This week in Leicester:

Transport Funding Decisions Face Scrutiny: Will Millions Be Reallocated?

The Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission met on Thursday 6 August 2026 to scrutinise significant decisions made by the City Mayor regarding major transport infrastructure funding. The core of the discussion revolved around a call-in of two Executive decisions, initiated by five councillors who raised serious questions about the allocation of millions of pounds.

At the heart of the controversy are decisions concerning the St Margaret's Junction Improvement Scheme and funding support for the Leicester Railway Station from the Department for Transport. The councillors who called in the decisions, including Councillor Nigel Porter, expressed concerns about transparency and value for money.

Specifically, they questioned:

• The council must explain why the St Margaret's Way junction suddenly needs £10 million less than it did two years ago?
• Clarification is needed from the council as to why the original station scheme failed to attract any contractors, also how future procurement and bidding will be safeguarded against further rising costs and or delays?
• Before committing over £32 million to this proposed project, the council must publish crystal-clear evidence demonstrating that this proposed project is financially viable, delivers good value for money and has distinct benefits for the residents of Leicester.

The decisions themselves involve a reallocation of £9.95 million of Levelling Up grant funding. Originally intended for the St Margaret's junction improvement, this money is now being directed towards the Leicester Station Gateway project. The St Margaret's scheme aims to infill subways and improve pedestrian and cyclist routes, while the station project seeks to create a new plaza and entrance.

The report pack indicated that the commission had several options: note the report, comment on the issues, or withdraw the call-in. The outcome of this scrutiny is crucial, as it directly impacts how millions of pounds of public money are spent on vital city infrastructure, with potential consequences for traffic flow, public transport accessibility, and the overall development of the city centre.

For more details on this significant discussion, please refer to the summary of the Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission meeting on Thursday 06 August 2026.

Local Issues on the Agenda at Abbey Community Meeting

The Abbey Community Meeting took place on Wednesday 5 August 2026, bringing together ward councillors and residents to discuss a range of local concerns. While the meeting was scheduled to cover several important topics, the information status is currently pending council publication, meaning full details of decisions made are not yet available.

The agenda indicated that the meeting would include:

• Ward Councillors Feedback: An opportunity for elected representatives to update residents on local matters.
• Policing Update: Information on crime and safety within the Abbey ward.
• Highways Update: Discussion on road maintenance, traffic, and infrastructure.
• Housing Update: Information on local housing issues and services.
• City Warden Update: An overview of the work carried out by City Wardens in the community.
• Ward Community Budget Update: A discussion on how local funds are being allocated to community projects.

These community meetings are vital for ensuring that local government remains responsive to the needs of residents, providing a direct channel for feedback and engagement on issues that affect daily life in the neighbourhood.

For more details on the scheduled agenda, please refer to the summary of the Abbey Community Meeting on Wednesday 05 August 2026.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below.

------ MEETING DATA ------ Braunstone Park & Rowley Fields Community Meeting Monday 10 August 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/165399 FUTURE false 2026-08-08T04:56:36+01:00

------ END OF MEETING DATA ------

------ MEETING DATA ------ Planning and Development Control Committee Wednesday 12 August 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/161646 FUTURE false 2026-08-05T22:49:18+01:00

Councillor Ashiedu Joel (Labour)

Councillor Ravi Mahesh (Conservative)

Councillor Sanjay Modhwadia (Conservative)

Councillor Dr Lynn Moore (Labour)

Councillor Teresa Aldred (Labour)

Jessica Skidmore

Sharif Chowdhury

Councillor Scott Kennedy-Lount (Liberal Democrat)

Governance Services

Councillor Yasmin Surti (Labour)

Councillor Patrick Kitterick (Green Party)

Councillor Molly O'Neill (Labour)

Councillor Geeta Karavadra (Conservative)

Councillor Raffiq Moosa Mohammed (Labour)

------ END OF MEETING DATA ------

------ MEETING DATA ------ Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee Wednesday 19 August 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/168179 FUTURE false 2026-08-08T04:56:48+01:00

Councillor Diane Cank (One Leicester)

Councillor Yogesh Chauhan (Conservative)

Councillor Shital Adatia (Conservative)

------ END OF MEETING DATA ------

------ MEETING DATA ------ Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee Tuesday 18 August 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/168210 FUTURE false 2026-08-08T05:57:18+01:00 Councillor Karen Pickering (Labour)

------ END OF MEETING DATA ------

This week in Leicester:

Community Meetings Focus on Local Issues Across the City

This past week saw several community meetings held across Leicester, providing residents with direct opportunities to engage with ward councillors and council officers on a range of local concerns. These gatherings are crucial for ensuring that the council remains connected to the needs and priorities of its diverse neighbourhoods.

