Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

LCR Combined Authority

Mayor Joanne Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool City Council

Co-opted Members

Asif Hamid MBE, Chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership

Associate Member

Councillor Russ Bowden, Leader of Warrington Council

Councillor Yvonne Gagen, Leader of West Lancashire Council

Deputy Portfolio Holders

Councillor Marion Atkinson

Councillor Kate Groucutt

Councillor Trish Hardy

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the meeting of the LCR Combined Authority held on 16 December 2022 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive updates from the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram provided Members with an update on his recent activities and key developments since the last meeting of the LCR Combined Authority.

The Metro Mayor highlighted the budget proposals that would be considered later in the meeting, and their significance for the organisation moving into the next financial year. The Metro Mayor stated that despite the significant global and national factors that had made budget-setting uniquely challenging, the Combined Authority remained resolute in the desire to protect local people from the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and to deliver on the commitment to deliver a London-style integrated transport system, to grow the local economy and to improve the lives of the 1.6m residents of the City Region.

The Metro Mayor referred to the recent announcement of the second round of allocations of the Government’s Levelling Up fund and the disappointing outcomes for the Liverpool City Region, particularly in relation to bids for schemes in Bootle, Liscard, West Everton and Huyton, while welcoming funding for Earlestown and Halewood. The Metro Mayor expressed frustrations with the Government’s competitive approach, particularly in the context of deep cuts to public spending and the lack of support for areas of significant inequalities, and called on the Government to abandon it in favour of long term sustainable funding to local authorities and regions.

Cllrs Williamson, Morgan and Lake referred to schemes in their own areas that had not been successful, echoing the frustration of the Metro Mayor in relation to the process for bidding for funding and unfairness of the allocations to areas of the country in less need of investment. They also expressed their disappointment and frustration at the lack of courtesy from the Government in releasing information about the allocations to the press, albeit under embargo, before having notified the councils involved.

The Metro Mayor welcomed the agreement reached between Merseyrail and ASLEF (the train drivers union) that would finally see the region’s brand-new trains coming into service as soon as the following week, after delays caused by a range of range of factors, some of which were outside of the control of the Combined Authority. It was hoped that the £0.5 billion publicly-owned fleet would serve as an exemplar to Government and others because

·       the new rolling stock was amongst the most sophisticated and accessible trains in the UK, with revolutionary battery technology;

·       City Region had chosen to buy and retain ownership of its own trains rather than lease them from private operators;

·       the Combined Authority had worked with trade unions and train operator to conduct meaningful negotiations, meaning there had not been a single day of strike action on the Merseyrail network during the past five years.

The Metro Mayor emphasised that the new trains as part of a broader agenda to improve transport and connectivity that included taking back control of the bus network, investing in active travel and simplifying and integrate ticketing that would build a transport network that was cheaper, faster, cleaner and more  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

To consider a report of the Executive Director of Corporate Services and the Portfolio Holder for Policy, Reform and Resources.

The Metro Mayor presented his 2023/24 budget proposals to the LCR Combined Authority and provided a summary of the key elements contained in the report.

The Metro Mayor highlighted the challenging prevailing conditions in which the budget had been prepared, including high inflation, rising energy and wage costs and supply chain pressures, as well as rising interest rates impact on the delivery of the buses, trains and other infrastructure projects. There were increased costs to reduce the environmental impact of Combined Authority operations, but that there would be no retreating from the commitments to Net Zero, tackling the climate emergency and efforts to improve air quality. Despite these challenges, the proposals for 2023/24 would ensure a balanced budget was set, and contribute to the sustainability of the Combined Authority’s finances for future years.

The Metro Mayor confirmed that the proposal was to again freeze the Mayoral Precept at the same level as when it was first introduced, which for most households was between £12 and £14 per year. He highlighted that he would submit proposals in future years on how to use the precept to support plans for bus reform.

It was also confirmed that increases to the Transport Levy, paid by each of the constituent authorities, would be capped at 2.95% – despite inflation being over 10% - in recognition of the ongoing challenge for councils that had been amongst the most impacted after 13 years of austerity.

The Combined Authority had already agreed to increase revenues from the Mersey Tunnels through targeted changes, with charges remaining below the Authorised Rate (of £2.50) for Class one vehicles and discounted for all other classes.

Merseyrail and use of the network had recovered strongly from the pandemic but there were nevertheless operational pressures that the budget would seek to address.

Specifically in relation to buses, the Metro Mayor reported that further decisions on the reform of the bus network would be needed in the future if a London-style public transport system were to be realised through re-regulation, but this budget proposal would support that aspiration. Bus patronage had not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels so the network required subsidies, without which services would be severely impacted. By attracting more paying passengers, the total available to support the network would increase. The decision last year to introduce a cap on adult fares of £2 – (£1 for young people) was proposed to continue through the allocation of a further £46m to support one of the most generous concessionary travel scheme in the country.

