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Users of Leicester’s district heating scheme will see the rise in their bills capped at 30% lower than had been proposed if revised charges are agreed by city councillors at tonight’s budget meeting (22 Feb). Asst city mayor for housing Cllr Elly Cutkelvin said that although charges still need to rise, the new proposals would lessen the impact on tenants and leaseholders, Cllr Cutkelvin said: “There has been a lot of debate about the proposals over the last few months, and I am grateful to everyone who has taken part for their recognition of the many budget pressures we face and the challenging financial position this creates. “I would particularly like to thank Jean Williams, chair of St Matthew’s tenants’ association, Shokat Seedat, chair of St Peter’s tenants’ association and the Wycliffe ward councillors for their valuable input. “Following a recent meeting with the chairs and Jon Ashworth MP, we have decided to further support those using the district heating scheme by absorbing an additional £850,000 of the fuel cost increase.” If the new proposals are agreed tonight, the charge will rise to £1,325 for a one-bedroom property, with the average increase working out at £1,611 a year. The council is working towards fitting meters in all properties connected to the district heating network at a cost of £2.3m. This will enable tenants and lease holders to pay only for the fuel they use, rather than a fixed cost as is currently the case. Leicester City Council News 22/02/2023

The lifesaving Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA) has achieved another milestone by undertaking its first ECMO transfer to help a critically ill young child get to the specialist care they urgently needed. The national transfer service provides the only intensive care helicopter in the country dedicated to transferring critically ill babies and children, at high-speed, from local hospitals to specialist paediatric and neonatal treatment centres. The charity works closely with 11 NHS Clinical Partner Teams across the country - including the Heart Link ECMO Centre in Leicester – and uniquely offers ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation) functionality onboard its new AgustaWestland 169 aircraft. ECMO, a system similar to a heart and lung bypass machine, is a temporary means of providing oxygen to the body when a child’s heart and/or lungs are not working effectively, and normal methods of intensive care are failing. On 31st January 2023, TCAA and the dedicated team at Leicester ECMO worked together to transfer a poorly young child from a hospital in Birmingham to one in Newcastle, made possible by the ECMO intensive care functionality designed and delivered by TCAA. The vital transfer took just 1 hour and 26 minutes, compared to a journey of 3 hours and 38 minutes via road ambulance – without considering any potential traffic delays or potential issues of uneven road surfaces. Commenting on the first ECMO transfer, Dr Chris Harvey, ECMO Consultant and Director of ECMO, at Leicester Children’s Hospital said: “Moving patients on ECMO is logistically difficult and having such a professional and well-organised team such as TCAA to help in moving these critically ill children is fantastic. TCAA has worked incredibly hard with the ECMO team at Leicester to provide the necessary equipment to fly these patients who are the sickest of the sick. “Being able to move children for ongoing specialist care quickly and safely can prove lifesaving. By using TCAA in the transfer of this child the time spent outside the safe intensive care unit, in the hostile big wide world, was cut by over 2 hours. This time saving could make a real difference to these children.” The Children’s Air Ambulance charity is continually looking at ways in which they can increase support to the NHS and the clinical teams it works alongside. Since introducing ECMO and Nitric Oxide capabilities onboard its aircraft, it has further introduced England’s first incubators (Neonatal Transport Systems) on a helicopter to assist specialist NHS transport teams during lifesaving flights. “On behalf of the charity, I am incredibly delighted that we were able to support the hardworking ECMO NHS specialist transport team with our first ECMO mission to transfer the young patient quickly and safely,” expressed TCAA Head of Operations, Alfie Daly. “These lifesaving equipment developments we continue to provide onboard our helicopters enable us to undertake complex and important missions like these, so we can keep hope alive and help as many patients and families as possible,” he added. This year, the national charity is celebrating its 10th year of vital transfer missions thanks to the generous backing of its supporters. For more information about the charity, call 0300 3045 999 or visit www.childrensairambulance.org.uk

