Leicester City Council has announced specialist e-bike hire provider Ride On as its partner in the city’s forthcoming e-bike share scheme. The scheme, known as Santander Cycles Leicester, will see 500 electric bikes available to hire from 50 locations across Leicester city centre. This will make Santander Cycles Leicester the largest docked e-bike hire scheme in the UK. Work is getting under way to create the docking stations where the bikes will charge up, ahead of a public launch currently planned for spring next year. Deputy city mayor for environment and transportation, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “We’re very excited to have appointed Ride On as our operator and to be bringing this scheme to Leicester. “The scheme will be low-cost and very easy to use, with people able to pick up and return the e-bikes at the docking stations, where they charge up when not in use. “The coronavirus pandemic has meant we have had to delay the launch of the scheme, but this gives us the opportunity to test it ahead of a public launch next spring. “We also know that the pandemic has led to much more interest in cycling, so we will be able to build on that momentum to launch the scheme. “Since 2012, we’ve invested more than £70m in creating cycling-friendly streets, people-friendly public squares, public transport hubs and cycle tracks along main roads. Recently, we led the way nationally by installing nearly 11 miles of new cycling and walking routes in just 10 weeks, to help people get around safely during the coronavirus crisis. “Santander Cycles Leicester will build on our commitment to cycling, helping people from all of our diverse communities to get on a bike. It’s an exciting scheme and an important part of Leicester’s recovery. I’m very much looking forward to seeing these e-bikes in use around the city.” The £600,000 project is being funded by a partnership made up of Leicester City Council - following the council’s successful bid to the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities fund – with sponsorship from Santander UK and additional investment from the operator, Ride On, and their delivery partner Enzen Global. Ride On began as a Spanish start-up company, providing e-bike sharing schemes in Spain, but is now offering its services internationally. It has teamed up with Enzen Global, a champion of sustainability, which supports green solutions and innovation across the world. Ride On already has a shared e-bike scheme in Miami and will be launching soon in Dundee as well as in Leicester. Santander Cycles Leicester will cover the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods. To ensure good hygiene, Ride On’s maintenance team will be disinfecting all the equipment every day, and users will be advised to use hand sanitiser and/or gloves when riding the bikes. People will be able to register online or at one of the on-street kiosks, buy a plan based on their needs and then use a smartphone or keycard to unlock a bike and start riding. Day passes and membership fares will be available to help people make the most of their journeys in the city. The scheme is designed to be socially inclusive, with discounts and incentives offered to help make sure Santander Cycles Leicester is an affordable choice for everyone. Dan Sherwood, Director of Marketing at Santander UK, said: “We are extremely proud to support Leicester City Council in this ground-breaking initiative and we’re excited by the possibilities that this innovative e-bike scheme will create for the people of Leicester.” Miguel Vital, CEO of Ride On, said: “For Ride On, it’s an honour to become the operator and manager of the bike share scheme for Leicester City Council, and to receive support from Santander UK. Today we begin a journey that will make Leicester a smarter city in terms of mobility and will contribute to it becoming an environmentally sustainable landmark. “Our system is a highly innovative docked e-bike scheme, meaning that in addition to keeping the fleets organised and parked only at our stations, the e-bikes are also efficiently charged. The end result means we are able to optimise time, costs and our environmental footprint. You will all enjoy the experience!” Manish Jamthe, CEO of Enzen UK, said: “As a global enterprise that was born in the Midlands, we actively embraced the opportunity with Ride On to support Leicester in its transformation to become one of the UK’s leading, sustainable, smart cities of the future. We were excited by the energy and commitment within the council to make it happen. Leicester’s inhabitants will benefit from not just affordable, healthy transportation but cleaner air and a greener city.” Leicester City Council was awarded nearly £8million from the Transforming Cities Fund to spend on a range of major projects. As well as the bike share scheme, these will include developing better walking and cycling links and upgrading to electric buses on the Birstall park and ride route. In May, the council developed a covid-19 Transport Recovery Plan, setting out how Leicester’s transport system can best meet the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic and help the city’s economy to recover, as well as securing longer-term environmental benefits. The e-bike share scheme is a key part of the plan. Docking stations will be available at locations including St Margaret’s Bus Station – which is about to be completely rebuilt as a carbon-neutral building – as well as at Leicester Railway Station and De Montfort University's Innovation Centre. Visit www.rideonleicester.com, where you can sign up to be the first to get more information about Santander Cycles Leicester.

