Peter Soulsby has been a long time supporter of Aylestone Meadows Appreciation Society and has actively campaigned on their behalf to prevent the proposed football development on Aylestone Meadows and protect the very valuable Nature Reserve.

Peter Soulsby said: “It's beginning to look like a victory. I have today received confirmation from the Chief Executive of the City Council that even if the Planning and Development Control Committee was minded to approve the application on 21 st March, work to satisfy the conditions that would be attached to the application will take the project beyond the May election – so the works contract for the development of the football facilities would not be signed until after the elections on 5 May.”

“As I have always stated, if I were to be elected Mayor of Leicester, I give an absolute commitment that there will be no development on this site and an alternative site will be found.”

Peter commented: “I am delighted that following my letter to the Chief Executive earlier this week, it has now been confirmed that work cannot start, nor contracts be signed, until after May 5.”

Peter Soulsby said: “I am pleased to announce that if I am elected in May I will be appointing Rory Palmer as a first Deputy Mayor. Rory has the experience, ideas and ability to carry out this very important role which will be at the heart of my new administration; he has proved himself to be a talented, enthusiastic and passionate advocate for Leicester.”

“I have worked alongside Rory for a number of years and he has a determination to improve communities in Leicester. Rory does an excellent job representing Eyres Monsell. Alongside representing his ward Rory will be a leading figure in my Mayoral team.”

Rory Palmer said: “I am delighted to have been asked by Peter to be his candidate for first Deputy Mayor.”

“The introduction of an Elected Mayor system is one of the most exciting developments in local government for a generation, not just for Leicester but nationally. Leicester will be the largest city outside London to have an Elected Mayor and I am keen to play my part in making this a success for Leicester and for Labour.”

“I intend to continue representing Eyres Monsell, something which it has been a privilege to do for the last four years, and I will be seeking re-election there in May. My priority is to work as part of Labour's team in Leicester to get Peter elected as Mayor and as many Labour councillors elected as possible.”

 

Leicester South MP Peter Soulsby, visited the college to talk to students on range of issues and collect the petition which will presented to Parliament this week.

Peter said: "The number of students who have signed this petition clearly shows the depth of anger about the axing of the EMA. I am concerned about what cutting the EMA means for the aspirations of young people in Leicester. It has been a great success in encouraging young people to stay on in full-time education. I am urging the Government to reconsider their decision to axe the EMA and to listen to what students in Leicester have to say."

Regent College students will be amongst the hardest hit in the country as it is in the top 20 colleges in England with the highest percentage of students claiming EMA . Over 70% of students attending the college receive the £10-£30 weekly payment to help them pay for books, travel costs and help make it easier for them to stay in full-time education.

Regent College student Sahib Singh, 18, receives EMA and has an offer from University of Leicester to study Law next year. He said: “The EMA has allowed me to continue in education and help cover the cost of much needed Law books, educational trips and additional exams. I went around college collecting signatures for the petition as it's going to affect the majority of students next year.

 

 

All three MPs are gathering petitions from their local colleges and schools with sixth forms, with Peter sending petitions to Regent College and Wyggeston & Queen Elizabeth I College.

Peter said: “All three Leicester MPs will present the completed petitions against the ending of Education Maintenance Allowance on the floor of the House of Commons. By abolishing Education Maintenance Allowance this ConDem coalition has launched an unprecedented attack on aspiration.”

Since the introduction of the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) scheme by the previous Labour government it has supported more young people to continue in education. The best estimates of the impact of EMAs are that it increased participation by over 7% for females and over 5% for males; this equates to approximately 78,000 young people who would not have been able to continue their studies without EMA.

Peter commented: “Education Maintenance Allowances have been a lifeline for young people from less well-off backgrounds. By ending the scheme this government, despite its Lib Dem partners, is clearly sending a message that success is dependent on where you come from and your socio-economic background.”

 

 

Peter said: “It was good to see so many people attending the meeting, and I understand that more normally attend when it is held at its usual time of Friday mornings at the Community Centre.”

The Gardening Club is temporarily meeting in the Magpie Youth Centre as the Eyres Monsell Community Centre is currently being refurbished.

The weekly meeting will include advice on gardening, with the Chair, Mike Darch, being a member of the Pelargonium Society, and will sometimes have an outside speaker. Members will also discuss gardening issues and seek advice from each other.