The Metro Mayor confirmed that in relation to Halton, which was not part of the ‘Merseytravel’ footprint on joining the Combined Authority, the previous arrangements for financing of transport functions would continue. He also referred to the ongoing and positive discussions with Halton Council, led by Cllr Wharton, on the integration of transport services and infrastructure.

The Metro Mayor stated that 2023/24 had been designated as the year of

delivery to reflect the significant activity planned, that included:

·       new  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

To consider a report of the Executive Director for Investment and Delivery and the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Spatial Framework

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Executive Director – Investment and Delivery and the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Spatial Framework seeking approval to accept the funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy for Wave 2.1 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and to allocate funds, subject to funding being received.

The Portfolio Holder highlighted the success of local partners in retrofitting properties and welcomed the opportunity this funding would give to improve a further 4,300 properties that would mean better homes, improve health outcomes and tackle increasing fuel costs for residents.

RESOLVED – That, in relation to the Social Housing Decarbonisaton Fund Wave 2.1:

(i)         the progress made towards achieving Wave 1 Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund outcomes across the City Region, and the application to BEIS for up to £32million of further grant funding under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.1 be noted;

(ii)        subject to a positive outcome for the bid, authority be delegated to the Executive Director – Investment and Delivery in consultation with the Combined Authority Treasurer and the Monitoring Officer to accept the funding and approve entry into funding agreements with LCR Registered Providers of social housing to deliver Wave 2.1 outcomes; and

(iii)       authority be delegated to the Executive Director – Investment and Delivery in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Spatial Planning, the Treasurer and the Monitoring Officer to make such adjustments to funding allocations and agreements, delivery arrangements and programming of works as may be required to deliver Wave 2.1 outcomes in an effective and efficient manner across the Liverpool City Region.

Report of the Executive Director - Investment and Delivery and the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Spatial Framework

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Executive Director – Investment & Delivery and the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Spatial Framework seeking approval to undertake procurement to deliver the Accommodation for Ex-Offenders scheme from April 2023 until April 2025.

The Portfolio Holder highlighted the success achieved in providing specialist support to ex-offenders and how this proposal would build on that success.

The Police and Crime Commissioner welcomed the funding and opportunity for partners to work together to keep people out of prison and build stable lives.

RESOLVED – That, in relation to the Accommodation for Ex-Offenders Scheme:

(i)      subject to confirmation and receipt of funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the allocation of up to £1,040,600 from DLUHC from the Accommodation for Ex-Offenders Fund be approved as follows:

a.    £143,500 to Sefton and St Helens Councils to fund two Homelessness Prison Leaver Officers working across Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral to ensure homelessness assessments are completed;

b.    £263,500 to Halton and Knowsley Councils to deliver the service in Halton and Knowsley:

                     i.     £143,500 to fund two Homelessness Prison Leaver Officers;

                    ii.     £120,000 for personalisation budget

c.     £613,100 to the commissioned service to operate in Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral, including personalisation; and

d.    £20,500 for contract monitoring costs for the Combined Authority.

(ii)   authority be delegated to the Executive Director - Investment and Delivery in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Spatial Framework and the Combined Authority Treasurer and Monitoring Officer to make such changes to the proposed funding allocations at resolution (i) above as may be necessary to reflect any change to the amount or terms of the funding received from DLUHC or to enable service delivery objectives to be met across the Liverpool City Region, and

(iii) authority be delegated to the Executive Director - Investment and Delivery in consultation with the Treasurer and Monitoring Officer to finalise the terms of contractual arrangements with the successful bidder and local authorities.

Report of the Executive Director - Investment and Delivery and the Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economy and Third Sector

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Executive Director – Investment & Delivery and the Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economy and Third Sector proposing the extension of the Flexible Growth Fund’s Investment Period and the existing Fund Manager Agreement with not-for-profit River Capital until the March 2024.

The Portfolio Holder highlighted the success of the Fund since it was launched in 2020 in providing £4.61m in grants to support nine businesses and creating at least 100 new jobs while safeguarding 140 more and leveraging approximately £12m of private investment into the City Region.

RESOLVED – That, in relation to the Flexible Growth Fund:

    (i)         the extension of the Fund’s Investment period to the 31st of March 2024 be agreed;

   (ii)         the extension of the existing Fund Manager Agreement with River Capital to the 31st of March 2024 be agreed, and

 (iii)         authority be delegated to the Executive Director - Investment and Delivery in consultation with the Combined Authority Monitoring Officer and Treasurer to finalise extension arrangements and implement identified improvements to the Flexible Growth Fund.

