This week in Leicestershire:

• The Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission discussed the adult social care workforce strategy, transitions from children's to adult services, and early action initiatives.
• The Planning and Development Control Committee approved the change of use for The Glen pub to a place of worship, and a retrospective application for an outbuilding.

Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission - Tuesday 06 May 2025

The Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission discussed the transition of children to adult social care, early action in adult social care, and the adult social care workforce strategy. The commission was also expected to receive a verbal update on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection.

External Workforce Strategy

The Strategic Director of Social Care and Education submitted a report to summarise the current position for the workforce that supports Adult Social Care in Leicester. The report pack included a draft of Leicester’s Adult Social Care Workforce Strategy, which stated its vision as:

Making Leicester a great place to work and deliver high quality social care services.

The strategy was scheduled to focus on three priorities: Valued, Sufficient, and Confident and Competent. The report noted that the adult social care sector in England had an estimated 18,500 organisations with 40,000 care-providing locations and a workforce of around 1.84 million posts in 2023/24. It also noted that Leicester employs 5% of the total adult social care workforce in the city, with the workforce typically being 77% female and having an average age of 41 years old.

Transitions from Children's to Adults

The Strategy Director of Social Care and Education submitted a report to update the Commission on the achievements of the current Joint Health, Social Care and Education Transitions Strategy which ended in 2024, and the plans for the development of a new strategy going forward.

The Joint Health, Social Care and Education Transitions Strategy (2019-22) was developed to ensure that staff working to support young people as they transition into adulthood were clear about the work needed to make sure young people have a good experience as they leave children’s services and become adults.

The Strategy aims to support three groups of children and young people who are likely to require additional support as they transition to adulthood. This includes some of our children who are looked after by the council and may have more complex needs, some children with special educational needs¹, and young people who are eligible for support from adult social care.

The report stated that the current strategy has made progress in advancing key objectives, including earlier planning, accessing support, working together, supportive initiatives, housing support, pathway development, joint collaborative workshops, and supported internships.

Early Action in Adult Social Care

The Director of Adult Social Care and Safeguarding was scheduled to give a presentation on the high-level of work taking place in Adult Social Care (ASC) that enables the department to prevent, delay or reduce the need for statutory ASC services. The presentation was scheduled to cover the types of early action available, the impact of this support, and areas for further attention.

Early action was described in three tiers: 'Primary' or universal help, 'Secondary' or targeted help, and 'Tertiary' or supplementary action that minimises the level of long-term support required.

CQC Inspection

The Strategic Director of Social Care and Education was scheduled to give a verbal update on the CQC inspection. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England.

Planning and Development Control Committee - Wednesday 07 May 2025

The Planning and Development Control Committee approved the change of use for The Glen pub to a place of worship, and a retrospective application for an outbuilding.

The Glen, Hillsborough Road

The committee approved the application to change the use of The Glen Public House on Hillsborough Road from a pub to a place of worship with an ancillary education centre, despite over 870 objections.

The application was made by the Eyres Monsell Community Foundation, which currently operates from the Eyres Monsell Community Centre. The proposal involves internal changes to create prayer pools, ablution spaces, a female prayer room, and classrooms.

Objectors raised concerns about the loss of a community asset, increased traffic and parking issues, noise and disturbance, and the proposal not reflecting the needs or identity of the majority of the community.

Planning officers recommended approval, subject to conditions, stating that the site is within a local centre and the proposal aligns with Core Strategy Policy CS08, which supports new community facilities that meet local needs. They also noted that the pub has been vacant since 2022 and a marketing report indicated no substantive interest in continuing its use as a pub.

To address concerns, the committee imposed conditions including restricting hours of use, prohibiting amplified calls to prayer, limiting the use of external areas for formal scheduled activities, and requiring a revised travel plan to manage parking.

Councillor Ted Cassidy MBE stated that the organisation has a lot of work to do to make a relationship with the local community so that it's not seen as something that happens to have a building there but doesn't relate to the local community.

Councillor Dr Lynn Moore used an Excel spreadsheet to search the electoral roll for Muslim names, concluding that 71 people living in Ayers-Monsul who I assumed were Muslims... is probably a lot more than your average congregation of the Church of England church.

Councillor Patrick Kitterick said that in some ways I'm a lot more comfortable with worship moving out of community centres... I just think community centres should be as neutral as possible.