Sue Green, Secretary of Eyres Monsell Gardening Club, said: “The Gardening Club is the oldest club at the Eyres Monsell Community Centre having started in 1995. As well as weekly meetings, the Club has plant sales, trips to garden centres and large shows, such as the Chelsea Flower Show, and organises an Annual Show for its members.”

Peter commented: “This Club is a way of bringing the community together and provides social events for its members. It clearly demonstrates why Community Centres are important facilities that must be protected during these times of cuts to public spending.”

 

Foundation Housing Association (FHA) is based in Leicester and is a specialist black and minority ethnic housing provider, meeting the needs of Leicester's culturally diverse community. The Association recently celebrated 21 years as a registered provider of housing and support services.

 Peter Soulsby met with FHA's Managing Director, Nikki Chawda, the Community Development Worker Tony Brookes and other staff of the association.

Peter said: “I was enormously impressed with how far Foundation has come in its 21 years and the range of services it provides. In addition to managing 800 general needs properties in Highfields, New Parks and Hamilton, the association supports around 150 people via Floating Support Services and has two hostels in the City.”

FHA provides Tenancy Support Services, an Elderly Support Service, a Mental Health Support Service that is funded by the NHS and a specialist Mental Health Support Service for people from the Black or Minority Ethnic Communities – African, African Caribbean, Asian and new emerging communities. The association also has a supported housing scheme for people over 50 years of age, Conifer Court in Highfields, and a scheme providing support for women who have experienced differing forms of domestic violence, Safe.

Nikki Chawda said: “Foundation is now part of the East Midlands Housing Group, which includes East Midlands Housing Association, Midlands Rural Housing, Three Oaks Homes and us, Foundation. Although we are the smallest organisation in the Group it is definitely a partnership of equals with Foundation bringing a lot to the Group. For example, Foundation runs the Future Jobs Fund across the Group which supports the creation of jobs for long term unemployed people between the ages of 18 and 24 years of age.”

 

Peter Soulsby said: 'The Forestry Commission is a British success story. I say that deliberately, because although we are talking about England's forests, as my hon. Friend Mark Lazarowicz reminded us, the Forestry Commission operates throughout the United Kingdom, and weakening it, as the Government are doing in the measures before us, will have an impact throughout the UK.'

Peter many times during this debate. There are direct links to the speeches made during the debate on the Parliament Page. Click here to view...

Peter Soulsby said: “This is a tremendous achievement by the Council and is the first development of five sites across the City. It demonstrates what can be achieved when the government works with Leicester City Council, rather than cutting funding to the Council.”

Leicester City Council was awarded £7m under the Labour Government's Challenge Fund Initiative in 2009 to provide 146 new council homes, with the City Council providing approximately £8m.

The development at Calluna Close consists of seven two-bed/four person homes, one four-bed/eight person home and a four-bed/six person home for a wheelchair user.

Peter said: “I am pleased that nine families will be housed by the Council, but this has to be measured against 8,500 people on the housing register. Nevertheless, it is a significant achievement that I very much welcome.”

Peter said: “At Saffron Resource Centre I will continue to hold twice weekly surgeries for local people - Tuesdays and Saturdays.

My office was on the first floor up steep steps, so I moved my Local Office to improve access for disabled and elderly people. Saffron Resource Centre has a ramp and ground floor interview rooms.”

Peter continued: “I think it is vital that local people can access their MP without having to travel into the City Centre, and that is why I am the first MP in Leicester to have two offices in the City.

If there are any issues you require assistance with then please call my office to arrange an appointment. The number is 251 1927.”

Following the Christmas break, 250 tonnes of old trees are simply thrown out rather than recycled, turned into wood chips of composted.

Peter Soulsby MP said: “The festive season is a really good opportunity to celebrate with friends and families. Yet amongst the wrapping papers and Christmas cards there is the potential for a lot of waste. So, please remember to think about the environment and recycle your used cards and decorations.”

Peter continued: “I am really pleased that we have seen yet another increase in recycling rates this year. In 2006/07 we were recycling 27.18 per cent of waste in Leicester . We are now recycling 39.84 per cent which helps to saver money and improve the environment. Labour worked really hard with local authorities to encourage and improve recycling facilities. But there is still much more to do.”

