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Weekly updates

Leicestershire: Pension Climate Goals, Digital ID Debate & More

This week in Leicestershire:

Pension Fund's Climate Goals Face Scrutiny Amid Investment Strategy Review 🌍

The Local Pension Committee met to discuss the Leicestershire Local Government Pension Fund's climate-related disclosures, investment performance, and the potential impact of local government reorganisation. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88173 With the fund aiming for net zero emissions by 2050, the committee grappled with balancing environmental responsibility and financial returns, a challenge that could affect the retirement savings of thousands of local residents.

Key Points:

  • Climate Targets: The fund has achieved its interim targets of reducing weighted average carbon intensity by 55.6% and financed emissions by 42.2%.
  • Climate Investments: Over £1.5 billion (20% of the fund) is directly allocated to climate-related investments.
  • Stewardship Plan: Additions proposed for the Climate Stewardship Plan include ArcelorMittal and RWE, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is proposed for removal.
  • Cash Holdings: The level of cash held by the fund is higher than the strategic asset allocation limit.

The committee also discussed the possible administrative implications of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on the Leicestershire Local Government Pension Fund, noting that a new Administering Authority would need to be designated if the County Council is replaced by a new single unitary authority.

Health Board Focuses on Mental Health, Dementia, and Pandemic Preparedness 🧠

The Health and Wellbeing Board addressed a range of critical health issues, including mental health service updates, dementia strategy implementation, and pandemic planning. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88170 These discussions highlight the board's efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of communities in Leicestershire, but the success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation and resource allocation.

Key Updates:

  • Mental Health: Progress on the Mental Health Place-based Sub-group's delivery plan, including an all-age Mental Health Promotion plan and improvements to stop smoking services for people with Serious Mental Illness (SMI).
  • Dementia: Update on the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Joint Living Well Dementia Strategy 2024-28, focusing on prevention, timely diagnosis, and person-centred support. Dementia diagnosis rates in Leicestershire are below the national target.
  • Pandemic Planning: Update on pandemic preparedness across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR), summarising current planning activity and key learning from recent exercises.

The board also received an overview of health-related activities commissioned by the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCC), including contributions to substance use treatment, youth justice boards, and domestic abuse and sexual violence support.

County Council Appoints New Chief Executive, Debates Digital ID Scheme 🏛️

The Leicestershire County Council met to appoint Jane Moore as the new Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, and to discuss a range of notices of motion, including opposition to a proposed national Digital ID scheme. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88166 These decisions reflect the council's priorities and values, but their impact will depend on effective implementation and community engagement.

Key Actions:

  • Chief Executive Appointment: Jane Moore, the current Director of Children and Family Services, was appointed as the new Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service.
  • Digital ID Opposition: The council debated a motion opposing the Labour Government's Digital ID plans, arguing that the scheme represents an expensive measure that will undermine public trust.
  • SEND Funding: The council debated a motion urging an immediate review and uplift of SEND funding allocations for Leicestershire County Council.
  • Flood Signage: The council debated a motion to introduce a pilot scheme of enhanced resources allocated to prioritise 'quick response' to locations where road closures could reduce the risk to life and risk of property flooding.

The council also considered the Annual Delivery Report and Performance Compendium 2025, which assesses the council's progress and performance over the past year.

Employment Committee Reviews Pay Policy and Workforce Data 🏢

The Employment Committee met to discuss the council's pay policy, workforce report, and action plans related to organisational changes. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88168 These discussions are crucial for ensuring fair pay, effective workforce management, and smooth implementation of organisational changes.

Key Updates:

  • Pay Policy Statement: The committee was asked to approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, which sets out the council's policies in relation to the remuneration of its chief officers and lowest-paid employees.
  • Workforce Report: The committee received an update on workforce information and performance measures for Quarter 2 of 2025/2026, including details relating to headcount, absence rates, and completion of Annual Performance Reviews (APR).
  • Organisational Change: The committee received an update of the current Action Plans which contain provision for compulsory redundancy and details of progress on their implementation.

