This week in Leicester:

New Taxis Approved, But Concerns Remain Over Public Safety

Leicester City Council's Licensing and Public Safety Committee met on Tuesday 7 July 2026, with a key decision made regarding the approval of a new vehicle for Hackney Carriage licences. While the move aims to increase choice for taxi users, it also highlights the ongoing balancing act between modernising services and maintaining stringent safety standards.

Ford MAXIcab Approved for Hackney Carriage Licence

The committee considered the approval of the Ford MAXIcab for licensing as a Hackney Carriage. Allied Vehicles, the manufacturer, requested that the vehicle be licensed by Leicester City Council, which would offer a wider selection of vehicles for the city's taxi fleet.

The Ford MAXIcab presented some deviations from the current Conditions of Fitness for Hackney Carriages[^3]. Its width of 2.032mm exceeds the maximum specified width of 1.845mm, and its length of 5.050mm is slightly over the 5-metre limit. However, the vehicle has a GB whole vehicle type-approval number[^4], and its width, excluding mirrors, was measured at 1.885mm by the Council's Vehicle Testing Station.

The MAXIcab is available with diesel, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains, offering potential benefits for air quality and the council's climate emergency commitments. Crucially, the design ensures wheelchair passengers face forward, enhancing accessibility.

The report noted that the current list of approved hackney carriages is outdated, with some models no longer available. The Ford MAXIcab is already licensed by several other local authorities across the UK.

The committee was recommended to approve the Ford MAXIcab, provided the benefits of licensing it were deemed to outweigh the outlined disadvantages. This decision could lead to a more diverse and modern taxi fleet for Leicester, potentially improving services for all residents, including those with mobility needs.

You can find more details in the summary of the Licensing and Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday 7 July 2026.

Council Tackles Poverty with New Crisis and Resilience Fund

Leicester City Council is implementing a new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), a significant step towards a more sustainable approach to tackling poverty. The Overview Select Committee reviewed the fund's progress on Wednesday 8 July 2026. This fund replaces the Household Support Fund and elements of Discretionary Housing Payments, aiming to provide a more stable, long-term approach to supporting residents facing financial hardship.

A Three-Year Plan for Financial Stability

The CRF is designed to run for three years, until March 2029, offering a crucial shift from short-term emergency funding to a more strategic, preventative model. It focuses on both immediate crisis support and building long-term financial resilience. This is vital for vulnerable groups who often fall through the cracks of short-term aid, allowing them to plan for the future with greater certainty.

Simplified Access and Enhanced Support

A key operational change is the introduction of a single, simplified application route for crisis payments, housing support, and council tax discretionary relief. This aims to reduce the burden on residents who may struggle with complex application processes. The system is available 24/7, with a target of 48-hour decisions for rapid crisis support. Importantly, the application process is accessible through multiple channels, including phone lines and third-party referrals, with a voice-activated online form being introduced to assist those who are digitally excluded. This inclusive approach is essential for reaching those most in need.

Addressing Root Causes and Building Resilience

While the fund provides immediate relief, a significant portion is earmarked for addressing the underlying causes of financial hardship. Investments are being made in social welfare advice, tenancy and homelessness prevention, and community-based resilience projects. Approximately £2 million remains unallocated, providing flexibility to respond to emerging pressures and develop long-term strategies. This forward-thinking approach is crucial for breaking cycles of poverty and building stronger, more resilient communities.

However, concerns were raised about the lack of explicit mention of food banks in the presentation and potential delays in implementation compared to other local authorities. Councillors also questioned the allocation for staffing and administration, and the safeguards for digitally excluded individuals. The council assured that food banks can still apply for funding and that multiple application routes are available.

You can find more details in the summary of the Overview Select Committee meeting on Wednesday 8 July 2026.

