The Economic Development, Transport and Climate Emergency Scrutiny Commission of Leicester Council met on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, to discuss various topics, including updates on 20mph zones, electric vehicle (EV) charging, the Waterside development, worker exploitation in the labour market, and the Leicester and Leicester Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) arrangements.

Waterside Development

The Programme Manager and Head of Development - Planning, Development and Transport, along with the Director of Planning, Development and Transport, provided a comprehensive update on the Waterside development. The development spans around 100 acres and has been identified as a regeneration priority in the local plan. Key highlights include:

• The Council's acquisition and restoration of Friars Mill, now managed by the Chamber of Commerce, which includes both historic buildings and new office space.
• A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for 17 acres to facilitate a housing and office scheme, aiming to create competition and choice in the market.
• A £30m grant from the Leicester City Council Capital Programme, Local Growth Fund, and Right to Buy receipts for affordable housing.
• The development has attracted around £300m of private sector investment since 2015, creating approximately 1,000 student bed places, houses, and apartments, along with office and leisure space.

The Commission discussed various aspects of the development, including public spaces, flood risk management, and the involvement of contractors like Keepmoat Homes. The Chair praised the project as a significant achievement and requested a report on the issues discussed and a site visit to the Waterside development.

Electric Vehicle Charging

The Vice-Chair provided an update on the informal scrutiny work on Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points in the city. The task group has completed its first meeting, focusing on the current situation and available funding streams. Future meetings will invite stakeholders to provide insights and opinions. The next sessions are scheduled for 9 and 29 April and will be held via Microsoft Teams. Members were invited to suggest stakeholders who could contribute.

Labour Market: Worker Exploitation

The Head of Economic Regeneration submitted a report on worker exploitation in sectors other than textiles. Dr Nik Hammer, Director of the Future of Work Cluster at the University of Leicester, assisted with the discussion. Key points included:

• The establishment of a Labour Market Partnership to address concerns in the textiles sector.
• The Council's limited powers in labour exploitation enforcement, which lies with national agencies.
• The appointment of a Community Safety Coordinator to work with national regulators and communities.
• Proposed research to assess labour exploitation across all sectors, supported by the University of Leicester.

The Commission discussed the importance of mapping businesses engaged in exploitation and working with partner agencies. The Chair requested that the issue be brought to the first meeting of the next municipal year.

LLEP Arrangements

The Director of Tourism, Culture and Inward Investment submitted a report on the impact of the Leicester and Leicester Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and the transfer of its functions to Leicester City Council. Key points included:

• Changes in government policy towards a bigger role for upper-tier authorities and elected leaders.
• The phasing out of the LLEP Board and the establishment of a new structure to engage businesses and partners.
• Retention of the nationally renowned careers hub and the redesign of services.
• The use of LLEP reserves to support staff and services until March 2026.

The Commission discussed the integration plan, the voice of businesses in advising elected leaders, and the accountability of council-led functions. Further details about the decision to support IBM with a £1m grant were requested.

20mph Zones Informal Scrutiny

The Chair provided an update on the informal scrutiny work on 20mph zones in the city. The report and recommendations had been approved by the Commission and presented to the Executive, who were impressed by the approach taken. The Executive's response will show how the recommendations will be implemented.

Work Programme

The informal scrutiny on 24-hour bus lanes was upheld while awaiting government guidance. This guidance is now available, and it was requested to be put on the agenda for the first meeting of the municipal year. The work programme was noted.