The press and public were likely to be excluded during discussion of the Working Arrangements Policy – Consultation Feedback and Implementation.

Other Matters

  • The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Panel met to discuss the Police and Crime Plan Delivery, the annual scrutiny report of the Ethics and Transparency Panel, and the annual report on complaints against the Police and Crime Commissioner. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88164 No transcript is available.

Upcoming Meetings

Leicestershire Faces Council Reorganisation Deadline

This week in Leicestershire:

County Faces Reorganisation Deadline: Cabinet Approves Business Case Amid Scrutiny 🏛️

Leicestershire County Council's Cabinet met this week to finalise and approve the business case for local government reorganisation (LGR), submitting it to the government just before the November 28th deadline. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87114 This decision, made after considering feedback from the Scrutiny Commission, sets the stage for potential sweeping changes to the structure of local government in Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland, with a vesting day projected for April 1, 2028.

Scrutiny Commission's Input:

The Cabinet considered the Scrutiny Commission's feedback on the draft business case, which included concerns about:

  • Streamlining the Options Appraisal: Suggestions to remove options to declutter the appraisal.
  • Reconsidering the Three Unitary Option: A call to re-evaluate the appraisal of this particular model.
  • Strengthening Key Points: Emphasis on protecting Rutland's culture, avoiding Leicester City boundary expansion, and maintaining local service points.

The Cabinet was asked to approve the business case for submission to the government by the deadline of 28 November 2025. The Cabinet was also asked to authorise the Chief Executive, John Sinnott, following consultation with the Leader, the Director of Corporate Resources, Declan Keegan, and Director of Law and Governance, Lauren Haslam, to make any necessary amendments to the business case before it was submitted to the Government, provided that these did not change the underlying principles of the business case as presented in the report.

The Stakes:

The government's decision, expected before the summer recess in 2026, could reshape how services are delivered, funded, and managed across the region. This could impact everything from social care and education to waste management and transportation.

Constitution Changes Approved: Scrutiny Commissioner Appointments Clarified ✍️

The Constitution Committee reviewed and approved the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) and recommended changes to the council's constitution, with a key amendment to Article 6.06 regarding the appointment of Scrutiny Commissioners. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87109 These changes aim to clarify current practices, improve navigation, and align with recent case law, potentially leading to more efficient and transparent governance.

Key Amendment:

To avoid confusion about the appointment process for Scrutiny Commissioners, the committee suggested amending Article 6.06 to:

The Council will appoint four Scrutiny Commissioners, two from the leading political group and one from each of the two main opposition groups, with the Chairman determined in accordance with paragraph 6.05 above.

East Midlands Shared Service Audit:

The Head of Internal Audit Service addressed concerns raised by an internal audit of East Midlands Shared Service (EMSS) 1 undertaken by Nottingham City Council, which raised concerns about payroll due to salary overpayments. The Head of Internal Audit Service clarified that the issue primarily related to Nottingham City Council, with minimal cases and value involved for the County Council. A review would be undertaken to improve the City and County Councils' processes, and the Corporate Governance Committee would be updated on progress.

ESPO Reports Surplus Amidst Market Contraction: Committee Reviews Financials and Strategy 📊

The ESPO Management Committee met to discuss the 2024/25 financial statements, the Chief Officer's progress update, ESPO's energy offering, and digital marketing strategies. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87119 Despite a contracting educational supplies market, ESPO reported a surplus, highlighting its efforts to manage costs and provide value for money to public sector customers.

Financial Highlights:

  • £6.8m Surplus: After 6 months, a surplus of £6.8m had been made, which is £0.5m better than budget and £1.1m better than last year.
  • Educational Supplies Market Contraction: The British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) have indicated a 3% educational supplies market contraction from January 2025 to September 2025.
  • Dividend of £5.4m Proposed: A dividend of £5.4m was proposed, based on the management accounts. ESPO's financial position was reported as healthy, with net current assets of £19.4m as of 31 March 2025.

