This week in Leicestershire:

• The Local Pension Committee met to discuss the Pension Fund Valuation, LGPS Central updates, and responsible investment.
• The Development Control and Regulatory Board considered a variation to the working scheme for Cloud Hill Quarry and reviewed delegated decisions.
• The Scrutiny Commission met in private to discuss the council's consultation response to Local Government Reorganisation.

Local Pension Committee - Friday 20 March 2026

The Local Pension Committee met on Friday, 20 March 2026, to address the financial health and strategic direction of the Leicestershire County Council Pension Fund. A significant focus was placed on the Pension Fund Valuation, including the Funding Strategy Statement and its implications for employer contributions. Updates on investment performance, risk management, and responsible investment initiatives were also on the agenda, alongside a review of the Pension Fund's business plan and budget for the upcoming financial year.

Pension Fund Valuation – Funding Strategy Statement and Results

A core discussion revolved around the Pension Fund Valuation and the associated Funding Strategy Statement (FSS). The FSS is crucial as it underpins the Fund's policies for setting employer contribution rates. The committee was asked to approve the FSS and note the final valuation report, which includes the Rates and Adjustments Certificate. This triennial valuation is essential for determining employer contribution rates for the period of April 2026 to March 2029. The report detailed proposed amendments to the FSS, including a new section on employer open or closed status and the Fund's approach to alternative investment strategies, such as facilitating buy-ins or insurance solutions. The introduction of a corridor approach for cessation calculations, designed to protect the Fund and remaining employers when an employer exits the scheme, was also scheduled for discussion. The committee was to consider consultation replies from employers and the Department for Education, as well as comments from the Pension Board. The valuation report itself provided details on employer groups' average valuation rates for 2025 and 2025, with appendices covering the regulatory framework, roles and responsibilities, a glossary, risks and controls, actuarial assumptions, passthrough policy, academies policy, contribution reviews policy, cessation policy, and the governance audit trail.

LGPS Central Presentation

A presentation from LGPS Central was scheduled to provide an update on the public markets investments held by the Fund with the organisation. This presentation was expected to offer a private markets overview, summarising the Fund's investments in infrastructure, property, private credit, and private equity. Details of partner fund commitments, sub-commitments, closing values, drawn capital, Internal Rate of Return (IRR), benchmarks, and targets were to be presented for each asset class. Specific updates were anticipated for the LGPS Central UK Direct Property Fund, including its strategy, performance, and valuation, as well as the LGPS Central Private Equity Partnerships Overview.

Risk Management and Internal Controls

The committee was informed of any changes relating to the risk management and internal controls of the Pension Fund, as required by the Pension Regulator's Code of Practice. The risk register, which categorises risks into investment, liability, employer, governance, operational, and regulatory areas, was presented. Risks were assessed by impact and likelihood, with current and residual risk scores tracked using a traffic light system. Updates were provided on specific risks, including market investment returns, sufficiency of Fund assets, data accuracy from employers, employer covenant assessment, and potential knowledge gaps due to staff retirements. The implications of the Fit for the Future proposals on the risk register were also considered.

Valuation of Pension Fund Investments

This report provided the committee with an update on investment markets and the performance of individual asset classes, as well as the total value of the Fund's investments as at 31 December 2025. Market performance and outlook were discussed, including global growth forecasts, economic conditions in the US, China, and Europe, and the UK's inflation and labour market situation. Central bank monetary policy and government bond yields were also on the agenda. The report detailed credit spreads, global equity market performance, and the Fund's diversification strategy. A summary of global asset class performance and correlations was presented, along with details of portfolio changes during the quarter ending December 2025 and investments approved at the Investment Sub-Committee. Proposed changes to the Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) for 2026, including allocations to local investments, UK Government bonds, and asset class reviews, were also discussed.

