This week in Leicestershire:

Council Tackles Home to School Transport Costs and Plans for Future Travel Choices 🚌

Leicestershire County Council's Growth, Highways, Transport and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 4 June 2026, to address critical issues impacting residents' daily lives, from getting children to school to how we all get around the county. The committee reviewed the significant costs associated with home to school transport, particularly for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and began shaping the future of travel with the development of the Local Transport Plan (LTP4).

Home to School Transport: Rising Costs and Efficiency Drives

The committee received the Home to School Transport Annual Report for 2025/2026, highlighting the substantial expenditure on transporting over 3.1 million pupil journeys. For SEND students alone, the council spent £26.6 million. This significant cost is being driven up by rising fuel prices, inflation, and difficulties in recruiting drivers.

To manage these increasing costs, the Assisted Transport Programme has implemented new operational systems and enhanced safeguarding practices. These changes have already delivered £3.3 million in savings, with further efficiencies anticipated. While these measures aim to control expenditure, the rising costs could potentially impact the resources available for other essential council services.

• Link to Meeting: Growth, Highways, Transport and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Shaping Future Travel: The Enabling Travel Choice Strategy

A major focus of the meeting was the development of the Enabling Travel Choice Strategy (ETCS), a core part of the Local Transport Plan (LTP4) for 2025-2040. This strategy aims to empower residents to make informed travel decisions and promote diverse transport options across the county.

An initial consultation, The Big Travel Survey, revealed that issues with public transport are the biggest barrier for residents accessing local services, affecting 87% of respondents. Businesses also cited public transport, personal safety, and parking as significant commuting challenges. The draft ETCS includes 15 policies designed to address these issues, and a further consultation is underway. The final strategy is expected in Autumn 2026.

• Link to Meeting: Growth, Highways, Transport and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Food Waste Collections: A Step Towards Greener Living

The committee also received an update on the rollout of household food waste collections across Leicestershire. Mandated by the Environment Act 2021, these weekly collections are a key part of the Simpler Recycling initiative. While district councils manage the collections, the County Council, as the Waste Disposal Authority, is responsible for treatment and disposal.

The preferred method for treating food waste is anaerobic digestion, which generates renewable energy and biofertiliser. As of the meeting, three district councils had already begun collections, with others planning to follow suit. Food waste constitutes a significant portion of the county's residual waste, and these new collections are expected to divert a substantial amount from landfill, contributing to environmental goals. Concerns about potential odours and pests have been addressed through mitigation measures.

• Link to Meeting: Growth, Highways, Transport and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Children's Services: School Dates, Home Education, and SEND Reforms Under Review 📚

The Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, to discuss a range of vital issues affecting the county's young people, from school term dates to the complex landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision.

Future School Term Dates: Balancing Tradition and Needs

The committee considered proposed school term and holiday dates for Leicestershire schools for the next five academic years (2027-2032). Two models are being consulted on, both aiming to retain the popular early July finish. One model maintains a one-week autumn half-term, while the other proposes an earlier August return for a two-week half-term. This decision directly impacts families, influencing holiday planning and childcare arrangements. The consultation closes on 15 June 2026.

• Link to Meeting: Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Elective Home Education: Rising Numbers and Safeguarding

A report highlighted a national increase in elective home education (EHE), with potential safeguarding risks noted. Leicestershire's Inclusion Service is actively managing EHE, but the rising numbers, often linked to unmet SEND or mental health needs, underscore the importance of ensuring EHE is a positive choice rather than a last resort.

• Link to Meeting: Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee

SEND Reforms and Corporate Parenting: Supporting Vulnerable Children

The committee reviewed the updated Corporate Parenting Strategy, which outlines the council's commitment to children in care and care leavers. Significant reforms to SEND provision were also discussed, including a move towards Individual Support Plans replacing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for most children. These reforms aim to streamline the system and improve outcomes for children with SEND, though the transition requires careful management to ensure no child is left behind. The department's performance report for the last quarter of 2025-26 showed mixed results, with high performance in care leaver accommodation and employment, but an increase in children subject to child protection plans for a second time.

