Agenda and minutes

To issue a welcome to those present, and to confirm if there are any apologies for absence.

The Chair welcomed those present to the meeting.

Apologies were received form Councillor Rae Bhatia.  Councillor Modhwadia substituted.

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

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

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meeting of the Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission held on 12 March 2025 have been circulated, and Members will be asked to confirm them as a correct record.

With regard to the item on Electric Vehicle Charging Points Task Group - Executive Response, it was noted that there had not been time at the meeting to discuss the item in depth.  As such, points were raised about the practicalities of having charging points in Council-facing buildings.  In response to this, it was noted that whilst there would be challenges in installation, if there was a realistic opportunity for installation, then this should be done. 

A further policy document on the issue could be shared with the Commission.

It was noted that Councillor Batool had been marked as both present and having given apologies.  It was noted that she was present at the meeting.

AGREED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission held on 12 March 2025 be confirmed as a correct record subject to the above correction.

The Chair is invited to make any announcements as they see fit. 

The Chair informed those present that members of Culture and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission had been invited to the meeting to discuss the item on Worker Exploitation as they had been invited to the task group.

Any questions, representations and statements of case submitted in accordance with the Council’s procedures will be reported.

The Monitoring Officer reported that none had been received.

Any petitions received in accordance with Council procedures will be reported.

The Monitoring Officer reported that none had been received.

The Chair of the task group submits a report examining worker exploitation in Leicester. The Commission will be asked to note the report and support the recommendations set out in section 1.3 of the report.

The Chair submitted a report examining worker exploitation in Leicester. The Commission was asked to note the report and support the recommendations set out in section 1.3 of the report.

Professor Nik Hammer of the University of Leicester, who had provided key research and analysis on the task group, summarised the report and recommendations.  And presented slides (attached).  Additional key points included:

• Two appendices included in the agenda pack were redacted, due to potential political sensitives and ongoing criminal investigations.
• Exploitation was experienced on a nationwide scale, on a spectrum and in a range of jobs.
• There was a national debate surrounding the enforcement gap.
• Violation tracking was problematic, due to the complex reasons as to why those affected would not necessarily report issues. Robust intelligence work was vital in avoiding further marginalisation of vulnerable groups.
• Significant recruitment problems presented within the Social Care sector relating to language barriers and the difficulty this presented in training and upskilling. Partnerships with social care providers could be useful, similar to the Salford and UNISON North-West migrant social care worker charter.
• The Gig Economy shaped conditions for workers such as taxi drivers and food delivery drivers. Companies were often based outside of the locality, so partnerships between Local Authorities and other national agencies would be vital to maintain standards.
• There were some areas where local authorities had an influence on procurement and licencing. Problems arose though due to a lack of capacity for due diligence, for both the contractor and the commissioner.
• Social issues interlinked with matters of worker exploitation. For example, housing issues arose due to low-paid workers being unable to afford high rents. Home Office investigations into migrant working in Bristol had noted caravan dwelling and poor living conditions.
• Fair Work Wales and Fair Work Scotland had developed frameworks using procurement to strengthen labour standards.

In response to questions from the committee, it was noted that:

• Labour standards enforcement and immigration enforcement needed to be dealt with as separate matters as accessing and supporting vulnerable workers would become even more difficult if they suspected full immigration scrutiny.
• Vital trust building with marginalised groups could be established via trade unions and community groups. Learning could be taken from the FAB-L approach, which was specific to the garment industry, but could be applied more widely. 
• Conflicts of interest arose with enforcement action, which could lead to difficulties in gathering information.

AGREED:

1) That the report be noted.

2) That the report be presented to the Executive and the response from

the Executive be brough back to the Commission.

3) That the report be shared with local MPs, including The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

An Executive decision taken by the City Mayor on 25 March 2025 relating to increasing parking chargeshas been the subject of a 6-member call-in under the procedures at Rule 12 of Part 4D, City Mayor and Executive Procedure Rules, of the Council’s Constitution.

The Committee is recommended to either:

a)    Note the report without further comment or recommendation. (If the report is noted the process continues and the call in will be considered at a future meeting of Full Council); or

b)    Comment on the specific issues raised by the call-in. (If comments are made the process continues and the comments and call in will be considered at a future meeting of Full Council); or

c)    Resolve that the call-in be withdrawn (If the committee wish for there to be no further action on the call-in, then they must actively withdraw it. If withdrawal is agreed the call-in process stops, the call-in will not be considered at a future meeting of Full Council and the originaldecision takes immediate affect without amendment).

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report informing the Commission that the Executive decision taken by the City Mayor on 25 March 2025 relating to increasing parking charges had been the subject of a 6-membercall-in under the procedures at Rule 12 of Part 4D, City Mayor and Executive Procedure Rules, of the Council’s Constitution.

