This week in Leicester:

Mental Health Support for Young People and Men Takes Centre Stage

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 4 June 2026, tackling crucial issues surrounding mental health support for young people and men, as well as strategies for preventing and identifying hypertension. The discussions highlighted the significant demand on services and the need for more integrated and accessible support systems.

Young Voices Heard on Mental Health

A key focus was the Young Voices consultation, which involved approximately 3,000 young people across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. Their feedback has directly shaped the Integrated Care Board's (ICB) three-year Children and Young People engagement plan. Young people stressed the importance of feeling heard, receiving respectful treatment, and accessing tailored mental health services. They also called for better coordination between councils, schools, and voluntary organisations.

The Board heard concerns about children waiting over a year for services and the need for clarity on what neighbourhood hubs will offer. This is particularly worrying for young people experiencing mental health crises, as delays can exacerbate their conditions. The Board agreed to request a future report to clarify the development and definition of these hubs.

Andy's Man Club Offers Lifeline to Men

The Board also heard from Andy's Man Club, a charity dedicated to supporting men's mental health and preventing suicide. This vital organisation was founded after the tragic death of 23-year-old Andy Roberts, aiming to break down the stigma that prevents men from speaking out. With suicide being the leading cause of death for men in the UK, the work of groups like Andy's Man Club is literally life-saving. They provide weekly, non-judgemental sessions in community venues and online, creating a safe space for men to talk and access support.

The Board recognised the immense value of this work and agreed to establish a task and finish group to explore how the voluntary sector can bolster mental health provision, including support for charities like Andy's Man Club. This could lead to more accessible and tailored mental health support for men across the city.

Tackling the Silent Killer : Hypertension

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to tackling hypertension, often referred to as the silent killer. Leicester has a higher-than-average under-75 mortality rate, and undiagnosed hypertension is a major contributing factor. It's estimated that 24,000 adults in Leicester are living with high blood pressure without knowing it.

The report outlined current efforts, including the NHS Health Check programme and a community pharmacy initiative. A multi-partner task and finish group is actively working to address health inequalities related to hypertension through community outreach. Early results show promising uptake for NHS Health Checks and a significant number of blood pressure checks identifying readings above the normal range. Future plans include expanding these efforts, with a blood pressure monitor loan scheme through libraries and alignment with national campaigns. This proactive approach is crucial for preventing serious cardiovascular events and improving the long-term health of residents.

Other Health and Wellbeing Matters

The Board also received updates on:

• Changing Futures programme: This initiative supports individuals facing multiple disadvantages, such as homelessness and mental health issues. The programme has demonstrated that coordinated support significantly reduces demand on public services.
• Adult Mental Health Services: The Board noted a continued rise in demand for secondary mental health services, with inpatient services consistently at full capacity. Workforce shortages and housing challenges are exacerbating these pressures.
• Mental Health Friendly Places and Men's Mental Health: Efforts to prevent suicide, particularly among men, were discussed. The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Suicide Prevention Strategy is focusing on high-risk groups and creating Mental Health Friendly Places.

For more details on these discussions, please refer to the summary of the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on Thursday 04 June 2026.

Stoneygate Residents Connect on Local Issues

The Stoneygate Community Meeting was held on Thursday 4 June 2026, providing a platform for residents to engage with ward councillors and discuss local matters. While the meeting was scheduled to cover a range of topics, including updates from councillors, the police, highways, and city wardens, the specific outcomes of these discussions are not yet publicly available as the information status is PENDINGCOUNCILPUBLICATION.

The agenda indicated that key items for discussion included the Cedar Road Ball Court and the Ward Community Budget. These community meetings are vital for ensuring that local government remains responsive to the needs and concerns of residents, and for fostering a sense of local ownership and engagement. The Ward Community Budget, in particular, allows local councillors to allocate funds to projects that directly benefit the neighbourhood, making it a crucial tool for addressing local priorities.

For more details on the scheduled agenda, please refer to the summary of the Stoneygate Community Meeting on Thursday 04 June 2026.

This week in Leicester:

Taxi Driver Licence Decisions Kept Private Amidst Sensitive Information

The Licensing Enforcement Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 27 May 2026 to consider applications and determinations related to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences. The meeting was held in private session, meaning the details of the discussions and decisions are not publicly available. This is because the matters involved information likely to be exempt from public disclosure, such as personal details and information related to the prevention or investigation of crime.

The committee was scheduled to review an application for a new driver's licence and to determine the continued entitlement of existing drivers to hold their licences. These decisions directly impact individuals' livelihoods and their ability to operate as licensed taxi drivers within the city. The sensitive nature of the information discussed underscores the importance of privacy for individuals involved in these licensing processes.