• Link to Meeting: Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Health Services: Hospital Discharge, Annual Health Checks, and Vaccination Programmes 🏥

The Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, to examine key aspects of health service delivery across the county. Discussions focused on improving hospital discharge processes, ensuring vital annual health checks for individuals with learning disabilities, and the comprehensive delivery of vaccination programmes.

Improving Hospital Discharge: Patient Experiences and System Flow

The committee received insights from Healthwatch Leicester and Leicestershire on hospital discharge processes. The findings, based on patient and carer experiences, aim to identify areas for improvement to ensure smoother transitions from hospital to home. Efficient discharge is crucial for freeing up hospital beds and ensuring patients receive appropriate follow-up care, preventing readmissions and supporting recovery.

• Link to Meeting: Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Learning Disability Annual Health Checks: Bridging the Gap

An update from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust detailed efforts to increase the uptake of Annual Health Checks (AHCs) for individuals with learning disabilities. These checks are vital for early detection of health issues and preventing avoidable deaths, as people with learning disabilities often experience poorer health outcomes. The target is for 80% of eligible individuals to receive an AHC.

• Link to Meeting: Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Vaccination Programmes: Reaching All Communities

A joint report from the NHS LLR ICB Vaccination & Immunisation team and the Director of Public Health provided an overview of life-course vaccination delivery. The report highlighted efforts to improve uptake across all age groups, from pregnancy and early years to older adults. A key focus is on reducing persistent inequalities in vaccination rates, which are often linked to deprivation and ethnicity. The report detailed progress and challenges for various programmes, including HPV, MMR, MenB, and seasonal vaccinations like flu and COVID-19, with strategies in place to enhance capacity and reach underserved communities.

• Link to Meeting: Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Other Matters

• The Adults and Cultural Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 1 June 2026. Discussions included an update on the Care Quality Commission Assessment 2025 Improvement Plan, national performance benchmarking for adult social care, and the use of resources within the sector. The committee noted the progress made in improving services and highlighted the importance of robust data for performance measurement. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/159787
• The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee also met on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. http://opencouncil.network/meetings/104232

This week in Leicestershire:

Council Approves £20 Million Better Leicestershire Programme Amidst Financial Outturn Review 💰

Leicestershire County Council's Cabinet met on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, to review the provisional financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year and approve a significant new transformation programme. The meeting highlighted a substantial deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and a net revenue underspend that will be allocated to additional commitments. The most impactful decision was the approval of the Better Leicestershire Programme, a revised transformation initiative backed by an investment of up to £20 million, aimed at identifying savings and improving financial sustainability.

Financial Outturn: High Needs Deficit and Underspends

The provisional revenue and capital outturn for 2025/26 revealed a net revenue underspend of £7.023 million. This surplus will be used to fund additional council commitments. However, a significant concern was the reported overspend of £30.9 million on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The majority of this overspend, £34.7 million, is attributed to increased demand for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), pushing the accumulated High Needs deficit to £99.1 million. While the council anticipates government grant funding to cover 90% of this deficit, it is contingent on the Department for Education's approval of a SEND Reform Plan.

Other departmental outturns included:

• Adults and Communities: A net underspend of £3.9 million, despite overspends in Supported Living and Direct Cash Payments, offset by underspends elsewhere.
• Environment and Transport: A net underspend of £5.7 million, with significant rephasing of expenditure on major projects like the Melton Mowbray Distributor Road and Zouch Bridge Replacement.
• Corporate Resources: A net underspend of £0.9 million, largely due to early savings in IT and Property Services, though Traded and Commercial services faced a shortfall due to financial pressures on schools.

The capital outturn for 2025/26 showed a net rephasing of £65 million, with funding carried forward to the next financial year. Key projects completed included new school places and transport infrastructure.