Councillor Porter suggested that if the application were rejected, the council could work with the applicant to find an alternative venue.

Despite these concerns, the committee voted six to two, with one abstention, to approve the application. Councillor Teresa Aldred, Vice-Chair seconded the proposal. Councillor Surti, Chair stressed the need for the applicants to work closely with residents to address their concerns.

16 Plantation Avenue

The committee approved a retrospective application for the construction of a single-storey outbuilding at 16 Plantation Avenue, despite seven objections.

The application described the outbuilding as being for use as a gym, office and music room. The structure includes a fake pitched roof, increasing its height to 3.3 metres at the front.

Objectors raised concerns that the building was constructed prior to the application, it could be used as overnight accommodation or a short-term let, it exceeds maximum height levels and is too close to boundary fences, and it causes a loss of privacy and an increase in noise.

Planning officers recommended approval, subject to conditions, stating that the building is subordinate to the main dwelling and does not have an overbearing impact. They also noted that the use is residential and ancillary to the main dwelling.

To address concerns, the committee imposed a condition stating that the outbuilding shall not be used as living accommodation and shall only be used incidentally to the main house.

Councillor Porter stated that this isn't a structure which forms part of the occupiers of this existing house, this is a completely separate independent self contained unit.

Councillor Kitterick expressed his annoyance that people build without planning permission, but noted that the committee cannot give any weight to the fact that this is a retrospective application.

The committee voted seven to zero, with two abstentions, to approve the application. Councillor Aldred seconded the proposal. Councillor Surti urged the owner to work with their neighbour to address their concerns.

This week in Leicestershire:

• The Employees Committee (Appointments) conducted interviews for the Director of Tourism, Culture and Economy position.
• The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee considered new premises licences for Dosti Pan Centre & Off Licence and Uncle J's Kitchen, facing objections from residents and the police.
• The Overview Select Committee discussed youth provisions, independent care homes, and the corporate estate annual report, agreeing to scrutinise care homes further.
• The Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission reviewed health protection, mental health referrals, and winter pressures, highlighting concerns about funding cuts and inequalities.
• The Licensing Enforcement Sub-Committee scheduled a meeting to discuss a personal licence review.
• Leicestershire Council held a meeting on Wednesday 30 April 2025, but no video was provided.

Employees Committee (Appointments) - Monday 28 April 2025

The Employees Committee (Appointments) met to interview candidates for the Director of Tourism, Culture and Economy role. The agenda included standard items like apologies and declarations of interest. The interviews were held in private due to the discussion of information relating to an individual, as per the Local Government Act 1972.

Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee - Monday 28 April 2025

The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee considered applications for new premises licences for Dosti Pan Centre & Off Licence and Uncle J's Kitchen.

Dosti Pan Centre & Off Licence

Mr Ajay Valgi applied for a licence to sell alcohol and remain open from 06:00 to 00:00 daily at 2c Uppingham Road, Leicester. The council received 75 objections citing concerns about crime, disorder, public nuisance, and safety, with residents fearing increased antisocial behaviour and violence. However, 100 representations supported the application, arguing for more choice and longer hours for workers. The report pack included proposed conditions, such as CCTV, staff training, and a Challenge 25 policy.

Uncle J's Kitchen

Uncle J’s Limited applied for a licence to provide late-night refreshment between 23:00 and 03:00 at 166 Evington Road, Leicester. Objections were received from planning, a member of the public, and the police. Planning cited a condition on the premises' planning permission limiting use to between 07:30 and 23:00. Other concerns related to noise, litter, antisocial behaviour, and safety in the night-time economy. Proposed conditions included security cameras, staff training, and incident logs.

Overview Select Committee - Thursday 01 May 2025

The Overview Select Committee discussed youth provisions, independent care homes, and the corporate estate annual report. The committee agreed to add the topic of care homes to their work programme and requested that the planning section of the council report to a meeting of the Overview Select Committee within the next three months on their knowledge of the provision of children's home accommodation in the city by the private sector.

Youth Council Questions

Youth Council Representative Mario questioned the City Mayor about improving social life for young people and protecting green spaces. The City Mayor acknowledged the reduction in youth services but highlighted facilities like the Victoria Park basketball court and the new skateboard park near Abbott Park. He also mentioned the importance of the city centre, citing Lane 7 and crazy golf as attractions. In response to the second question, the City Mayor spoke about the parks and open spaces in the city, and the work that had been done to convert areas of waste land into valuable public space, such as Aylestone Meadows and Watermead Country Park.