Other Matters

• The Licensing and Public Safety Committee met on Tuesday 7 July 2026. The committee considered the approval of the Ford MAXIcab for Hackney Carriage licences. View meeting details
• The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee met on Monday 6 July 2026. The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for a review of the existing premises licence for the Glassy Club due to serious fire safety concerns. View meeting details
• The Fosse Community Meeting took place on Monday 6 July 2026. The meeting was scheduled to cover local issues including updates on the Fosse Neighbourhood Centre, local policing, highways, housing, city wardens, and the allocation of the Community Ward Budget. View meeting details
• The Employees Committee (Appeals) met on Monday 6 July 2026. The committee was scheduled to hear an appeal against dismissal in a private session. View meeting details
• The Beaumont Leys Community Meeting took place on Tuesday 7 July 2026. The meeting was scheduled to cover local issues including councillor feedback, local policing, highways, housing, city wardens, and the Ward Community Budget. View meeting details

This week in Leicester:

Public Health Concerns Mount as Dentistry and Health Services Face Scrutiny

Leicester's public health is under the spotlight this week, with the Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission meeting on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to examine critical issues affecting residents' well-being. The commission delved into the current state of dentistry, the effectiveness of the Leicester Neighbourhood Approach, and broader health protection measures, revealing significant challenges that could impact vulnerable populations.

Dentistry Crisis Deepens: Decay and Cancer Rates Highlight Urgent Need

A stark report presented to the commission painted a concerning picture of dental health in Leicester. While there have been some improvements in children's dental decay, rates remain higher than the national average. More alarmingly, Leicester has the third-highest oral cancer mortality rate in England. This is a serious concern, particularly for those with existing health conditions or limited access to regular dental check-ups.

The transfer of NHS dental commissioning to local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in April 2023 was intended to improve planning, but the data suggests a persistent problem. Over one in three five-year-olds examined in Leicester show signs of decay, a figure significantly higher than the national average, with children in the most deprived areas being at a substantially higher risk. Oral cancer, linked to factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and paan chewing, also presents a grave threat, with Leicester's high mortality rate demanding immediate attention.

The report outlined public health initiatives, including partnership work to address oral health needs and a supervised toothbrushing programme for children. However, the scale of the problem suggests these efforts may need significant expansion to make a tangible difference.

Health Protection: Falling Healthy Life Expectancy and Low Vaccination Rates

The commission also received a sobering update on broader health protection. Healthy life expectancy in Leicester has fallen over the past decade, with residents now expecting to live only 58 years in good health – a figure below the national average. This decline disproportionately affects those in less affluent areas, exacerbating existing health inequalities.

Vaccination uptake remains a significant concern. Flu vaccination rates for those aged 65 and over are at 64%, falling short of the 75% goal and the national average. Similarly, uptake for the under-65 at-risk population is a concerning 33.9%. While COVID-19 activity is stable, the report highlighted trends in Tuberculosis (TB) notifications, with Leicester's incidence rate significantly higher than England's average. HPV vaccine uptake also remains below national averages.

These figures are not just statistics; they represent real-world impacts on individuals and communities. Lower vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases, placing additional strain on the NHS and posing risks to the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.

Leicester Neighbourhood Approach: Bringing Care Closer to Home

The commission received an update on the Leicester Neighbourhood Approach, an initiative aimed at delivering community-based healthcare closer to home. This approach seeks to improve independence and well-being through integrated teams and local partnerships, focusing on prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term condition management. While the intention is positive, its success will depend on effective implementation and ensuring that these local services are adequately resourced and accessible to all residents, particularly those who may face barriers to accessing traditional healthcare settings.

For more details on these critical discussions, please refer to the summary of the Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission meeting on Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Council to Address Committee Appointments and Local Concerns

Leicester City Council convened on Thursday 2 July 2026, with a key item on the agenda being the appointment of council committees for the upcoming municipal year. The meeting also saw the tabling of two notices of motion, one raising concerns about the future of adventure playgrounds and the other highlighting the urgent need to address deep health inequalities within the city.

Adventure Playgrounds Funding Under Question

A notice of motion, proposed by Councillor Patrick Kitterick and seconded by Councillor Zuffar Haq, expressed concern that the promised £2 million in funding for adventure playgrounds in Leicester might not be fully realised. These playgrounds have been a vital resource for over 50 years, playing a crucial role in combating child poverty and improving the lives of children. The motion calls on the City Mayor to ensure these essential resources are provided, safeguarding these valuable community assets for future generations.

Urgent Call to Tackle Health Inequalities

Another notice of motion, also from Councillor Kitterick and seconded by Councillor Haq, drew attention to a series of alarming health statistics in Leicester. These include the second-worst ratio of GPs to patients in the country, residents expecting three years less healthy life than the national average, one of the highest infant mortality rates, and significantly declining vaccination rates. The motion urges the City Council to lead a plan to address these deep health inequalities by bringing together all relevant organisations and parties to develop a comprehensive strategy. The proposal for an annual Health of the City report aims to ensure ongoing scrutiny and accountability for improving the well-being of all residents.

