The Environment and Climate Change Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Leicestershire County Council was scheduled to review the council's performance in relation to environmental and climate change objectives up to June 2025. The committee was also set to consider an annual review of the county's country parks.

Environment and Climate Change Performance Report to June 2025

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to the council's Strategic Plan concerning the environment and climate change, covering the period up to June 2025. The report detailed performance against various indicators, including those related to clean and green initiatives, renewable energy generation and capacity, and domestic property energy efficiency.

Performance in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and ownership was noted, with an increase in charging locations and EV ownership rates. The report indicated that Leicestershire was in the third quartile for EV charging locations per 100,000 population but had improved to the second quartile for EV ownership. Renewable electricity generation had increased, but capacity remained in the third quartile compared to other English county councils. While new homes demonstrated high energy efficiency ratings (first quartile), existing homes were in the third quartile.

The council's internal KPI for the amount of renewable energy generated as a percentage of consumption had improved but was rated as 'red' against its target. Air quality, specifically PM2.5 levels, had shown a slight improvement, but Leicestershire remained in the fourth quartile compared to other counties. Greenhouse gas emissions from all sources in Leicestershire had decreased, placing the county in the second quartile, though per capita emissions were in the third quartile. The council's own gross and net greenhouse gas emissions had also seen reductions. Business mileage claims had decreased, meeting their target.

Regarding natural environments, the ecological and chemical status of Leicestershire's rivers was reported, with data from 2019 indicating no rivers in good chemical status. The amount of council land managed for nature had slightly declined but still met its target, with a high percentage of suitable land in better management. The council's tree planting pledge was significantly ahead of its cumulative target.

Waste management performance showed that the percentage of household waste sent for reuse, recycling, or composting had narrowly missed its target and was in the third quartile. The annual percentage of municipal waste sent to landfill had decreased significantly over the year but slightly missed its target, remaining in the fourth quartile. Total household waste per household remained static and was in the third quartile. Waste produced from council sites had slightly increased but met its target, while the percentage of waste recycled from these sites missed its target but performed well long-term. Fly-tipping incidents were slightly up but remained in the second quartile. Staff perception of the council's environmental efforts was positive, meeting its target. Two environmental risks were identified, relating to biodiversity in mowing regimes and dog waste disposal at country parks.

Under the Strong Economy, Transport and Infrastructure outcome, the report noted a reduction in Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) exceedances across Leicestershire in 2023.

Annual Review of Leicestershire Country Parks

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the ongoing work within Leicestershire County Council's Country Parks service. This review covered the period of 2024/25 and looked ahead to 2025/26, referencing the Country Parks and Open Spaces Strategy and the Tree Management Strategy.

Visitor numbers to major country parks, including Beacon Hill Country Park, Market Bosworth Country Park, Watermead Country Park, and Snibston Colliery Park, were reported to be substantially above pre-pandemic levels. However, income into the service was below target, primarily due to vandalism of the car parking system at Watermead Country Park. Flooding also remained a challenge at Watermead, leading to park closures and significant clean-up efforts.

Work had been undertaken on woodland improvement agreements, rhododendron clearance at Beacon Hill, and improvements to visitor facilities, including a dog wash at Market Bosworth Country Park. Partnerships had led to path improvements around the Ashby Woulds Trail and Ashby Canal. The report highlighted an extensive programme of events and engagement activities, including Parkrun events, and a social media campaign to mark the 50th anniversary of the Country Parks service. New ponds had been created to improve habitats for great crested newts, and a scheme to slow water flow and provide ecological benefits was delivered at Beacon Hill Country Park. A new Country Parks website had been launched, attracting a significant number of users. The report acknowledged the dedication of country parks rangers and volunteers in supporting these activities.

Looking forward to 2025/26, plans included the planting of trees, the outsourcing of café operations at Beacon Hill, and improvements to footpaths and dog exercise areas at Broombriggs Farm. Beacons were lit to mark VE and VJ Day, and an Up to the Beacon Sculpture Trail was underway. Several country parks had received Green Flag Awards. Further exploration of the long-term future for Broombriggs Farm was also planned. The report noted that the overall objective for the service is to achieve a cost-neutral financial position.