Independent Care Homes in Leicester City

The committee received a report on independent care homes, noting the council's limited influence over them. Concerns were raised about applications from individuals or companies with no care experience and boilerplate planning statements. A council officer noted that the council had started to add comments from a children's social care point of view to planning applications, to provide context and guide the planning committee in their questions. Councillor Batool asked if there was any scope for the council to work with Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the placing authority to establish a shared tracking or notification system, and whether there was any way to whistleblow about care homes to Ofsted or CQC. The City Mayor added that he would be very interested to know from the planners whether it is possible to give limited period approvals. Councillor Porter stated that local authorities up and down the country feel that they're being ripped off by the providers of this service, and that people are setting up dormant companies in order to get an uplift on a planning proposal.

Corporate Estate Annual Report

The committee received the Corporate Estate Annual Report 23.24 FINAL. The City Mayor introduced the report, explaining that the corporate estate is the part of the council's land and property portfolio that is not held for specific operational purposes, but is held effectively as a public sector property company. A council officer presented the figures, noting that the portfolio's growth yield year on year has improved and is currently at 7%, that the portfolio value is over £100 million and is currently at £147.2 million, that the industrial sector continues to be the largest single sector, that occupancy is between 95 and 96%, that retail remains challenging, and that debt has reduced dramatically over the period. Councillor Batool asked what the tangible metrics and accountability mechanism are for ESG claims, and to what extent the income generated from the corporate estate is aligned with the council's strategic priorities, specifically around supporting vulnerable communities. Councillor O'Neill asked about the possibilities for the Haymarket shopping centre, and what the council's priorities are there.

Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission - Tuesday 29 April 2025

The Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission discussed health protection, mental health referrals for children and young people, winter pressures on the Bradgate Mental Health Unit, and neighbourhood mental health cafes.

Health Protection

The commission discussed health protection issues, including safe discharge procedures for care home residents and low flu vaccination uptake in schools. Funding cuts by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) are expected to impact vaccination services and address inequalities. Measles cases have decreased, but MMR vaccination rates need improvement. Flu vaccination rates in the city are half those in the county, highlighting unacceptable inequalities.

Children and Young People's Mental Health Referral Update

The commission received an update on children and young people's mental health referrals. CAMHS is only one element of the mental health support available across Leicester, with a self-referral route and a triage navigation service. Performance data from March 25 shows a mixed picture, with strong performance in assessments and crisis intervention, but challenges in neurodevelopmental assessment and diagnosis, particularly for autism and ADHD. The Play On programme, in partnership with Leicester City Football Club, provides emotional and mental well-being support to young people who would not ordinarily access mainstream mental health services, particularly young black men.

System Pressures on the Bradgate Mental Health Unit

The commission received an update on system pressures at the Bradgate Mental Health Unit during the winter months. The unit maintained an OPAL¹ 3 score for 96% of the time, escalating to OPAL 4 for three days. Bed and breakfast accommodations were used for 13 patients for an average of six days.

Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafes

The commission received a report on the Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafes scheme, which aims to increase access to mental health support in local settings. Nine voluntary sector organisations operate weekly cafes in areas with high deprivation and urgent mental health needs. In 2024/25, the cafes had over 3,500 visitors, with anxiety and depression being the most common presenting issues.

Licensing Enforcement Sub-Committee - Tuesday 29 April 2025

The Licensing Enforcement Sub-Committee scheduled a meeting to discuss a personal licence review. The report is restricted under paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, meaning that the details of the review were scheduled to be discussed in private.

This week in Leicestershire:

• The Housing Scrutiny Commission discussed supported housing proposals, repairs performance, and the apprentice programme.
• The Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission reviewed worker exploitation, parking fees, inward investment, bus lanes, speed limits and cycling infrastructure.
• The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee considered premises licence variations for two Morrison's Daily stores.

Housing Scrutiny Commission - Tuesday 22 April 2025

The Housing Scrutiny Commission convened to discuss supported housing, repairs performance, and the apprentice programme.