Councillor Mohammed Jamil, Chair of ESPO Management Committee 2024/25, noted the pressures facing schools, early years settings and public sectors customers:

Despite these challenges, ESPO worked diligently to limit price increases through effective procurement and cost management, ensuring ESPO continued to offer excellent value for money.

Corporate Governance Committee Tackles Audit, Risk, and Conduct 🛡️

The Corporate Governance Committee addressed a wide range of issues, including the External Auditor's Annual Report, treasury management, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman Performance Annual Report, DBS checks for elected members, the Members Code of Conduct, risk management, and internal audit services. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87107 These discussions are crucial for ensuring the council operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • External Audit: Review of the 2024/25 Statement of Accounts, Annual Governance Statement, and Pension Fund Accounts.
  • Treasury Management: Review of the Quarterly Treasury Management Report for the second quarter of 2025-26.
  • Risk Management: Discussion of a Risk Management Update, including risks that had been removed, the Corporate Risk Register, and the Counter Fraud Two Yearly Action Plan 2024-26.
  • DBS Checks: Discussion of a policy for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for elected members.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  1. East Midlands Shared Service processes payroll/HR and accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions for Leicestershire County Council and Nottingham City Council. ↩

Leicestershire: Homicide Review Funding, SEND, & Crime Projects

This week in Leicestershire:

Domestic Homicide Review Funding Faces Increase 💔

The Leicestershire and Rutland Safer Communities Strategy Board met to discuss a range of issues, including a proposed increase in funding contributions for Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs). http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86483 With the number and complexity of these reviews increasing, the board considered whether to raise contributions from district partners and Rutland to ensure adequate resources for this critical process. This decision could impact the ability of the council to thoroughly investigate domestic homicides and implement preventative measures.

Key Points:

  • Increased Complexity: The number and complexity of DHRs are increasing, requiring more resources from the Leicestershire County Council Safeguarding Partnership Board Office (SPBO).
  • Financial Strain: The additional post within SPBO, the increase in the number and complexity of DHRs, and a Home Office Judicial Review have put a strain on financial reserves.
  • Proposed Increase: A recommendation was made to invoice each District partner and Rutland £5,000 to cover the costs of DHRs going forward, up from the current £2,500.
  • Home Office Challenge: The Home Office challenged a Leicestershire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) through a judicial review, and pooled partnership DHR funding was used to support the Borough in defending themselves.

The board agreed current funding arrangements in 2013, with Leicestershire County Council contributing £30,000, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner contributing £16,000, and Districts & Rutland County Council contributing £2,500 each.

Police and Crime Commissioner Funds Community Safety Projects 👮‍♀️

The Leicestershire and Rutland Safer Communities Strategy Board also received an update on the work of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), including details of projects being funded in each district. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86483 These projects aim to address local crime and anti-social behaviour issues, but the effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on their implementation and impact on the ground.

Key Projects Funded:

  • Leicester: Funding for a nighttime economy first aid provision by St John Ambulance, CCTV upgrades, early intervention teams, and youth engagement programs like the Premier League Kicks Roadshow delivered by Leicester City in the Community (LCITC).
  • Charnwood: Support for a Community Support Officer working with individuals with substance misuse issues, detached youth work, and a domestic abuse outreach worker.
  • North West Leicestershire: Funding for sexual violence recovery work, personal safety alarms for residents, and initiatives to address rural crime.
  • Blaby: Support for young people's diversionary activities, crime reduction stock, and anti-discrimination programs in schools.
  • Hinckley and Bosworth: Funding for a retail business crime initiative, bike registration events, and electric bikes for police patrols.
  • Harborough: Funding for the Warning Zone Roadcrew, which delivers e-safety presentations to young people.
  • Melton Mowbray: Support for a Safer Communities Partnership Officer, a retail DISC app, and a mobile ANPR camera.
  • Rutland: Funding for a weekly targeted support group for young girls and a response fund to address emerging patterns of crime and anti-social behaviour.