Governance and Audit Committee's Annual Report

The council also received the annual report from the Governance and Audit Committee for the 2025-26 municipal year. This report detailed the committee's work in overseeing corporate governance, risk management, and internal controls. It highlighted the committee's role in reviewing internal and external audit plans, counter-fraud measures, and financial reporting. The report concluded that the committee had made a significant contribution to the good governance of the City Council.

For more details on the council's discussions, please refer to the summary of the Council meeting on Thursday 02 July 2026.

Planning Committee Considers New Housing and Children's Care Home Applications

The Planning and Development Control Committee met on Wednesday 1 July 2026 to consider two significant planning applications that could impact local communities. The committee reviewed proposals for new housing development and the change of use of a property to a children's care home, with decisions having direct implications for residents and vulnerable young people.

New Housing Development at 24 Abbots Road South

The committee considered an application for the construction of five two-storey houses, each with three to four bedrooms, at 24 Abbots Road South. The report recommended conditional approval, noting that Leicester City Council currently lacks a five-year housing land supply, making the provision of new housing a significant factor. While the development aims to address housing needs, concerns were raised by objectors regarding amenity impacts, highway safety, and drainage. The decision to approve new housing, especially in areas with existing infrastructure pressures, requires careful consideration of the long-term impact on local services and the environment.

Change of Use for Children's Care Home at 41 Raywell Road

An application for a change of use from a dwellinghouse to a children's care home for a maximum of two children aged between 7 and 18 was also reviewed for 41 Raywell Road. The report recommended conditional approval, acknowledging the need for quality children's homes. While the intention is to provide a safe and supportive environment for vulnerable young people, objections from numerous addresses cited concerns about residential amenity and parking. Decisions on such applications are crucial for ensuring that children in care receive appropriate support and that the impact on existing neighbourhoods is managed effectively.

For more details on these planning decisions, please refer to the summary of the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting on Wednesday 01 July 2026.

Other Matters

• The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 01 July 2026. View meeting details (Note: This meeting was cancelled.)

This week in Leicester:

Adult Social Care Faces Scrutiny Over Care Quality and Performance

The Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission met on Thursday 25 June 2026 to review the progress of the council's action plan following a critical assessment by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)*. The commission also examined performance ambitions for the final quarter of the 2025-26 financial year and considered its future work programme.

The CQC action plan, developed after an assessment in March 2025, focuses on several key areas crucial for the well-being of vulnerable residents. These include:

• Improving the experience of carers: The establishment of a Carers Oversight Board and the completion of a peer review are noted as positive steps. A comprehensive carers improvement plan has been developed, aiming to increase carer involvement in the Carers Strategy and launch a new carer website. This is vital for ensuring that those who provide unpaid care receive the support and recognition they deserve.
• Accessible and improved information, advice, and guidance: Efforts to enhance access for Leicester's diverse communities include improving website translation functionality and ensuring advocacy is covered in practice guidance and training. This aims to make essential information more readily available to all residents, regardless of their background.
• Waiting Times and Timeliness: The commission reviewed progress on establishing consistent data recording systems and efforts to reduce waiting times for assessments and reviews. This is a critical area, as delays in receiving social care support can have a significant impact on individuals' independence and quality of life, particularly for older adults and those with disabilities.
• Safeguarding: Updates were provided on guidance for safeguarding adults, embedding learning from reviews, and conducting practice audits. The recruitment of a Safeguarding Adults Practice Lead is a key development in ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable individuals.
• Care Markets and Quality: Actions to address gaps in care provision and improve quality include expanding respite services and scoping providers offering culturally appropriate care. This is essential for ensuring that a diverse range of care needs can be met effectively within the community.

The report indicated that most actions are progressing well, with the impact on service users and carers expected to become more evident as these measures are fully embedded.

The commission also received a presentation on the Social Care and Education Department's performance ambitions for Quarter 4 of 2025-26. This included updates on thirteen key priorities, ranging from improvement plans following Ofsted and CQC assessments to developing leading better lives initiatives and ensuring financial stability. The presentation highlighted the department's commitment to improving services across the board, with a focus on performance data and key indicators such as waiting times and accessibility of information.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the summary of the Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission meeting on Thursday 25 June 2026.

Council to Discuss Health Inequalities and Adventure Playground Funding

Leicester City Council is set to convene on Thursday 2 July 2026, with a packed agenda that includes critical discussions on the city's health services and the future of adventure playgrounds.