The Chair clearly outlined the process that she would follow in determining how to resolve the call-in. The Commission was recommended to either:

a) Note the report without further comment or recommendation. (If the report was noted the process continues and the call-in will be considered at Council on Full Council or

b) Comment on the specific issues raised by the call-in. (If comments were made the process continues and the comments and call-in would be considered at Full Council); or

c) Resolve that the call-in be withdrawn (If the committee wished for there to be no further action on the call-in, then they must actively withdraw it. If withdrawal was agreed the call-in process stops, the call-in would not be considered at Full Council and the original decision takes immediate effect without amendment).

The Chair invited the proposer of the call-in, Councillor Porter, to make their case. The following points were raised:

• Council proposals had been made to increase charges to on-street and off-street parking.
• It was suggested that those on a low-income and already struggling with increased cost of living prices would be most affected.
• It was put forward that increased parking charges could have a negative effect on the city centre economy. Competitor retail sites, such as Fosse Park, located beyond the city boundary, had free parking.
• A counter suggestion was put forward to reduce city centre parking fees to improve retail revenue.
• The most recently published Revenue Budget reflected a current deficit of £400k in parking income for the city.
• Proposals had been made to remove night-owl charges, this was the reduced rate parking fee designed to boost the city’s night-time economy. Out of hours bus services could be problematic so city centre night-time could be impacted by a reduction in footfall.

The Chair invited the seconder of the call-in, to the table to make their case. Councillor Modhwadia attended the meeting as substitute for seconder Councillor Kitterick and raised the following point:

• Reductions to parking charges could bring people into the city which would support local business and create revenue for the council.

The Chair invited Assistant City Mayor for Environment and Transport, Councillor Whittle, to respond. A presentation was given (slides attached) and the following points were raised:

• Overall, city centre tariffs would increase by 25% for on street pay and display and off-street parking.
• There would a higher increase for Victoria Park.
• The evening discount would be terminated.
• The tariff for parks would increase by 10%.
• Blue Badge free parking would remain in place.
• Sunday street parking would be chargeable.
• New fees would commence on the 12^th May.
• There would be an annual review charges to consider inflation.
• Inflationary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 144.

The Director of Tourism, Culture, and Inward Investment submits a report updating the Commission on the work of the Place Marketing Team for Leicester and Leicestershire.

The Director of Tourism, Culture, and Inward Investment submitted a report updating the Commission on the work of the Place Marketing Team for Leicester and Leicestershire.

The Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing provided an overview of the report, key points to note were:

·       The Place Marketing Team was a partnership between Leicester City and Leicestershire County councils.

·       There was around £47k core council budget supporting the service, with the remainder coming from other funding.

·       The most recent data on Tourism came from 2023. City tourism had brought in around £844m annually.

·       Visitor numbers had increased by 2.4% on the previous year.

·       Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP Accreditation) had been secured which could position the city well in terms of future funding.

·       Work was ongoing to create a new Destination Management website with increased functionality.

·       There was a significant move towards improving commercial opportunities within the city. Around £48k had been generated in the previous year.

·       Group travel was a key target market. The Annual Conference for the Association of Group Travel Organisers had been secured and Leicester City would be in the spotlight as a destination for group travel. Leicester had been nominated for a third year in a row as being a best destination for group travel.

·       Work was underway for a new destination management plan which would run between 2026-2031. This was a county wide strategy, the Leicester City plan was being updated at the same time to ensure alignment between the two.

·       Regarding inward investment achievements, £11.2m of investment value had been secured, creating 183 new jobs with 205 jobs safeguarded in the city.

·       Leads generated equated to £7.3m, with 35 new jobs.

·       There was a focus on the new council work spaces, such as Canopy, Dock and the Blackbird Industrial Estate.

·       A lot of activity included investor events. £43k of private sector funding had been secured.

Members were invited to comment and ask questions, responses were as follows:

·       In terms of long-term resilience, business partnerships were common with project delivery. Campaigns to attract tourists were in place with the aim to join companies and venues together, offering a full tourist package.  

·       The new Visit Leicester website helped to build support for communities and accessibility. Tracking capabilities helped to access long-term impact.

·       Case studies formed much of the development work surrounding sustainable tourism. Best practice examples were shared to break down barriers for customers.

·       Software was employed to track key words in online feedback. Significant work went into providing positive responses.

·       Successful efforts had attracted a diverse range of businesses. Connectivity with the private sector had been a key focus.

·       The Destination Plan and Visit Britain attracted wider business and there were further opportunities to develop overseas interest.

·       Promotion was ongoing, with a range different agents and landlords, to increase business opportunities in empty units.

AGREED:

1)    That the report be noted.

2)    That comments made by members of this commission to be taken into account by the lead officers.

Councillor Cutkelvin left the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 145.

The Chair of the Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Committee will provide an update on the Executive response to the 24-Hour Bus Lanes Scrutiny review report.

An update was submitted on the executive response on the Scrutiny Task Group on Bus Lanes.  This was taken as read.