Leicester City Council has been awarded £1million for a new scheme aimed at tacking fuel poverty with grants for energy efficient and low carbon heating. The city council successfully bid for support from the Government’s Green Homes Grant scheme to help people make their homes warmer and their energy bills cheaper, while helping cut carbon emissions. The city council will work with E.ON to deliver the scheme, but people do not need to be an existing E.ON customer to benefit from the scheme. Eligible households – with an annual income of lower than £30,000 – can apply for 100% of the costs of installing energy efficient insulation or low carbon heating in their homes, up to a maximum of £10,000. Grants up to £5,000, to cover up to two-thirds of the costs of energy efficiency measures, are also available to landlords and households with an annual income of higher than £30,000. To be eligible, homes must currently have a low energy performance rating which will be determined on application. If eligible, a home survey will be offered to best determine what improvements are most suitable. Any work carried out will be undertaken by a Trustmark registered contractor. Deputy City Mayor for Environment and Transportation, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “Installing energy efficient home improvements is good way to reduce your household bills while doing your bit for the environment by cutting emissions. “We know these can be expensive and it’s vital that we offer financial support through schemes like this to help people green up their homes and stay warm through the winter. “Our energy team does an excellent job in securing funding for schemes like this – and our Warmer Homes, Greener Homes scheme – which play a really important part in supporting residents and helping the city do its bit to tackle the climate emergency.” Nigel Dewbery, Director of Obligation Delivery and Installation Services at E.ON, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Leicester City Council to give eligible residents the opportunity to install a range of energy efficiency measures on their properties. “This demonstrates E.ON’s commitment to helping improve the energy efficiency of housing across the UK and reducing individual homeowners’ impact on the environment, all helping to support our net-zero targets.” A range of energy efficient household heating measures could be fully paid for through the scheme, including insulation, low carbon air source heat pumps, smart heating controls. The scheme is currently planned to run until 31 March 2021. To find out more contact the Green Homes Grant team at E.ON on 0333 202 4820 (Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm) or email GreenHomesGrant@EonEnergy.com with your contact number. Supporting householders to install low carbon, energy efficient measures is just one of the actions resulting from the first Leicester Climate Emergency Strategy. The new strategy sets out an ambitious vision for how the city needs to change to move towards becoming carbon-neutral and adapting to the effects of global heating by 2030, or sooner. An accompanying action plan – which will be updated on a yearly basis – sets out an initial programme of over 120 actions that will support the strategy and help achieve the ambitious carbon savings required. To find out more visit www.leicester.gov.uk/ClimateEmergency

Striking designs for Leicester’s new St Margaret’s Bus Station – and ambitious plans to make the building carbon neutral – have been revealed by the city council. Leicester City Council is planning to completely rebuild the existing St Margaret’s Bus Station and revamp surrounding streets as part of a major scheme to regenerate this part of the city centre. The proposed £13.5million scheme has been awarded £10.5million from the government’s Getting Building Fund, as part of a £20million allocation received by Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) Artist’s impressions show the striking design of the proposed new bus station building, which will be glazed from floor to ceiling and feature a striking curved aluminium roof that appears to float above the main concourse hall. A series of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures will help make the new bus station a carbon neutral building. It is believed that this would be the first bus station to be built to net zero carbon standards in the UK. The roof will be fitted with around 750sqm of photovoltaic panels which will generate enough energy to power the new bus station and feed surplus green energy back into the grid. The building itself will be constructed from materials chosen for their insulating qualities to help reduce heating demand. It will also feature energy efficient LED lighting, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and air source heat pumps – in place of gas boilers – to drastically reduce energy consumption and use of fossil fuels. Bus passengers will benefit from a completely redesigned and improved internal layout with a new café, better seating and real time digital passenger information. There will also be increased capacity for national and regional bus services, with the number of bays increased from 18 to 24. Electric bus charging points will be installed, and the new building will feature secure storage for up to 150 bikes. Improvements to footpaths and roads immediately surrounding the bus station are also proposed, with better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, new landscaping and tree planting, and better and safer crossings to soften the impact of the ring road. This will help strengthen and improve links between key development sites and the city centre, including the new Savoy Street which will link the new St Margaret’s and Haymarket bus stations. Deputy city mayor for environment and transportation Cllr Adam Clarke said: “These exciting plans to replace St Margaret’s Bus Station with a striking, new and carbon neutral building will signal the beginning of a revival of this part of the city. “It also represents an ambitious and important step forwards in our efforts to become a carbon neutral and climate adapted city by 2030, and will build on our work to support bus operators to convert to low emission fleets. “The award of over £10million of government cash is a huge endorsement of the importance of this scheme. It will provide a huge boost for sustainable transport, help regenerate a run down but important gateway into Leicester and attract further private investment into the city.” Kevin Harris, Chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), said: “I welcome the news that the new St. Margaret’s Bus Station will be a carbon neutral building. Investing in green and low-carbon initiatives is central to the LLEP’s Energy Infrastructure Strategy, which sets out our commitment to a net-zero emissions Leicester and Leicestershire. “The green