Addressing Deep Health Inequalities

A notice of motion, proposed by Councillor Patrick Kitterick and seconded by Councillor Zuffar Haq, highlights alarming statistics about the state of health in Leicester. The motion points to a severe shortage of GPs, with the city having the second-worst ratio of GPs to patients in the country. It also notes that residents can expect three years less healthy life than the national average, a high infant mortality rate, and a significant drop in vaccination rates over the past 15 years.

This motion calls for the City Council to lead a comprehensive plan to combat these health issues by bringing together all relevant organisations and parties. The aim is to develop a strategy that addresses the deep health inequalities present in Leicester. Furthermore, the motion proposes the introduction of an annual Health of the City report to be presented to the council, ensuring ongoing scrutiny and accountability. This initiative is vital for improving the well-being of all residents, particularly those in more deprived areas who are disproportionately affected by poor health outcomes.

Ensuring Funding for Adventure Playgrounds

Another notice of motion, also from Councillor Patrick Kitterick and seconded by Councillor Zuffar Haq, addresses concerns about the funding for adventure playgrounds in the city. While £2 million in funding was announced for adventure playgrounds at the Annual Budget Meeting on 25 February 2026, subsequent communications have reportedly caused concern among these vital community resources.

The motion urges the City Mayor to provide the necessary resources as indicated and voted for at the budget meeting. Adventure playgrounds have been operating for over 50 years, playing a crucial role in combating child poverty and improving the lives of children in the city. Ensuring their continued operation is essential for providing safe and enriching environments for young people.

The council will also consider the appointment of Councillor Teresa Aldred as the Vice-Chair of the Planning and Development Control Committee and receive the annual report from the Governance and Audit Committee.

For more details on the upcoming council meeting, please refer to the summary of the Council meeting on Thursday 02 July 2026.

Licensing Sub-Committee to Review Fire Safety at Glassy Club

The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee will meet on Monday 6 July 2026 to consider a critical application for the review of the existing premises licence for the Glassy Club on Green Lane Road, Leicester. The application, submitted by Leicestershire Fire & Rescue, cites serious concerns regarding public safety and the protection of children from harm.

The report details alarming findings from a recent inspection, including allegations that the licence holder, Praveshkumar Macan, may be subletting the premises to Arvind Madov, who is reportedly failing to meet fire safety duties under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Act 2005. Issues raised include:

• A lack of a working fire alarm and no fire risk assessment.
• Inadequate management of fire safety, with non-functioning emergency lighting.
• Extreme mould and structural issues, including a fallen ceiling exposing floorboards to flats above.
• Two blocked exits, leaving only one, which restricts the premises' capacity.
• The manual call point near the exit being taped over.

The report notes that the licence holder was not contactable, and the individual identifying as a joint leaseholder was unable to provide requested fire safety documentation. Previous inspections in 2024 resulted in a Deficiency Notice, none of which appear to have been addressed. The application highlights concerns about poor fire separation between the commercial area and the flats above, and the introduction of risks within the bar area.

The Sub-Committee has a range of options, including rejecting the review application, modifying the licence conditions, excluding a licensable activity, removing the designated premises supervisor, suspending the licence, or revoking it entirely. This decision will have a direct impact on the safety of individuals who may use the premises or live in the flats above.

The Sub-Committee will also review minutes from previous meetings, including the revocation of the licence for City Off Licence and the rejection of an application for Eagle Mini Market.

For more details on this important hearing, please refer to the summary of the Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee meeting on Monday 06 July 2026.

Other Matters

• The Fosse Community Meeting is scheduled for Monday 6 July 2026 to discuss local issues including the Neighbourhood Centre, policing, highways, housing, and the Community Ward Budget. View meeting details
• The Beaumont Leys Community Meeting will take place on Tuesday 7 July 2026, covering similar local issues and the Ward Community Budget. View meeting details
• The Licensing and Public Safety Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 7 July 2026. View meeting details
• The Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission met on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to discuss health protection, dentistry in Leicester, and local health services. View meeting details
• The Planning and Development Control Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 1 July 2026 to consider planning applications for 24 Abbots Road South and 41 Raywell Road. View meeting details
• The Overview Select Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 8 July 2026. View meeting details
• The Housing Scrutiny Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday 9 July 2026. View meeting details

This week in Leicester:

£60 Million Regeneration Boost for Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods

Leicester's most disadvantaged neighbourhoods are set to receive a significant boost with the Pride in Place Programme (PiPP), a 10-year government initiative designed to provide long-term funding for regeneration. The Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission met on Thursday 18 June 2026 to discuss the programme's rollout in three key areas: Eyres Monsell, Braunstone Park West, and Thurnby Lodge.