A nine-month investigation centred in Leicester has led to more than £300,000 worth of class A drugs and £75,000 in cash being seized. Over the last two weeks, officers have executed a significant number of warrants at addresses across the county in an attempt to disrupt the buying and selling of drugs – activity known as County Lines. A total of 50 people have been arrested under the Misuse of Drugs Act, including a number of significant people who were believe to be controlling the “County Lines”. Detective Chief Inspector Jim Hatton from Leicestershire Police’s Violence and Complex Crime Unit has led the operation from its start in April 2022. He said: “After so many months of building the intelligence picture, to have such good results from the enforcement is incredibly satisfying. “With 50 people arrested, and 30 now charged with drugs offences and going through the court system, they aren’t causing harm in the community, bringing drugs into the force area. A number of others have also been dealt with by recall to prison, with some also released pending further investigation.” Criminals from larger cities move to provincial areas, often into vulnerable people’s houses in order to take over their lives by establishing a drug supply criminal enterprise in that area. This can have significant consequences for communities and vulnerable people whilst also raising crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. The operation is following a ‘clear, hold, build’ strategy, a nationally recognised approach, giving us the best chance to arrest those offenders causing the most harm and who have a longer impact on the community. Following the enforcement, neighbourhood officers will be carrying out proactive patrols in the areas most impacted following the enforcement. DCI Hatton added: “Following the disruption of the lines, we are working with local organisations to get help for those who want it. “Leicester City Council and Turning Point have been key in the work we’ve been doing, visiting offenders when we have them in custody and engaging with those who have been left without access to their drug supply, to help and support them to be able to kick their habits.” Karen Manville, Leicester City Council's Head of Prevention and Safer Communities, said: “Bringing our internal teams together and working in partnership with Leicestershire Police is key to the success in making our city a safer and more vibrant place to live. "Nicola Odom, Partnership and Service Development Manager, has led on our response to ensure a strong commitment to this piece of work. We are committed to continuing to work in partnership with sustainable long term outcomes." Sarah Hancock-Smith, from Turning Point, said: “Through working in Partnership with Leicestershire Police, Turning Point will be working with and supporting vulnerable people who’ve found themselves in need of drug treatment following the removal of large amount of drugs from the streets of Leicester. “Drugs being taken off the streets in enforcement like this what’s best for everyone in the community, but it does leave those reliant on their supplier vulnerable if the are unable to get their fix – that’s where we come in. “Anyone who finds themselves needing support for drug or alcohol use can contact Turning Point on 0330 3036000 or visit Leicester | Turning Point (turning-point.co.uk) Inspector Nadia Rana, the Neighbourhood Policing Area Commander for the city, said: “There will be a significant presence in the area over the coming weeks in order to remain vigilant to those who may still be attempting to sell drugs in our area – we will not stand for this. “Drug dealing and the effect it has on the community is significant, and operations like this mean that those causing the harm are taken out of the community.” This activity is supported by the Violence Reduction Network funding, funding from the National County Lines Coordination Centre and from the proceeds of crime, whereby our previous seizure of criminal assets by Leicestershire Police is utilised to protect our local communities, tackling those that cause the most harm and bring offenders to justice.

A new enquiry office has opened in Coalville’s Belvoir Shopping Centre – providing greater engagement with the local community. The current front enquiry office was based within North West Leicestershire District Council’s premises in Whitwick Road, but from today (Tuesday 24 January) is based in new home at the Belvoir Road entrance to the shopping centre. The new office is open from 9am until 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 9am until 4pm on Thursdays. Working with the local authority, it will allow residents and business owners across the North West Leicestershire Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA) to report any issues or concerns they may have. NPA commander, Inspector Wayne Nimblette, said: “This new location will give us greater prominence within Coalville and will hopefully increase our engagement with the community we serve. While we encourage people to report things online. We recognise the importance and reassurance that face-to-face contact can have. “It means anyone going into town to do their shopping, for example, can come and see us if there’s something they want to talk to us about.” Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner, Rupert Matthews, said: “This is an excellent move for the people of Coalville and will be a positive addition to the town centre. “Our hard-working officers and staff strive to make life better and safer for their communities. What better way to reinforce this message than to be physically visible and accessible to residents within the very heart of local life. “Sharing facilities with our colleagues enhances effectiveness while making economic sense. Both organisations already work closely together, and this new arrangement will enhance that relationship further and deliver a better service for our communities, which makes me very proud." Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “We’re pleased to welcome colleagues from the police to share our Customer Centre in Coalville. “Since opening in November we’ve had lots of positive comments from customers, who appreciate the central location and the modern facilities. We’re looking forward to continuing to work alongside the police for the benefit of our community.”