Outcome of the Responsible Investment Survey and Responsible Investment Update

This report advised the committee of the key findings from a survey on responsible investment (RI) views, sought approval for the Responsible Investment Plan 2026/27, and presented an update on the Fund's quarterly voting and stewardship activities. The survey, conducted from October 2025 to January 2026, gathered views from scheme members and employers on RI and climate-related risks. Key findings highlighted the importance of economic factors, investor protections, and company management, alongside human rights, labour standards, natural capital, and climate risks. The report also provided an update on voting and stewardship activities undertaken by LGPS Central, LGIM, and the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum.

Pension Fund – Business Plan and Budget 2026/27

The committee's approval was sought for the Pension Fund's Administration, Investment, and Governance Business Plans, along with the Training Plan for 2026, and the Pension Fund budget for 2026/27. The Pension Section's Administration Business Plan detailed changes impacting the Fund, including the Pensions Dashboards programme, McCloud implementation, review of the administration system contract, and preparation for Local Government Reorganisation. The Investments Business Plan covered policies, asset allocation, Fund valuation, and reporting. The new Governance Business Plan consolidated areas from previous plans and aligned with Fit for the Future proposals. A summary of the budget was presented, including projected estimates for 2025/26 to 2027/28, with a focus on investment management expenses, LGPS Central costs, staffing, IT, and actuarial charges.

Pension Fund Policy Report

This report provided an annual review of any new policies introduced or amendments made to existing policies covering both administration and investments. The summary of current policies included the Investment Strategy Statement (ISS), Investment Adviser Objectives, Net Zero Climate Strategy (NZCS), Cash Management Strategy, Funding Strategy Statement (FSS), Administration Strategy, Fund Training Strategy, Conflict of Interest Policy, Fund Employer Risk Policy, Administering Authority Discretions Policy, Administering Authority Distribution of Death Grant Policy, Administering Authority Overpayment of Pensions Policy, Cyber Policy, Complaints Process, Monitoring Contributions Process, Data Improvement Plan, and Internal Controls. Key amendments to the ISS reflected the Fit for the Future proposals and the evolving role of LGPS Central.

The meeting also included updates on the Pension Fund's Investment Strategy Statement, Investment Adviser Objectives, Cash Management Strategy, Funding Strategy Statement, Administration Strategy, Fund Training Strategy, Conflict of Interest Policy, Fund Employer Risk Policy, Administering Authority Discretions Policy, Administering Authority Distribution of Death Grant Policy, Administering Authority Overpayment of Pensions Policy, Cyber Policy, Complaints Process, Monitoring Contributions Process, and Data Improvement Plan. The implications of the Fit for the Future proposals were discussed in relation to these policies.

The meeting concluded with recommendations for the Local Pension Committee to approve the revised policies and strategies, and to authorise the Director of Corporate Resources to make any necessary minor amendments to the Training Strategy and Conflict of Interest Policy.

Development Control and Regulatory Board - Thursday 19 March 2026

The Development Control and Regulatory Board met on Thursday, 19 March 2026, to consider a significant variation to the working scheme for Cloud Hill Quarry. The board also reviewed lists of delegated planning decisions, enforcement notices, and tree preservation order decisions made between July and December 2025.

Cloud Hill Quarry Variation Application

A key item on the agenda was the application from Breedon Trading Ltd to vary condition 4 of a previous planning permission for Cloud Hill Quarry. The proposed variation would revise the working scheme to allow for deepening operations within the existing quarry void, extending from -60.5 AOD to -145 AOD. This deepening is anticipated to release approximately 14.4 million tonnes of limestone, providing an estimated 9.6 years of continued operation at current extraction rates. The application, identified as 2025/01170/07 (2025/VOCM/0113/LCC), was recommended for permission, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement to establish a quarry liaison committee and the adherence to a set of conditions.