The Commission agreed that they were satisfied with the response.

AGREED:

That the response be noted.

The City Transport Director submits a report to provide members of the commission with an update on the progress of the City’s 20mph programme, and to provide members of the commission with details on the next phases of the City’s 20mph programme.

The City Transport Director submitted a report to provide members of the commission with an update on the progress of the City’s 20mph programme, and to provide members of the commission with details on the next phases of the City’s 20mph programme.

Key points to note other than those on the slides (attached with the agenda pack) were:

• Any opportunities to consider roads for 20mph would now be considered.
• A monitoring approach was being taken to assess the level of impact.  This took into account best practice from the government.
• The level of impact and level of support would be considered in order to refine the programme further.
• Air quality was a national issue, and this would be monitored.
• An updated version of programme progress would be produced.
• Three further 20mph zones had come online since the slides had been published.
• The roads marked in purple had joint Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) with Leicestershire County Council.
• Traffic surveys had been scheduled for this side of the school summer holidays.
• People could search for individual roads to ascertain their status.

Members were invited to comment and ask questions, Responses were as follows:

• In response to queries about how marginalised areas were approached to ensure that the consultation was representative, it was explained that the biggest issue with engagement was that it was a niche issue.  In order to boost engagement, door-knocking had been undertaken.  It was also the case that in certain communities, people had stepped forward as a spokesperson for a community to suggest that there was a demand for 20mph zones in the area.  Ward Councillors had also done this on behalf of residents.  It was noted that a comparative number of objections had not been received and the City Transport Director could not recall a time when a 20mph zone had been brought in and residents has said that they were not consulted correctly.
• Additionally, whilst the sector had struggled with engagement, it was considered as to how it could be ensured that people had a voice, particularly in lower performing areas. 
• It was noted that when surveys were assessed over multiple years there could be negative perceptions where the reality was different.  This was due to people perceiving lower speeds as speeding, when average speeds were reduced, people were in the mindset of lower speeds.
• Traffic calming measures were monitored to ensure they were appropriate, and maintenance and safety features were looked at to ascertain if lessons could be learned. 
• Support was there as long as the Council engaged from the beginning and were open and honest about intentions.
• In response to queries about supporting data for road safety, it was noted that there had been a trend of a reduction in casualties with regard to other road users (i.e. pedestrians or cyclists).  Compliance with the 20mph scheme had been high and average speeds were reducing.  There had been a general reduction of traffic on calmed roads.  Additionally, more people were now walking and cycling and doing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 147.

The City Transport Director submits a report to provide members of the commission with details on the proposed Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and to make members of the commission aware of the forthcoming consultation, and provide details for how they may contribute to the plan.

The City Transport Director submitted a report to provide members of the commission with details on the proposed Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and to make members of the commission aware of the forthcoming consultation, and provide details for how they may contribute to the plan.

The report and presentation (included with the agenda pack) were taken as read.

Additional points made included:

• The plan was part of a consultation approach.  Members would be invited to an informal review.
• A strategic plan was being developed.  This was not prescriptive and was aimed at identifying key corridors where the quality of cycling and walking could be increased.
• A consultation would take place with Ward Councillors, residents and stakeholders.
• It was added that the information in the previous report on 20mph zones demonstrated that conditions were being created to make it safer to walk and cycle.

Members were invited to comment and ask questions, Responses were as follows:

• In response to a query about how the plan fitted in with climate goals and equity priorities, it was explained that there were increasing options for walking and cycling to increase access to employment, education and leisure, which ultimately would lead to more in terms of employment  and improvements in social mobility and an overall uplift in the economy of the city both in terms of decarbonisation and having wealthier and more educated users.
• In response to a question about key challenges in funding and infrastructure, funding was the biggest challenge as demand for installation was bigger than the money received from the government.  The projects in the plan were large by their very nature, for example, some included big junctions.  The current funding model was annual and done on a bidding approach.  In order to make a bid, a design needed to be ready and a bid might not be successful.  This meant that there was a need to deliver at pace, meaning that schemes developed were at risk and needed to fit the definitions of the funding bid.  The manufactured timescales could be difficult.
• In terms of providing incentives to reach out to audiences, particularly children and young people, it was clarified that there was a cycle accessibility programme with schools.  A schools ride had been planned in conjunction with Leicester Cathedral, however, it had been difficult to establish dates for this which were convenient for the cathedral, but this was being looked at for next year.  There was government funding available for this kind of activity and it was sought to maximise the impact of this and consider how to have a broad approach but also have direct support where needed.  Branded helmets had been considered and it was looked to launch more programmes such as clean air days.  It was aimed to reach out to younger people, and as part of this, the universities and colleges had been met with to discuss how to engage with younger people and encourage them to walk and cycle, even after they had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 148.

Members of the Commission will be asked to consider the work programme and make suggestions for additional items as it considers necessary.

The work programme was noted. 

There being no further items of urgent business, the meeting finished at 20:11.