The awards celebrate the very best examples of effort and achievement. The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire has launched his 2023 awards designed to showcase and celebrate the achievements of young people aged 13 to 19 across the city and county. Family, friends, teachers, and other professionals and community leaders who see the best our young people have to offer are being urged to nominate inspiring young people in their communities for this year’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Award. As always, the categories for this year celebrate the very best examples of effort and achievement. People can nominate for Young Person of Courage, Young Volunteer, Young Leader, and Young Artist. I am delighted to formally open the nominations for the 2023 Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards. As ever, the award categories highlight bravery, creativity, strength of spirit and selflessness – which can inspire us all in Leicester and Leicestershire. I hope this year’s awards will once again offer local people the opportunity to celebrate young people they know who amaze, support and inspire those around by overcoming obstacles and bringing people together in their communities. As Lord-Lieutenant I am privileged to meet so many fantastic young people and I really look forward to hearing about the remarkable efforts of our amazing young people and their outstanding endeavours. So, with your help by nominating young people who deserve recognition I’m convinced that competition will be as strong as ever. Mike Kapur OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire The finalists and their parents or guardians will be invited to a special ‘red carpet’ awards evening and dinner, hosted by the Lord-Lieutenant, to be held next year. The closing date for this year’s nominations is 17 February 2023. The award scheme is open to all 13 to 19-year-olds. Nominations can be made by other young people, their school, parent or carer, as well as any other agency or individual. To find out more about the awards or to nominate a young person, visit the Lord-Lieutenant's Awards page.

A Final consultation is taking place on Leicester’s Local Plan. A Local Plan shows how local authorities propose to organise and allow development through the planning process for the next 15 years. It is a legal requirement that all authorities draw up and adopt a Local Plan. As part of the process of adopting a new plan in Leicester, three consultations have already been carried out. Initial options were consulted on in 2014, before a further consultation in 2017 looked at possible sites in the city that could be allocated for future development. A consultation in 2020 set out draft policies and recommended sites that could be developed to meet Government targets, which have increased considerably over the course of preparing for a new Local Plan. Feedback has been gathered from these consultations and incorporated into the latest Local Plan. Other factors have also been taken into account, such as changing legislation and the need to incorporate key local policies on topics such as health, heritage, biodiversity and climate change. As a result, some proposed development sites for the new Local Plan have been removed or modified. Changes have also been made to increase the number of homes that will be built on brownfield sites and in the city centre. The overall housing need for Leicester between 2020 and 2036 is 39,424 homes in total, which includes homes already completed and existing planning permissions. In terms of new site allocations, 6,668 (71%) homes are proposed on brownfield sites in the city, with 2,686 (29%) planned on greenfield sites. The Plan is supported by an agreement with councils in Leicestershire – known as a statement of common ground – which will form a key part of Leicester’s Local Plan. This means 18,700 of the total 39,424 homes the Government says Leicester needs to build by 2036 will be built on land outside of the city’s boundaries. In addition, around 23 hectares of employment land - from a total requirement of 65 hectares - will be allocated outside of the city, on behalf of Leicester. This final consultation stage seeks views only on whether the council has followed the correct legal and procedural requirements and developed a ‘sound’ plan that has been positively prepared and justified, is effective, and is consistent with national policy. It will also check the council has co-operated effectively with key stakeholders in developing its strategies and policies. Responses received on these aspects of the plan and process will be sent to the Secretary of State to be reviewed by the Government’s appointed Planning Inspector at an Examination in Public to be held later this year. The consultation will run from 16th January until 27th February 2023. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This is the final stage of consultation on our proposed Local Plan before it goes to the planning inspector. “People have had many chances to give their opinions on the emerging Plan in previous consultations, and we have made changes as a result, including withdrawing some sites for potential development and increasing the amount of development we intend for brownfield sites. “That phase of consultation is now complete, and this phase focuses on ensuring we have met the correct criteria in the way we have developed the plan. “While we have been doing this, the Government increased our housing need by 35%, adding a further 9,712 homes to our need between 2020 and 2036. In March 2022, it then published more new data which increased housing need in the city by a further 2,800 homes, raising our overall housing need for Leicester between 2020 and 2036 to 39,424 homes in total. “It has been a great challenge incorporating these targets, as well as changing legislation, against a backdrop of the covid pandemic. Thankfully, the support and co-operation of our neighbouring local authorities means we can now move ahead with a plan that will give us all local control over where and how development takes place. “We are working to strike a balance between providing the homes and jobs needed for Leicester to continue to thrive, and protecting our important heritage, biodiversity and green spaces. A Local Plan is our best and only chance of having local control over decisions like these.” Leicester’s emerging Local Plan will run to 2036. To find out more, visit https://consultations.leicester.gov.uk/sec/local-plan Leicester City Council News

Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps backs consumers as offensive launched to crack down on rogue energy suppliersEnergy suppliers told they must stop the practice of forced fitting prepayment meters as the answer to families struggling to pay bills, following a huge surge in cases. The Business Secretary asks suppliers to share data on the number of warrants they have requested for this purpose to name and shame worst offenders Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps has today (22 January 2023) pledged to crack down on the mistreatment of energy users by suppliers, following reports showing some are doing nowhere near enough to support vulnerable customers. He has written to energy suppliers calling on them to stop the harmful and anxiety inducing practice of forcibly moving consumers over to prepayment meters without taking every step to support consumers in difficulty. The Business Secretary is asking suppliers to voluntarily commit to stopping this practice and holding their feet to the fire by demanding they share the number of warrants they’ve applied for in recent months. He wants to see much greater efforts from suppliers to help consumers in payment difficulties before leaping to the extreme of forced prepayment switching, such as offers of additional credit, debt forgiveness or tools such as debt advice. In his letter, he has asked suppliers to discuss possible further action they can take to support customers and avoid forced fitting. This action is part of a drive to increase transparency around prepayment meter installations, to track down the worst culprits and find out which energy companies are trigger happy in applying for them. Courts are being overwhelmed with applications for warrants as they continue to mount, with reports that huge batches are being approved in a matter of minutes. The Business Secretary is working with Ofgem and the Secretary of State for Justice to ensure that the process by which suppliers bring these cases to court is fair, transparent and supports vulnerable customers. Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Grant Shapps, said: "Suppliers are clearly jumping the gun and moving at risk customers onto prepayment meters before offering them the support they are entitled to – I simply cannot believe that every possible alternative has been exhausted in all these cases. "I am deeply concerned to see reports of customers being switched to prepayment meters against their will, with some disconnected from supply - and quite literally left in the dark. "Rather than immediately reaching for a new way to extract money out of customers, I want suppliers to stop this practice and lend a more sympathetic ear, offering the kind of forbearance and support that a vulnerable customer struggling to pay should be able to expect. "This follows reports that the number of customers switched to prepayment meters has soared in recent months, and in many cases unwillingly and without the offer of support. In some instances, this has led to vulnerable customers having their gas and electricity supplies cut off with little or