The report detailed the site's location, its history of planning applications, and the specifics of the proposed development, which involves deepening the existing void without any lateral expansion or new processing infrastructure. The assessment considered various planning policies, including those from the Leicestershire Minerals and Waste Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework, which emphasise the need for a steady and adequate supply of crushed rock. The report noted that Leicestershire's crushed rock landbank was below the required 10-year supply at the end of 2024, making the continued operation of Cloud Hill Quarry crucial for meeting supply obligations.

Technical assessments were presented regarding landscape and visual impact, ecology and biodiversity, heritage and archaeology, traffic and access, public rights of way, noise, air quality, odour, and hydrology. The report indicated that these assessments found no significant detrimental effects from the proposed deepening, largely due to the contained nature of the works within the existing quarry footprint. Existing mitigation measures and monitoring regimes were highlighted as continuing to be in place. The proposed restoration scheme was described as maintaining a high-quality, biodiversity-focused after-use, consistent with previous permissions.

Delegated Decisions and Notices

The board also reviewed lists of decisions made by officers under delegated powers. This included:

• Delegated Planning Decisions Schedule (July - December 2025): This schedule detailed various planning applications that had been determined by officers, including variations of conditions for sites such as Snarestone Sewage Treatment Works, Lount Landfill Site, and Lockington Quarry. Several applications related to Tarmac Trading Limited at Cadeby Quarry and Shawell Quarry, concerning variations to restoration and aftercare details and deadline extensions, were also listed. Other decisions included proposals for fencing and gates at Greenstone Primary School, replacement of a roller ramp at Beaumanor Hall, subdivision and associated works at Stokes C of E Primary School, extensions at Hallam Fields Primary School, a new teaching block at Long Field School, and installations at Wanlip Sewage Treatment Works. Applications for the change of use and alterations to waste transfer operations at Remet Company Limited and TBD Morris Environmental Limited were also included.
• Delegated Enforcement Notices Schedule (July - December 2025): This report outlined enforcement actions taken by the council. It included a Planning Contravention Notice and an Enforcement Notice served on individuals associated with Cliffe House Farm concerning an unauthorised waste facility. A Temporary Stop Notice and a Planning Contravention Notice were also listed for land at Narrow Lane, Wymeswold, relating to an unauthorised change of use to a mixed equestrian, agricultural, and waste facility, including land raising.
• List of Delegated Tree Preservation Order Decisions (July - December 2025): This document provided a list of decisions made regarding works to trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). The decisions covered a range of applications, including crown reductions, felling of trees due to damage or disease, and pollarding. Notable applications included works to trees at St Remigius Church, several residential properties across various districts, and trees within Bouskell Park. One application concerning trees at Glenfield Tunnel was noted as having been appealed.

The meeting was scheduled to take place in the Sparkenhoe Committee Room at County Hall, Glenfield.

Scrutiny Commission - Wednesday 18 March 2026

The Scrutiny Commission met on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, to discuss the final proposals and consultation for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Leicestershire. The meeting was held in private to protect the Council's consultation response, and the Commission resolved to note the presentation on the proposed response and to present their comments to the Cabinet.

Local Government Reorganisation - Final Proposals and Consultation

The Scrutiny Commission discussed the Council's proposed response to the Government's consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The meeting agenda indicated that this item would be considered in private, a decision that was met with objection from Councillor Michael Mullaney CC. He argued that LGR was a significant issue for everyone in Leicestershire and that the Council should be confident enough to discuss it in a public forum. However, the Head of Law advised that premature disclosure of information could prejudice the Council's position in the ongoing consultation. This argument was deemed to outweigh the public interest test, with the Chief Legal Officer and Monitoring Officer confirming that the Council's response would be published in due course.

The motion to exclude the press and public from this part of the meeting was carried by 10 votes to 3.

During the private session, the Commission received a presentation from the Chief Executive regarding the Council's proposed response to the LGR consultation. This presentation was not for publication as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of the authority. The Leader of the Council, Mr David Harrison CC, was in attendance, along with other invited councillors representing different political parties to ensure broad representation in the discussion. The Commission members provided comments on each of the consultation questions and the proposed responses.

