:00 am, sparked concerns from Leicestershire Police and the Noise and Pollution Team.

Police voiced worries about the potential for increased crime and disorder, public safety issues, and the protection of children, particularly given the premises' location within an area of special interest as defined in the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy[^1]. They argued that operating until 5:00 am could attract individuals already under the influence of alcohol, potentially leading to anti-social behaviour. The Noise and Pollution Team echoed these concerns, focusing on potential disturbances from ventilation, deliveries, and patrons congregating outside, which could impact nearby residents.

After discussions, the applicant, Haleema Khan, agreed to modify the operating hours to 11:00 pm to 4:00 am daily and implement additional conditions, including restrictions on waste disposal times and noise from delivery vehicles. The Sub-Committee, comprising Councillor Ted Cassidy MBE, Councillor Raffiq Moosa Mohammed, and Councillor Karen Pickering, ultimately granted the licence with these amended conditions, aiming to balance business needs with the licensing objectives of preventing public nuisance and crime and disorder.

The committee also considered an application for a review of an existing premises licence for Lifestyle Express at 29 Halford Street, Leicester. However, the provided details do not include information on the discussion or any decisions made regarding this specific review.

You can find more details about these decisions in the minutes of the Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee meeting on Tuesday 13 January 2026.

Housing Budgets and Tenancy Support on the Agenda for Scrutiny

Leicester's Housing Scrutiny Commission met on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to delve into the council's financial plans for housing and the support services available to tenants. The commission reviewed the City Mayor's proposed Draft General Fund Revenue Budget for 2026/27, which sets out the council's income and expenditure for the coming year and will directly influence the services residents receive.

A key focus was the Draft Three Year Capital Programme for 2026/27, detailing planned investments in major housing projects and infrastructure. Crucially, the commission also examined the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2026/27. This budget is vital for the management and improvement of the council's housing stock, covering everything from rent collection and repairs to the development of new homes. Decisions made here directly impact the quality and availability of council housing for thousands of residents.

An update on tenancy support services was also provided, highlighting the assistance available to help tenants manage their tenancies and access advice. The commission also discussed its future work programme, with District Heating being raised as a potential future topic for investigation, indicating a focus on sustainable and efficient housing solutions.

For a full breakdown of the discussions, please refer to the minutes of the Housing Scrutiny Commission meeting on Tuesday 13 January 2026.

Other Matters

The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee also met on Thursday 15 January 2026. The agenda for this meeting has not yet been made available.

The Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission met on Thursday 15 January 2026. The agenda for this meeting has not yet been made available.

Upcoming Meetings

• Thursday 22 January 2026: The Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission will discuss the draft budget and capital programme, receive updates on Bereavement Services, Community Asset Transfer, and a Leisure Centre Needs Assessment, and review progress at De Montfort Hall and the Haymarket Theatre. View meeting details
• Tuesday 20 January 2026: The Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission will consider draft budgets, the Leicester Safeguarding Children Partnership's yearly report, an update on SEND transport, the HNB Task Group report, the Fostering Service Annual Report, and performance data for Children's Social Care and Education. View meeting details
• Wednesday 21 January 2026: The Planning and Development Control Committee will consider several planning applications, including a change of use for a care home, new residential developments, and extensions to listed buildings. View meeting details
• Friday 23 January 2026: The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee is scheduled to review an existing premises licence for Victoria News and Booze, addressing concerns about underage sales and the sale of non-compliant goods. View meeting details
• Monday 26 January 2026: The Governance and Audit Committee will review procurement updates, internal audit progress, and consult on the upcoming internal audit work programme. View meeting details
• Tuesday 27 January 2026: The Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission is scheduled to meet. View meeting details
• Tuesday 27 January 2026: The Licensing Enforcement Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet. View meeting details

This week, Leicester City Council held three significant meetings, covering a range of topics that affect our community. Here’s a detailed look at what was discussed and how it impacts you.

Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission

The Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission met on Wednesday, 26 June 2024. This commission is tasked with scrutinising policies and projects related to economic growth, transportation, and climate change.

Waterside Development Update

A major focus was the Waterside development, a regeneration project covering approximately 100 acres. Key points included:

• Friars Mill: The council has restored Friars Mill, now managed by the Chamber of Commerce, blending historic buildings with new office spaces.
• Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO): A CPO for 17 acres aims to facilitate housing and office schemes, enhancing market competition.
• Funding: The project has received a £30m grant from the Leicester City Council Capital Programme, Local Growth Fund, and Right to Buy receipts, attracting £300m in private investment since 2015.
• Public Spaces and Flood Risk Management: The Commission discussed the development's impact on public spaces and flood risk management, with contractors like Keepmoat Homes involved.

The Chair praised the project and requested a follow-up report and site visit.

Electric Vehicle Charging

The Vice-Chair updated on the informal scrutiny of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points. The task group has begun its work, focusing on current EV infrastructure and funding. Future sessions will involve stakeholder insights.

Worker Exploitation

The Commission reviewed a report on worker exploitation, highlighting:

• Labour Market Partnership: Established to address exploitation concerns, particularly in textiles.
• Council's Limited Powers: Enforcement lies with national agencies.
• Community Safety Coordinator: Appointed to collaborate with regulators and communities.

The Commission emphasised mapping businesses engaged in exploitation and urged further discussion in the next municipal year.