no notice. Prepayment meters allow customers to pay for gas and electricity on a pay-as-you-go basis and serve an important function by helping the avoidance of debt and court action. A moratorium on forced prepayment switching could lead to an increase in bailiff action and so the Government wishes to avoid going down this route. Under Ofgem rules forced switching to prepayment must only ever be a last resort but, with the nation battling with energy prices, more have struggled to pay their bills and been forced installations and self-disconnection. In recognition of this, some energy suppliers are already taking steps to support consumers such as by pausing remote switching of smart meters to prepayment mode or providing additional credit to customers struggling to pay. The Business Secretary wants all suppliers to step up this kind of support to avoid resorting to forced fitting. Minister for Energy and Climate Graham Stuart said: "Switching users onto a prepayment plan should only ever be a very last resort and suppliers have a duty to exhaust all other avenues. It cannot be right that, at a time when consumers need compassionate treatment more than ever, so many are being let down in this way. “The Government will continue to do all we can to ensure families and households stay warm this winter and we’re taking urgent action to bring about greater transparency when it comes to bad energy supplier practice. "Concerns were also raised around the low number of vouchers being redeemed under the Government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme – meaning many vulnerable households had not had cash knocked off their energy bills. Suppliers are urged to make every attempt to make sure this happens, with the Government to publish a list of supplier redemption rates - showing who is meeting their responsibilities and who needs to do more. The Business Secretary is worried about the low uptake of customers on traditional meters in prepayment mode and has demanded more transparent reporting of voucher redemption rates. He has encouraged traditional meter replacement with smart meters as they are able to receive government support payments automatically and detect self-disconnection. Mr Shapps has written to Ofgem to ask that they do more to make sure suppliers protect vulnerable consumers. This includes revisiting their approach to enforcing supplier compliance, as well as the urgent publication of recent investigations outcomes into vulnerable customers. The Minister for Energy and Climate Graham Stuart has asked energy suppliers, Ofgem, Energy UK and Citizens Advice to meet with him at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to discuss matters further next week. The five-point plan to tackle bad behaviour by energy suppliers comprises the following actions: A call for suppliers to voluntarily stop the practice of forced prepayment switching as the answer to households struggling to pay bills and make greater effort to help the most vulnerable. Request of the release of supplier data on the number of warrant applications they have made to forcibly enter homes to install meters. Urgent publication of a list of supplier redemption rates for the Energy Bills Support Scheme vouchers - showing who is meeting their responsibilities and who needs to do more. The launch of a Government public information campaign reminding and informing eligible consumers to redeem their Energy Bills Support Scheme vouchers and how to do so. This will be through both advertising and direct communication channels, targeting the most vulnerable and those most likely not to have redeemed vouchers. Coordination with Ofgem ensure they take a more robust approach to the protection of vulnerable customers and conduct a review to make sure suppliers are complying with rules. The five-point plan forms part of a wider effort to ensure that energy users are protected at this challenging time and the Government is exploring longer term measures to address this.

With local elections taking place across the county in May residents will, for the first time, need to show photographic ID when voting. The Electoral Commission is urging people to make sure they have an accepted form of ID in order to vote. Accepted forms include a UK, European Economic Area or Commonwealth passport or driving license. An older person’s bus pass and blue badge are also acceptable. Voters will also be able to use ID that has expired, as long as they are still recognisable in the photo. A full list of accepted forms of ID is available on the Electoral Commission website. Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free Voter Authority Certificate ID online or by completing a paper form. More information about this year’s local elections is available by visiting your local district or borough council’s website.