The OPCC also announced that grants of up to £10,000 will be available through the Commissioners Action Fund (CAF) for projects aligned with the priorities of the Police and Crime Plan, including rural crime, road safety, violence and vulnerability, business crime, neighbourhood crime, and violence against women and girls.

Probation Service Faces Scrutiny After HMIP Inspection ⚖️

The Leicestershire and Rutland Safer Communities Strategy Board received an update on the His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) inspection of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Probation Delivery Unit (PDU). http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86483 The inspection identified both strengths and areas for improvement, which could impact the effectiveness of probation services and the safety of the community.

Key Findings:

  • Strengths: Clear priorities, protection of the public, reducing reoffending, and strong partnerships.
  • Areas for Improvement: Levels of experience, Senior Probation Officer capacity, practitioner confidence, and information sharing with safeguarding partners.
  • Recommendations: Improve risk assessment, address skills gaps, develop practitioner confidence, and ensure effective management oversight.

A safeguarding audit is planned to focus on information linked to child safeguarding and domestic abuse. A quality assurance cycle has been introduced to improve the quality of work with people on probation.

School Places Strategy and Funding for SEND Discussed by Cabinet 🏫

The Cabinet of Leicestershire County Council discussed the School Places Strategy 2026-2031 and a proposed transfer of funding from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2026/27. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86481 These decisions could impact the availability of school places and the level of support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

School Places Strategy:

  • Legal Obligation: Local authorities have a legal obligation to ensure sufficient school places are available for all children and young people.
  • Changes in Landscape: Significant changes have occurred since the previous strategy in 2014, including an increase in academy trusts, reductions in birth rates, major housing development, and an increasing number of children with SEND.
  • Consultation: A six-week consultation on the draft School Places Strategy was recommended for approval.

Funding for SEND:

  • Growing Demand: Demand for support for children and young people with SEND is growing faster than anticipated, leading to an unsustainable financial position.
  • Options Considered: Two options were considered for funding a sustainable outreach and graduated support offer to mainstream schools through Oakfield School: a 0.5% transfer from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block or a per-pupil contribution from schools.
  • Schools Forum Opposition: The Schools Forum did not support either option but proposed further consultation with schools on Option 2.

Other Matters

  • The Member Conduct Panel met on Monday 17 November 2025 to discuss complaints under the Members' Code of Conduct. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87146 No transcript is available.
  • The Cabinet also discussed a response to a consultation by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council on its local plan, the Annual Delivery Report and Performance Compendium 2025, and the Annual Report of the Traded Services Strategy. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86481
  • Gurjit Samra-Rai, Strategic Lead – Safer Communities, Leicestershire County Council, gave a verbal update on progress of the new Anti-social Behaviour recording system - ECINS (Empowering Communities Inclusion and Neighbourhood System) to the Leicestershire and Rutland Safer Communities Strategy Board. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86483

Upcoming Meetings

Leicestershire Council debates local government shake-up

This week in Leicestershire:

Local Government Reorganisation: County Council Debates Future of Leicestershire 🏛️

Leicestershire County Council held an extraordinary meeting this week to discuss the draft business case for local government reorganisation (LGR). http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85356 With a government deadline looming, councillors debated the options for reshaping local governance in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. The decisions made now could dramatically alter how services are delivered and funded in the coming years.

Key Proposals on the Table:

  • Single County Unitary: A single council for Leicestershire, excluding Leicester City and Rutland.
  • City Expansion: Extending Leicester's boundaries to include adjacent suburbs.
  • Three Unitary Councils: Splitting the region into North, City, and South unitary authorities.

The council's preferred option is a two unitary model, one City, one County, in joint agreement with the City Council.

