The Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission met on Tuesday 27 January 2026 to discuss the draft General Fund Revenue Budget for 2026/27, health protection initiatives, and progress on various public health strategies. Key decisions included the approval of the draft budget, which proposes a council tax increase of just under 5%, and noting the progress made on the Leicester City Drug & Alcohol Strategy Phase 3.

Draft General Fund Revenue Budget 2026/27

The Commission reviewed the City Mayor's proposed Draft General Fund Revenue Budget for 2026/27. The report outlines a strategy to balance the budget for the next three years, which includes using one-off funds and reducing annual service spending. Despite these measures, an ongoing budget gap persists, necessitating the continued use of one-off monies to balance the budget. The proposed budget includes a council tax increase of just under 5%, which is the maximum allowed without a referendum. This increase is intended to help mitigate the growing costs of social care and other pressures. The report details significant financial challenges, including pressures on adult social care, children's services, and homelessness support, alongside the impact of inflation. The strategy aims to maintain high-quality care services and support economic development. The Commission was asked to approve the three-year budget strategy, the proposed budget and council tax for 2026/27, and noted the equality implications arising from the proposed tax increase.

Health Protection

The Director of Public Health provided a verbal update on health protection matters. Discussions covered tuberculosis (TB) rates, which have increased nationally and are linked to demographic patterns and migration. A renewed strategy for TB work aims to address late case identification, stigma reduction, and improved engagement with GPs and communities on screening. The Commission also heard about the single case of Measles recorded this year, with concerns raised about vaccine coverage remaining below the required 95%. Efforts are underway to increase uptake for the MMR vaccine and other childhood immunisations. Bowel cancer screening work is focusing on reducing stigma and encouraging more people to complete the screening programme. COVID-19 vaccine uptake remains lower than expected, and while outbreaks have peaked, further seasonal waves are anticipated. Concerns were also raised regarding flu, with indications of an early season and greater variation of influenza A.

Prevention and Health Inequalities Steering Group Annual Review

The Commission received an update on the work of the Prevention and Health Inequalities Steering Group, established in June 2024. The group focuses on key priorities to address health inequalities in Leicester, including hypertension case finding, healthy weight initiatives, HPV vaccine uptake, social isolation in people with severe mental illness, and bowel cancer screening uptake. Significant progress has been made across these areas, with initiatives such as targeted outreach for blood pressure checks, the adoption of a Healthy Weight Declaration across NHS organisations, improved HPV data collection and outreach, and the development of a toolkit to support people with severe mental illness. The group has also implemented new bowel screening pathways for vulnerable groups and expanded awareness campaigns. The Local Government Association has recognised Leicester's efforts in tackling health inequalities as a public health emergency. A review of priorities for the next 18 months is scheduled for early 2026.

Cost of Living, Food Poverty and Fuel Poverty

The Health in All Policies (HIAP) team provided an update on cost-of-living projects. The report detailed ongoing support for fuel poverty, with referral channels remaining active and well-used, particularly by local council teams. Campaigns are planned to raise awareness of the health impacts of living in a cold home and promote support channels within communities and through warm spaces. The Access: Period Products project, which provides free sanitary products in libraries, has distributed over 15,000 products and is being evaluated for future expansion, including a focus on sustainable period products. The Feeding Leicester initiative, a collective addressing food poverty, has been formalised and is working to support affordable food provision and wrap-around services. Progress is also being made on introducing auto-enrolment for free school meals, with initial IT process tests identifying a significant number of eligible students not currently receiving them. The Cost of Living Group has revised its terms of reference to reflect its ongoing nature.

Leicester City Drug & Alcohol Strategy Phase 3: 2025 - 2027

The Commission received an update on Phase 3 of the Leicester City Drug and Alcohol Strategy. This phase builds on previous successes and learning, incorporating new objectives identified through multi-agency workshops. The strategy is structured around six working groups: Service development and evaluation, Comms and engagement, Training, Education & Employment, Lived Experience, Night-time economy, and Housing support and rough sleepers. Significant progress has been made in increasing the number of adults accessing treatment, improving engagement with treatment upon release from prison, expanding harm reduction programmes, and enhancing outreach services. The strategy aims to provide inclusive, evidence-based services for the city's diverse population, with a focus on reducing health inequalities.

Leicester City Our Neighbourhood Approach

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) presented an update on the Leicester Neighbourhood Approach. This initiative aims to coordinate health, social care, community, and voluntary services to deliver care closer to people's homes. The approach is central to the NHS 10 Year Plan and focuses on shifting care from hospitals to the community, embracing digital solutions, and moving from a sickness to a prevention model. Leicester has been divided into four neighbourhoods, with plans to establish Neighbourhood-level Steering Groups comprising professional leaders and community representatives. Workshops will be held to engage local stakeholders and co-produce neighbourhood plans. The approach aims to improve health outcomes, reduce strain on hospitals, and empower communities to shape local services.

Work Programme

Members of the Commission were invited to consider the work programme and make suggestions for additional items. It was agreed that GP Access and the Annual Review of Health Inequalities would be added to the work programme for the January meeting. The Chair also proposed that the Commission focus on Rheumatology in Leicester as an informal task group.