In 2026 rural Leicestershire will be made up of thriving and sustainable, safe and secure, communities, towns and villages, each of which will have at least one key community resource (e.g. school, church, pub, shop, post office, village hall). It will be recognised, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, for its:

Thriving communities

Which enjoy a high qualify of life, have a broad social balance, and are empowered to influence and manage their own future, supported by an active voluntary and community sector.

Economic activity

Economic activity that plays to the County’s strengths, including its location, heritage, culture, specialist products and services, leisure, tourism, and environment.

Profitable and entrepreneurial businesses

Profitable and entrepreneurial businesses trading in strong local supply chains and networks, maximising the value of their products and services.

Access to services and facilities

Access to services and facilities (quality housing, health services, education, and employment opportunities), supported by high quality transport and information services.

Diverse and well-managed Countryside

Diverse and well-managed countryside that is valued and accessed by all. Towns and villages that provide a strong quality sense of place for residents, which play to their cultural, heritage and environmental strengths.

Ability to develop skills

Ability to develop skills (through universities, colleges, schools, employers and the voluntary sector) that meet the needs of local people, communities and businesses.

To support this, the LRP will implement a range of initiatives which improve the provision of services in towns and villages where there are few, or no, community resources.

The LRP will work closely with communities to ensure that the views and aspirations of local people are always considered.