Financial Stakes High

The council's current financial strategy doesn't account for reorganisation costs or savings. The assumption is that reorganisation will generate savings that will recover the investment in 2-3 years.

Scrutiny Commission Examines Key Council Strategies 🔍

The Scrutiny Commission met to discuss a range of critical issues, including local government reorganisation, the council's annual delivery report, the annual traded services strategy, and financial monitoring. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85350

Local Government Reorganisation

The Scrutiny Commission were scheduled to consider a draft business case for local government reorganisation (LGR) in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The report stated that the council considered that a north/south split of the county would have a significant risk to the stability of countywide services, particularly social care, would cause unnecessary disaggregation of services, and that it was unable to support that proposal. The council's resolution also noted that there was joint agreement with the City Council that the best option for reorganisation in Leicester and Leicestershire is a two unitary model, one City, one County.

Annual Delivery Report Highlights Service Risks

The Scrutiny Commission were scheduled to discuss the draft Annual Delivery Report and Performance Compendium for 2025. The report highlighted a number of service risks, including:

  • The ability to deliver savings to meet the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)
  • Increasing number and type of high-cost social care placements
  • Rising demand for and complexity of Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP)
  • Unavailability of suitable placements for UASC (unaccompanied asylum-seeking children)
  • Failure to develop and maintain a stable, sustainable, and quality social care market
  • Ash dieback disease causing shedding branches or falling trees
  • Council not effectively managing its exposure to cyber risk
  • Departments unable to promptly recruit and retain staff
  • East Midlands Gateway 2 application is approved without mitigating infrastructure

Traded Services Strategy

The Scrutiny Commission were scheduled to receive an update on the performance of Leicestershire Traded Services (LTS) during 2024/25. The report noted that overall, the performance of LTS exceeded the budget target by £250,000, with a contribution of £243,000. It also noted that retendering of services by Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) remains a major risk to all traded services, with aggressive pricing by competitors and some insourcing leading to several contracts being lost.

Financial Strategy Monitoring

The Scrutiny Commission were scheduled to receive an update on the 2025/26 revenue budget and capital programme monitoring position as at the end of Period 6 (the end of September 2025). The report stated that the period 6 revenue budget monitoring exercise shows a net projected overspend of £2.9m, and the period 6 capital programme monitoring exercise shows net acceleration of £0.3m. The Council's current MTFS shows a budget gap of £90m by 2028/29, with almost £40m of that falling in 2026/27.

Action for Nature and Tree Management Strategies Take Root 🌳

The Environment, Flooding and Climate Change Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Action for Nature strategy and action plan, and the Tree Management Strategy. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85355 These strategies aim to protect biodiversity, manage the council's trees and woodlands, and improve the quality of life for citizens.

Action for Nature

The committee was scheduled to discuss the refreshed draft of Action for Nature - A Strategic Approach to Biodiversity, Habitat and the Local Environment document, and its supporting Action Plan. The document describes how the council intends to meet its biodiversity duties, as well as its role as a responsible authority for the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. The Action for Nature document recognises the importance of working with local people, partners, other public service providers, local businesses and most importantly with nature .

Tree Management Strategy

The committee was also scheduled to discuss the refreshed draft of the Tree Management Strategy, which sets out the approach for managing the council's trees and woodlands. The strategy aims to raise the profile of trees under the council's care, manage the impact of ash dieback, and continue the initiative to plant more trees across Leicestershire. The underlying principle of the strategy is to use the council's tree assets to improve quality of life and support the delivery of wider ecological and environmental objectives. The Tree Management Strategy recognises the importance of incorporating both native and non-native species into tree planting programmes, and highlights the need for an appropriate range of species to create resilience to climate change.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Leicestershire Social Care Under Fire, Birth Centre Petition

This week in Leicestershire:

Adult Social Care Faces Scrutiny After Damning CQC Report 💔

Leicestershire County Council's adult social care services are under the microscope following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment that rated them as 'Requires Improvement'. The Adults and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the report, which highlighted strengths like person-centred assessments but flagged concerns about responsiveness, waiting lists, and carer support. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84550 This could mean vulnerable adults are not getting the timely and effective care they need.

