The Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure, Investment & Inclusive Growth) of Leeds Council met on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, to discuss updates on the Inclusive Growth Strategy and the 100% Digital Leeds programme. Key decisions were made regarding the future work programme and the publication of the end-of-year statement.

Inclusive Growth Update

The meeting began with an update on the Inclusive Growth Strategy, launched in September 2023. Eve Roodhouse, Chief Officer for Culture and Economy, presented the national, regional, and local economic context, highlighting delivery milestones such as the Leeds Apprenticeship Fair, which attracted 11,000 visitors in February 2024. The update also covered progress with the Leeds Anchors network and the use of the Social Progress Index (SPI) to inform council policy.

Councillor Marshall-Katung and Councillor Shahzad attended the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair, representing the Scrutiny Board. The Chair confirmed that the Council’s approach to adult skills would be included in the 2024/25 work programme as part of the Future Talent Plan.

Members sought clarification on when a business would be considered in critical financial distress and requested more detailed information on young people not in employment or education due to long-term health conditions. Officers committed to providing further details at a future meeting, noting a correlation between these figures and areas of deprivation.

Eve Roodhouse confirmed that work had begun to explore correlations between employment and health data to identify where additional support could be most effectively targeted. The Anchors Executive Group is already sharing best practices, particularly in supporting employees with mental health concerns.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor highlighted the need to balance office-based work benefits with the growing demand for flexible working. The discussion also covered the development of a new mass transit system in Leeds, with officers from various council teams working with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority on the outline business case.

Members expressed concerns about the long-term impact on outer areas if resources are targeted at areas with the highest deprivation, as indicated by the SPI. Councillor Pryor reiterated the Council’s aim to deliver amenities where needed most, using the SPI as an evidence base.

Eve Roodhouse noted that the economic disbenefit from women being excluded from the workplace would be explored in more detail at a future meeting. She also provided an overview of the Innovation Arc and its anticipated impact on productivity.

The Board resolved to note the progress made in delivering the Inclusive Growth Strategy, the updated Social Progress Index 2024, and the publication of a One Year On report in the autumn. Members expressed interest in considering issues such as young people not in education or employment due to long-term health conditions, women in work, graduate retention levels, and the development of a mass transit system during 2024/25.

100% Digital Leeds

The Board received an update on the 100% Digital Leeds programme. Amy Hearn, Digital Inclusion Manager, presented the development of the team and its community-based approach to digital inclusion. The presentation covered the scale of digital exclusion in Leeds, community engagement, and quantitative indicators illustrating the team’s activity over the past 12 months.

Jason Tutin, Head of 100% Digital Leeds, highlighted the importance of digital inclusion in the context of the cost-of-living crisis. He provided examples of successes, including securing funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and facilitating interventions to improve functional numeracy skills through the Multiply scheme.

Members queried how financial challenges had impacted the team’s priorities. Jason advised that the focus had shifted to developing relationships with organisations providing specific insights into where interventions could make the biggest difference. He also noted ongoing research led by University College London to assess the impact of digital health hubs on health inequalities in deprived communities.

Amy Hearn provided an overview of digital health hubs and work to support digital inclusion in primary care. She highlighted the personal benefits for service users, including those with mobility issues or mental health conditions.

The Board resolved to reaffirm their approval of the 100% Digital Leeds community-based approach, note the programme’s achievements over the past year, and endorse plans for its continued development. A further update will be considered by the 2024/25 Scrutiny Board.

End of Year Statement

The Chair reminded colleagues about the publication of the end-of-year summary, which includes the work programme for the municipal year and a statement reflecting on the key priorities of the Scrutiny Board. The Board approved the publication of the end-of-year statement.

Work Schedule

Members noted and recommended the draft work programme for 2024/25. They requested clarity regarding motor vehicle access to bus lanes in Leeds to inform a decision on whether the issue should be revisited by the Board in 2024/25.

The next meeting of the Scrutiny Board will take place on 26 June 2024 at 10.30am.