economy is poised to become a major factor in employment, investment and infrastructure, and this new transport hub will help increase prosperity whilst lowering emissions.” The St Margaret’s Gateway is a regeneration project supported by a £10.5m allocation from the Getting Building Fund, a pot of government funding awarded to the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Limited (LLEP) for shovel-ready infrastructure projects to create jobs and support economic recovery across the country. A full planning application is in the process of being submitted. If given the go ahead, work on the demolition of the existing St Margaret’s Bus Station building could begin early in the new year. Encouraging more people to use sustainable transport and cutting the carbon footprint of the city’s buildings are key actions resulting from the first Leicester Climate Emergency Strategy. Launched this month, the new strategy sets out an ambitious vision for how the city needs to change to move towards becoming carbon-neutral and adapting to the effects of global heating by 2030, or sooner. An accompanying action plan – which will be updated on a yearly basis – sets out an initial programme of 120 actions that will support the strategy and help achieve the ambitious carbon savings required. To find out more visit www.leicester.gov.uk/ClimateEmergency LCC Press Release Published on Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Work is due to begin on a major £4million revamp of three busy city centre streets from early next month. Leicester City Council will carry out major improvements to Pocklingtons Walk, Horsefair Street (including a small linking section of Millstone Lane) and nearby Market Place South as part of the Connecting Leicester programme. On Pocklingtons Walk, footpaths will be improved and the carriageway realigned and resurfaced. A protected contraflow cycle track will provide a direct link from new cycle lanes created on Welford Road, Newarke Street and Belvoir Street to Horsefair Street. Improvements will extend onto Horsefair Street where footpaths will be reconstructed with high-quality block paving and the carriageway resurfaced. A new cycle track will be created to further extend the network of safe and attractive routes in and around the city centre. As part of the revamp, a new footpath has already been created into Town Hall Square, providing a direct link to the new Green Dragon Square and Leicester Market. Nearby Market Place South will also be reconstructed and resurfaced, extending the improvements already completed in Market Place. Work to improve the pedestrian link at Dolphin Square will also be completed, with a high-quality resin-bonded gravel finish. Work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption, starting on Pocklingtons Walk from Monday 2 November. The stretch of road between Welford Place and Chancery Street will be closed to traffic during the works, with well-signed diversions in place. This will affect some bus services. Work on Horsefair Street, between Bowling Green Street and Market Street, will begin in January. Details of road any closures and diversions will be publicised nearer the time. This first phase of work is expected to last around four months. The scheme is then programmed to move on to the second half of Pocklingtons Walk, Millstone Lane and Market Place South by spring 2021. The improvements will be part financed with up to £1.85million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), as part of Leicester City Council’s successful bid for over £6million of funding to support a range of ambitious transport related projects that aim to cut carbon emissions. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “It is vital that we continue to invest in the regeneration of this high-profile part of the city centre and extend our work to provide safe and attractive routes for cyclists and pedestrians. “This major scheme will transform the look and feel of this part of the city centre, providing much improved facilities for all road users and creating a direct link between Leicester’s fantastic market and the historic Town Hall Square. “It will also make a huge contribution to our work to encourage more people to use sustainable forms of transport. The award of almost £2million of ERDF support is a tremendous endorsement of the carbon reductions that this scheme will help achieve.” Continued investment in council-led programmes to encourage more use of cleaner, greener sustainable transport is just one of the actions included in the first Leicester Climate Emergency Strategy. Launched this month, the new strategy sets out an ambitious vision for how the city needs to change to move towards becoming carbon-neutral and adapting to the effects of global heating by 2030, or sooner. An accompanying action plan – which will be updated on a yearly basis – sets out an initial programme of over 120 actions that will support the strategy and help achieve the ambitious carbon savings required. Leicester City Council Press Release Published on Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Are you listening? Young people are being exploited by criminals in your area. They won't always act or feel like victims, often because they have been groomed to feel respected and important to criminal gangs. It's up to all of us to know the signs and to act if you suspect a child is in danger. The most obvious sign is a change in a child or young person’s behaviour from what is considered ‘normal’ for them. Other signs include: Withdrawal from usual group of friends and a mention of older or new friends Having gifts, a new phone or money that can’t be accounted for. Becoming withdrawn or secretive. Receiving a large number of calls or messages to their phone or being worried about being away from their phone. A drop in grades or performance, as well as suspension or exclusion from school Going missing from home or not showing up to school or regular afterschool groups or clubs Become involved in low level criminality such as antisocial behaviour. If you suspect a child is being exploited try to talk to them. Children are more likely to open up to an adult they have an existing and trusting relationship with. Next steps If you think a child could be involved in this type of activity, you can contact Leicestershire Police on 101 or online. If you suspect a child is in immediate danger always call 999. You can also call your local council children’s team for advice. Leicester City Council 0116 4541004 Leicestershire County Council 0116 3059521 Rutland County Council 01572 758407 or their out of hours number is 0116 305 0005 Children’s charities such as the Children’s Society and the NSPCC also have information and support which can help. NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-chil... Children’s Society - https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/w...

Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available. COVID-19 case numbers are rising rapidly across the whole of the UK and in other countries. We must act now to control the spread of the virus. The single most important action we can all take, in fighting coronavirus, is to stay at home, to protect the NHS and save lives. When we reduce our day-to-day contact with other people, we will reduce the spread of the infection. That is why, from Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December, the Government is taking the following action: Requiring people to stay at home, except for specific purposes. Preventing gathering with people you do not live with, except for specific purposes. Closing certain businesses and venues. These new measures have been carefully judged to achieve the maximum reduction in growth in the number of cases, preventing the NHS from being overwhelmed, whilst ensuring that schools, colleges and universities stay open and that as many people as possible continue to work. Until Thursday 5 November, the relevant Local Covid Alert Level measures will continue to apply in the area where you live. From Thursday the national restrictions replace the local restrictions in your area. No new areas will move in the LCAL Very High restrictions between now and Thursday. The new measures will apply nationally for four weeks up to Wednesday 2 December. At the end of the period, we will look to return to a regional approach, based on the latest data. Complying with the new measures will help limit the spread of coronavirus, reduce the impact on the NHS and save lives. They will be underpinned by law which will make clear about what you must and must not do from 5 November. The relevant authorities, including the police, will have powers to enforce the law – including through fines and dispersing gatherings. 1. Stay at home This means you must not leave or be outside of your home except for specific purposes. These include: for childcare or education, where this is not provided online for work purposes, where your place of work remains open and where you cannot work from home (including if your job involves working in other people’s homes) to exercise outdoors or visit an outdoor public place - with the people you live with, with your support bubble or, when on your own, with 1 person from another household (children under school age, as well as those dependent on round-the-clock care, such as those with severe disabilities, who are with their parents will not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside). for any medical concerns, reasons, appointments and emergencies, or to avoid or escape risk of injury or harm - such as domestic abuse shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which should be as infrequent as possible to visit members of your support bubble or provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer This list is not exhaustive and there are other limited circumstances where you may be permitted to leave or be outside of your home. These will be set out in law and further detailed guidance will be provided. 2. Staying safe outside the home (Social Distancing) You should minimise time spent outside your home and when around other people ensure that you are two metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble. Remember - ‘Hands. Face. Space’: hands – wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds face – wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet space – stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors) 3. Meeting with family and friends You must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household - meaning the people you live with - or support bubble. A support bubble is where a household with one adult joins with another household. Households in that support bubble can still visit each other, stay overnight, and visit outdoor public places together. You can exercise or visit outdoor public places with the people you live with, your support bubble, or 1 person from another household (children under school age, as well as those dependent on round-the-clock care, such as those with severe disabilities, who are with their parents will not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside). Outdoor public places include: parks, beaches, countryside, public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them), allotments playgrounds You cannot meet in a private garden. 4. Businesses and venues To reduce social contact, the Government has ordered certain businesses and venues to close. These include: all non-essential retail, including, but not limited to clothing and electronics stores, vehicle showrooms, travel agents, betting shops, auction houses, tailors, car washes, tobacco and vape shops. indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, leisure centres and gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, golf courses and driving ranges, dance studios, stables and riding centres, soft play facilities, climbing walls and climbing centres, archery and shooting ranges, water and theme parks, entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, concert halls, zoos and other animal attractions, botanical gardens; personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture, and tanning salons. Food shops, supermarkets, garden centres and certain other retailers providing essential goods and services can remain open. Essential retail should follow COVID-secure guidelines to protect customers, visitors and workers. Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect. Playgrounds can remain open. Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services. However, takeaway of alcohol will not be allowed. Hotels, hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work purposes and for a limited number of other exemptions which will be set out in law. A full list of the business closures will be published and set out in law. Some venues will be allowed to remain open for specific exempt activities, like childcare and support groups. Support groups that are essential to deliver in person can continue with up to 15 participants where formally organised to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support. This includes support to victims of crime, people in drug and alcohol recovery, new parents and guardians, people with long-term illnesses, people facing issues relating to their sexuality or gender, and those who have suffered bereavement. A number of public services will also stay open and you will be able to leave home to visit them. These include: the NHS and medical services like GPs. We are supporting the NHS to safely carry out urgent and non-urgent services and it is vital anyone who thinks they need any kind of medical care comes forward and seeks help. Jobcentre Plus sites Courts Civil Registrations Offices 5. Weddings, civil partnerships, religious services and funerals Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people, and it is advised that only close friends and family attend. Linked ceremonial events such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to 15 people in attendance. Anyone working is not included. Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble. Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies will not be permitted to take place except in exceptional circumstances. Places of Worship will be closed, unless they are being used for: Funerals To broadcast acts of worship Individual prayer Formal childcare or where part of a school Essential voluntary and public services, such as blood donation or food banks Other exempted activities such as some support groups 6. Going to work To help contain the virus, everyone who can work effectively from home must do so. Where people cannot do so (for instance people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing) they should continue to travel to work/attend their workplace. This is essential to keeping the country operating and supporting vital sectors and employers. Public sector employees working in essential services, including education settings, should continue to go into work . The risk of transmission can be substantially reduced if COVID-secure guidelines are followed closely. Extra consideration should be given to those people at higher risk. 7. Going to school, college and university The Government will continue to prioritise the wellbeing and long-term futures of our young people and will not be closing schools, colleges or universities. It remains very important for children and young people to attend, to support their wellbeing and education and help working parents and guardians. Senior clinicians still advise that school is the best place for children to be, and so they should continue to go to school. Schools have implemented a range of protective measures to make them safe. The Prime Minister and Education Secretary have been clear that exams will go ahead next summer, as they are the fairest and most accurate way to measure a pupil’s attainment. We therefore need to keep schools and colleges open so that children are able to keep progressing towards exams and the next stage of education or employment. Students now have more time to prepare for their exams next year, as most AS, A levels and GCSEs will be held 3 weeks later to help address the disruption caused by the pandemic. Universities have welcomed students back and we have published guidance advising universities on reopening to ensure they have safety measures in place to minimise the spread of the virus. Universities and adult education settings should consider moving to increased levels of online learning where possible. There are further restrictions in place: If you live at university, you must not move back and forward between your permanent home and student home during term time. You should only return home at the end of term for Christmas. We will publish further guidance on the end of term. 8. Childcare and children’s activities Parents will still be able to access some registered childcare and other childcare activities (including wraparound care) where reasonably necessary to enable parents to work, or for the purposes of respite care. Early years settings can remain open. Parents are able to form a childcare bubble with another household for the purposes of informal childcare, where the child is 13 or under. As above, some households will also be able to benefit from being in a support bubble, which allows single adult households to join another household. Some youth services may be able to continue, such as 1-1 youth work and support groups, but most youth clubs and groups will need to cease for this period. 9. Protecting people more at risk from coronavirus If you are over 60 or clinically vulnerable, you could be at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus. You: should be especially careful to follow the rules and minimise your contacts with others should continue to wash your hands carefully and more frequently than usual and maintain thorough cleaning of frequently touched areas in your home and/or workspace Clinically vulnerable people are those who are: aged 70 or over (regardless of medical conditions) under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (that is, anyone instructed to get a flu jab each year on medical grounds): chronic (long-term) mild to moderate respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis chronic heart disease, such as heart failure chronic kidney disease chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy diabetes a weakened immune system as the result of certain conditions or medicines they are taking (such as steroid tablets) being seriously overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above) pregnant There is a further group of people who are defined, also on medical grounds, as clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus – that is, people with specific serious health conditions. Over this period, we are advising the CEV to work from home. If you cannot work from home, you are advised not to go to work and may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA). You are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible, but are encouraged to go outside for exercise. The full new guidance will be published on Monday 2 November and the Government will write to everybody who is clinically extremely vulnerable to set out detailed advice while the new restrictions are in place. Current advice is in place at each local COVID alert level. 10. Visiting relatives in care homes Guidance on care home visits will be published ahead of Thursday. For now, you should follow existing guidance 11. Travel You should avoid travelling in or out of your local area, and you should look to reduce the number of journeys you make. However you can and should still travel for a number of reasons, including: travelling to work where this cannot be done from home travelling to education and for caring responsibilities hospital GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health visiting venues that are open, including essential retail exercise, if you need to make a short journey to do so If you need to travel we encourage you to walk or cycle where possible, and to plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. This will allow you to practise social distancing while you travel. Overnight stays and holidays away from primary residences will not be allowed. This includes holidays abroad and in the UK. It also means you cannot stay in a second home, if you own one, or staying with anyone you do not live with or are in a support bubble with. There are specific exceptions, for example if you need to stay away from home (including in a second home) for work purposes, but this means people cannot travel overseas or within the UK, unless for work, education or other legally permitted reasons. You must not travel if you are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms, are self-isolating as a result of coronavirus symptoms, are sharing a household or support bubble with somebody with symptoms, or have been told to self-isolate after being contacted by NHS Test and Trace. If you need to use public transport - to travel to work for example - you should follow the safer travel guidance. This includes the rules on wearing face masks and advice on car sharing. For those planning to travel into England, you should check the current travel corridor list to see whether you need to isolate for 14 days. You will still be required to abide by the restrictions set out here even if you do not need to isolate. If you do need to travel overseas from England before 2 December (and are legally permitted to do so, for example, because it is for work), even if you are returning to a place you’ve visited before, you should look at the rules in place at your destination, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice. British nationals currently abroad do not need to return home immediately. However, you should check with your airline or travel operator on arrangements for returning. 12. Financial support Workers in any part of the UK can retain their job, even if their employer cannot afford to pay them, and be paid at least 80% of their salary up to £2500 a month. The flexibility of the current CJRS will be retained to allow employees to continue to work where they can. Employers small or large, charitable or non-profit are eligible and because more businesses will need to close, they will now be asked to pay just National Insurance and Pensions contributions for their staff during the month of November – making this more generous than support currently on offer. The Job Support Scheme will not be introduced until after Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends Wherever you live, you may be able to get financial help through the: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Job Support Scheme (from 1st November) New Style Employment and Support Allowance Published 31 October 2020 Last updated 1 November 2020

