I am delighted to share that I am now a proud grandma to Noah Philip, who arrived safely on 21st October 2024. I have been splitting my time between Manchester and home to support my daughter and her partner as they get to grips with being new parents. This is likely to continue until the new year, but I am managing to keep on top of my meetings and casework whilst on occasion being up in Manchester.
On Tuesday 12th November, I attended our ‘Pride in Practice’ Conference at the King Power Stadium. This day is for all our social workers and frontline staff who are delivering important services for children and families. The theme for this year was ‘Hidden Fathers’ and we studied some research about how important fathers are in children's lives and how social workers can support fathers who are struggling, to be more involved in their child’s lives. We also held an award ceremony for those members of staff that have gone above and beyond in their job roles, and it is always great to celebrate amazing team-players.
With the support of my team, we have been out delivering my Autumn update newsletter, so please look out for it dropping onto your doormat or you can read the update by scanning this QR Code. I was delighted to be joined by our Peter Bedford MP on Saturday 16th November to deliver some leaflets and chat with the residents we met.
On Wednesday 20th November, the senior leadership team at the council and I met with the East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward, to discuss further partnership work.
Budget
At the council, we have been doing a lot of work since the budget was announced on 30th October 2025. However, it wasn’t a great budget for local authorities. This is because the National Insurance increase will cost the county council about £5m per annum and the rise in the National Minimum wage will increase our direct staff costs by approximately £8m per annum. This extra cost is on top of the underfunding we have been enduring for many years, due to an outdated funding formula being used by the government.
It was also disappointing news for the many contractors and partners that we work with. They will also be impacted by the increases announced in the budget and their increased costs are likely to be passed onto the council too.
At this point, we are awaiting our government settlement to understand what our budget constraints will be. This settlement is likely to be just before Christmas so in the New Year we will begin setting our budget for 2025/26.
I have spoken to many residents who have lost their winter fuel allowance, and they are very concerned about their ability to heat their homes this winter. I have been supporting residents to get the help they need, and I am encouraging everyone who may be eligible for Pension Credit to seek support to submit an application. I have also been speaking to small business owners and charities that have been hit with the National Insurance increase and unfortunately this could well mean local job losses and less money to fund frontline services for many residents who rely on this support.
If anyone is struggling, please reach out to me and I will do everything in my power to help and support you.
Beaumanor Hall
I was delighted to hear that Beaumanor Hall’s (Woodhouse) educational school activity programme has been honoured for the 14th year in a row. Many Leicestershire school children over the years have enjoyed the council-run Beaumanor Hall array of learning experiences from foundation stage up to post-16. The venue is marking its 50th year of hosting young people from across Leicestershire and other parts of the country and has again been given the ‘Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge’ – the only nationally recognised scheme that highlights the quality of learning for all types of learning outside the classroom. Their nationally recognised activities include their ‘day in the life of a Viking’ experience, their iconic ‘Victorian Day’ and team building days that can incorporate their seven-metre-high climbing wall and high ropes course.
Beaumanor’s ‘World War II’ experience is also a highlight for many schools, drawing heavily from the hall’s rich history to enhance the children’s experience. During World War II, Beaumanor Hall was instrumental in the effort to break the German Enigma code, acting as a ‘Y’ (or listening) station for Bletchley Park.
The LOtC Quality Badge is endorsed by the Department of Education and schools are encouraged to choose a badge holder when booking trips and activities for pupils.
Free Holiday Clubs
Leicestershire “Holidays Together” sessions are available again over the Christmas school break for families in receipt of benefits-related free school meals. Sessions are held at venues across the county by schools, voluntary and community organisations, childcare providers, and sports clubs. They will include festive fun and activities such as games, arts and crafts, sports, dance, music, and trips, alongside a nutritious meal. The scheme is part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme and is co-ordinated by Leicestershire County Council thanks to funding from the Department for Education. Parents and carers of eligible children will receive an e-voucher by text or email.
You can also visit Leicestershire County Council HAF webpage or the Active Together website to view what activities will be on offer and how to book places.
Household Support Fund
We are offering further support for Leicestershire residents and doing everything we can to support families as cost of living rises continue to bite.
As we head into winter and colder weather, there are funds, programmes, and services to help you and your family get through this difficult time. The Household Support Fund is provided by the Government to local authorities to support families with children and individuals most in need.
Support available includes food and fuel vouchers. We are also providing food vouchers for children in receipt of benefits-related free school meals, funding for food banks and we have also provided Age Concern Leicestershire and Rutland with funding to provide additional resources for them to support pensioners in accessing support for Pension Credit and other related benefits to encourage take up to enable eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payments.
No direct applications will be accepted. A referral must be made on behalf of applicants, from a professional support worker or agency. Further information can be found here: https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/assessment-and-eligibility-for-care-and-support/household-support-fund or by scanning this QR code:
Work for your Local Council
Leicestershire County Council is backing a new national campaign, encouraging people keen to make a difference to work for their local authority. Support Worker, Passenger Fleet Driver and Trading Standards Officer are just three of many roles available at the council and anyone looking for a rewarding job is urged to consider applying. This campaign highlights both excellent workplace benefits and the difference you could make to your community by working in local government. 93% of staff who responded to our staff survey say the county council is a good place to work, with employees able to maintain a positive work-life balance through family-friendly smarter working arrangements, including hybrid working, compressed hours and job shares. Working in local government offers a unique opportunity to make a huge impact on the world around you, from adult social care to public health, early years education and the environment. With such a wide range of roles available, there really is something for everyone.
For a full range of jobs currently available at Leicestershire County Council, visit our jobs page: https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/jobs-and-volunteering/working-for-the-council
Finally, I would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.
If you have any issues or concerns, I’m here to help.
Deborah
