The Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission met on Thursday 6 August 2026 to consider a call-in of two Executive decisions made by the City Mayor concerning major transport infrastructure funding. The commission also reviewed its terms of reference and membership for the upcoming year.

Call-in of Executive Decisions: St Margaret's Junction Improvement Funding and Leicester Railway Station Funding Support

The commission was scheduled to consider a call-in of two Executive decisions made by the City Mayor on 22 July 2026. These decisions related to significant transport infrastructure funding and had been formally called in by five councillors under the Council's Constitution. The call-in process allows scrutiny committees to review decisions made by the Executive before they take full effect.

The report pack indicated that the commission was recommended to choose one of three options:

• Note the report without further comment or recommendation, which would allow the call-in process to continue to a future meeting of Full Council.
• Comment on the specific issues raised by the call-in, with these comments then being considered at a future meeting of Full Council.
• Resolve that the call-in be withdrawn, which would stop the call-in process and allow the original Executive decisions to take immediate effect.

The call-in document detailed concerns raised by the councillors who initiated it. These included questions about the reduction in funding for the St Margaret's Way junction improvement, the reasons for the original Leicester Railway Station scheme failing to attract contractors, and a request for clear evidence demonstrating the financial viability and value for money of the proposed railway station project.

The report pack provided details on the two Executive decisions:

St Margaret's Junction Improvement Funding

This decision concerned the St Margaret's junction improvement scheme, which aimed to infill subways, enhance pedestrian and cyclist routes, and improve access for buses to St Margaret's Bus Station. The scheme was seeking approval for £5.2m in funding, comprising £2.2m from the Government's Levelling Up fund and £3m from the council's capital programme. The report noted that a previous indicative bid for £12m had been unsuccessful, and that the budget requirement had reduced significantly following further design considerations. The report also stated that £9.95m of Levelling Up Funds no longer required for this project had been reallocated to the Leicester Railway Station scheme.

Leicester Railway Station - Funding Support from Department for Transport

This decision related to the Leicester Station Gateway project, which involves creating a new station plaza and entrance, reconfiguring the concourse, and repurposing the historic porte-cochere. The project had an approved budget of £22.6m, funded by £17.6m of Levelling Up Government grant and £5m of council match funding. However, a procurement exercise for a main contractor was terminated due to insufficient bidders, and it became apparent that additional funding was required due to construction inflation and the cost of temporary works. The Department for Transport (DfT) had agreed to offer an additional £9.95m of Levelling Up grant, reallocated from the St Margaret's junction scheme, bringing the total project budget to £32.6m. The report indicated that further confirmation was expected regarding an additional £5 million investment from the DfT and East Midlands Railway (EMR) to enhance the development opportunity.

Terms of Reference

The commission was also scheduled to note its Terms of Reference, as outlined in Appendix A of the report pack. These terms define the role of Scrutiny Committees, which is to review and scrutinise the decisions and performance of the Executive and partners. The terms specify that Scrutiny Committees can review decisions, develop policy, question the City Mayor and officers, make recommendations, and review the performance of other public bodies. The report listed the established Scrutiny Commissions, including the Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission, and provided a link to further information on their work areas.

Membership and Meeting Dates

The commission was also due to confirm and note its membership for the 2026-27 year, with Councillor Sue Waddington listed as Chair and Councillor Ted Cassidy as Vice-Chair. Additionally, the scheduled meeting dates for the commission for 2026-27 were to be noted.