Celebrate differently’ to stay safe is the plea from organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland as residents gear up for Halloween, Bonfire Night and Diwali. Chiefs from councils, the NHS, police, fire service and other bodies are urging residents to find alternative ways of marking autumnal events and to follow the latest rules and advice. This includes celebrating Diwali virtually and in Leicester, people are invited to take part in the city’s first virtual Diwali Day celebration from the safety of their homes. Leicester and Oadby and Wigston are at the high alert level – meaning households can’t mix indoors – and the rest of Leicestershire and Rutland are ‘medium’. Chief Constable and Chair of the Local Resilience Forum, Simon Cole, said: “We are asking everybody to celebrate safely and differently this festive period. The pandemic means we cannot celebrate as normal. But whether it’s moving events online or celebrating only with the people you live with, there are other ways to do it. Since March, people have shown real resilience and creativity and I’m sure our residents will find alternative ways to mark these events whilst staying safe.” A wide-ranging campaign – backed by the county council, the NHS, local authorities, Leicestershire Police, universities and Leicestershire and Rutland Sport – is encouraging people whether they’re on the school run, travelling to work, in the office or going out for a drink, to change their behaviour during the pandemic. The drive, called ‘it’s down to us’, features local people and landmarks and is designed to remind residents that they play a big role in lowering infection levels. The Local Resilience Forum brings together the NHS, police, emergency services and councils to coordinate and plan for emergencies. Find out more: www.llrprepared.org.uk

A hearing of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) has been taking place over the past three weeks. Its focus has been to investigate institutional responses to allegations of child sexual abuse involving the late Lord Janner of Braunstone QC. Leicestershire Police has participated in this inquiry which covered a number of investigations into Lord Janner, some of which date back several decades. Matt Hewson, who was the senior investigating officer in the fourth investigation into Lord Janner, has given evidence as part of the inquiry. This fourth investigation, Operation Enamel, resulted in 22 charges being brought against the former MP. Following Lord Janner’s death in December 2015, the charges against him were formally discontinued. Mr Hewson, along with a number of serving and retired Leicestershire Police officers, has also attended the inquiry remotely. Leicestershire Police will welcome IICSA’s final report when it is issued and any recommendations. The report will be analysed carefully and lessons will be shared within the force to ensure continued organisational development and improvement, in this hugely important area of policing. Further details of the work of the inquiry can be found at www.iicsa.org.uk Anyone affected by any of the issues raised during the hearing is encouraged to contact Leicestershire Police for any support, guidance or assistance which the force may be able to provide (https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ ). Support is also available by contacting the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (https://napac.org.uk/ ) or the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (http://www.nspcc.org.uk/ ). Below is the full closing statement which was read to the IICSA hearing today (Friday) by the force’s legal representative on behalf of Chief Constable Simon Cole. Introduction Chair – over the last three weeks Matt Hewson, the Senior Investigating Officer of Operation Enamel, together with a number of serving and retired Leicestershire Police Officers, have attended these hearings remotely and observed Counsel to the Inquiry’s probing forensic examination of the conduct of institutions, covering a number of investigations and dating back several decades. Previous inquiries – including those of Sir Richard Henriques and the IOPC - have looked into discrete aspects of the actions of Leicestershire Police and Social Services, but this is perhaps the first time that the full picture has emerged showing the gradual accumulation of allegations regarding Lord Janner and the institutional responses to those allegations. Leicestershire Police has welcomed this scrutiny and throughout has cooperated fully with the Inquiry. The Chief Constable reiterates his intention to remain open and not defensive, to acknowledge and learn from past mistakes and to take on board any recommendations you make. It is fair to say that Lord Janner could and should have been investigated more thoroughly and faced prosecution earlier than 2015. As I said in opening, the Chief Constable apologises wholeheartedly on behalf of Leicestershire Police to any complainant whose allegations during earlier police investigations were not responded to as they should have been. He also wishes me to express his appreciation to the Chair and Panel. First, for determining that these hearings should take place, in accordance with the wishes of the complainant Core Participants. And second, for conducting the hearings with due sensitivity, whilst ensuring a determined and thorough investigation of institutional responses to allegations of child sexual abuse involving Lord Janner. Whilst the focus of this investigation has been institutional responses, underlying it are the allegations of a number of complainants that they were sexually abused by Lord Janner when they were children. At different times over the years they have found the strength to come forward and speak out about what they say happened to them – at a time when they were young and vulnerable, many of them in care – and at a time when they most needed society and institutions to protect them. The Chief Constable would like publicly to recognise the courage and determination of all the complainants who have been involved in the hearing process, knowing that, for many, this will have been a painful and distressing experience. It is regrettable that the complainants never had the benefit of a criminal prosecution of Lord Janner for which many of them had hoped when they came forward, and which had been anticipated following the charging decisions made in 2015. Nor have they given oral evidence to this hearing. However, their bravery and tenacity in making disclosures – and in supporting and engaging with these proceedings – have helped the Inquiry to probe the conduct of a number of institutions. More importantly, their input will have contributed to the Inquiry’s crucial work in making recommendations to improve institutional responses in future. I want to turn briefly to Operation Enamel… When, in late 2012, Leicestershire Police launched Operation Enamel – its most recent investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against Lord Janner, – it was treated as a high priority. As I explained in opening – and as you have heard over the last three weeks – Operation Enamel was taken seriously by senior officers and provided with the level of resources afforded to a major investigation. The HOLMES system was used, alongside a team of well-trained, specialist and expert investigators and support staff, including victim support officers. It was supervised by a highly experienced Gold Commander – Roger Bannister. As you have heard, the DPP initially decided that it was not in the public interest to charge Lord Janner. Leicestershire Police were of the firm view that charges should be brought and drafted a Pre-Action Protocol letter to challenge the DPP’s decision. The Judicial Review proved to be unnecessary. The DPP reversed her decision after a number of complainants exercised their rights under the Victims’ Right to Review scheme. Charges were ultimately brought against Lord Janner on the basis of 22 separate allegations of sexual abuse relating to nine children. Four of these charges related to the allegations made by JA A27. In relation to the Operation Enamel investigation and charging decisions - the Chief Constable wishes to remind the Inquiry (and indeed the media) of the evidence it heard from Matt Hewson, the SIO, about the allegation made by Carl Beech about Lord Janner. Carl Beech, also known as ‘Nick’, was not one of the 40 complainants whose allegations were investigated and progressed by Operation Enamel. His complaint played no part “whatsoever” in the decision to bring charges against Lord Janner. I turn now to referrals to the IOPC… During the course of Operation Enamel’s enquiries, as you have heard Leicestershire Police became concerned about various aspects of previous investigations into allegations made against Lord Janner. This included the criticism by some officers of