To consider a report of the Executive Director for Investment & Delivery and the Portfolio Holder for Policy, Reform & Resources

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Executive Director – Investment & Delivery and the Portfolio Holder for Policy, Reform and Resources providing and update on the plans for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) following approval from the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities for the Combined Authority’s Investment Plan, and seeking approval for the proposed governance and assurance arrangements for the management of the Fund.

The Metro Mayor emphasised that the proposals would allow the Combined Authority to deliver the Fund at pace and support local authorities and other partners in their ambitions. He also stressed that the resources that would be received would mean the City Region would be significantly worse off under the UKSPF than would have been the case with EU funding.

RESOLVED – That, in relation to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF):

  (i)        confirmation from Central Government of the award of the UKSPF grant funding offer of £44.38m for the Liverpool City Region be noted;

 (ii)        the approval of Liverpool City Region UKSP Investment Plan by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities be noted;

(iii)        the changes that have been made to the Liverpool City Region UKSP Delivery Plan to support efficient and effective delivery of the priorities set out in the Investment Plan be noted;

(iv)        the governance and assurance arrangements for the Liverpool City Region UKSPF Programme as set out in the report be approved, and

(v)        authority be delegated to the Executive Director – Investment and Delivery in consultation with the Combined Authority Treasurer and Monitoring Officer and in accordance with the Liverpool City Region UKSPF Programme governance and assurance arrangements to:

a.      commission, negotiate, award, enter into and vary such arrangements and legal agreements as may be necessary or appropriate to implement the Delivery Plan; and

b.      make such changes to the Delivery Plan as may be necessary or appropriate to secure efficient and effective delivery of the Investment Plan priorities within available UKSPF financial resources, provided such changes do not have a major impact on how funding is allocated between different priorities or themes within the Delivery Plan.

To consider a report of the Executive Director for Investment and Delivery and the Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economy and Third Sector

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Executive Director – Investment & Delivery and the Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economy and Third Sector seeking approval for changes to previously agreed Strategic Investment Fund approvals for Transforming Cities Fund Walking and Cycling Schemes in Liverpool and Wirral.

The Portfolio Holder emphasised that the proposals would have no additional financial impact on the Combined Authority but was an extension to the project timetables. 

RESOLVED – That in relation to the previously agreed Strategic Investment Fund Projects, approval be given to:

(i)     the material changes to work package 1 of the Transforming Cities Fund Walking and Cycling scheme as requested by Liverpool City Council, indicated in paragraphs 3.1 – 3.10 of the report and the extension of time for completion to June 2023, and

(ii)    the material changes to work package 7 of the Transforming Cities Fund Walking and Cycling scheme as requested by Wirral Borough Council, indicated in paragraphs 3.11 to 3.16 of the report and the extension of time for completion to June 2023.

To consider a report of the Executive Director for Place and the Deputy Portfolio Holder for Transport and Air Quality

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Executive Director – Place and the Deputy Portfolio Holder for Air Quality and Transportation seeking adoption of a Active Travel Wayfinding Manual and associated guidelines for the delivery of wayfinding scheme across the Liverpool City Region.

The Deputy Portfolio Holder emphasised the importance of this initiative to encourage and support active travel by making it easier for the traveling public to engage with options other than driving.

RESOLVED – That the Liverpool City Region Active Travel Wayfinding Manual be approved for all new signage on active travel routes, pending authorisation from the Department for Transport, and authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Place to make such changes to the Manual as may be necessary to reflect any feedback received from the Department for Transport, provided such changes do not have a material impact on principles and approach set out in the report.

To consider a report of the Executive Director for Place and the Deputy Portfolio Holder for Transport and Air Quality

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Executive Director – Place and the Deputy Portfolio Holder for Air Quality and Transportation seeking adoption of Cycle Parking Guidelines for the delivery of cycle storage across the Liverpool City Region.

The Deputy Portfolio Holder highlighted how the lack of good quality, secure cycle shortage was often a barrier to many in taking up cycling as an alternative to driving, and how these guidelines would help ensure greater priority was given to overcome that barrier.

RESOLVED – That the Liverpool City Region Cycle Parking Guidelines for all new cycle storage on active travel routes be approved.

To consider a report of the Executive Director for Policy, Strategy and Government Relations and the Portfolio Holder for Policy, Reform and Resources

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Executive Director – Policy, Strategy and Government Relations and the Portfolio Holder Policy, Reform and Resources providing an update on the work in the previous 12 months of the Mersey Dee Alliance, a cross-border partnership which recognises the shared economic, social and environmental interests across North-East Wales, West Cheshire and the Wirral.

