The Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission is scheduled to meet on Monday 02 November 2026 to discuss a range of topics, including the implementation of the Community Asset Transfer policy, updates on the Pride in Place programme, and the future provision of libraries and community centres. The commission will also review the annual ward funding report for 2025-26.

Community Asset Transfer Policy Implementation

A task group report will be presented for discussion regarding the implementation of the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) policy. This policy allows local people to take control of important spaces and buildings within their communities. The report will examine the processes involved in CAT and its impact on community groups, with recommendations aimed at improving the practical application of the policy and ensuring a smoother experience for future applicants. The task group has gathered evidence from community groups, including Team Hub, which has undertaken a CAT for the New Parks Centre, and has made recommendations including promoting access to the Council's BESS capitals service and holding annual knowledge-sharing events for CAT community organisations. The report also highlights the need for accurate forecasting for building costings and for the Council to publish full building-condition surveys as part of the CAT process.

Pride in Place Programme and Impact Fund

An update will be provided on the City Council's Pride in Place Impact Fund (PIPIF) programme, which received £1.5 million in funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in January 2026. The programme aims to deliver immediate environmental improvements across the city, focusing on community spaces, public spaces, and high street revitalisation. Projects include the refurbishment of eleven play areas, the creation of community food growing spaces, improvements to the BMX facility at Western Park, and seed funding to support community groups in taking over the management of five community centres. The report will detail progress, including completed sites and ongoing works, with all projects anticipated to be finished by March 2027.

Additionally, an outline of the broader Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) will be presented. This is a 10-year government initiative providing long-term funding to disadvantaged neighbourhoods, with a focus on community leadership and empowerment. Three areas in Leicester – Eyres Monsell, Braunstone Park West, and Thurnby Lodge – have been selected to receive up to £20 million each over ten years. The Council is acting as the accountable body for these areas, ensuring proper governance, lawful use of public money, and compliance with various regulations. Neighbourhood Boards, with a majority of residents, will determine local priorities.

Annual Ward Funding Report 2025-26

The commission will receive an outline of how Ward Funding was spent across the city between April 2025 and March 2026. An annual budget of £18,000 per ward is allocated to support projects benefiting local communities. In total, £378,000 was allocated for ward funding in 2025-26, with an additional £14,529 carried over from the previous year. A total of 559 applications were received, with 426 successful in securing funding. The report will detail the types of projects funded, including arts and culture, community development, education, environmental improvements, social and community initiatives, sports and leisure, and highway improvements. It will also highlight the number of volunteers engaged and the amount of matched funding leveraged. Updates to the ward funding policy aimed at improving processes and timescales will also be discussed.

Future Provision of Libraries and Community Centres Implementation Update

A presentation will be given on the progress of implementing the decisions made in March 2026 regarding the future provision of libraries and community centres. This programme aims to retain 18 facilities, adopt a multi-service centre model focused on health and wellbeing, and revise opening hours. It includes extending the self-access scheme to eight libraries, exploring Community Asset Transfer (CAT) opportunities for six community centres, relocating St Matthews Library, and investing capital in retained centres. The report will detail changes made after consultation, including the retention of Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre and Rushey Mead Recreation, and revised savings targets. Progress updates will cover new opening hours, the implementation of the Library Plus (self-access) scheme, and the CAT opportunities for community buildings. The withdrawal from Fosse Neighbourhood Centre and Library will also be discussed.

Work Programme

Members of the Commission will be invited to consider the work programme and suggest any additional items they deem necessary. The current work programme includes items such as the PSPO update, BUSK Leicester pilot, Festivals and Events Grants Programme, and the Leisure Centre Needs Assessment. Future items for consideration include a strategic review of festivals and events, Jewry Wall, fly tipping, engagement of community organisations, trees and woodlands, and the KRIII Café/Visitor Centre.