North Evington Residents Walk the Patch

The North Evington Community Meeting took place on Monday 27 July 2026. A key feature of this meeting was a Patch Walk, a hands-on initiative where councillors and council representatives physically toured the neighbourhood to observe and discuss local issues firsthand. The walk began at Sparrow Park and covered streets including Leicester Street, Green Lane Road, Kitchener Road, St Saviour's Road, Temple Road, Coleman Road, and The Portwey. This approach allows for immediate identification of problems such as litter, graffiti, or infrastructure issues that directly impact the quality of life for residents. Ward councillors Councillor Dilip Joshi, Councillor Ravi Mahesh, and Councillor Sanjay Modhwadia were joined by representatives from Leicestershire Police, City Warden services, Cleansing, Parking Enforcement, and Highways. This collaborative effort ensures a multi-faceted approach to addressing community concerns.

For more details on this meeting, please refer to the summary of the North Evington Community Meeting on Monday 27 July 2026.

Western Community Gathers for Updates

On Thursday 30 July 2026, the Western Community Meeting was held, providing a platform for residents to receive updates on various local matters. Ward councillors Councillor George Cole, Councillor Vi Dempster (Assistant City Mayor - Health, Culture, Libraries and Community Centres), and Councillor Molly O'Neill were scheduled to provide feedback. The meeting also included updates on traffic and highways, neighbourhood policing, housing, and the work of City Wardens. These updates are vital for keeping residents informed about services that directly affect their daily lives and safety. The agenda also allowed for community members to raise local developments and interests, fostering a two-way dialogue between residents and their elected representatives.

For more details on this meeting, please refer to the summary of the Western Community Meeting on Thursday 30 July 2026.

Troon Residents Discuss Local Priorities

The Troon Community Meeting took place on Wednesday 29 July 2026. This meeting provided an opportunity for residents to hear from ward councillors Councillor Diane Cank and Councillor Mohinder Singh Sangha BEM on local issues. The agenda included updates on policing, highways, housing, and city warden activities. A significant item was the discussion of the ward community budget, which allows for local input on how funds are allocated to community projects. This direct involvement in budget decisions empowers residents to shape the development of their neighbourhood.

For more details on this meeting, please refer to the summary of the Troon Community Meeting on Wednesday 29 July 2026.

Licensing Enforcement Sub-Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Licensing Enforcement Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 28 July 2026 was cancelled.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below.

------ MEETING DATA ------ Braunstone Park & Rowley Fields Community Meeting Monday 10 August 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/165399 FUTURE false 2026-07-29T12:46:13+01:00

Councillor Elaine Halford (Labour)

Councillor Dr Susan Barton (Labour)

Community Meetings

Randeep Singh Mattu

Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal (Labour)

------ END OF MEETING DATA ------

------ MEETING DATA ------ Planning and Development Control Committee Wednesday 12 August 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/161646 FUTURE false 2026-07-30T17:54:59+01:00

Councillor Ashiedu Joel (Labour)

Councillor Ravi Mahesh (Conservative)

Councillor Sanjay Modhwadia (Conservative)

Councillor Dr Lynn Moore (Labour)

Councillor Nags Agath (Independent)

Councillor Teresa Aldred (Labour)

Jessica Skidmore

Sharif Chowdhury

Councillor Scott Kennedy-Lount (Liberal Democrat)

Governance Services

Councillor Yasmin Surti (Labour)

Councillor Patrick Kitterick (Green Party)

Councillor Molly O'Neill (Labour)

Councillor Geeta Karavadra (Conservative)

Councillor Raffiq Moosa Mohammed (Labour)

------ END OF MEETING DATA ------

------ MEETING DATA ------ Abbey Community Meeting Wednesday 05 August 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/164809 FUTURE false 2026-07-31T22:27:03+01:00

Councillor Charleigh Barnes (Conservative)

Councillor Annette Byrne (Labour)

Councillor Nags Agath (Independent)

Randeep Singh Mattu

------ END OF MEETING DATA ------

------ MEETING DATA ------ Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission Thursday 06 August 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/167688 FUTURE false 2026-07-31T17:43:57+01:00

Councillor Nags Agath (Independent)

Councillor Stephen Bonham (Labour)

Crystal Carter

Councillor Ted Cassidy MBE (Labour)

Councillor Adam Clarke (Labour)

Councillor Susan Waddington (Labour)

Councillor Geoff Whittle (Assistant City Mayor - Environment and Transport) (Labour)

Enya Wright

Julie Bryant

Oliver Harrison

Councillor Abdul Osman (Conservative)

