Five big ideas to improve lives of residents and firms unveiled

PLANS to tackle hate crime, child abuse and gangs and bring cutting-edge technology to Leicestershire have been unveiled.

Leicestershire County Council has set out its five biggest areas for change over the next four years. The plan is still in its draft stages, with a public consultation under way inviting people to “help shape the Leicestershire of tomorrow”. The key changes proposed are:

A CLEAN, GREEN FUTURE

According to the council’s community survey, 67 per cent of residents think the council should be doing more to protect the environment. The council wants people to act now in the face of climate change and aims to ensure the environment is protected.

It plans to work with communities, schools and businesses to raise awareness and teach them about what they can do to help.

It will also support families in making their homes more energy efficient, encourage them to recycle more and use greener forms of transport.

GREAT COMMUNITIES

The council hopes “to ensure Leicestershire has thriving, inclusive communities”.

It will organise events to celebrate diversity and cultural heritage, will promote religious understanding and will work to tackle hate crime. It will also create more volunteering opportunities and continue to support parish and town councils.

IMPROVING OPPORTUNITIES

Leicestershire is in the bottom 25 per cent of counties for the percentage of children achieving the expected level of development at age two to two-and-a-half.

The council will be looking to improve support for the first 1,001 days of care, from pregnancy, and will help families access child care and early years education.

STRONG ECONOMY, TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE

This will focus on bringing cutting-edge science, technologies and engineering to the county. The council will encourage innovation through businesses and start-ups. It will also encourage graduates to stay in the city by creating more job opportunities.

KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE AND WELL

This will look at health support, including Covid-19 protections in care homes and increasing health services in schools.

The council aims to improve access to mental health services and will support people in healthy eating and staying active to tackle obesity.