A Major programme of improvements to one of Leicester’s ‘most confusing’ junctions and its connecting roads will begin next week. Leicester City Council is planning a major redevelopment of the A50/FiveWays junction, in northwest Leicester, to help make it safer for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, and improve the busy route for buses. As part of the project, the council will completely redesign and overhaul the busy FiveWays junction which links Blackbird Road, Woodgate, Fosse Road North, Groby Road and Buckminster Road. Work will be carried out in phases to help minimise disruption, and the overall project is expected to be complete by spring 2024. The first phase of work is due to begin on Buckminster Road from Monday 23 January. This will involve narrowing its junctions with Blackbird Road and Colwell Road; the installation of a new raised table on Colwell Road to improve safety for people walking and riding bikes; and existing car parking on verges close to the shops on Buckminster Road will be removed. New landscaping will also be introduced. This initial phase of work is expected to take around six to eight weeks during which time a lane restriction will be required on part of Blackbird Road, and Buckminster Road will be closed to through traffic. Local diversions will be in place. The current experimental road closure on Buckminster Road will also be removed at the start of the FiveWays redevelopment work, and a review and surveys will be carried out after the highway works are completed to fully understand the impact of the new junction on traffic flow on Buckminster Road and surrounding streets. A second phase of work – which will involve improvements to Fosse Road North between the FiveWays junction and Stephenson Drive – is due to begin from Monday 13 February. This will involve removing the existing mini roundabout at the junction of Fosse Road North and Stephenson Road and replacing it with a signalised junction, and widening the road to help provide a new bus only lane on Fosse Road North on the approach to FiveWays junction. A new cycle track will be created and raised table crossings will be installed across Bonchurch Street and Central Road to improve pedestrian safety. Access to Rally Park will also be improved. Work on Fosse Road North is expected to take around 14 weeks to complete and will require the road to be closed to southbound traffic. Well signed diversions will be in place. Some bus services will also be affected, with diversions and nearby alternative routes in place. Details of future phases of work – which are due to begin in April – will be publicised nearer the time. Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: “These ambitious works represent a long-standing commitment to improving the FiveWays junction – which is one of the most confusing junctions in the city – and a continuation of our ambitious vision to encourage cleaner, greener, healthier, and cheaper transport in and around Leicester. “The improvements will help simplify the junction for drivers, make it a much less daunting proposition for cyclists, allow buses to move more quickly along this route and help make the area a more attractive place for people. “It is a major investment that will help ensure this busy and important part of the city’s transport network is able to accommodate the predicted growth for decades to come.” The scheme – which is expected to cost about £10.4million – will be paid for through a mix of Enterprise Zone funding through the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), and the Transforming Cities Fund following the city council’s successful bid for £32million of second tranche funding to support improvements to public transport and providing more safer cycling and walking routes into city neighbourhoods and the city centre. Andy Reed OBE, Co-Chair of the LLEP, said: "This project will improve access by linking the city centre up with surrounding neighbourhoods. It will also develop new routes and crossings for e-bikes, public transport and pedestrians. "As with any project of this scale, there may be some disruption during development. Completing the work in phases will help to address this as this busy junction is made safer and more attractive for all users." The work will be carried out by Thomas Bow City Asphalt – one of the biggest building and civil engineering contactors in the East Midlands – under contract to Leicester City Council. For more information about the forthcoming works to the A50/FiveWays junction visit www.leicester.gov.uk/TransformingCitiesFund

A weekend of special events coordinated by Leicester-based Cosmopolitan Arts will mark the start of the Chinese Year of the Rabbit. From Friday (20 January), people will be able to have a go at Chinese calligraphy, play traditional games or try Chinese foods at a Chinese arts workshop at the Haymarket shopping centre. The workshop will run alongside an immersive digital exhibition featuring seven documentaries that chart the stories of some of those who migrated to the UK from China. Each film focuses on one decade, from the 1950s until the 2010s, with members of Leicester’s Chinese community amongst those recalling their journey, their arrival, and their acclimatisation to English life and culture. The exhibition and workshop at the Haymarket shopping centre is open from 11am until 4pm from Friday 20 January until Sunday 22 January. On Saturday (21 January), there’s a free event at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The colourful event will feature traditional and contemporary dance, as well as musical performances from Guzheng virtuoso Xiao Ying, and the nationally renowned artist Ling Peng. The Chinese New Year Show at Leicester Museum on New Walk runs from 11am until 4pm. From 2.30pm on Sunday (22 January), a traditional Chinese procession will mark the start of the Chinese New Year as it wends its way from De Montfort University to the city centre, featuring lion dancers, martial artists and pyrotechnics. Bringing the celebrations to a close will be a spectacular large-scale performance in Green Dragon Square, with live music, pyrotechnics and fireworks from 4.30pm until 5.20pm. From East to East: The Story of Chinese Migration To the East Midlands is supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Special events marking the Chinese New Year are supported with funding from Arts Council England. The events will be repeated in Nottingham from 27-29 January and in Derby from 3-5 February. For more information visit www.cosmopolitanarts.co.uk