The Commission resolved to note the presentation and agreed that the comments made during the meeting would be presented to the Cabinet on 24 March 2026 for their consideration. The next meeting of the Scrutiny Commission was scheduled for 22 April 2026.

This week in Leicestershire:

High Needs Deficit Soars: Children's Support at Risk? 📚💸

The Scrutiny Commission met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to scrutinise the council's financial health, with a stark warning emerging about the escalating deficit in funding for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The projected overspend on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), driven by a surge in demand for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), is now forecast to reach a staggering £108 million by the end of the current financial year.

This ballooning deficit, currently standing at £64 million, could have a profound impact on the support available to vulnerable children and their families. It raises serious questions about the adequacy of current funding models and the council's ability to meet its statutory obligations. While government support is anticipated, it hinges on the submission and approval of a local SEND reform plan, adding another layer of uncertainty.

The commission also reviewed the council's wider financial position. While the overall revenue budget is projected to underspend by £0.7 million, significant slippage of £28.5 million is anticipated in the capital programme. This includes delays on major infrastructure projects like the Melton Mowbray Distributor Road.

• Link to Meeting: Scrutiny Commission

Preparing for Floods and Protecting Biodiversity: A Green Agenda for Leicestershire 🌳💧

The Environment, Flooding and Climate Change Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened on Monday, 9 March 2026, to discuss critical strategies for managing flood risks and enhancing biodiversity across the county. These discussions are vital for safeguarding communities and the natural environment against the growing challenges of climate change.

The committee received an update on the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS), which outlines a comprehensive action plan to mitigate flood impacts. This includes ongoing collaboration with agencies like the Environment Agency and Severn Trent, as well as engagement with national consultations on planning policy and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). The report highlighted recent flood events, such as Storm Henk in January 2024 and county-wide flooding in January 2025, underscoring the urgent need for robust flood defence measures. The council's 'Be Flood Ready' campaign and property flood resilience grants aim to empower communities, but the scale of the challenge requires sustained investment and coordinated action.

Furthermore, the committee reviewed a draft Biodiversity Report, prepared in line with the Environment Act 2021. This report details the council's commitment to conserving and enhancing biodiversity, a crucial element in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting wildlife. The report acknowledges challenges such as balancing economic growth with nature conservation and the reliance on green finance markets. The council's plans to meet Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) obligations, which require new developments to improve biodiversity, were also discussed.

• Link to Meeting: Environment, Flooding and Climate Change Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Other matters

• The Scrutiny Commission also discussed the draft Investing in Leicestershire Programme Rural Estate Strategy 2026-2036. This strategy aims to optimise the management of the council's rural properties, supporting local businesses and communities while generating financial benefits. The vision includes retaining the rural estate, restructuring holdings, and identifying opportunities for income generation through biodiversity credits and modernised tenancy agreements.
• Discussions also took place regarding the council's ethical governance arrangements and member conduct. The report focused on the existing framework, including the Members' Code of Conduct and the process for handling complaints, aiming to uphold high standards of behaviour among elected councillors.

This week in Leicestershire:

School Budgets and Special Educational Needs Funding Under Scrutiny 📚💰

The Leicestershire Schools' Forum met on Monday, 23 February 2026, to grapple with the complex financial landscape of education in the county. A central focus was the 2026-27 school budget, including the crucial Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) settlement and how these funds will be allocated. This is not just about numbers; it's about ensuring every child, especially those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), receives the support they deserve.

The forum discussed the proposed allocation of the DSG across four key blocks: Schools, Central School Services, High Needs, and Early Years.