“Leicester City Council has produced two leaflets – ‘A greener Christmas Guide' and ‘Recycling Matters: Christmas top tips and activities' – giving great advice on how to reduce, reuse and recycle your Christmas waste. These leaflets can be viewed or downloaded at www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/cl/waste-and-cleansing/news/christmas/ ”

“I am also really pleased to see that the Woodland Trust has teamed up with WH Smith, TK Maxx and Tesco Supermarkets to help shoppers recycle their Christmas cards in special bins at stores throughout January.”

 

 

Network for Change is a local voluntary sector organisation providing supported housing, community outreach and resource centre activities to meet the needs of adults whose mental health problems have impacted significantly on their quality of life.

Peter has regularly visited and supported Network for Change for a number of years, and he was pleased to hold a further question and answer session following a similar event with Councillor Palmer in March this year.

At this visit in March Councillor Palmer listened to what the users of the Network had to say and since then the City Council has worked closely with and provided support to Network to carry out a major piece of work looking at future opportunities, the organisation's business model and funding situation. Network has also had a Mental Health Capital Grant of £51,000 approved which will be used for a number of improvements to their building and facilities.

Councillor Rory Palmer said: “Network provides a set of really important services for people from across Leicester and in my view it is crucial that they can continue to do so. The City Council has worked closely with Network to look at opportunities for the future including how they can continue to be a key provider of personalised recovery services. The Council has also looked at Network's business model and funding situation which will be important in securing a sustainable future.”

Peter Soulsby commented: “Hearing at first hand the experiences and views of the service users is key to understanding the vital work that Network provides. I was also told of the crucial role that Network for Change plays in supporting people suffering from mental health problems and how it is regarded highly by its service users.”

For example, during the discussion one service user stated:
“Network has kept me out of hospital.”
With another service user stating:
“My recovery has not happened anywhere else but here.”

At the question and answer session on Friday various issues were raised by service users of Network and other mental health voluntary organisations in Leicester. Concerns were expressed over the changing role of GPs that will see them become commissioners of services, the standard of care provided at the Accident and Emergency Department to those presenting with mental health symptoms and suicidal feelings, and the on-going need for local voluntary organisations to receive adequate and long term funding.

This scheme assists vulnerable people with cold and damp related illnesses who have inadequate heating and/or insulation in their homes.

Peter visited Mrs Devereux at her home along with representatives from npower and Leicester City Council. Peter Soulsby said: “Mrs Devereux’s has benefited from Health Through Warmth’s replacement boiler, especially given the recent severe cold weather conditions. Without a working boiler for heating and hot water her health, and her general well being, would have suffered.”

Yvonne Devereux, who is 65 years old, suffers from osteoporosis and severe arthritis which is worsened by the cold. Her boiler was regularly breaking down and was advised that it needed replacing.

As Yvonne was unable to fund a replacement boiler herself she contacted the Leicestershire and Rutland Branch of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) as her late husband had served in the Navy. SSAFA quickly referred Yvonne to npower’s Health Through Warmth scheme and the local co-ordinator arranged for the installation of a brand new combi-boiler.

Yvonne commented: “I’m thrilled Health Through Warmth could help me as I dread to think what would have happened if my boiler had broken down during winter. It took less than three months from approaching SSAFA to the installation of my new boiler.”

Leicester Health Through Warmth scheme was launched in 2003 and is managed locally by Leicester City Council in partnership with NHS Leicester City.

Peter said: “Health Through Warmth has a flexible approach to funding, with the co-ordinator accessing national and local grants where possible and the unique npower Crisis Fund.

 

Peter was Leader of Leicester City Council at the time the Millennium Commission announced that the project had been given the go ahead with the City Council and the University of Leicester as principal partners.

During today's visit Peter Soulsby said: “It is so pleasing to see the success the National Space Centre has had. It is the UK 's largest visitor attraction dedicated to space and space exploration, welcoming around a quarter of a million visitors each year.”

In addition to the hands-on three to four hour walk exhibition and the Space Theatre, the National Space Centre houses the Space Academy. This Academy offers curriculum focused programmes in science, technology, engineering, geography and environmental science for students.

Peter visited the Space Academy where pupils from a Leicester school were studying the effects of gravity

Sir Peter Soulsby MP is interviewed by John Coster from the community project Citizens ' Eye, a hyperlocal news agency for people to find out what is going on outside their doorstep and to add content of their own.

