The Scrutiny Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 22 April 2026, was set to cover a range of significant topics, including economic development partnerships, place marketing initiatives, and strategies for youth justice, community safety, and domestic abuse reduction. The commission was also scheduled to review financial monitoring reports and the council's rural estate strategy.

The Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership

The commission was scheduled to receive an update on the governance and function of the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership (LLBSP). This partnership, which transitioned from the former Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) in April 2024, aims to lead and drive economic prosperity across the region. The report was expected to detail the LLBSP's work in supporting business representation through its Business Board, designated Enterprise Zones, skills and apprenticeships initiatives, and the Business Gateway Growth Hub. The agenda also indicated that Mr Peter Chandler, Head of Economic Regeneration at Leicester City Council, and the Leader, Mr D. Harrison CC, and Deputy Leader, Mr C. Crook CC, of Leicestershire County Council, were invited to attend this item.

Place Marketing – Leicester and Leicestershire

A report was scheduled to advise the Scrutiny Commission on the work of the Place Marketing Team (PMT) for Leicester and Leicestershire. The PMT, hosted by Leicester City Council, focuses on three core areas: Strategic Tourism, Place Marketing, and Inward Investment. The report was expected to highlight the growth of the visitor economy, with a contribution of £2.4 billion in 2024, and the launch of the five-year Tourism Growth Plan for Leicester and Leicestershire. It was also anticipated to cover the PMT's efforts in promoting the region to attract residents and investors, and its dedicated account management service for businesses looking to relocate or expand. Mr Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment & Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, was invited to attend this item.

Draft Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2026 to 2027

The commission was scheduled to review the draft Youth Justice Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2027. This plan is a statutory requirement under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and contributes to the council's strategic objectives for a strong economy, great communities, and improved outcomes. The report was expected to outline the Youth Justice Service's performance, including low rates of first-time entrants and reoffending, and detail five key priorities for the upcoming year: improving education, employment, and training outcomes; strengthening children's health and wellbeing; improving support for victims; strengthening prevention pathways; and ensuring a coordinated response for children at the highest risk of harm. The Lead Member for Children and Family Services, Mr C. Pugsley CC, was invited to attend this item.

Safer Communities Annual Update and Draft Domestic Abuse Reduction Strategy 2026-2029

This item was scheduled to provide an update on the work of the Safer Communities Team and seek views on the draft Domestic Abuse Reduction Strategy for 2026-2029. The report was expected to cover the team's workstreams, including crime and anti-social behaviour prevention, domestic abuse, hate crime, community tensions, and Prevent initiatives, all of which support the council's strategic outcomes for great communities and safe and well environments. The draft strategy, a statutory requirement under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, sets out four priorities: improving data quality and information sharing, early intervention and prevention, targeted support and safe accommodation, and strong partnerships. The Director of Children and Family Services, Ms Sharon Cooke, was expected to present this report.

Rural Estate Strategy

The commission was scheduled to consider a report presenting the draft Investing in Leicestershire Programme Rural Estate Strategy for 2026 to 2036. This strategy outlines the proposed approach to the future management of the council's portfolio of farms and rural properties. The report was expected to detail the importance of the rural estate not only in financial terms but also in supporting farming communities, protecting the countryside, and sustaining the viability of tenant farmers. The Lead Member for Resources, Mr D. Harrison CC, was invited to attend this item.

Medium Term Financial Strategy Monitoring Report

A report was scheduled to provide an update on the 2025/26 revenue budget and capital programme monitoring position as at the end of January 2026. The commission was expected to review the overall budget position, noting any improvements or pressures, particularly in areas such as children's and adult's social care, and the SEND High Needs Block deficit. The report was also anticipated to address slippage in the capital programme and provide an update on income from the council's office estate. The Director of Corporate Resources was expected to present this report.