Cllr Williamson, the LCRCA representative and Chair of the Alliance Board, highlighted the Alliance’s development of a £200m cross border recovery deal submitted to the Welsh and UK Government, as the Mersey Dee area had experienced a greater loss of economic value than the UK average. The submission focused on addressing four main areas: Low Carbon, Transport, Place, and Business, Skills & Digital. The proposed deal would have a wider benefit to the Liverpool City Region as it included complimentary projects such as a Hydrogen Demonstrator scheme and a plan to join up the LCR Connect digital project and Dig Once approach with similar projects in the wider Mersey Dee area.

RESOLVED – That the work of the Mersey Dee Alliance to secure funding and stimulate economic recovery throughout its cross-border region be noted and the Combined Authority’s commitment to continue to work in partnership as part of the Alliance to seek to achieve its priorities be confirmed.

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer and the Portfolio Holder for Policy, Reform and Resources.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Monitoring Officer and the Portfolio Holder for Policy, Reform and Resources seeking approval to make nominations to outside bodies to fill vacancies that had arisen following recent resignations of Members and Officers.

RESOLVED – That the following nominations to Outside Bodies be approved:

  (i)           Cllr Steve Foulkes, Deputy Portfolio Holder for Transport & Air Quality as the substitute member to the following Transport for the North bodies:-

·        Board and Partnership Board

·        Rail North Committee

·        General Purposes Committee

 (ii)           Councillor Kate Groucutt, Deputy Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economy and Third Sector, and Dr Aileen Jones as Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Representatives and Board Directors of the Chrysalis Fund Board.

Members of the public will be given the opportunity to ask questions which have been submitted in accordance with Meetings Standing Orders No. 11. A period of 30 minutes will be allocated for this item. Copies of valid questions will be circulated at the meeting.

Members of the public who wish to submit questions are asked to contact Democratic Services either by:

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0151 330 1330

In writing: Democratic Services, LCR Combined Authority, PO Box 1976, No. 1 Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP.

A proforma will be supplied for the submission of public questions which for this meeting must be returned by 5.00pm on Monday 16 January 2023.

There were no public questions submitted.

Members of the public who wish to submit a single position or statement in accordance with Meetings Standing Orders No. 11 are asked to contact Democratic Services either by:

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0151 330 1330

In writing: Democratic Services, LCR Combined Authority, PO Box 1976, No. 1 Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP.

The single petition or statement for this meeting must be returned by 5.00pm on Monday, 16 January 2023.

Members of the public were given the opportunity to submit petitions or make statements in accordance with the Meetings Standing Order No. 11.

Two members of the public had indicated they wished to address the meeting.

(i)          The first statement was made by Jaxx Carter who referred to changes to the Merseyrail timetable that meant services only stopped at Bromborough Rake and Green Lane stations once every 30 minutes in an effort to improve the punctuality of the Chester line services. He referred to the fact no other stations on this line were affected and that the rationale used by Merseyrail was because these stations had the lowest footfall. Reference was also made to a constructive public meeting in December between Merseyrail and the local MP and statements made that the changes had been necessary because of directions from the Rail Regulator, although no evidence has been provided. The Combined Authority was asked, as ‘franchiser’, how Merseyrail were allowed to make this decision.

In response, the Metro Mayor acknowledged the concerns of services users about the changes to the timetables. He referred to the extensive discussion and debate of the matter at the Transport Committee on 10 November 2022 at which a senior Merseyrail Manager responded to concerns and gave assurances that these changes were only temporary operational necessities. The Metro Mayor stated that Cllr Williamson had made representations on behalf of residents to ensure these changes were as short lived as possible. He further stated that the new trains being introduced would mean that passengers would be able to enjoy improved services by the end of the year.

The Metro Mayor undertook to provide a fuller response in writing within the next 10 days.

(ii)        The second statement was made by Kieran Murphy who referred to the variability in disability access across Merseyrail services, and on the Chester line in particular where only half of the stations were wheelchair accessible, which was suggested was a breach of the Equality Act 2010. It was stated that the decision to reduce services stopping at Bromborough Rake, which was the only accessible station between Hooton and Bebington, was in disregard for disabled passengers in this area of Wirral. He called on the Combined Authority to remove the ‘franchise’ from Merseyrail for breaching the Equality Act.

In response, the Metro Mayor welcomed the raising of important issues about accessibility and his ambition to improve public transport so that it was a network for all. In this regard, he referred to progress that had been made with new trains that were the most accessible in the country; the programme of platform works that would transform rail travel for people with disabilities; the Access for All programme of new lifts at stations, with recent completions at  at Birkenhead Park, Hillside, and Hunts Cross and bids for works at ten further sites, with 70% of the network now being step free and ambition to reach 100%. The Metro Mayor acknowledged that his and the Combined Authority’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110.