Agenda and minutes

To issue a welcome to those present, and to confirm if there are any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

Members were asked to disclose any pecuniary or other interests they may have in the business on the agenda.

Councillor March declared that Appendix D of the agenda pack was written by her Employer, but she was not involved in writing the report.

The minutes of the meeting of the Overview Select Committee held on  8^th July 2026 and the Overview Select Committee Briefing on 17^th August 2026 have been circulated, and Members will be asked to confirm them as a correct record.

The Chair highlighted that the minutes from the meeting held on 8^th July 2026 and a briefing on 17^th August were included in the agenda pack and asked Members to confirm whether they were an accurate record.  
 
AGREED:
 

• It was agreed that the minutes for the meetings on 8^th July 2026 and 17^th August 2026 were a correct record. 

The Chair is invited to make any announcements as they see fit. 

The Chair announced that the minutes from the Council Task Support Scheme briefing were attached and the response from the Executive would be circulated to Members.

To note progress on actions agreed at the previous meeting and not reported elsewhere on the agenda (if any).

The Chair explained the process on actions being circulated via email and to please contact the Chair and Vice Chair if responses aren’t received and questions aren’t answered.

Further information was requested on funding of Food Banks.

The Monitoring Officer to report on the receipt of any questions, representations and statements of case submitted in accordance with the Council’s procedures.

The Monitoring Officer reported that no questions, representations and statements of case had been submitted in accordance with the Council’s procedures.

The Monitoring Officer to report on any petitions received.

The Monitoring Officer reported that no petitions had been received.

The Monitoring Officer submits a report that updates Members on the monitoring of outstanding petitions. The Committee is asked to note the current outstanding petitions and agree to remove those petitions marked ‘Petitions Process Complete’ from the report.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report which provided an update on the status of outstanding petitions against the Council’s target of providing a formal response within three months of being referred to the Divisional Director.

The Chair noted an updated copy had been given to members ahead of the meeting due to updates.

AGREED:

That the status of the outstanding petitions be noted, and to remove those petitions marked ‘Petition Complete’ Ref:   from the report.

The City Mayor will answer questions raised by members of the Overview Select Committee on issues not covered elsewhere on the agenda.

The Chair invited Members to raise questions for the City Mayor.

1.     Members requested an update on Local Government Reorganisation, following the recent announcement that Central Government had paused the process.

·       The City Mayor advised that further clarity from Central Government was expected within the forthcoming weeks.

2.     A Young People’s Council Representative asked if the 2024 homelessness target had been met and what current numbers were.

• The City Mayor advised that an increase in demand for temporary accommodation had impacted on matters. Homelessness figures could be provided to the Commission.

3.     Members requested the numbers of newly built council houses.

• The City Mayor advised that details would be provided to the Commission.

4.     A Young People’s Council Representative asked about access to shared spaces, particularly regarding St Matthews Community Centre.

• The City Mayor advised that alternative sites were being sought due to building safety issues at St Matthews.

The Director of Children’s Social Work and Early Help submits a report from the Leicester Young People’s Council (YPC) providing an overview of the views and priorities identified by children and young people across the city. The report updates Members on the work being undertaken by the YPC and its engagement with young people.

The Rights and Participation Manager and representatives from the Young People's Council (YPC) presented the findings of Leicester's Young People's Survey.

Members heard that the survey received 2,868 responses from young people across the city and identified health, education and community safety as the three main issues affecting young people. Key concerns included mental and emotional health, pressure within education, public transport, and feeling unsafe in the city centre.

The Committee welcomed the survey findings and congratulated the YPC on the level of engagement achieved. Discussion highlighted the importance of using the findings to inform future work relating to community safety, youth provision, mental health support and public transport. Reference was also made to the need to work closely with young people and partner organisations to develop practical responses to the issues identified.

It was noted that work was underway to develop a city wide youth strategy and strengthen partnership working across the sector. The YPC emphasised the importance of ensuring that the survey findings lead to meaningful action and that young people continue to be involved in shaping decisions that affect them.

The Chair thanked the Young People's Council for their presentation and contribution.

AGREED:

1.     That the findings of the Young People's Survey be noted.

2.     That the Committee commend the Young People's Council for its work in developing and delivering the survey.

The Director of Finance submits a report providing an overview of the delivery and outcomes of the Household Support Fund (HSF) from its introduction in October 2021 to its conclusion in March 2026. The report highlights the support provided to Leicester households during the cost of living crisis, key achievements and outcomes delivered through the scheme, lessons learned from its operation, and the transition to the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).

The Director of Finance submitted a report providing an overview of the delivery and outcomes of the Household Support Fund (HSF) from its introduction in October 2021 to its conclusion in March 2026. The report highlighted the support provided to Leicester households during the period, key achievements and outcomes delivered through the scheme, lessons learned from its operation, and the transition to the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).

Key points to note were as follows:

• Leicester City Council had received £30m of funding over the period.
• Short-term funding and changing scheme objectives were identified as a key operational challenge, limiting long-term planning and support.
• Expectations had evolved during the time of the funding.
• The model had received national recognition from the Department of Work and Pensions.
• Learning had identified the need for simplified access and the continuation of partnership work.

In response to member questions and comments, the following was noted:

• Members noted the number of evictions prevented.
• For the Crisis and Resilience Fund the members requested further breakdown of the figures. 
• A value of £406k had been allocated to food vouchers.
• Free holiday meals had not been continued with the new model. The focus was on proactive support, including initiatives such as pop-up pantries.
• The new application route for the Crisis and Resilience Fund was robust and user-friendly with good controls and measures in place.
• Officers were preparing to bring detail to the Commission on funding allocation with mapping of deprivation areas. The geographical area (MSOA) would provide a clearer focus than ward level analysis.
• Further outcome data was requested as part of the Crisis and Resilience Funding.