Supported Housing Proposals

The commission discussed a report assessing the need for supported housing for Leicester City Council (LCC) tenants with substance dependencies and/or mental health needs. The report highlighted limited options for LCC tenants requiring supported housing, leading to tenancy failures and budgetary pressures. The commission considered recommendations to repurpose vacant LCC buildings, procure properties, and implement a mixed model of floating support¹ and accommodation-based support. The report also noted the enactment of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, which aims to improve the quality and oversight of supported housing.

A feasibility study for converting 100 Welford Road, Leicester, into a supported housing unit for nine single residents with complex needs was also discussed. The plan includes 24/7 on-site support. Potential issues such as moving current tenants, the building's location, conservation area restrictions, community impact, and cost implications were noted.

Repairs Performance

The commission received an update on the Repairs and Maintenance Team's performance in 2024-25. The report detailed challenges such as legislative changes, recruitment issues, and increased demand. The council manages around 19,500 properties and 1,700 leaseholders, providing services including responsive repairs, emergency repairs, compliance works, pre-planned maintenance, and void property renovations.

Resourcing was identified as a major challenge, with consistent vacancies in repair teams. Job cancellations were also a barrier, with approximately 20,000 repairs cancelled this year, representing about 16% of all repairs.

The report highlighted concerns about damp and mould remediation, noting that current performance is inadequate. The council proposed migrating all damp and mould remediations to the Voids Team and applying mould-inhibiting solutions to high-priority cases. This approach aims to eliminate outstanding properties with immediate damp and mould risks within three months, addressing requirements of the upcoming Awaab's Law, which is designed to protect tenants from hazards in social housing.

Apprentice Programme and Women in Construction

The commission received an update on the Women in Construction and Apprentice Programmes within Housing. The Women in Construction programme, in partnership with Leicester College, aims to challenge stereotypes and promote diversity in trades. The council also runs an additional Women In Construction week at the Construction Training Centre of Excellence.

The council has expanded its apprenticeship programme from 30 to 50 posts, supported by Operational Development Supervisors. The council now partners with SmartGas for gas apprenticeships and will collaborate with Langley for roofing apprenticeships from September 2025.

Work Programme

The commission reviewed the Housing Scrutiny Commission Work Programme for 2024 – 2025.

Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission - Wednesday 23 April 2025

The Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission addressed worker exploitation, parking fees, inward investment, bus lanes, speed limits, and cycling and walking infrastructure.

Worker Exploitation Task Group

The commission reviewed a report on worker exploitation in Leicester, supporting recommendations to establish a local Fair Work Labour Market Partnership and ensure a relationship with the new Fair Work Agency proposed in the government’s Employment Rights Bill. The report highlighted the need for low-barrier support points for workers at risk and partnerships between the council, trade unions, and social care providers.

The report emphasized the importance of robust intelligence for effective labour market enforcement and noted the comprehensive approach of the Fashion Advice Bureau-Leicester (FAB-L)/Highfields Centre. The commission also discussed integrating fair work recommendations into local authority functions and reviewing procurement processes.

Call-in - Parking Fees and Charges

A call-in by six councillors challenged Sir Peter Soulsby's (City Mayor) decision to increase parking charges, arguing it would disproportionately impact low-income individuals and harm the city centre's economy. The call-in also opposed removing reduced Night Owl parking rates. The committee was recommended to note the report, comment on the issues, or withdraw the call-in.

Inward Investment and Place Marketing

The Director of Tourism, Culture, and Inward Investment presented an update on the Place Marketing Team (PMT), jointly funded by the City Council and Leicestershire County Council. Visitor numbers surged in 2023, generating £2.39 billion in economic impact. Leicester and Leicestershire secured accreditation as a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) in January 2024.

The PMT's commercial strategy includes direct hotel booking, partnerships, and securing funding to refresh the image library. The PMT has developed a collaborative network to attract and support strategic investment, including Team Leicester and the Midlands Engine. The report also detailed the PMT's investor events programme and key account management for foreign-owned businesses.

24-Hour Bus Lanes - Executive Response

The commission received an update on the Executive response to the 24-Hour Bus Lanes Scrutiny review report. The response stated that bus lanes support passenger transport and remain open to cyclists, Hackney Carriages, and emergency vehicles. Bus lane design should be bespoke to the local context and subject to public consultation.

20mph Programme Update

The City Transport Director provided an update on the city’s 20mph programme, which began in 2012. To date, 114 schemes have been delivered, covering 1,756 streets (63% of suitable streets). Schemes are now programmed through March 2028, aiming to include 81% of suitable streets within a 20mph speed limit or zone.

Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

The City Transport Director presented details on the proposed Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), a strategic document outlining potential improvements to walking and cycling networks. The LCWIP is built on principles of coherence, directness, safety, comfort, and attractiveness, using digital models to identify beneficial areas and locations. Priority zones and routes will be subject to consultation.

Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee - Thursday 24 April 2025

The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee addressed applications for variations to existing premises licences for two Morrison's Daily stores.

Morrison’s Daily, 170-178 Evington Road, Leicester

The sub-committee considered an application to extend the hours for alcohol sales and introduce late-night refreshment services at Morrison's Daily, 170-178 Evington Road. The application sought to extend alcohol sales from 7am-10pm to 6am-midnight, introduce late-night refreshment services between 11pm and midnight, and adjust opening hours accordingly.

The application proposed removing existing conditions related to the Challenge 25 policy² and delivery restrictions, while adding new conditions pertaining to CCTV, staffing levels, waste receptacles, and age verification policies.

The sub-committee received 12 representations, including from 11 local residents and a local councillor acting on behalf of Councillor Yasmin Surti and Councillor Manjula Sood, raising concerns about crime, disorder, public nuisance, public safety, and the protection of children. Residents and councillors feared extended hours would worsen noise, litter, anti-social behaviour, parking problems, and sleep disruption. Leicestershire Police echoed these concerns.

Morrison’s Daily, 249-259 Narborough Road, Leicester

The sub-committee considered an application for a variation to an existing premises licence for Morrison’s Daily, 249-259 Narborough Road. The application sought to introduce late-night refreshment services from 11pm to 5am and extend alcohol sales to 24 hours a day.

The Licensing Enforcement team initially raised concerns but reached an agreement with the applicant to attach conditions to the licence, if granted. Leicestershire Police also expressed concerns that the 24/7 application would increase anti-social behaviour, crime, and noise.

Conditions consistent with the application and Licensing Enforcement agreement covered CCTV, incident recording, staffing levels, waste management, and age verification policies.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The sub-committee confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting held on 6 March 2025. During that meeting, the sub-committee rejected a variation application for Mini Off Licence, 220 Narborough Road, due to illicit items found and failure to promote licensing objectives. They granted an application for TTR Local, 22 King Street, to authorize alcohol sales for off-premises consumption between 07.30 hours and 23.00 hours, subject to additional conditions.

This week in Leicestershire:

• The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee was scheduled discuss a temporary event notice for Corah Works, focusing on police objections related to public safety.
• The Belgrave Community Meeting was scheduled to cover updates from councillors and police, and discuss flooding, highways, and the Ward Community Budget.
• The Planning and Development Control Committee meeting was cancelled.

Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee - Wednesday 16 April 2025

The Licensing (Hearings) Sub-Committee convened to consider a police objection to a temporary event notice (TEN) for an event at Corah Works, First Floor, Euro House, St John Street. The sub-committee was to decide whether to allow the event, impose conditions, or issue a counter notice to prevent it.

Mr Karandeep Gill submitted the temporary event notice for an event on 18 May 2025, including alcohol sales and regulated entertainment from 13:00 to 21:00. The police objected due to concerns about public safety and the protection of children.

The sub-committee was to consider the notice, the objection, the Licensing Act 2003, and the council's licensing policy.

The sub-committee had three options: issue a counter notice under Section 105 (2) of the Licensing Act 2003, impose conditions aligning with the venue's existing premises licence, or disregard the objection and allow the event.

The report pack included the temporary event notice, the police objection, and the existing premises licence for the venue.

Belgrave Community Meeting - Thursday 17 April 2025

The Belgrave Community Meeting was scheduled for 17 April 2025 at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, Rothley Street, Leicester. The agenda included updates from ward councillors, Leicestershire Police, and Leicester City Council representatives. Discussions were planned on flooding, highways, city wardens, cleansing, housing, the police, and the ward community budget.

Councillors Shital Adatia and Jaiantilal Gopal were scheduled to provide feedback on ward matters. An update from Leicestershire Police was also on the agenda, as were updates on city warden, cleansing, and housing services.

The meeting was also scheduled to include a specific update on flooding and highways.

The Ward Community Budget was also scheduled to be discussed.

Planning and Development Control Committee - Wednesday 16 April 2025

The Planning and Development Control Committee meeting was cancelled.