• Link to Meeting: Cabinet

Better Leicestershire Programme : A £20 Million Investment in Efficiency

Following an Efficiency Review by Newton Consulting, the council has approved a revised transformation programme, now named the Better Leicestershire Programme. This initiative aims to identify savings and enhance financial sustainability, with projected savings of £27.2 million over the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) period, potentially reaching £60 million by 2030/31.

To implement these changes, the council will invest up to £20 million from its reserves. The programme will focus on key themes including:

• Commissioning and Market Shaping
• Demand Management and Maximising Independence
• Maximising Income
• Procurement and Supply Chain Management
• Resident Focused Organisation
• Prevention
• Physical Assets

This programme is expected to drive better outcomes for residents and increase value for money, with a particular emphasis on social care services, promoting prevention and innovation. Chief Officers have been authorised to implement the initiatives, with further progress reports to be made to the Cabinet and Scrutiny Commission.

• Link to Meeting: Cabinet

Response to Oadby and Wigston Local Plan Consultation

The Cabinet also approved the council's formal response to the Oadby and Wigston Borough Council's Regulation 19 Local Plan consultation. The response aims to influence the plan to benefit local communities and ensure robust policies for infrastructure and service provision. While acknowledging changes in regulations regarding the Duty to Co-operate, the council stressed the continued importance of effective cooperation across administrative boundaries.

• Link to Meeting: Cabinet

Development Control and Regulatory Board Cancelled 🚫

The Development Control and Regulatory Board meeting, scheduled for Thursday, 28 May 2026, was cancelled. No further information is available regarding the topics that were intended for discussion.

• Link to Meeting: Development Control and Regulatory Board

This week in Leicestershire:

Council Workforce and Occupational Health Under Scrutiny: Impact on Services and Staff Wellbeing 🧑‍💼

The Employment Committee met on Thursday, 21 May 2026, to review the council's workforce performance and occupational health services. The discussions highlighted key figures regarding staff numbers, absence rates, and the progress of performance reviews, alongside updates on organisational change policies that could impact staff.

Workforce Performance: A Snapshot

The committee received the Workforce Annual Report for 2025-26. As of March 2026, Leicestershire County Council employed 5905 staff, with a Full Time Equivalent (FTE) of 4937.91. This represents an increase in both headcount and FTE compared to the previous year. Changes in departmental staffing were noted, including a reduction in Corporate Resources due to the transfer of School Food Kitchens and an increase in Children and Family Services to reduce reliance on agency workers.

However, the council's sickness absence rate stood at 3.5% in March 2026, equating to an average of 8.92 days lost per full-time employee. This is above the council's target of 7.5 days. While the council's absence rates are better than the NHS and public sector averages, they are higher than private sector and overall UK employer averages. Worryingly, stress, depression, and mental health were identified as the leading causes of long-term sickness absence. This could have a direct impact on service delivery if staff are struggling with their wellbeing.

The report also indicated a 58.9% completion rate for Annual Performance Reviews (APRs) as of March 2026. While this might be an under-representation due to recording processes, it raises questions about how staff performance and development are being managed. Plans are in place to simplify and improve the recording and reporting of APRs.

Occupational Health: Supporting Staff Wellbeing

The committee also reviewed the Occupational Health Service provision for April 2025 to March 2026. The council's appointed provider, People Asset Management (PAM), offers services such as pre-employment assessments, management referrals, health surveillance, and workplace needs assessments. These services are crucial for supporting employees, especially those experiencing sickness absence or requiring adjustments to their work environment. The report detailed that management referrals are made for various reasons, including sickness absence and concerns about performance, leading to recommendations on supporting employees and identifying reasonable adjustments.

Organisational Change and Potential Redundancies

An update on the Organisational Change Policy and Procedure revealed that several action plans are currently underway. Notably, plans for Corporate Resources - Beaumanor Activities, Children & Families - SENA Business Support, and Corporate Resources - School Food Service Management and Administration predict a total of 15 compulsory redundancies. Another plan for Catering, Hospitality and Country Parks predicts one compulsory redundancy.