AGREED:

That the report be noted.  

The Director of Corporate Services submits a report to the Commission presenting the findings of the 2026 Healthy Workplace Survey. The report provides an overview of employee engagement, wellbeing and workplace experiences, identifies key themes from employee feedback, and informs future workforce action planning.

The Assistant Director of People & Corporate Services presented the findings of the 2026 Healthy Workplace Survey. The survey was undertaken over a four week period in March 2026 and achieved a 35% response rate, representing an increase of 9% compared with the previous survey. Questions covered areas including working arrangements, job satisfaction, workplace culture and employee wellbeing.

The survey identified positive results in relation to teamwork, line management, pride in public service and employees' understanding of the impact of their work. Overall, 82.3% of responses were positive, with 25% of respondents classed as highly engaged and 2.9% classed as highly disengaged.

Clarification was provided on participation levels, survey methodology and the anonymous nature of responses. It was noted that individual reports had been produced for each division and that work was underway to respond to the issues raised through both corporate and divisional plans.

Discussion focused on levels of bullying and harassment and the 4.8% that had reported they were subject to bullying.  

It was noted that progress would continue to be monitored and that further work, including staff focus groups, would help inform future improvements.

AGREED:

1.     That the findings of the Healthy Workplace Survey be noted.

The Director of Finance submits a report providing an overview of the Council’s revenue budget position for 2026/27 as at Period 3 (April to June). The report updates Members on the latest forecast outturn position, key budget variances and the financial pressures and savings identified across Council services.

The Director of Finance submitted a report providing an overview of the Council’s revenue budget position for 2026/27 as at Period 3 (April to June). The report updated Members on the latest forecast outturn position, key budget variances and the financial pressures and savings identified across Council services.

Key points to note were as follows:

• This was the first report of the year.
• Forecasting had predicted a minor budget overspend of 0.2%.
• Areas identified for concern were Children’s services, Homelessness and the Housing Revenue Account overspend.

In response to member questions and comments, the following was noted:

• Members raised questions regarding resourcing within the Planning service. It was noted that there was a national shortage of qualified planners. A response to the questions raised would be sought from the Director of Planning.
• It was clarified that the predicted overspend was for the period to the end of the financial year, March 2027.
• It was acknowledged that there were accommodation issues affecting care leavers aged over 18, and work was ongoing to identify appropriate solutions.
• Regarding questions relating to income raised in the Arts and Museums service, it was noted that a report had gone to Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny and could be forwarded to the OSC Committee Members.
• It was clarified that the variance in capital financing related to borrowing and reflected the use of capital receipts rather than borrowing, in line with the Financial Strategy approved at Council.
• A Housing Committee Scrutiny report on homelessness could be forwarded on to members requesting information relevant to that committee. 
• It was clarified that the Adult Social Care underspend was due to additional NHS funding not vacancies.
• Financial pressures within Children’s Social Care and Housing would continue to be monitored.

AGREED:  

1)     That the report be noted.

2)     A response to the questions raised on planning would be sought from the Director of Planning.

3)     The Housing Committee Scrutiny report would be forwarded on to members.

4)     The Care leavers and children’s placements strategy would be shared with members.

5)     An update on Pride and Place Programme to be shared with Members.

The Director of Finance submits a report providing an overview of the Council’s capital programme position for 2026/27 as at Period 3 (April to June). The report updates Members on expenditure to date, progress in the delivery of capital projects and work programmes, and any significant issues affecting the programme.

The Assistant Director of Finance submitted a report presenting the position of the capital programme for 2026/27 as at the end of June 2026.

The Committee were invited to raise questions and comments. Key points to note were as follows:

·       In response to questions regarding revised completion dates for a number of schemes, including Rally House, it was noted that delays could occur for a variety of reasons, including planning and procurement requirements. Further information on the completion date for Rally House would be provided outside the meeting.

·       Questions were raised regarding play association capital grants and schemes showing no expenditure. It was noted that the report reflected the first quarter of the financial year and that expenditure would be incurred at different stages as projects progressed.

·       It was noted that approved budgets could include funding carried forward from previous years and retention payments due later in project delivery.

·       An update was requested on the Railway Station project and it was noted that a previous briefing could be recirculated to members.

·       Discussion took place regarding the former Hosiers House building and members requested a further update on progress with the property.

·       Questions were raised regarding funding allocated to the King Richard III Visitor Centre café project and leisure centre improvements.

·       It was noted that leisure related proposals remained subject to the wider leisure review.

·       An update was provided on the Pride in Place. It was noted that Chairs and Vice Chairs had been appointed and recruitment to the remaining panels was underway.

AGREED

1. That the report be noted.
2. That further information on Rally House be provided to members.
3. That information on capital receipts be circulated.

4. That the Railway Station briefing be recirculated.
5. That an update on the former Master's House building be provided.
6. That an update on the Project Information Panels be provided.

The current work programme for the Committee is attached.  The Committee is asked to consider this and make comments and/or amendments as it considers necessary.

The Chair reminded Members that should there be any items they wish to be considered for the work programme then to share these with their and the senior governance officer.

It was requested that an update on Local Outcomes Framework come to a future meeting.

There being no other items of urgent business, the meeting closed at 8:51pm.