Councillor Nigel Porter (Liberal Democrat)

Councillor Hemant Rae Bhatia (Conservative)

Governance Services

Sir Peter Soulsby (City Mayor) (Labour)

------ END OF MEETING DATA ------

This week in Leicester:

Council's Financial Health and Governance Under Scrutiny

The Governance and Audit Committee met on Monday 13 July 2026 to review the council's financial standing, audit plans, and governance frameworks. Key discussions focused on the external audit plan for 2025/26, the draft statement of accounts, and the council's response to a critical assessment by the Regulator of Social Housing. These matters are fundamental to ensuring public funds are managed responsibly and that the council operates with integrity.

External Audit Plan and Risk Assessment for 2025/26

The committee considered the External Audit Plan and Risk Assessment for the financial year 2025/26, presented by the Director of Finance, Amy Oliver. This plan outlines the work Grant Thornton UK LLP will undertake to audit the council's Statement of Accounts. Significant risks identified include the potential for management override of controls, the valuation of land and buildings, and the complex valuation of the pension fund liability.

The report highlighted that statutory deadlines for local authority audits have been extended nationally. However, Leicester City Council and its auditors are working towards an internal deadline of 30 November 2026 for the final audited accounts, which are statutorily due by 31 January 2027. This rigorous audit process is essential for public trust and accountability, ensuring that financial reporting is accurate and transparent.

Draft Statement of Accounts and Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26

Amy Oliver also presented the Draft Statement of Accounts and Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26. These annual documents are crucial for demonstrating the council's financial position and assuring residents that it operates lawfully and with proper standards of behaviour. Key accounting estimates, such as the valuation of property, plant, and equipment, and the significant pensions liability, require careful professional judgement. The accuracy and transparency of these statements are vital for residents to understand how their money is being spent.

Improving Governance Following Housing Regulator's Findings

A significant discussion centred on the Governance and Assurance Arrangements for the Regulator of Social Housing Improvement Programme. This followed a C3 consumer grading received in May 2025, which indicated serious failings and significant improvement is needed. The report presented aimed to assure the committee that clear accountability, robust monitoring, and effective member oversight are in place to deliver the required Performance Improvement Plan. For residents in council housing, this is a critical step towards ensuring safe, well-managed homes and responsive services.

Counter Fraud and Internal Audit Reports

The committee also received annual reports on counter fraud activities and the Head of Internal Audit's work. These reports detail the measures in place to prevent and detect fraud, and to ensure the council's framework of governance, risk management, and control is effective. The Head of Internal Audit was expected to provide Reasonable Assurance that no significant control weaknesses relevant to the Annual Governance Statement were identified. These functions are vital for protecting public funds from misuse and ensuring the council operates efficiently and ethically.

For more details on these important discussions, please refer to the summary of the Governance and Audit Committee meeting on Monday 13 July 2026.

Wycliffe Community Meeting Addresses Local Issues

The Wycliffe Community Meeting was scheduled to take place on Tuesday 14 July 2026, bringing together ward councillors and residents to discuss a range of local matters. While the specific outcomes are not yet available, the agenda indicates a focus on key community services and local governance.

The meeting was set to include updates from ward councillors, Councillor Hanif Aqbany and Councillor Mohammed Dawood (Assistant City Mayor - Adult Social Care). These updates are crucial for residents to understand the council's priorities and actions within their immediate neighbourhood.

Discussions were also planned on policing, the activities of the St Matthews Neighbourhood Centre, highways, housing, and city warden services. These are all areas that directly impact the quality of life for residents, from street safety and maintenance to the provision of essential local facilities and support services. A review of the ward community budget was also on the agenda, highlighting how local funds are being allocated to meet community needs.

For more details on the scheduled agenda, please refer to the summary of the Wycliffe Community Meeting on Tuesday 14 July 2026.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below.

------ MEETING DATA ------ North Evington Community Meeting Monday 27 July 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/163892 FUTURE false 2026-07-17T22:31:41+01:00

Councillor Ravi Mahesh (Conservative)

Punum Patel

Councillor Dilip Joshi (Conservative)

Councillor Sanjay Modhwadia (Conservative)

------ END OF MEETING DATA ------

------ MEETING DATA ------ Western Community Meeting Thursday 30 July 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/164810 FUTURE false 2026-07-17T22:31:50+01:00

Councillor George Cole (Labour)

Councillor Vi Dempster (Assistant City Mayor - Health, Culture, Libraries and Community Centres) (Labour)

Angela Martin

Councillor Molly O'Neill (Labour)

------ END OF MEETING DATA ------

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