The Liverpool City Region Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, to discuss a range of significant issues including the proposed Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation, the Combined Authority's Q1 performance report, the Social Value Annual Report, and proposed amendments to the Mersey Tunnels Byelaws. Key decisions were made regarding the progression of the Liverpool North Docks MDC proposal, noting the contents of the performance and social value reports, and agreeing to proceed with the consultation on the Mersey Tunnels Byelaws. The committee also reviewed and updated its work programme for the upcoming year.

Verbal Update from Mayor Steve Rotheram

Mayor Steve Rotheram provided a verbal update to the committee, emphasising the importance of scrutiny and local decision-making in driving economic growth for the Liverpool City Region. He highlighted the success of devolution, citing economic growth figures and improvements in employment and skills. The Mayor also updated the committee on the launch of the first phase of bus franchising in St Helens, which he stated had been positively received.

During the subsequent discussion, councillors raised concerns about proposed changes to strategic planning powers, particularly the potential for mayoral authority to override local planning decisions. Mayor Rotheram clarified that these changes were intended to act as a substitute for the current call-in process, aiming to mediate objections from statutory organisations and expedite planning resolutions, rather than subvert local authority powers.

Concerns were also raised about ensuring that policies for employment and training adequately included individuals with learning disabilities. The Mayor reassured the committee that this demographic remained a key focus for policy development, contributing to the region's aim of achieving the most inclusive economic growth in the country.

Maintenance of bus stop infrastructure, especially in rural areas, was another point of discussion, with assurances given that the issue was under review and partnership approaches with landowners were being explored. The Mayor also addressed the potential for a good business test for developers and investors, stating that the Mayoral Development Corporation would take a more active role in procurement to assess developer commitments. He also highlighted the importance of funding for local authorities to ensure robust early-stage scrutiny of planning proposals.

Questions were posed regarding the evidence base for 100% business rates retention and the methodology for calculating Gross Value Added (GVA) metrics to avoid double-counting. The Mayor confirmed that such data was shared with government bodies and that strategies like the Local Growth Plan and Corporate Plan were used to measure progress. Clarity was also sought on the methodology for the proposed Overnight Visitor Levy, with an official announcement on the selected approach expected soon.

Regarding the Mayoral precept, it was explained that it funded key Combined Authority activities, such as the £2 bus fare cap and bus franchising, and that a minor annual increase would provide significant benefits to residents in lower property bands. The committee also discussed the consultation on Merseyrail's proposed ban on electric bikes, with a meeting held with Merseyrail to encourage wider consultation and re-examination of the decision. The Mayor acknowledged the importance of local authorities taking responsibility for their homeless populations and indicated that a report on regional homelessness would be beneficial.

Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation

The committee reviewed the outcome of the statutory consultation for the establishment of the Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC). The consultation, which ran for six weeks, received 537 responses, with approximately 85% expressing support for the MDC. Consultees highlighted the regeneration opportunities but also raised concerns regarding governance, partnership working, community engagement, and infrastructure delivery. These points will inform the development of a detailed business case.

The proposed next steps involve seeking approval from the Secretary of State for the establishment of the MDC, following presentation to the Combined Authority on 25 September 2026. The committee discussed the implications for sustainability, Section 1 of the Equality Act, and social value, requesting that the concept of good developers and investors be integrated into the MDC framework. It was clarified that while the Local Authority would retain overall planning control for minor schemes, the MDC would have increased powers for larger developments.

Following considerable debate regarding the wording of the recommendations, the committee resolved to note the contents of the report and the findings of the statutory consultation, remove recommendations concerning the sufficiency of evidence for progression and the consideration of appropriate regard to consultation issues, and note the proposed next steps and associated governance arrangements. The committee's observations and recommendations will be provided to the Mayor prior to the final Mayoral Decision.

Q1 2026-27 Performance Reporting on the Combined Authority Corporate Plan

The committee received a report summarising progress against the 2024-28 Corporate Plan during the first quarter of 2026-27. It was reported that 95% of planned activities were on track, with strong progress noted across economy, people, place, transport, and digital infrastructure. Key achievements included the completion of a feasibility report for a business scale-up vehicle, support for 152 businesses via the Growth Hub, and the mobilisation of the homelessness task force.

Two commitments were flagged as amber, requiring further work: the operation of fully accessible rail platforms and stations by 2030, and maximising the benefits of the LCR Connect broadband network.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about potential double-counting of Gross Value Added (GVA) metrics if businesses scaled up from boroughs into Liverpool city centre. The committee also sought clarity on the governance of the Visitor Levy Steering Group, progress on accessible rail platforms, and the methodology for EV charging point funding dispersal. Questions were also asked about the uptake of Skills Bootcamp places and the definition of good business. The committee resolved to note the report and the work delivered to achieve the Corporate Plan priorities, with officers to provide further updates on points raised.

Social Value Annual Report 2026

The committee reviewed the Social Value Annual Report 2026, which detailed progress in embedding social value across the Combined Authority's operations and commissioned activities. The report highlighted achievements such as increased employee volunteering, the success of the Aspire Discover Training Programme, and the provision of Care Leaver Travel Passes.

Members welcomed the inclusion of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) information and discussed the measurement of social value, suggesting alignment with the Marmot health inequalities work. It was explained that the Combined Authority supports smaller businesses and aims for a proportionate approach to measurement, rather than a rigid framework. The committee resolved to note the report and provide comments prior to its consideration by the Combined Authority, with a motion to align social value measures with Marmot health inequalities work being proposed and seconded.

Mersey Tunnels Byelaw Consultation

The committee considered proposed amendments to the Mersey Tunnels Byelaws (2003) to align them with current legislative and regulatory frameworks. Key proposed changes include a reduction in speed limits on tunnel approaches and the plaza, amendments to dangerous goods provisions with an emphasis on haulier standards and enforcement, and enhanced breakdown functions, including vehicle retention and disposal.

Members noted that some information in the accompanying spreadsheet was illegible due to technical difficulties with the PDF conversion, and this would be recirculated. Concerns were raised about tunnel lighting, particularly in the Birkenhead tunnel, and the impact of modern LED vehicle headlights. It was explained that while the issue of vehicle lighting is a national concern, the byelaws had been modified to reflect changes in vehicle technology, and tunnel lighting levels would be tested and evaluated. The committee was assured that the revised byelaws would be available in hard copy and online, and that contactless mobile phone payments would not be subject to enforcement action as vehicles are expected to be stationary. The committee resolved to note the proposed revised Mersey Tunnels Byelaws and provide comments on the changes.

Work Programme 2026-27

The committee reviewed its draft work programme for 2026-27. Members proposed several items for inclusion, including a Task and Finish Group for the Marmot City Region initiative, briefings on the climate crisis and resilience, and the impact of data centres. The tidal barrage and its potential consequences for the shoreline and wildlife were also raised, with a request for an update on its landing points and pre-decision scrutiny. A briefing on regional homelessness was also requested for the December meeting, following recent government announcements. Officers confirmed that climate resilience would be addressed and that comments on the tidal barrage would be fed back and a briefing arranged. The committee resolved to note and review the work programme, consider potential areas for scrutiny, and authorise the Statutory Scrutiny Officer, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair, to make amendments as required.