Key Concerns Raised:

  • Ranking Compared to Other Councils: Councillor Linda Broadley CC (Liberal Democrats) asked where Leicestershire ranked nationally. Jon Wilson, Director of Adults and Communities, stated that the CQC doesn't publish a league table, but Leicestershire is likely in the third quartile.
  • Resource Allocation: With improvement costs estimated at £3.5 million amidst a £90 million efficiency target, members questioned whether sufficient resources would be allocated to achieve a 'Good' or 'Outstanding' rating.
  • Staffing Levels: Councillor Kerry Knight CC (Reform UK) noted reduced funding and staffing amid rising demand, questioning how services could improve with cost cuts and the closure of council elderly care homes.
  • Communication Difficulties: Members raised concerns about long telephone wait times and difficulty obtaining officer contact details.
  • Rural Deprivation: Members expressed disappointment that the CQC report didn't reference underfunding and rural deprivation, requesting the improvement plan include improved GP collaboration and communication in rural areas.

Fiona Barber from Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire reported that most of the 10,000 enquiries made over 2024 were health-related, with social care concerns centred on carers, communication, and waiting times.

The committee requested a future report detailing call categories into the Adult Social Care Customer Service Centre to better understand the nature of the communication challenges.

Community Life Choices Contract Recommissioned

The committee also considered proposals for recommissioning the Community Life Choices (CLC) Contract, which includes day centres/services and individual personal assistants (PAs) provided by organisations. Concerns were raised about PA shortages, particularly in rural areas like Melton Mowbray and Market Harborough.

Schools' Forum Debates Funding for Special Needs Support 🧑‍🏫

The Leicestershire Schools' Forum met to discuss the extension of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Investment Fund, which supports children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84561 The forum considered the results of a consultation on a proposed 0.5% transfer from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block to continue the fund.

Consultation Reveals Strong Opposition

The consultation generated 31 valid responses, with the majority disagreeing with the continuation of the 0.5% transfer.

71% of respondents strongly disagreed with the continuation of the SEND Investment Fund.

Concerns raised included a perceived lack of demonstrable impact from the existing fund, the impact of the funding transfer on frontline provision and staffing, and a perceived lack of transparency, governance, communication, and accountability.

Despite the feedback, the report stated that there was an ongoing need for a SEN Investment Fund due to increasing demand for support for children and young people with SEND. The forum was asked to consider two options for funding a sustainable outreach and graduated support offer to mainstream schools through Oakfield School: a 0.5% Schools Block Transfer or a per-pupil contribution from schools.

Exceptional Premises Factor Considered

The forum also considered a request to continue applying the exceptional premises factor within the 2026-27 Leicestershire school funding formula, which provides funding to schools that incur rental costs for essential buildings or sports facilities due to estate limitations, planning restrictions, or the absence of suitable on-site provision.

Local Transport Plan and Waste Reforms Take Center Stage 🛣️

The Highways, Transport and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed the next steps for delivering the Local Transport Plan (LTP4) 2025-2040 and the government's Collection and Packaging Reforms. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84564 These initiatives aim to improve transport choices and increase recycling rates across Leicestershire.

Enabling Travel Choice Strategy (ETCS)

The committee discussed the development of the Enabling Travel Choice Strategy (ETCS) and the progress of three Multi-Modal Area Investment Plans (MMAIPs) pilots in Market Harborough, South Leicestershire, and Hinckley. The ETCS will explain how the council intends to enable residents and workers in the county to make informed travel choices.

Collection and Packaging Reforms (CPRs)

The committee received a summary of the government's Collection and Packaging Reforms (CPRs), which aim to increase recycling rates, promote sustainable packaging, and reduce waste. The CPRs consist of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), and Simpler Recycling.