LLEP Arrangements

A report on the Leicester and Leicester Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) detailed:

• Government Policy Changes: Shifting roles toward upper-tier authorities and elected leaders.
• New Structure: Phasing out the LLEP Board and establishing a new business engagement structure.
• Careers Hub: Retention and redesign of services, supported by LLEP reserves until March 2026.

The Commission requested more details on a £1m grant to IBM.

Health and Wellbeing Board

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, 27 June 2024, covering a range of health topics.

Sexual Health

Laura French presented a Health Needs Assessment on Sexual Health. Key points included:

• High STI Rates: Leicester has a high prevalence of HIV and rising rates of gonorrhea and syphilis.
• Access to Contraception: Issues with accessing long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like coils and implants.
• New Service: Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust began providing sexual health services on 1 April 2024.

Tuberculosis

Dr Mary Hall highlighted a sharp rise in TB cases, making Leicester the second highest in England. The Board discussed:

• Minority Ethnic Groups: Higher impact on people from South Asia.
• Screening Programmes: Effectiveness and challenges.
• Strategy Development: Raising awareness, increasing screening, and improving support for TB treatment.

Annual Report and Racial Disparities

The Board reviewed its Annual Report and discussed racial disparities in maternity care, emphasising the need for culturally competent services and better data use.

Black Mental Health and Me

Mark Evans presented the “Black Mental Health and Me” report, addressing mental health disparities in the Black community. Recommendations included:

• Culturally Competent Care: Improving access and trust in mental health services.
• Collaboration: Working with the African Heritage Alliance to implement changes.

Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission

The Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission also met on Thursday, 27 June 2024, discussing policies and services for vulnerable adults.

Charging Policy

The Commission reviewed a proposal to include the enhanced part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in social care charges. Concerns were raised about the financial burden on vulnerable individuals, and further engagement was recommended.

Reablement Service

A report on the Reablement Service, which supports hospital-to-home transitions, highlighted growth and challenges like hospital readmissions and double-handed care.

Autism Needs

The Commission discussed the growing needs of individuals with autism, recommending the addition of the Autism Placed Based Delivery Plan to the work programme.

External Workforce Strategy

The draft strategy focused on improving workforce conditions, reducing zero-hour contracts, and enhancing training opportunities. Consultation with the workforce was recommended.

Carer Support and Day Centre Update

Updates were provided on the carer support service and the closure of Hastings Road Day Centre, with a final update requested upon completion of transitions.

Get Involved

Residents are encouraged to:

• Submit Comments: Participate in consultations on council policies and projects.
• Attend Meetings: Public meetings are open for attendance.
• Contact Councillors: Share your views and concerns with local representatives.

Stay informed and engaged with your local council's activities to help shape the future of Leicester.

This week, the Leicester City Council held two meetings, with one of them being particularly impactful. Here’s a breakdown of what happened and how it relates to the workings of your local government.

Planning and Development Control Committee Meeting

The most significant meeting this week was the Planning and Development Control Committee held on Wednesday, 12 June 2024. This committee is responsible for making decisions on planning applications and ensuring that developments align with local policies and regulations.

Key Decision: The Mayflower Pub

One of the major items on the agenda was the planning application for the Mayflower Pub on Jervis Road. The application proposed converting the vacant pub into a place of worship with ancillary community and education space. The committee approved the application, subject to conditions.

The approval was based on several factors:

• Community Need: The area has been in need of a community facility, and the derelict state of the pub had been a concern for local residents.
• Traffic Management: Conditions were imposed to manage parking and traffic flow, including a detailed travel plan to promote sustainable transport and manage additional parking during peak times.
• Noise Control: Measures were recommended to limit noise impact on nearby residential properties, including restrictions on the use of outdoor areas and hours of operation.

The decision aligns with the council's Core Strategy Policy CS06, which aims to provide a range of community facilities to meet local needs.

How Planning Applications Are Decided

Planning applications are reviewed by the Planning and Development Control Committee, which includes elected councillors and planning officers. The process involves:

1. Submission: Applicants submit detailed plans and supporting documents.
2. Consultation: The council consults with local residents, businesses, and relevant authorities.
3. Assessment: Planning officers assess the application against local and national planning policies.
4. Decision: The committee discusses the application in a public meeting and makes a decision, which can include approval, refusal, or approval with conditions.

Other Meetings

There was another meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 12 June 2024, but no video or transcript was available. As a result, we cannot provide details on the discussions or decisions made during that meeting.

Understanding Your Local Government

Local councils in the UK, like Leicester City Council, are responsible for a wide range of services and functions, including planning and development, education, transportation, and community services. Councillors are elected by residents to represent their interests and make decisions on their behalf.

Your Local Neighbourhood

The Mayflower Pub is located in a residential area with a mix of housing and community facilities. The conversion of the pub into a place of worship is expected to enhance the local community by providing a much-needed facility while addressing issues related to the site's previous derelict state.

Get Involved

Residents are encouraged to participate in the planning process by:

• Submitting Comments: You can submit comments on planning applications during the consultation period.
• Attending Meetings: Public meetings are open to residents, and you can attend to hear discussions and decisions.
• Contacting Councillors: Reach out to your local councillors to express your views and concerns.

Stay tuned for more updates on what your council is doing and how it impacts your neighbourhood.