Each of these areas is slated to receive up to £20 million over the decade, with the council acting as the Accountable Body responsible for managing these substantial funds. This community-led programme aims to empower local residents to set priorities and shape regeneration efforts, fostering stronger communities and creating thriving places.

The programme is built on four core principles: long-term effort and funding, flexibility, community leadership, and support. Funding will be delivered in three investment cycles, with a split of 63% capital and 37% revenue, released annually and tied to performance.

The council's role as the Accountable Body is critical. It involves ensuring robust financial controls, supporting the operation of Neighbourhood Boards, and appointing Independent Chairs. These boards, which must have a majority of residents, are mandated to include an Independent Chair, the local MP, at least one councillor, and other local stakeholders. They are expected to meet quarterly and operate transparent decision-making processes.

Key deadlines are fast approaching: neighbourhood board membership and any proposed boundary changes must be submitted by 17 July 2026, with government confirmation expected in Autumn 2026. The final Pride in Place Plan is due by 28 November 2026. The council is undertaking significant preparatory work, including establishing governance structures and recruiting Independent Chairs.

This initiative holds immense potential for residents in these areas, offering a chance to directly influence the future of their neighbourhoods and improve local amenities and opportunities.

For more details on the Pride in Place Programme, please refer to the summary of the Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission meeting on Thursday 18 June 2026.

Urgent Action Needed for Children's Social Care and SEND Support

Leicester City Council's commitment to its most vulnerable young people was under scrutiny this week, with the Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission meeting on Wednesday 17 June 2026 to review critical improvement plans. The discussions highlighted ongoing challenges and the urgent need for enhanced support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those within the children's social care system.

Addressing the SEND High Needs Block Deficit

The commission examined the Executive's response to recommendations concerning the SEND High Needs Block. The national SEND reform agenda, outlined in the government's Every Child Achieving and Thriving white paper, is a backdrop to Leicester's own Local SEND Reform Plan. This plan aims to tackle the High Needs Block deficit and secure future funding.

The Task Group's recommendations, which align with national reform efforts, include:

• Improving transparency in funding allocation.
• Prioritising early intervention and prevention.
• Supporting bespoke support models in schools.
• Promoting inclusive practice in mainstream education.
• Strengthening tribunal and mediation services.
• Increasing Designated Specialist Provision (DSP) capacity.
• Enhancing co-production and parental engagement.
• Promoting best practice and embedding monitoring frameworks.
• Promoting integrated working across services.

The report noted the critical need to prepare financially for the expiry of the 2026 statutory override, a move that could impact funding for essential services.

Overhauling Children's Social Care

An update was provided on the post-inspection improvement plan for Children's Social Care, following a critical Ofsted inspection. Areas identified for improvement include leadership oversight, management supervision, and the timeliness and robustness of responses to contacts and referrals.

Significant actions have been taken, including restructuring senior management and reinforcing expectations around professional curiosity. However, further improvements are needed in strengthening performance management, developing clear performance thresholds, and delivering targeted spotlight activity on management oversight.

The quality and consistency of care plans and pathway plans, as well as safeguarding and support for children in care and care leavers, are also under review. Actions include strengthening local offer and practitioner understanding, and improving partnership working with external agencies. The report stressed the need for consistent application of revised guidance and increased management oversight of pathway planning quality.

These issues are of paramount importance, as they directly affect the safety, well-being, and future prospects of children and young people in Leicester. Delays or inadequacies in these services can have profound and lasting negative impacts on vulnerable individuals.

For more details on these critical discussions, please refer to the summary of the Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission meeting on Wednesday 17 June 2026.

Employees Committee (Appeals) Meets

The Employees Committee (Appeals) met on Monday 15 June 2026. The specific details of the discussions and any decisions made are not yet publicly available as the information status is PENDINGCOUNCILPUBLICATION. This committee typically handles sensitive employment-related matters, and its proceedings are often confidential to protect the privacy of individuals involved.

For more details on the scheduled meeting, please refer to the summary of the Employees Committee (Appeals) meeting on Monday 15 June 2026.