Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Batool, Joel, and Westley.

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

Members were asked to disclose any pecuniary or other interests they may have in the business on the agenda.

Councillor Porter declared an interest in the Draft Local Plan Consultation Feedback that he had submitted objections on behalf of local residents, and also submitted his own objections during consultation on the plan.

The Chair paid tribute to former Councillor and Lord Mayor Barbara Chambers, who had recently passed away. The Chair noted her nearly 30 years as a Councillor and her work raising money for charity during her time as Lord Mayor.

The minutes of the meeting of the Overview Select Committee held on 8^th September 2022 and the Special Meeting of Overview Select Committee held on 27^th September 2022 are attached and Members are asked to confirm them as a correct record.

AGREED:

That the minutes of the meetings held on 8 September and 27 September 2022 be confirmed as a correct record.

To note progress on actions agreed at the previous meeting and not reported elsewhere on the agenda (if any).

The Chair noted that a document had been circulated to Members detailing the progress on actions agreed at the last 2 meetings.

The Monitoring Officer to report on the receipt of any questions, representations and statements of case submitted in accordance with the Council’s procedures.

The Monitoring Officer reported that no questions, representations and statements of case had been submitted in accordance with the Council’s procedures.

The Monitoring Officer to report on any petitions received.

The Monitoring Officer reported that no petitions had been received.

The Monitoring Officer submits a report that updates Members on the monitoring of outstanding petitions. The Committee is asked to note the current outstanding petitions and agree to remove those petitions marked ‘Petitions Process Complete’ from the report.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report which provided an update on the status of outstanding petitions against the Council’s target of providing a formal response within three months of being referred to the Divisional Director.

It was noted that the two petitions marked in red would be completed by the next meeting of the Committee.

Councillor Porter asked whether the petition regarding pesticides also covered herbicides.

AGREED:

1.    That the Committee notes the current status of outstanding petitions.

2.    That Officers inform Councillor Porter as to whether herbicides are also covered in the petition regarding pesticides.

The Director of Tourism, Culture, and Inward Investment submits a presentation outlining the proposals for the redevelopment of Leicester Outdoor Market.

The Chair noted that this presentation had been brought to the Committee at the request of Members when dealing with the call-in for the purchase of 22 Market Place. Members had wanted to see the wider vision for the market area.

The Director of Tourism, Culture, and Inward Investment submitted a presentation outlining the proposals for the redevelopment of Leicester Outdoor Market.

The City Mayor introduced the item, explaining the long history of the market and noting that it was now in a poor state and suffered from issues of anti-social behaviour and therefore was in need of redevelopment.

The Director of Tourism, Culture, and Inward Investment presented the item, it was noted that:

·         There had been numerous projects to improve the wider market in the last decade, including the construction of the food hall and the creation of Green Dragon Square. The food hall was an award winning building which provided a quality offer, however the outdoor market now looked poor in comparison.

·         Changing shopping trends were causing issues for markets across the country. However, other markets across the country were receiving significant investment, intending to reverse the decline in those markets.

·         Following Covid a number of traders had left the market and there had been a struggle to get them back.

·         It was hoped that the redevelopment could design out anti-social behaviour and create an environment to attract new traders and customers.

·         The proposed redevelopment was divided into 3 zones.

·         In Zone A the existing roof would be removed and the focus would be on improving the view of the market from Gallowtree Gate. This would also create a space for temporary and specialist markets.

·         The Café would be relocated to a new position by Dolphin Square and include outside seating to create an early evening offer.

·         Zone B would be the core market space, containing the fruit and veg offer. A new roof with solar panels would be built with better natural lighting. All pillars would be removed from the space. A secure perimeter would design out after-hours anti-social behaviour.

·         Zone C would create new, flexible free-standing units and create views of the market to Cheapside. Waste management facilities would be relocated and enclosed so that they were no longer visible in this area.

·         To enable the redevelopment process, a temporary market would be setup at Green Dragon Square.

·         Existing traders were largely positive about the proposed redevelopment. There were concerns about the temporary market and the rent for the new units.

·         The next steps included securing Planning permission for the temporary market and issuing a decision report to draw down capital funds.

·         The aim was to have the temporary market operational by May 2023 and have the new scheme fully operational by the end of summer 2024.

·         The total capital cost was estimated at £8.5m, though some elements including material choices were still being discussed.

·         Revenue forecasts assumed that pre-Covid occupancy levels would return.

In response to questions from Members and youth representatives it was noted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

The Strategic Director of City Development and Neighbourhood Services submits a report setting out a summary of the performance of the Council’s Corporate Estate for the year ended 31 March 2022. The Commission are invited to note the performance of the Corporate Estate in relation to its key metrics and its contribution to the Council’s revenue budget; and consider the wider contribution of the portfolio in supporting the local economy, local businesses and communities, whilst minimising risk to the Council.