John said that the subject of elected mayors is creating a lot of debate and is certainly a hot topic in Leicester and he asked Peter to explain to his viewers some of the background behind the issue of elected mayors.

Photo right is a still from the interview. Click here to see the interview in full.

 

Following the Comprehensive Spending Review and the Government's response to Lord Browne's Report on Higher Education, students will be facing significant increases in their tuition fees.

Peter Soulsby said: “I am very concerned that the proposals in the Browne Report are based not only on the cuts in public funding for Higher Education already announced but on further, even more significant, cuts in the future. The Browne Review implies a cut of almost 80% to university's undergraduate teaching funds with some courses losing all their funding.”

Peter was incensed at the impact these cuts will have on student fees: “From the 2012/13 academic year students will be have to pay a minimum of £6,000 a year on fees with a maximum level of £9,000 a year. Most universities have calculated that fees will have to be from £6,500 through to £8,500 to redress the shortfall in funding as a result of the cuts and the Browne Report.”

“What is worse is that before the General Election Nick Clegg said that if fees rise to £7,000 a year that would be a disaster and that you can't build a future on debt, but this is precisely what the Con Dem coalition is proposing.”

Peter explained: “At a time when most of Britain's competitors are increasing their higher education budgets in order to increase growth this Government is savagely cutting the higher education budget. We need a funding system that avoids an unfair and unsustainable increase in the burden of debt on lower and middle income graduates, and where graduate contributions are fair and progressive. These proposals do not meet these tests”.

 

The Conservative led government want to change the way local housing allowance is calculated. The change they propose means 700,000 people in Britain are set to lose out by an average of £9 a week according to official DWP figures, with losses in every local authority in Britain from October 2011.

As a result of this measure 64 per cent of local housing allowance recipients in Leicester will lose out

Peter Soulsby MP said: “Families on modest incomes in Leicester will be concerned that from next year they could be up to £11 a week worse off because of cuts to the support they get with housing costs. The government should think again about these rushed and ill thought out plans.”

Peter explained: “As the local housing allowance calculation will be based on the bottom third of the market, rather then the bottom half, there will be will be a massive drop in income for people struggling to make ends meet. Local people in one bed and two bedroom properties could be £5 a week worse off, with this figure rising to £6 a week for three bedroom properties and £11 a week for families living in four bedroom properties.”

 

The MP will be rolling up his sleeves and volunteering at the Barnardo's shop on Granby Street as part of national Make a Difference Day.   

Make a Difference Day is on Saturday 30 October 2010, but tens of thousands of would-be volunteers across the UK will be giving up their time between 23 October to 6 November 2010 in support of local charities.

Barnardo's has more than 6,000 volunteers who work in the charity's retail department ensuring vital funds are raised to support vulnerable children, young people and families.

Peter Soulsby said:  “Make a Difference Day is an annual event organised by UK volunteering charity, Community Service Volunteers (CSV). It encourages people to get a taster experience of volunteer work. 

It is also an ideal opportunity to meet other people in your local area and make a big difference to your local community.   MPs across the UK have signed up to the Make a Difference Day initiative by showing their commitment to volunteering.”

Those unable to give time to CSV Make a Difference Day can still participate by donating quality goods to a shop or by supporting Barnardo's volunteer charity collectors.

 

 

Peter Soulsby said “The tragic death of Councillor Gordon was a loss to the City Council and to the various charities and causes he supported.”

Peter was joined at the event by the three current Councillors for Castle Ward that Councillor Gordan had represented.

On Friday 29 October Peter attended the Statement on the Park event. As the students were spelling out on Victoria Park “60% by 2020” Peter addressed the attendees along with the Vice Chancellor of University of Leicester, Professor Sir Bob Burgess.

Peter Soulsby said: “The University of Leicester has committed to a 60% reduction in carbon emissions over the next 10 years, which is a tough but achievable target. It needs all staff and students to play their part in making it happen by switching off unnecessary equipment both on campus and in the Halls of Residence.”

Peter continued: “Sustained reductions in electricity use after the last Big Green Week in 2007 showed a £60,000 saving on electricity over a nine month period, but we know that people forget these good habits so Big Green week 2010 gives us a chance to renew them.”

