Leicester City Council has outlined plans to reduce costs by £2.1 million by restructuring library and community centre services. The proposal includes transferring 11 facilities to community organisations while retaining 12 sites as “multi-service centres” and keeping the city’s Central Library.

The council cited severe budget pressures, stating it must save £23 million to balance its finances. While job losses are possible, no specific redundancy figures have been provided.

Under the plan, several neighbourhood and recreation centres—including Belgrave, Coleman, Netherhall, Braunstone Frith, and Rushey Mead—could be transferred to external groups. Libraries in Evington, Knighton, and Rushey Mead, along with the Tudor Centre, Eyres Monsell Community Centre, and Gilmorton Community Rooms, are also under consideration for transfer.

With its library relocated, the St Matthew’s Centre may close, while the Fosse Neighbourhood Centre in Newfoundpool could be sold. The council plans to invest £1 million in the 12 sites it will retain, with five locations—including Beaumont Leys Library Hub and Highfields Library Hub—set to operate with staff hours 40 per week. Additional self-service hours will be available at select locations. Seven other sites, including Aylestone Library and Westcotes Library Hub, could operate for 30 hours per week.

The public consultation on the proposals runs until 29 June. Assistant Mayor Vi Dempster stated that while the services are highly valued, financial constraints require operational changes. She encouraged residents to participate in the consultation process.

A government spokesperson acknowledged councils’ financial challenges, highlighting a £69 billion funding allocation for local authorities across England, including a potential £35.6 million increase for Leicester City Council.

Dains Accountants is moving its Nottingham office to Cubo, Standard Court, starting 1 April 2025. The move follows the end of its lease at Butt Dyke House and aligns with the firm’s strategy to expand its presence in the East Midlands.

The new location, part of a redevelopment of the former Nottingham General Hospital site, offers modern office space to support collaboration and flexibility. It also provides improved transport links and energy-efficient facilities, reinforcing the firm’s sustainability efforts.

Colin Peacock, Partner at Dains Nottingham, said the move reflects the firm’s commitment to growth and creating a high-quality environment for employees and clients. The new office will host client meetings, workshops, and networking events, strengthening engagement with local businesses.

Dains, established in 1926, advises private companies, SMEs, and entrepreneurs. The Nottingham relocation is part of its broader effort to invest in workspaces that attract top talent and support evolving client needs.

Travis Perkins has posted a £77m pre-tax loss for the year ending December 2024, reflecting tough market conditions and declining demand. Revenue fell by 4.7% due to weaker performance in its Merchanting division, as the construction sector struggled with high inflation, interest rate hikes, and reduced consumer confidence.

In response to these challenges, CEO Pete Redfern stepped down in March 2025 due to health issues, with chair Geoff Drabble taking over leadership on an interim basis. Drabble highlighted the urgent need for the company to refocus its operations, particularly in customer engagement and supplier relationships, to regain trust and better align with market demands.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Drabble is optimistic about the future. With the right leadership and a clear customer-centric strategy, Travis Perkins is well-positioned to capitalise on a potential recovery in the construction sector. The company will focus on efficient capital use, strengthening its core advantages, and re-engaging with the workforce to meet future demand.