Motorists who drive in a designated bus lane on part of the A50 will face fines from this week. Camera enforcement action began on a section of the A50 Groby Road from January 2, 2023. During the first two-week grace period, 136 drivers who were caught driving in the bus lane were issued with warning notices instead of fines. However, enforcement has this week begun in earnest, meaning motorists caught driving in the bus lane will face a £70 fine. The enforcement camera is on the city-bound section of the A50 near Medina Road, and is active 24 hours, seven days a week, including bank holidays. The only vehicles allowed to use the bus lane are buses, Hackney carriages and cycles. It is the latest measure designed to improve safety and traffic flow on that section of the A50. The 30mph speed limit has recently been extended to cover more of that section of road, to manage traffic flow and to cut the number of traffic accidents. The A50 bus lane camera enforcement is costing around £60k, from the Government’s National Productively Investment fund. Leicester deputy city mayor for transport, clean air and climate emergency, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “Keeping our bus network moving is key to ensuring we have a reliable, affordable and convenient public transport system. “Unfortunately, when other vehicles clog up bus lanes, they slow down those bus services and cause unnecessary disruption and delays. “The A50 Groby Road is a key part of city’s road network and a vital bus corridor, and therefore camera enforcement will help ensure traffic flow continues to move freely for the benefit of all road users.” Bus lane camera enforcement is already in place at several other sites across Leicester, to ensure that important bus routes are not obstructed by other vehicles, delaying vehicles and adding to traffic congestion. It is part of wider improvements and investment in Leicester’s bus network being made as part of the Leicester Bus Partnership. More details are available at the Leicester Bus Partnership website here.

Priorities include identifying and recognising carers quickly. The Joint Carers Strategy Refresh 2022-2025 Recognising, Valuing and Supporting Carers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has been approved by Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council. This is a joint Strategy which has been developed by Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council, Rutland Council and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) across the LLR area. It commits all three councils to a shared vision and priorities for recognising, valuing, and supporting carers across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. The aim is to help carers to continue in their caring role and maintain their own health and wellbeing. As part of the strategy refresh, new commitments have been made to introduce a Young Carer’s passport across the region, and to work more effectively with health services to improve carer identification and the consideration of carer needs on admission to and discharge from hospital. Other priorities include: Identifying and recognising carers quickly, partners and community organisations will encourage people to self-identify as carers so that they can get access to the right support. Valuing carers and young carers’ experience and ensuring they are involved in what happens to the person that they care for Making sure carers can access the information they need in the formats they require Encouraging communities to support carers through community groups, and helping carers access local groups so that they can socialise and take a break from their caring responsibilities Recognising that carers have their own lives to lead alongside their caring role, and leading by example as carer-friendly employers, encouraging more local businesses to do the same Ensuring that carers know about new technology that could support them in their caring roles, and supporting them to be confident using new technology or gadgets Working with partners to raise the profile of schemes like the Carers Passport, which helps organisations to easily recognise and acknowledge carers Developing a range of support for young carers including improved awareness in schools and colleges of young carers, the roll out of a Young Carers passport scheme, and improved support for young carers dealing with the health system locally. Councillor Christine Radford, county council cabinet member for adults and communities, said: "It’s important that we make carers visible so that we can support them and recognise both the challenges they face and the enormous contribution they make to families and communities. Our strategy – covering the city, county, and Rutland – is an important starting point for every organisation that comes into contact with carers. By adopting this strategy, we commit to recognising, supporting and valuing carers for the vital work they do.” Carers can also access more advice and information Leicestershire County Council News