Children and Families Services Under Review 👶

The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss various reports concerning the work of the Children and Family Services Department, including inclusion in schools, responses to child criminal exploitation, adoption services, fostering, and the annual report of the Virtual School. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84555

St Mary's Birth Centre Closure Sparks Petition and Debate 🤰

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee addressed a petition signed by over 2,000 residents regarding the potential closure of St Mary's Birth Centre in Melton Mowbray. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84558 The petition highlighted the importance of the centre to expectant mothers and argued that closing it would limit choice, strain alternative services, and compromise care quality.

Councillor Joe Orson CC, who presented the petition, stated that he was content to wait for the procedure to go correctly and receive the right answers.

The committee also discussed the new strategy from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, an update from the East Midlands Ambulance Service, HIV late diagnosis rates in Leicestershire, and the Healthwatch Leicestershire Annual Report.

Highways and Transport Committee Meeting

The Highways and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee also met on Thursday. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84563 No transcript is available.

Upcoming Meetings

Development Control and Regulatory Board CANCELLED

Development Control and Regulatory Board - Thursday, 11 December 2025 2.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

December 11, 2025
Investment Subcommittee CANCELLED

Investment Subcommittee - Wednesday, 10 December 2025 10.00 am

This meeting has been cancelled.

December 10, 2025
Local Pension Committee

Local Pension Committee - Friday, 5 December 2025 9.30 am

The Local Pension Committee was scheduled to discuss investment strategy, risk management, and responsible investment, including climate-related disclosures. The committee was also expected to discuss the implications of local government reorganisation and to set objectives for its investment advisor. Representatives from LGPS Central were scheduled to deliver a presentation.

December 05, 2025
Employment Committee

Employment Committee - Thursday, 4 December 2025 10.00 am

The Employment Committee was scheduled to discuss the council's pay policy, a workforce report, and action plans related to organisational changes. Also on the agenda was a discussion of the Working Arrangements Policy, though the public and press were excluded from this part of the meeting.

December 04, 2025
Health and Wellbeing Board

Health and Wellbeing Board - Thursday, 4 December 2025 2.00 pm

The Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to meet to discuss a range of topics, including mental health services, dementia strategy, neighbourhood models of care, and pandemic planning. The board was also expected to review the Better Care Fund and the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

December 04, 2025
County Council

County Council - Wednesday, 3 December 2025 2.00 pm

The Leicestershire County Council was scheduled to meet on 3 December 2025 to discuss a range of topics, including the annual delivery report, revisions to the council's constitution, and a number of notices of motion. The council was also expected to appoint a new Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service.

December 03, 2025
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Panel

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Panel - Monday, 1 December 2025 2.00 pm

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Panel met to discuss the Police and Crime Plan Delivery, the annual scrutiny report of the Ethics and Transparency Panel, and the annual report on complaints against the Police and Crime Commissioner. Councillors also scheduled time to discuss the medium term financial plan, and to appoint co-opted independent members.

December 01, 2025
Member Conduct Panel CANCELLED

Member Conduct Panel - Thursday, 27 November 2025 4.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

November 27, 2025
Leicestershire Local Access Forum

Leicestershire Local Access Forum - Wednesday, 26 November 2025 2.00 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

November 26, 2025
ESPO Management Committee

ESPO Management Committee - Wednesday, 26 November 2025 10.30 am

The ESPO Management Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss the 2024/25 financial statements, an update from the Chief Officer, and an overview of ESPO's energy offering. Also on the agenda were ESPO's digital marketing and approach to search engine optimisation (SEO). Much of the meeting was expected to be held without press or public present, due to the discussion of commercially sensitive information.

November 26, 2025
Leicestershire Local Government Pension Fund - Annual General Meeting

Leicestershire Local Government Pension Fund - Annual General Meeting - Monday, 15 December 2025 12.00 pm

December 15, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Tuesday, 16 December 2025 2.00 pm

December 16, 2025