For more details on the scheduled agenda, please refer to the summary of the Licensing Enforcement Sub-Committee meeting on Wednesday 27 May 2026.

Victoria Park Festival Licence Application Faces Scrutiny Over Public Safety and Nuisance

A proposal for a new premises licence for a Summer of Funk Music Festival at Victoria Park, Leicester, LE1 7RY, was considered by the Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee on Thursday 28 May 2026. The application, submitted by Charles Raye Ltd, sought permission for licensable activities including live music, alcohol supply, and extended opening hours.

The application attracted significant attention, with representations received from Leicestershire Police, a member of the public, and Licensing Enforcement.

Leicestershire Police raised concerns regarding the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. While acknowledging the applicant's proposed measures, the police felt some were vague and requested additional conditions, including stricter supervision ratios, mandatory training for senior staff, and a zero-tolerance drugs policy. They also advocated for a ban on customers bringing their own alcohol and the strict enforcement of an age verification scheme like Challenge 25.

A representation from Bobby Smiljanic, identified as the Licensing Enforcement Manager for Leicester City Council, also highlighted concerns about public nuisance and public safety. Issues raised included potential noise disturbance to nearby sheltered housing for older people and safety hazards for park users due to vehicle movement. The proposed late finish time of 10:30 pm was also questioned, with a suggestion that park events should typically conclude by 8 pm.

Licensing Enforcement echoed these concerns, stating that the application in its current form could undermine all four licensing objectives. They emphasised the need for specific conditions tailored to the site and event, and for direct consultation with local residents. A comprehensive list of additional conditions, developed with multiple agencies, was proposed to cover event management, crowd control, crime prevention, noise management, and public safety.

Despite these concerns, the report pack indicated that an agreement had been reached between Leicestershire Police and the applicant regarding proposed conditions. Similarly, the applicant had provided an agreement notice to Leicester City Council Licensing Enforcement, indicating agreement with the conditions proposed by the Licensing Authority. The applicant's Event Management Plan, detailing measures for crowd management, alcohol, waste, and public safety, was also part of the report.

The Sub-Committee also confirmed minutes from previous meetings concerning other premises licence applications.

For more details on this application and the committee's discussions, please refer to the summary of the Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday 28 May 2026.

Humberstone and Hamilton Residents Engage on Local Issues

The Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting took place on Friday 29 May 2026, providing a forum for residents to discuss a range of local matters with ward councillors Councillor Stephen Bonham, Councillor Ashiedu Joel, and Councillor Manjit Kaur Saini.

The meeting's agenda included updates from ward councillors, local policing, highways, housing, and city wardens. A key item was the discussion of the ward community budget, which allows local councillors to allocate funds to projects that benefit the neighbourhood. These community meetings are vital for ensuring that local government remains responsive to the needs and concerns of residents, and for fostering a sense of local ownership and engagement.

While the specific outcomes of these discussions are not yet available, the topics covered are central to the daily lives of residents, impacting everything from road safety and housing conditions to local security and community development.

For more details on the scheduled agenda, please refer to the summary of the Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting on Friday 29 May 2026.

This week in Leicester:

Westcotes Residents Gather to Discuss Local Environment and Public Health

The Westcotes Community Meeting took place on Monday 18 May 2026, bringing together residents and ward councillors Councillor Adam Clarke and Councillor Sarah Russell to discuss pressing local issues. The meeting, held at Westcotes Library, focused on environmental and public health matters, identifying hot spot areas within the ward, and reviewing a budget statement.

While the specific details of the discussions on environmental and public health issues were not fully documented, the agenda indicated these were key concerns for the Westcotes community. These topics often relate to the quality of local air and water, waste management, and the prevalence of public health challenges that can disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing health conditions.

The identification of hot spot areas suggests a proactive approach to addressing specific neighbourhood problems. These could range from areas with high levels of litter or fly-tipping, to locations experiencing particular issues with noise pollution or anti-social behaviour. Tackling these issues directly can significantly improve the quality of life for residents and create a safer, more pleasant environment for everyone.

A budget statement was also presented, offering transparency on how local funds are being allocated within the Westcotes ward. Understanding how council budgets are spent is crucial for residents to hold their representatives accountable and to ensure that resources are being used effectively to address community needs.

The meeting was intended to be a focused session, with guidance provided on conduct to ensure a productive discussion. Such community meetings are vital for fostering a sense of local ownership and for ensuring that the council remains responsive to the needs and concerns of its residents.

