Agenda and minutes

There were no appeals against refusals of inspection of documents.

There were no items excluded from the public domain.

There were no late items.

To disclose or draw attention to any interests in accordance with Leeds City Council’s ‘Councillor Code of Conduct’.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive any apologies for absence and notification of substitutes.

Apologies were received from the following Board Members:

-  Cllr J Lennox

-  Cllr W Kidger

Cllr J Pryor also requested that his apologies be noted in relation to item 8.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2022.

Updates were requested via the Principal Scrutiny Advisor in relation to minute 20 and 22.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes be noted.

To receive an update on the progress made on the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme between April 2017 and July 2022.  

Individuals present for this item were:

Cllr Helen Hayden   – Executive Member

Gary Bartlett   – Chief Officer Transportation & Highways

Sabby Khaira   – Programme Executive LPTIP

Gary Bartlett introduced the item, providing an update on progress with the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP) since the last scrutiny update in September 2020.

The Board noted the short time frame in which works had to be completed in line with DFT requirements and the enormous pressure that created for the team. Recent challenges included the Covid-19 pandemic and inflationary pressures affecting the construction industry.

Congratulations were extended to the team for several awards for the LPTIP scheme, including Team of the Year from the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation.

Gary outlined the context for the programme, noting that schemes were informed by the city Transport Conversation, which highlighted walking, cycling and public transport as priorities. He also noted that due to the timeframes determined by the grant funding the team adopted an ‘overprogramming’ approach. 

The actual and forecast spend for the programme were discussed, along with levels of additional external funding secured by the programme team.

Members welcomed the social value delivered via LPTIP, noting the numbers of apprenticeships for people in Leeds and local people employed.  Members sought information about the learning that could be used to inform future infrastructure schemes, particularly regarding training and skills.

It was suggested that it would be useful to secure more detailed information about those involved in future schemes – e.g. to understand how many people from the most disadvantaged communities have been helped into work, and the number of people from communities traditionally underrepresented in sectors such as construction.

Additional matters considered by the Scrutiny Board included:

-  Progress towards Alwoodley Park and Ride Scheme

-  Plans to improve transport infrastructure in outer areas of the city

-  Delivery of new buses

It was noted that the next meeting of the Scrutiny Board will focus on advancing bus provision in the city and there will be opportunity to consider issues such as levels of bus patronage post-pandemic.

It was agreed that a ward member briefing would be provided to Ardsley and Robin Hood councillors about the Leeds Road bus priority scheme.

Gary Bartlett agreed to refer concerns to WYCA about the development of a new White Rose station and access from Ardsley to Outwood Station. It was noted that the location of the White Rose station has been determined by Network Rail as opposed to the Council.

Members were asked to note the ambitions set out in the Transport Strategy, which was agreed by Executive Board in October 2021.

Clarification was sought as to how ‘pedestrian experience’ of LPTIP schemes has been assessed, and how the learning from that experience will inform future transport schemes.

The timescales for evaluating the impact of LPTIP were outlined.

Members welcomed the positive improvements to the city centre and the increased priority for pedestrians, cyclists and buses.

Gary Bartlett provided further information about the rationale for restricting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

To receive an update on the recently launched Future Talent Plan.

Individuals in attendance for this item were:

Eve Roodhouse   - Chief Officer Culture & Economy

Fiona Bolam   - Head of Economic Policy

Eve Roodhouse outlined the development of the Future Talent Plan since the Executive Board approved of the plan and the delivery approach in March 2022.

Eve set out the vision reflected in the plan and the ambition to take a partnership approach to improving talent and skills in Leeds.

Given the economic context, the need to be agile and outward facing in approach was noted. The Scrutiny Board welcomed the visible links to the inclusive growth agenda on the website.

The Scrutiny Board was updated on achievements to date including the Leeds Digital Festival, which aimed to attract a diverse range of people to digital opportunities in Leeds.

Further information was provided about activity with key partners including Leeds City College and Leeds Trinity University. Members considered the impact of the P-TECH programme, which offers the opportunity for students to develop skills and competencies for STEM careers.

The Board explored some of the ways in which partnerships are helping to ensure that some of the ‘hardest to reach’ young people can access opportunities to develop their skills. Eve also outlined how the Council can help connect those with particular skills to meet gaps in the local economy – for example, connecting illustrators with employers in the gaming industry.

Board members discussed the first SEND careers festival, which was held at Leeds Arena in September 2022 and the potential legacy of Leeds 2023 for creative industries.  

Members sought clarification about activity to support those needing to reskill, change careers or re-enter the labour market after a period of economic inactivity.

Concern was expressed about those unable to work due to long-term ill health. Eve highlighted the ongoing work with the Leeds inclusive Anchors Network to collectively promote and support the wellbeing of almost 60k employees. Eve agreed to explore whether there is scope to secure more data about those unable to work due to long term illness.

Other matters raised by the Scrutiny Board included:

-  Support for young people who do not have access to the internet or personal devices at home.

-  Community engagement with 100% Digital Leeds team.

-  Engagement with local broadcasters including Chanel 4 and Screen Yorkshire to encourage the development of digital and specialist craft skills.

The Scrutiny Board requested a breakdown of universal credit claimants by ward.

Members considered the challenges associated with measuring the impact of some initiatives and noted that some of the quantitative information available will feed into performance monitoring through the Best City Ambition KPIs.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

Cllr Lay left the meeting after this item.

To consider the Scrutiny Board’s work schedule for the 2022/23 municipal year.

RESOLVED:

That the work schedule for 2022/23 be noted.

The next meeting of the Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure, Investment & Inclusive Growth) will take place on Wednesday 2 November at 10.30am. There will be a pre-meeting for all members of the Board at 10.15am.

RESOLVED:

The next meeting of the Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure, Investment & Inclusive Growth) will take place on Wednesday 2 November at 10.30am. There will be a pre-meeting for all members of the Board at 10.15am.