A formal dispute has been lodged by the National Education Union (NEU) regarding the Early Years Inclusion and Childcare Service action plan, with a ballot for strike action and a dispute hearing scheduled. These changes and potential redundancies could have a significant impact on the affected staff and the services they provide.

• Link to Meeting: Employment Committee

Rights of Way Improvement Plan: Ensuring Safer Access for All 🚶‍♀️

The Leicestershire Local Access Forum met on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, to discuss crucial matters concerning public rights of way across the county. A key focus was the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) action plan, which outlines intentions for the coming years and requires annual approval from Forum members.

Addressing Safety Concerns on Public Rights of Way

A significant concern raised was the safety of public rights of way where they cross roads. The Forum discussed the need for improved signage and infrastructure at these road crossings. This is particularly important for vulnerable road users, including children, the elderly, and those with mobility issues, who may be at greater risk. The discussion highlighted the challenge of justifying investment in low-usage but dangerous crossings and the necessity for statistical evidence to support safety improvements.

Funding and Parish Council Involvement

The Forum also addressed the difficulties in securing funding for rural rights of way improvements, noting disparities between high population and rural areas. The potential for parish councils to raise funds through precepts was discussed, with encouragement for greater parish involvement in maintaining and preserving pathways. The statutory powers of Parish Councils under the Highways Act to carry out works on footpaths and bridleways were highlighted, suggesting a pathway for increased local action.

Legal Orders and Case Updates

The meeting provided updates on various legal orders concerning rights of way. This included the Slawston case, where a route was determined to be added as a restricted byway, but administrative delays were noted. The Nanpanton case was also discussed, along with objections raised regarding the addition of a Restricted Byway at Claybrook Parva and a public footpath at Oadby. These cases highlight the complex legal processes involved in managing and defining public rights of way.

Future Planning and Collaboration

Discussions also covered the review of neighbourhood plans to ensure they adequately address rights of way and the potential for Forum members to conduct further field surveys of open access land. A consultation with ICT to review and potentially update the online system for tracking rights of way applications was also on the agenda, aiming for more efficient management and transparency.

• Link to Meeting: Leicestershire Local Access Forum

Member Conduct Panel Considers Code of Conduct Complaints ⚖️

The Member Conduct Panel met on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, to consider two separate complaints made under the Members' Code of Conduct. Due to the sensitive nature of these complaints, the meeting was held with the press and public excluded for much of the proceedings.

Restricted Information and Confidentiality

The agenda indicated that the specific details of both Case A and Case B were considered restricted information, in accordance with legal provisions designed to protect personal and confidential details. This means that the public will not have access to the specifics of the complaints or the evidence presented.

Importance of the Code of Conduct

The Members' Code of Conduct is a crucial document that sets out the standards of behaviour expected from elected councillors. It ensures that councillors act with integrity, transparency, and respect for the public and their colleagues. Decisions made by the Member Conduct Panel are vital for maintaining public trust in local government and ensuring accountability.

• Link to Meeting: Member Conduct Panel

This week in Leicestershire:

Council Approves £616 Million Budget with Council Tax Rise, Amidst Calls for More Bus Funding 🚌

Leicestershire County Council has approved its Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026/27 to 2029/30, including a net revenue budget of £616.1 million for the upcoming year. This decision comes with a 2.99% increase in Council Tax for 2026/27. While the council has committed to additional investment in public bus subsidies, environmental maintenance, a grit bin discount scheme, and gulley cleaning through an amendment to the original motion, some councillors and residents have expressed concerns that these measures may not go far enough to address the pressing needs of public transport users.