For more details on the discussions at the Westcotes Community Meeting, please refer to the summary of the Westcotes Community Meeting on Monday 18 May 2026.

This week in Leicester:

Council Gears Up for New Municipal Year: Committees Formed and Office Holders Elected

Leicester City Council held its annual meeting on Thursday 14 May 2026, marking the formal start of the new municipal year. A key task was the establishment of council committees and the election of office holders. This process is fundamental to how the council operates, ensuring that scrutiny, decision-making, and oversight are distributed across various bodies.

Setting the Council's Structure for the Year Ahead

The meeting focused on establishing the council's committee structure for the 2026-2027 municipal year. This includes forming various scrutiny commissions, such as the Overview Select Committee, Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission, Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission, Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission, Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission, Housing Scrutiny Commission, and Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission.

In addition to these scrutiny bodies, other essential committees like the Governance and Audit Committee, Health and Wellbeing Board, Standards Committee, Planning and Development Control Committee, and Licensing and Public Safety Committee (along with its sub-committees) were also to be established. The size and composition of these committees are determined by political balance rules, ensuring representation from different political groups on the council. The appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs for each committee is a crucial step in delegating authority and leadership.

The establishment of these committees is guided by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, which ensure fair representation and proper functioning of local government.

Key Office Holders Appointed

The meeting also saw the formal election of several key office holders. This included the election of the Lord Mayor, the High Bailiff, and the Deputy Lord Mayor. These roles are central to the civic life of the city and the ceremonial functions of the council. Following these elections, a vote of thanks was given to the retiring Lord Mayor.

The annual calendar of meetings for the 2026-27 municipal year was also reviewed. This calendar is essential for planning the council's work and ensuring that all necessary meetings are scheduled throughout the year, taking into account significant dates such as elections.

For more details on the establishment of committees and the election of office holders, please refer to the summary of the Council meeting on Thursday 14 May 2026.

Honorary Aldermen Title Conferred on Former Councillors

In a special meeting also held on Thursday 14 May 2026, Leicester City Council conferred the title of Honorary Alderman on two former councillors, Kiritkumar Doshi and Lucy Chaplin. This honour is bestowed upon individuals who have rendered eminent services to the Council as past Members of that Council.

The conferral of Honorary Alderman status is a significant civic recognition. The report pack outlined that to qualify, individuals must have served a substantial period as a councillor and not previously held the title of Lord Mayor. The decision requires a resolution passed by at least two-thirds of the members voting at a special meeting.

While Honorary Aldermen can attend and participate in civic ceremonies, they do not have the right to attend council meetings or receive any allowances. This honour acknowledges their past contributions to the city and its governance.

For more information on this civic recognition, please refer to the summary of the Council meeting on Thursday 14 May 2026.

Community Meetings Focus on Local Issues Across Wards

Several community meetings took place this week, providing platforms for residents to engage with ward councillors and discuss local matters. These meetings are vital for fostering neighbourhood engagement and addressing specific concerns within different areas of the city.

Thurncourt Community Meeting

The Thurncourt Community Meeting on Tuesday 12 May 2026 was scheduled to cover a range of local issues. Discussions were planned to include updates from ward councillors, the introduction of the Pride In Place initiative, traffic and highways developments, housing matters, neighbourhood policing, and city warden updates. A summary of the ward budget was also on the agenda, offering transparency on local spending.

For more details on the Thurncourt Community Meeting, please refer to the summary of the Thurncourt Community Meeting on Tuesday 12 May 2026.

Evington Community Meeting

On Wednesday 13 May 2026, the Evington Community Meeting convened to discuss local priorities. The agenda included updates from ward councillors, community groups, traffic and highways, housing, neighbourhood policing, and city wardens. A summary of the ward budget was also presented, providing insight into local financial allocations.

For more details on the Evington Community Meeting, please refer to the summary of the Evington Community Meeting on Wednesday 13 May 2026.

Castle Community Meeting

The Castle Community Meeting, also held on Wednesday 13 May 2026, focused on local policing, community safety, highways, and the ward community budget. Councillors were also scheduled to provide feedback to residents.

For more details on the Castle Community Meeting, please refer to the summary of the Castle Community Meeting on Wednesday 13 May 2026.

Corporate Parenting Board

The Corporate Parenting Board met on Tuesday 12 May 2026. While no specific details of the discussions are available at this time, this board is responsible for ensuring that the council provides the best possible care and support for children in its care. Decisions made by this board have a direct and profound impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.

For more information on the Corporate Parenting Board meeting, please refer to the summary of the Corporate Parenting Board meeting on Tuesday 12 May 2026.