• Schools Block: This block, estimated at £583.9m, funds delegated budgets for schools and academies. While the National Funding Formula (NFF) aims for fairness, the report highlighted ongoing challenges with a deficit in the High Needs Block, projected to grow.
• High Needs Block: This block, with a provisional allocation of £124.1m, funds provision for pupils with SEN. The projected cumulative deficit of £111.9m by the end of 2025/26 is a serious concern. Strategies to mitigate this, including early intervention and a Belonging in Education strategy, were discussed. This deficit could mean longer waits for vital support for children with SEN and their families.
• Early Years Block: This block, estimated at £128.6m, funds free early education entitlements. Local authorities are required to pass through 97% of this settlement to providers, ensuring that early years settings have the resources to support young children.

A significant proposal was the de-delegation of £18 per pupil from maintained schools to fund local authority-led school improvement functions. While 83.8% of consulted maintained schools supported this, it means a portion of individual school budgets will be pooled for central services.

The forum also reviewed minutes from a previous meeting, likely including discussions on extending the SEN Investment Fund and sustainable funding for Oakfield outreach.

• Link to Meeting: Leicestershire Schools' Forum

Council's Financial Health and Audit Plans Under the Microscope 📊

The ESPO Finance and Audit Subcommittee convened on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, to review critical governance documents and the upcoming internal audit plan. ESPO, a shared services organisation, plays a vital role in procurement and other services for local authorities, making its financial stability and operational integrity paramount.

The subcommittee considered how ESPO will conform to the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) effective from April 2025. This involves reviewing key governance documents like an Internal Audit Charter and a Code of Practice for the Governance of Internal Audit in Local Government. These standards are designed to ensure that internal audit functions are robust and provide reliable assurance.

The proposed Annual Internal Audit Plan for 2026-27 was also a key item. This plan is developed to support ESPO's objectives and is aligned with its Corporate Risk Register and Business Strategy. It includes audits of financial and IT systems, as well as thematic reviews on emerging risks like cyber security and AI.

The subcommittee also received updates on ESPO's financial performance for the nine months to December 2025, and its budget for 2026/27. Discussions were expected to cover challenges such as falling pupil numbers impacting ESPO's education-related services, competition, and the need for efficient warehouse capacity.

• Link to Meeting: ESPO Finance and Audit Subcommittee

Health and Wellbeing Board Tackles Local Health Priorities 🏥

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, 26 February 2026, to discuss key issues affecting the health and wellbeing of Leicestershire residents. While specific details of the discussions are pending publication, these boards are crucial for coordinating efforts between the council, the NHS, and other partners to improve public health outcomes.

Topics likely covered would include strategies to address local health inequalities, promote healthy lifestyles, and ensure adequate provision of health and social care services. Decisions made here can directly influence the availability of mental health support, preventative health programmes, and the overall quality of life for people across the county.

• Link to Meeting: Health and Wellbeing Board

This week in Leicestershire:

County Council Convenes Amidst Budgetary Uncertainty 🏛️

The County Council met on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, with a packed agenda that included discussions on the council's financial standing and future plans. While the specific details of the discussions are pending publication, the meeting's timing suggests a focus on the ongoing challenges of balancing the budget and ensuring the continued delivery of essential services to residents. The council's financial health is a constant concern, particularly given the pressures of rising demand for services and the impact of inflation. Decisions made at this level have a direct impact on everything from road maintenance to support for vulnerable individuals.

• Link to Meeting: County Council

Other Matters

• The Leicestershire Schools' Forum met on Monday, 23 February 2026, to discuss matters relating to school funding and provision across the county. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/96310
• The ESPO Finance and Audit Subcommittee convened on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, to review financial performance, budgets, and audit plans for the shared services organisation. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/97276
• The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, 26 February 2026, to discuss initiatives and strategies aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Leicestershire residents. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/96967
• The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 03 March 2026, to examine the services and support provided to children and families in the county. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/97438
• The Adults and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened on Monday, 02 March 2026, to review services and policies affecting adults and communities across Leicestershire. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/97274
• The Highways, Transport and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 05 March 2026, to discuss matters related to the county's infrastructure and waste management services. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/97703
• The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 04 March 2026, to scrutinise health services and provision within the county. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/97702