Peter Soulsby said: “These young people have benefited from Labour's investment in jobs. These are real jobs lasting for at least 6 months and it has given these young people the skills, experience and the confidence to find other work. Over 5,000 jobs have been created in the East Midlands through the Future Jobs Fund.”

“At a time when it is important that we have more jobs in the City, I get very frustrated that the government has cut support for youth employment. Following the government's announcement in May there will between 40,000 and 80,000 youth jobs cut this year, with around 3,500 Future Jobs Fund jobs no longer to be awarded in the East Midlands .”

“Once the detail of this week's Comprehensive Spending Review is worked through many more Future Jobs Fund jobs will be cut next year."

Sarah Field, Project Manager at Saffron Acres, said: “The young people at Saffron Acres have certainly gained from their work for which they are paid the minimum wage. In addition to learning specific horticultural skills the young people have acquired general work skills such as team work, and they now have experience of being in a routine and attending work regularly.”

 

Below, Peter with Mohamed Salad and Aaron Clough from the Saffron Acres Project and Hannah Stanford from Saffron Resource Centre.

Peter Soulsby said: “Environmental issues have always been important to me over the years. When I was leader of the city council I led the Environment City initiative which was an attempt to face up to environmental issues. I'm now really happy and excited at the prospect of being able to use some of that experience to try to change the government's approach.”

Peter will largely be shadowing the Natural Environment and Fisheries Minister who leads on various areas including rural affairs, coastal erosion, natural environment and inland waterways including British Waterways.

Peter has previously been on the Board of British Waterways and became Vice Chair in September 2000. He has been a keen user of the Inland Waterways system and maintains his interest in the waterway network.

Peter Soulsby was contacted by Mrs Hancox on 16 September 2010 as it was approaching four weeks since she had contacted Social Services. Although she had been contacted by Occupational Therapy to confirm the referral no date had been given for a visit.

Peter Soulsby said: “Once Mrs Hancox confirmed she lived in my Constituency, I contacted the Promoting Independence Unit on 17 September and a Duty Occupational Therapy visit was arranged for 20 September.”

“I was again contacted by Mrs Hancox on 28 September following the OT visit. I am aware that she is not happy with the recommendations and assistance offered following this visit, but my immediate concern is with the procedure.

The Ecumenical Church of the Nativity is a joint venture between the Church of England and the Methodist Church and occupies the Church building on Cavendish Road .

Peter Soulsby said: “To achieve two Eco -Congregation Awards is a tremendous accomplishment. This second Award takes into consideration all the work undertaken by the Church since its first award in 2007.”

Pat Ewan, Secretary of the Ecumenical Church of the Nativity, stated: “We were all delighted when we received our second Award in August this year. It recognises all the hard work done by members of the Church.”

To receive its second Eco-Congregation Award the Church carried out various work to make a link between the Christian faith and local concerns, took practical action in the church including decoration of the schoolrooms and lounge, and worked with the local community including the launch of an After School Club for young people in the area between the ages of 7 and 11 years.

Thursday September 30 2010

 

The Leicester & Leicstershire Community Cohesion Charter was developed by the Leicester Multicultural Advisory Group, an informal gathering of individuals and representatives of organisations that has been meeting since 2001 to consider issues and challenges around the cohesion of the city and county. The charter was agreed on 9 July 2010.

Nick Carter, founder and current chair of the LMAG said: “The charter acknowledges what Leicester has achieved over many years, but also recognises there is much more to be done to improve things for the future.”

We, the people who live and work in Leicester and Leicestershire are proud of our city and our county, our history and our traditions, and value the diversity of our people and communities.

We are committed to the development of Leicester and Leicestershire as a thriving and cohesive society of many communities, cultures, faiths and beliefs and we will work together for its continued success for ourselves, for our children and for future generations. We all have an equal stake in our future.

We believe in the importance of peaceful, harmonious and creative relations between our diverse communities. We are committed to creating a positive and productive environment where difference is valued and celebrated and we will take every opportunity to work to improve those relations and encourage greater understanding and contact between people and communities.

We cherish and will uphold our long tradition of welcoming and respecting visitors and newcomers to Leicester and Leicestershire and those who seek refuge in our community.