The council's decision to raise Council Tax, while often a difficult choice, is presented as necessary to maintain essential services. However, the impact of this increase, coupled with the ongoing challenges faced by public transport users, particularly in rural areas, highlights the difficult balancing act local government faces in allocating limited resources. The additional investment in bus subsidies, though welcomed, will be closely watched to see if it translates into tangible improvements for those who rely on public transport for work, education, and essential appointments.

The approval of the MTFS, which sets the financial framework for the council's operations over the next four years, also includes the adoption of the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 and revised Contract Procedure Rules. These procedural updates are crucial for ensuring transparency and efficiency in how the council manages its finances and awards contracts.

• Link to Meeting: County Council

Major Efficiency Drive Launched: Council Aims to Save £27 Million Through Transformation Programme 🚀

Leicestershire County Council is embarking on a significant transformation programme following an independent Efficiency Review that identified opportunities to save £27 million over the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) period. The review, conducted by Newton Consulting Limited, has led to a revised Change and Improvement Programme, now streamlined into 58 prioritised initiatives projected to deliver £58.8 million in financial benefits.

This ambitious programme, dubbed the Better Leicestershire Programme, aims to address the council's projected £85 million budget gap by 2029/2030. The review identified 13 key benefit proposals, with a focus on areas such as demand management, commissioning, and organisational efficiency. These initiatives are designed to improve financial sustainability while protecting resident outcomes.

However, the programme will require substantial investment, with an estimated £28.2 million needed over the next four years to deliver the projected savings. The report acknowledges potential downside risks, such as increased inflation impacting the council's cost base. The Scrutiny Commission has reviewed these outcomes, and the Cabinet is now being asked to approve the revised Transformation Programme and authorise the necessary resources for its implementation. This initiative could lead to significant changes in how council services are delivered, with a strong emphasis on prevention and demand management, particularly within social care.

• Link to Meeting: Scrutiny Commission
• Link to Meeting: Cabinet

Council Constitution Overhauled: New Ethics Committee and Streamlined Governance Approved 🏛️

Leicestershire County Council has approved significant revisions to its Constitution, aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in its governance. These changes, discussed and approved by the County Council, include the establishment of a new Constitution and Ethics Committee, the rotation of the Scrutiny Commission's chairmanship, and updated procedures for member conduct and officer relations.

The creation of the Constitution and Ethics Committee is a notable development, merging existing constitutional remits with responsibility for member conduct standards. This move signals a commitment to upholding high ethical standards within the council. The proposed rotation of the Scrutiny Commission's chairmanship between the leaders of the two main opposition groups is intended to strengthen the scrutiny process and provide a more robust check on executive decisions.

Further amendments refine meeting procedure rules, clarify the role of statutory officers, and update the protocol on Member/Officer Relations. These changes aim to foster a more professional and respectful working environment, ensuring that both elected members and council officers can effectively serve the public. The council also approved the appointment of Mr Dan Harrison CC as the Leader of the Council and noted the proposed Cabinet appointments.

• Link to Meeting: County Council
• Link to Meeting: Leicestershire County Council Constitution

Other Matters

• The County Council also approved the Youth Justice Strategic Plan for 2026-2027. This plan prioritises improving education, employment, and training for young people, strengthening health and wellbeing support, enhancing victim support, reinforcing prevention pathways, and ensuring a coordinated response for children at high risk. The council also set the dates for its meetings for the upcoming two years.
• The council resolved to write to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, urging a balanced and rights-compliant legacy framework.
• Concerns raised by residents regarding Arriva's Service 12 bus route along Church Lane, Whitwick, were noted, with a request for a report on the service's operation to be provided to the Growth, Highways, Transport and Waste Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
• The council approved the appointment of Mrs Linda Danks as Chairman and Mrs Linda Broadley as Vice-Chairman of the Council.
• The council also approved the appointment of Mr Dan Harrison CC as Leader of the Council and noted the proposed Cabinet appointments.
• The County Council also considered a draft protocol for the appointment of Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen, a civic honour recognising distinguished service. Nominations for three individuals were also put forward for this honour.