the conduct of others. The Chief Constable took the view that where it appeared that the conduct of officers may have fallen below the Standards of Professional Behaviour, referrals would be made to the IOPC pursuant to Schedule 2 of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012 and the Police Reform Act 2002. The decision that the referrals would be made voluntarily and proactively enabled the Force to remain independent and to act in a transparent manner. Having now heard in detail about the earlier investigations, the Chief Constable remains firmly of the view that it was not for his own Police Professional Standards Department to reach conclusions on the earlier investigations, and that these referrals were the appropriate course of action to take. Turning to previous investigations and standards of the time… The Chief Constable of Leicestershire does notseek to excuse or justify any failings by his force. It has always been of the utmost importance professionally and thoroughly to investigate allegations of child abuse, without fear of favour, and, where possible, prosecute offenders. However, it is right to say that some of the previous investigations into allegations against Lord Janner pre-dated Operation Enamel by a number of years. As has been explored by Counsel to the Inquiry during these hearings – it is important to have in mind the relevant legal provisions, the investigative tools available to the police then and the standards of the time. There is now an increased level of expertise in the investigation of current and historic child sexual abuse, a greater awareness of its prevalence, and better understanding of methods of grooming, barriers to abuse and reasons for delayed disclosure. The approach of the criminal justice system (including judges) to allegations of child sexual abuse has changed beyond recognition, from the change in ABE interviewing, to the use of intermediaries and the special measures available in the court system. And there are now more widely available resources such as specialist training, electronic resources and information sharing protocols with other institutions. The Inquiry has heard the evidence and will reach its own conclusions on the issues examined: whether, and to what extent, there were failings by relevant institutions, and what the reasons were for these. Current Approach / Changes As Operation Enamel demonstrates, allegations of current or historic abuse against children are taken extremely seriously by Leicestershire Police. The protection of children is one of the most important tasks that the police undertake – the police play a crucial role working with other agencies to ensure that children are safeguarded and offenders are brought to justice. Sexual offences and child sexual abuse and criminal exploitation are key priorities within the force’s current Police and Crime Plan. There have been significant developments and improvements to training, understanding and systems. Leicestershire Police now has a specific Non-Recent Child Abuse Investigation Team, which forms part of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit. A specialised ‘career pathways’ process has been developed in order to bring experienced and skilled detectives into these teams, who undergo specialised training and ongoing professional development. IT systems and processes have been enhanced. Leicestershire Police procedures are aligned with national guidance, and the force has a strong commitment to reviewing, improving and transforming services to prioritise child protection. Leicestershire Police is also part of a multi-agency Vulnerability Board, which includes all primary agencies engaged in protecting children and young people. It has developed a multi-agency safeguarding hub, based at a police station. As well as the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, this incorporates a Child Referral Team, Child Exploitation Teams, and a Child Case Conference Team. Police and social services work in partnership, meeting daily to review all relevant incidents, share information where appropriate, and conduct strategy discussions to identify children at risk. These changes have improved and facilitated effective multi-agency working. Extensive support is offered to victims of child sexual abuse. ‘The Lighthouse’ is a hub used to provide child victims of abuse with a safe space to tell their story, and give court evidence by remote link. This also provides access to specialist support services. For adult victims of sexual abuse, ‘Juniper Lodge’ is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre which is used to offer multi-agency support to victims. Allegations are now appropriately recorded and responded to, including through safeguarding actions taken in conjunction with other institutions. Complaints about historic offences are investigated with the same rigour, independence and determination as complaints about recent offences. Complainants – whoever they are and whatever their background – are treated sensitively, fully supported, and can be assured of thorough investigations into their allegations. The status of an alleged offender is irrelevant. Conclusion By way of conclusion, as I said in opening, the Chief Constable recognises that failings in institutional responses may have prolonged or added to the suffering of complainants and is truly sorry for this. The Operation Enamel team have been noting and keeping the Chief Constable informed about any evidence concerning police actions and inaction, resourcing and systems, and issues which arise in relation to inter-agency working. These issues are being discussed and analysed internally. We hope that the process of examining this material in this forensic environment will contribute to the public understanding of what has happened in the past in Leicestershire and to the complainants’ understanding of what happened to their own allegations. As an organisation, Leicestershire Police is committed to learning whatever lessons for the future can be drawn from that history. The Chief Constable will welcome the Inquiry’s report and recommendations in this investigation. They will be analysed carefully, and the lessons learned will be shared within the force to ensure continued organisational development and improvement, in this hugely important area of policing.

People can't meet indoors with those they don’t live with. Charnwood residents are being urged to follow stricter rules to stem the spread of coronavirus to vulnerable people. The Government has announced that from 0.01 on Saturday, 31st October, the district will move to high alert which means that people cannot meet indoors – whether in a private home or public space – with those they don’t live with. Latest data published by the county council, for the week ending 24th October, shows Charnwood’s rate of 439 cases for every 100,000 people is significantly above the national average of 224 per 100,000. Leicestershire County Council’s director of public health, Mike Sandys, is encouraging people to ‘do the right thing’. He said: “It’s clear that figures are still rising in Charnwood so this is a sensible move. Cases are very high in the 17-21s age range, while rates among over-60s have trebled since the end of September and this is driving the figures. “What’s most important is what we do now. To stop coronavirus spreading to older, more vulnerable people, we need everyone to do the right thing. “By not mixing with people you don’t live with, self-isolating when you need to and avoiding crowded areas, you’re playing your part. This really is the simplest action you can take to save lives and livelihoods.” Social contact is restricted indoors to people in your own household or bubble – the rule of six applies outdoors • Shops and retail remain open • Schools, further education and universities remain open • Places of worship remain open • Leisure facilities and gyms remain open • Overnight stays are allowed, in line with social contact rules • Hospitality remains open • Care homes will be closed to external visitors, apart from in exceptional circumstances • Childcare remains open – and supervised activity allowed in private homes :www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-highOpens another website in new window Leicester Council News Release.

