The Growth, Highways, Transport and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Leicestershire Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026 to discuss a range of transport and waste management issues. Key topics included the ongoing implementation of food waste collections across the county, the strategy for delivering the Local Transport Plan (LTP4), and the annual report on home to school transport.

Food Waste Collection and Disposal

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the introduction and rollout of household food waste collections across Leicestershire. As the Waste Disposal Authority (WDA), Leicestershire County Council is responsible for ensuring there are adequate facilities to treat collected food waste, primarily through anaerobic digestion (AD). The report detailed the progress made by the seven district councils, who act as Waste Collection Authorities (WCAs), in implementing these collections. While some councils, such as Blaby District Council, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, and Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, had already begun collections, others were planning to do so later in 2026. The report also outlined what can and cannot be collected, the expected tonnage of food waste, and the financial implications, including anticipated savings.

Delivering the Local Transport Plan (LTP4) 2025-2040 – Enabling Travel Choice Strategy

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the Enabling Travel Choice Strategy (ETCS), a key component of the council's Local Transport Plan (LTP4) for 2025-2040. The strategy aims to enable residents and businesses to make informed travel choices by understanding local needs and providing opportunities for various modes of transport. The report detailed the outcomes of an initial consultation, which highlighted public transport issues as a major barrier to travel. It also outlined the draft ETCS document, which includes policies on working with communities, businesses, and local planning authorities to ensure new developments are well-connected. A further 12-week consultation on the draft strategy was underway.

Home to School Transport Annual Report 2025/2026 and Key Priorities for 2026/2027

The committee was also scheduled to review the annual report on home to school transport for the 2025/2026 academic year. The report detailed the performance and delivery of the school transport service, noting the challenges faced in managing growth and driving efficiency, particularly for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It highlighted that over 3.1 million pupil journeys were provided in the past financial year. The report also outlined key successes, such as the implementation of new operational management systems and enhancements to safeguarding practices, and presented the next steps for the service over the coming year. The report noted significant cost increases in SEND transport, partly attributed to rising fuel costs and difficulties in recruiting drivers.

Other Scheduled Items

The agenda also included the presentation of a petition titled Stop the bus changes! by Mr. Michael Charlesworth CC, which had gathered 1,281 signatures. The petition expressed concern over recent changes to bus services in Wigston and their impact on residents, particularly the elderly and those without cars. Additionally, the committee was scheduled to consider the Home to School Transport Annual Report 2025/2026 and Key Priorities for 2026/2027, and the Delivering the Local Transport Plan (LTP4) 2025-2040 – Enabling Travel Choice Strategy.

The meeting was scheduled to include standard procedural items such as the appointment of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman, the approval of minutes from the previous meeting, and question time for members.