The County Council met on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, to discuss several key issues, including concerns over frontline policing, the community impact of asylum accommodation, and changes to bus services in Wigston. Decisions were made regarding the council's stance on proposed private security patrols, the approach to asylum accommodation, and the need for a report on specialist SEND services.

Prioritising Frontline Policing and Value for Money

The council resolved to support the Police and Crime Panel's request for full evidence regarding the proposed scheme to fund private security marshals. The council expressed concern that private security contractors do not possess the same powers as police officers and that the £2 million funding from the Crime Prevention Fund reserve might not represent the best use of resources compared to investing in additional policing capacity. The Chief Executive was instructed to write to the Police and Crime Commissioner to convey the council's expectation of transparent, evidence-based decision-making for significant expenditure proposals. The council reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Police and Crime Commissioner to improve community safety.

Community Impact of Asylum Accommodation

A resolution was passed to write to the Home Secretary seeking greater transparency regarding asylum accommodation arrangements in Leicestershire. The council also requested that the Chief Executive write to the Home Office to gather information on asylum accommodation provision, including the use of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) associated with government contracts, and their potential impact on County Council services. Furthermore, a report will be prepared for the appropriate Overview and Scrutiny Committee outlining any known or anticipated impacts of asylum accommodation on local services. The council emphasised the importance of meaningful engagement and advance notification for local authorities when placements may significantly affect communities.

Maintaining Professional Standards in Specialist SEND Services

The council resolved to request a report for the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee concerning the proposed future model of early years SEND advisory support. The report will address how service quality, continuity, and workforce sustainability will be maintained, including the role of professional qualifications. It will also detail considerations for maintaining appropriate professional qualifications in role requirements and how the views of staff and trade unions have been considered. Assurance will be sought that any workforce changes will comply with employment law and council procedures.

Bus Services in Wigston

The council noted significant recent changes to bus services in Wigston, citing poor consultation by the operator and the negative impact on residents, including longer journey times, increased costs, and disconnection between communities. The council resolved to continue engaging with Arriva to request a review of the changes, taking into account residents' concerns. The council also committed to working via the Enhanced Bus Partnership to develop a community engagement approach for future bus service changes.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report

The council noted the information contained in the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-26. This report summarised the key highlights of scrutiny activity undertaken during the year, including reviews of SEND and children's social care pressures, adult social care improvement, highways maintenance, local nature recovery, and access to health services. The report highlighted the important role of scrutiny in holding decision-makers to account and monitoring the council's budget and performance.