An annual campaign to encourage people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to consider their safety during the upcoming season of celebrations is underway. Each year, the Celebrate Safely campaign runs across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and ties in with a number of upcoming celebrations through to Christmas and New Year. It involves Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council, Rutland County Council and a number of district and borough councils across the county. Nick Stanborough, Station Manager at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Even though we may be celebrating more at home this year, our Celebrate Safely campaign is still here to help you and your families Celebrate Safely. We will be offering many useful safety tips and advice from all the services involved. “We want you to enjoy the celebrations, but it’s important to keep yourself, your family and friends safe, as well as your property and belongings.” Celebrate Safely includes a social media campaign, where key safety messages and advice will be shared, to ensure people consider the safety of their friends and family and enjoy the celebrations safely. The campaign focuses on the fire risks of electrical items, candles, fireworks, and cooking, as well as giving advice on how to stay safe when you are out and about. The campaign also promotes the importance of installing and regularly testing smoke alarms in our homes. Nick Stanborough, added: “We urge everyone to be vigilant, keeping a watchful eye on candles, divas and cooking at all times, as well as being cautious when it comes to fireworks and bonfires to help avoid any risk to loved ones caused by fires. “During periods of celebration, we ask you to help older relatives and neighbours to ensure their safety as they are at greater risk from fire. We want all our local communities to have a safe end to 2020.” Leicester deputy city mayor for culture, leisure and sport, Councillor Clair added: “The coronavirus restrictions mean people across Leicester and beyond are having to celebrate differently this year, but it’s still important that people are mindful of keeping themselves and others safe, to ensure that everyone can enjoy this special time.” Celebrate safely this year by following the campaigns top tips below: - Make sure you have a working smoke alarm installed on each level of your home - Never leave cooking unattended - Don’t attempt to cook if you are under the influence of alcohol - Consider using battery powered candles - Keep candles out of the reach of pets and children, and away from decorations - Beware of fake electrical products - Don’t overload electrical sockets! If in doubt: one plug, one socket - When you go out lock your doors and windows, even if you’re only going out for a short time - Be discreet with your valuables - Never drive any vehicle under the influence of drink or drugs - Respect – be aware of your surroundings and each other For more in depth information about the campaign, useful safety tips and advice, visit www.celebratesafely.com. Corporate

The mammoth task of installing the twinkling lights and the colourful garlands that will decorate Leicester city centre this Christmas gets under way this weekend. On Sunday (18 October), contractors working for the city council will start putting up the decorations that cross the city’s main shopping streets and installing the first of the 16,000 lamps that will light up Leicester in the run-up to Christmas. This year the council has spent £38,000 updating the city’s stock of decorations and replacing worn-out fixtures and fittings. The extra funding means there will be a brand new look for Horsefair Street and Humberstone Gate this year, with both streets dressed with new decorative spans. In Green Dragon Square at Leicester Market, illuminated garlands will be strung between the square’s lamp-columns, while the trees in the square will be lit up with pea-lights. At the Clock Tower, a 50ft Christmas tree will be carefully lowered into place and decorated with warm white lights and hundreds of colourful baubles, while the city’s traditional nativity scene and a tableau depicting the Tales of Narnia will be installed in Town Hall Square. Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair said: “The city council has updated its stock of festive decorations again this year, with new lights for Horsefair Street and Humberstone Gate. “Although it’s going to be a very different Christmas for all of us this year, our lighting team and contractors will be working hard to make sure that Leicester looks magical throughout the festive season.” Contractors working for the council will be installing the decorations early in the morning and at weekends to minimise inconvenience to road users. They will start on Church Gate early in the morning on Sunday (18 October). Decorating the city – including Town Hall Square and around 20 city centre streets – will take four weeks to complete. Because of restrictions on gatherings to prevent the spread of coronavirus, there will be no event to switch on the Christmas lights this year. Instead, the lights will simply be switched on during the run-up to Christmas and will remain on until the new year.

A Fire Risk Assessor has been fined a total of £1,600 after being charged with four counts of breaching fire safety regulations. Mr Martin Ballard, a former employee of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, failed to identify serious fire safety issues with his fire risk assessment at St Clements Court, Leicester. Mr Ballard retired from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service before becoming a self-employed Fire Risk Assessor. He appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Monday 19 October and Tuesday 20 October 2020. He was fined £1600, and ordered to pay costs of £7,864.15. Andy Clarke, Station Manager Fire Protection, said: “These failings had the potential to put the lives of residents in this premises at risk of death or serious injury. “Fire risk assessments play a pivotal part in determining the fire safety measures and fire safety strategy for any building, and is a task that only people with suitable training and experience should undertake.” Although Mr Ballard had served within the fire and rescue service for more than 30 years, he had no formal training in providing fire risk assessments and had very limited experience. Andy Clarke added: “This sentence should act as a warning to all Fire Risk Assessors, that Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service will take these matters extremely seriously. “We will not hesitate to take action where inadequate fire risk assessments put people at risk. “Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are prepared to work with those responsible for fire safety, to help them achieve compliance with fire safety standards.” If you require any help or guidance around fire safety, please contact Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service on 0116 210 5555. Alternatively, visit leics-fire.gov.uk for fire safety advice. Source - LFRS Press release. A Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement. If you are responsible for a building, for example a employer, owner or occupier of premises that aren't a 'single private dwelling' (a private home), you need to make sure a suitably competent person completes a Fire Risk Assessment. https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities/fire-risk-assessments