The Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission of Leicester Council was scheduled to meet on Thursday 18 June 2026. The agenda included discussions on the Pride in Place Programme and the council's work programme. The meeting was also set to include an introduction to the commission's remit and a review of its terms of reference.

Pride in Place Programme Update

An update was expected regarding the government's Pride in Place Programme (PiPP), a 10-year initiative aimed at regenerating disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Three areas in Leicester were identified for this programme: Eyres Monsell, Braunstone Park West, and Thurnby Lodge. Each area was slated to receive up to £20 million over the decade, with the council acting as the accountable body. The programme's principles of long-term effort, flexibility, community leadership, and support were to be discussed, with the overarching aims of creating stronger communities, thriving places, and local empowerment. Decision-making was planned to be led by Neighbourhood Boards, which were to have a majority of residents and include an independent chair appointed jointly by the council and the local Member of Parliament (MP). Information regarding funding arrangements, governance requirements, and key deadlines for the programme was anticipated, including the submission of Neighbourhood Board membership and boundary change requests by 17 July 2026, and the final Pride in Place Plan by 28 November 2026. The council's role as the accountable body, involving holding and administering funds, ensuring robust financial controls, and supporting community engagement, was also to be covered.

Introduction to the Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission

Lead Scrutiny Directors were scheduled to provide an overview of the service areas that fall under the remit of the Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission. This was to include outlining the responsibilities of departments such as Tourism, Culture and Economy, and Neighbourhood and Environmental Services. The Tourism, Culture and Economy department, led by Director Peter Chandler, is responsible for museum and visitor attraction services, music and arts venues, promoting Leicester's heritage, and delivering a vibrant festivals and events programme. Neighbourhood and Environmental Services, a significant division within City Development and Neighbourhoods, provides services supporting residents across the city, including parks and open spaces, regulatory services, waste management, library services, and sports services.

Work Programme

Members of the Commission were invited to consider the existing work programme for 2026-2027 and to suggest any additional items they deemed necessary for inclusion. The work programme outlined scheduled discussions on topics such as community safety, festivals and events, sports remodelling, and heritage places funding. Suggestions for future topics were to be considered, including findings from youth participation surveys, engagement with community organisations, strategies for trees and woodlands, and updates on the KRIII Café/Visitor Centre.

Terms of Reference

The Commission was scheduled to review its Terms of Reference. These documents define the role of Scrutiny Committees in holding the Executive and partners to account by reviewing and scrutinising policy and practices. The Terms of Reference allow Scrutiny Committees to review and scrutinise decisions and performance, develop policy, generate ideas, question the City Mayor and Executive members, and make recommendations. They also cover the scrutiny of other public bodies and the gathering of evidence from individuals. The Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission is one of several established by the council, alongside others such as the Overview Select Committee, Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission, and Housing Scrutiny Commission.

Other Scheduled Business

The meeting agenda also included standard procedural items such as welcoming attendees, noting apologies for absence, and declarations of interest. Members were also due to confirm the membership of the Commission for the 2026-27 year, with Councillor Syed Zaman listed as Chair and Councillor Deepak Bajaj as Vice-Chair. The dates for future meetings of the Commission in 2026-27 were also to be noted. Additionally, any questions, representations, statements of case, or petitions submitted in accordance with council procedures were to be reported.