An Executive Summary is included before the full report.

The Strategic Director of City Development and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report setting out the performance of the Council’s Corporate Estate for the year ending 31 March 2022.

The City Mayor introduced the item, noting that the Corporate Estate was largely focused within the city itself and generated important revenue for the Council as well as often helping to serve regeneration in the city.

The Director of Estates and Building Service presented the item, it was noted that:

·         The portfolio value of the Estate had increased by £11m, this was mainly due to the purchase of the Haymarket Shopping Centre.

·         Retail holdings represented a quarter of the Estate, much higher than most other property portfolios.

·         Estate occupancy was currently at 95%, down from previous years but still very healthy. The turnover in managed workspaces following the pandemic was largely responsible for this change in occupancy levels. There was also a reduced demand for parking spaces.

·         It was typically lower value spaces going void meaning that there was a limited impact on the portfolio income.

·         The increase in running costs was proportionate to the increase in portfolio size.

·         Gross income had increased by 11.4% and net income had increased by 9.6%.

·         Voids represented under £100k in lost revenue.

·         The revenue from Haymarket Shopping Centre had been impacted by shortfalls in service charges due to inherited voids.

·         The smaller managed workspaces were in strong demand and supported small businesses.

·         Rents were aligned to the market with industrial units, but lower with retail units.

·         All spaces met energy efficiency standards and further work would go into improving energy efficiency.

·         The Estate represented 2.03% of the Council’s overall net revenue budget so was a low risk investment.

In response to questions from Members and Youth Representatives it was noted that:

·         Revenue from the Estate went towards supporting Council Services.

·         The Council’s Neighbourhood Services buildings and schools were not part of the Estate. There were properties in the portfolio which supported education such as the Leicester Castle which was currently rented out by DMU, and the Centre for Fun and Families also rented out space.

·         If traders were struggling then the Council would consider measures to support them.

·         Wygston’s House was a part of the Estate and the King Richard III Centre was partly in the Estate. Officers would check whether or not the rent prices could be disclosed.

·         Asset value was considered to be of less importance than the profitability of the portfolio as there was no intention of selling any assets.

·         It was hoped that when markets picked up that occupancy would go back to previous levels.

·         Employers still wanted presences in city centre offices, meaning that there was still a demand for office space. However the nature of that space could change with more people working from home.

·         Options were being considered around the possibility of bringing the Council office buildings that the Council was vacating into the Estate.

The Chair requested that a training session be set up for Members around  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

The Director of Public Health will deliver a presentation on the Council’s response to the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The Director of Public Health submitted a presentation updating the Committee on the Council’s response to the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The Director of Public Health and the Deputy Director of Finance presented the item, it was noted that:

·         This was a follow-on update following a previous All-Member Briefing on the issue.

·         Consumer prices continued to rise at a dramatic rate, particularly impacting on food and energy prices. Due to the national economic climate, there was uncertainty on what Government interventions would be taking place going forward.

·         It was estimated that in Leicester, 40% of the population were earning less than £20k a year, which was the group being hardest hit by rising prices.

·         When adjusted for inflation, people were spending less on groceries.

·         There was various discretionary support currently available, including the Discretionary Housing Payment, Council Tax Discretionary Relief, and Community Support Grant.

·         96% of city households were eligible for the Council Tax Energy Rebate, this scheme had now finished.

·         The Household Support Fund would run until March 2023 and was focused on supporting ‘just about managing’ households largely with energy costs. The fund would also support food banks.

·         The DWP were also providing various one-off payments for ‘benefit’ households. All households received the energy rebate and energy credit payments.

·         The Council was monitoring the impact of the crisis on residents to see what could be done to give further support. This included looking at levels of stock for food banks.

·         A support programme had begun for foodbanks.

·         Engagement with external partners such as the universities and NHS around the crisis was ongoing.

·         Work was ongoing to promote pre-existing support schemes such as the Healthy Start and Better Off programmes.

·         Foodbank staff were being offered mental health training.

·         The Warm Welcome Network offered up city libraries for those who needed a warm space.

·         The Council was also providing workshops on how to manage with increased cost of living.

·         Foodbanks were currently coping well with the extra demand.

·         Work was ongoing with the National Energy Advice Service on the Fuel Poverty and Health Programme, which would lead to Leicester having dedicated energy advisers.

·         Over the October half-term, 6 Pop-Up Pantries were put on across the city to give out various meals and hygiene products in collaboration with Samworth Brothers. Over 6k children were provided with meals.