 

Statement issued Friday morning, September 20
"We have been in active and regular contact with the City Council and Leicestershire Constabulary since the English Defence League announced their intention to march in Leicester . Now that the EDL have applied to Leicestershire Constabulary to march in the city on the October 9, we have strongly urged the Council to apply to the Home Secretary for a ban.

We are proud to be Members of Parliament for one of the most diverse cities in Britain .

The EDL cannot and will not affect Leicester 's long and proud history of community cohesion which the City Council, voluntary, community and faith groups, local public services and businesses have all worked hard to build and maintain."

Friday September 24 2010

 

New statement issued. Friday afternoon, September 20

"We welcome the decision made by Leicester City Council today in accepting the recommendations of Leicestershire Constabulary to apply to the Home Secretary for a ban of the proposed EDL march in the City.

We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from voluntary, community and faith groups, local public services and businesses, alongside the many number of constituents who have contacted us to express their views and also those who have signed Hope Not Hate's “Leicester Together” statement.

We have today written to the Home Secretary in advance of the Council's formal application requesting both that she meet with us, and to urge that she agrees the ban.

We have also have tabled an Early Day Motion to this effect and will continue to support and work with Hope Not Hate in their plans to hold a series of peaceful events demonstrating the unity of the city.

Saturday September 25 2010

 

Photograph below show Peter signing the petition for the Campaign Against NHS Privatisation with two members of the campaign outside Saffron Lane Local Office on Saturday September 11 2010.

Friday September 24 2010

 

Peter Soulsby said: “I was dismayed at the decision of the Department of Health to terminate the Caring with Confidence Programme. This vital programme was due to cease at the end of September demonstrating the government's lack of support for, and recognition of, the tremendous work that carers undertake every day of the year.”

Under this initiative CLASP The Carers Centre provides free Caring with Confidence sessions to carers throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland . The course helps carers safeguard their own health and well-being; raises awareness of their rights and of the practical, financial and emotional support available to them.

Greg Drozdz, Chief Executive of CLASP The Carers Centre, said: “Following the government's decision to withdraw its funding we were facing a winding down period until the end of September.”

Peter Soulsby said: “The decision by Leicester City Council to provide temporary funding of £20,000 is very welcome news. It shows what can be done locally despite government cuts.”

“We must all work now to make sure that Caring with Confidence has a long term future. I believe that it is the NHS Primary Care Trusts that should be funding this vital work.”

 

 

Thursday August 5 2010

 

Aylestone Hall was originally built for the Vernon family, the hall, and it's 1.8 acre grounds, was purchased by Leicester Corporation in 1950. A tranquil setting, enhanced with herbaceous, rose and ornamental beds with a wide range of trees and shrubs including mature yews, rhododendrons and azaleas. A perfect venue and a perfect day for this annual event.

Some photos taken during the event:
The photo right shows Peter with members of the Aylestone Meadows Appreciation Society (AMAS) which is campaigning against development on the Aylestone Meadows; a campaign that Peter is supportive of.

Photo below left; Peter and Carole Blackburn who is very active in the community and is Chairperson of the Police & Community Support Group.

Photo below right; Peter talking with a local Minister, The Rev. Tim Fergusson.

Peter Soulsby said: “I had recently written to the Department of Health to extend their funding of this programme under which CLASP The Carers Centre provides free Caring with Confidence sessions to carers throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”

”Not only to refuse to extend the funding of this vital programme, but to stop the current funding six months early shows a total lack of support for, and recognition of, the tremendous work that carers undertake every day of the year.”

The Caring with Confidence course helps carers safeguard their own health and well-being, raises awareness of their rights and the practical, financial and emotional support available to them.

Greg Drozdz, Chief Executive of CLASP The Carers Centre said: “We learnt late on Monday evening that the government had pulled the rug from under the programme with immediate effect, with a winding down period until the end of September.”

“This is a £230k reduction in funding for carers locally despite the Minister for Care Services, Paul Burstow MP, confirming as recently as 17 June that the new government will protect carers.”

Peter Soulsby is calling on the government to reconsider this decision cut the Caring for Confidence Programme. He said: “I understand that there may have been issues of delivery in other parts of the country, but locally CLASP The Carers Centre has delivered the programme on budget, on unit cost and on the numbers attending the sessions.”

“To stop funding a highly successful programme, which has a 99.9% satisfaction response from the carers attending, is illogical and will adversely effect the 100,000 carers across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”