In response to questions from Members and Youth Representatives it was noted that:

·         To support those with no access to benefits, the Council would attempt to support anyone who approached the Council for help. There was some discretion around the eligibility for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme. Schools could make the Council aware of any families not eligible for free school meals who needed support.

·         It was hoped that grants could be provided to community organisations to support mutual aid. The value of mutual aid was noted. 

·         The food from the Pop-Up Pantries was paid for with a grant.

·         The Holiday Activities and Food Programme included nutritional education and aimed to engage  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

The Director of Housing submits a report on the Immigration, Migration and Asylum within Leicester City with a focus on the Homes for Ukraine and Afghan schemes. The Commission is invited to note the update and make any comments as they see fit.

The Director of Housing submitted a report on the Immigration, Migration and Asylum within Leicester City with a focus on the Homes for Ukraine and Afghan schemes.

The Director of Housing presented the item, it was noted that:

·         Leicester had been a member of the National Asylum Dispersal Scheme since 2001. 

·         Leicester was actively helping Afghan and Ukrainian refugees.

·         170 Ukrainian refugees had arrived in the city so far following the war. Multiple teams had been working to support sponsors and provide support for arrivals including education. A number of sponsors had agreed to continue their support beyond the original 6 months, leading to less support being required from the Homelessness Service. If families were unable to extend the support, then work would be undertaken to find alternative accommodation. 

·         The bridging hotel as part of the Afghan Relocation Scheme was currently housing 16 families. The Council was supporting these families with finding suitable housing across the Country through the Home Office matching service. The Home Office had not yet stated when the bridging hotel would be closed.

·         The Government had recently stated its intention to make National asylum dispersal mandatory across the entire country.

·         The Home Office had refused a regional-wide proposal that had been supported by all Each Midlands Councils to meet the Home Office refugee requirements. It was hoped the reason for this would soon be shared to understand this refusal and decision for the home office to make up their own suggested numbers for each area.

·         Currently there were over 1.1k people in Leicester as part of the National Asylum Scheme, there were 550 individuals in 3 asylum overflow hotels. It was expected these hotels would continue to be used for this purpose for the next 12 months at least.

·         Leicester was providing good practice advice on refugees to other Councils across the country in advance of the National Scheme rolling out.

Members of the Committee condemned recent comments by the Home Secretary Suella Braverman which described the current refugee situation as an ‘invasion’.

AGREED:

That the Committee notes the update.

The Director of Planning, Development, and Transportation submits a report providing feedback on the comments on the draft Local Plan made during the initial scrutiny considerations during September and the extended consultation period with all members during October and outlines the proposed changes to the plan.

The Commission is invited to note the Officer comments and any proposed changes, and to make any further comments on the draft plan as required.

The Director of Planning, Development, and Transportation submitted a report providing feedback on the comments on the draft Local Plan made during the initial scrutiny considerations during September and the extended consultation period with all members during October and outlined the proposed changes to the plan. It was noted that the Local Plan would go the next Full Council meeting for approval.

In response to a Member question it was noted that pending approval from Full Council, a final round of consultation would take place in early 2023 before the Plan would be submitted to the Government. The Planning Inspector would have an opportunity to make amendments to the Plan and then the Council would have the chance to accept those modifications. Further consultation may be required if significant modifications were requested.

In response to a Member question it was noted that Leicester’s shortfall in meeting the increased Government target for new housing would be accommodated by the County Districts subject to in an agreed Statement of Common Ground.

AGREED:

That the Committee notes the report. 

The City Mayor will answer questions raised by members of the Overview Select Committee on issues not covered elsewhere on the agenda.

The Chair requested an update on the status of the review into the recent unrest in East Leicester given the recent departure of Dr Chris Allen from his role in leading the review.

The City Mayor gave an update on the situation, noting that Dr Allen had been recommended to him by a wide range of people to lead the review, including the Vice Chancellor of the University of Leicester. Following the appointment of Dr Allen there had been an online outcry regarding the impartiality of Dr Allen Following this Dr Allen decided to step away from the review. The City Mayor expressed his disappointment at this and stated that he felt that the accusations against Dr Allen were unfounded.

The City Mayor stated that he still wanted a review to take place but that it would be difficult to find someone else to lead it due to the public pressures. He would take some time to consider the next steps.

The Chair commented that multiple people could lead the review, the City Mayor responded that the intention was for the review to be a team effort and to include a large voice from the community. 

The current work programme for the Committee is attached.  The Committee is asked to consider this and make comments and/or amendments as it considers necessary.

The work programme for the Committee was noted.

There being no other items of urgent business, the meeting closed at 8.42pm.