The Liverpool City Region Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, to discuss a range of important issues including the proposed Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation, performance against the Combined Authority's Corporate Plan, and updates on social value initiatives. The committee also reviewed proposed amendments to the Mersey Tunnels Byelaws and discussed the work programme for the upcoming year.

Verbal Update from Mayor Steve Rotheram

Mayor Steve Rotheram provided a verbal update to the committee, highlighting the significant economic growth and improvements in employment and housing within the Liverpool City Region since the Combined Authority was established in 2017. He detailed proposed new powers for mayors, including the introduction of an overnight visitor levy and greater retention of business rates, as well as the ongoing transformation of public transport with the return of bus services to public control in St Helens. Mayor Rotheram emphasised that devolution works and that the Liverpool City Region is a testament to this, with its economy growing at more than four times the national average. He also addressed concerns raised by councillors regarding planning powers, the inclusion of adults with learning difficulties in skills programmes, and the maintenance of bus stops in rural areas.

Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation

The committee received an update on the consultation for the establishment of the Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC). Adam Price, presenting the report, stated that 537 responses were received, with 85% in support of the MDC's establishment. Key themes from the consultation included the importance of partnership working, transparency, infrastructure delivery, and community engagement. The Mayor intends to seek the Secretary of State's approval for the MDC's establishment, with further scrutiny opportunities planned as the business case develops. Councillors raised questions regarding sustainability implications, the details of the consultation responses, and the definition of good developers and good investors. Following discussion, the committee agreed to note the contents of the report and the findings of the statutory consultation, and to take forward the points raised in the discussion to the Mayor and the Combined Authority cabinet.

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

Maria Salcedo presented the Q1 2026-27 performance report, highlighting that 95% of planned activities were rated as green, indicating they were on track. Notable achievements included the continued work of the Growth Hub, supporting 152 businesses, and the completion of a feasibility report for a business scale-up vehicle. Under the People theme, the Careers Hub engaged with 142 schools and colleges, and the Digital Inclusion Programme continued to expand. Two commitments were flagged as amber : operating fully accessible rail platforms and stations by 2030, and maximising the benefits of the LCR Connect broadband network. Councillors raised questions regarding potential double-counting of economic growth from businesses scaling up, the governance of the business scale-up vehicle, and the methodology for assessing accessible rail platforms. Further details were requested on the criteria for dispersing funding for electric vehicle charging points and the timeline for completing Broad Green Station. The committee noted the report and the work delivered to achieve the Corporate Plan priorities.

Social Value Annual Report 2026

Lucy Bridge presented the Social Value Annual Report 2026, highlighting the organisation's commitment to creating social, economic, and environmental benefits. The report detailed progress in embedding social value through employment, commissioning, and civic leadership. Key achievements included an increase in employee volunteering participation and hours, the success of the Aspire Discover Training Programme with five out of six trainees securing employment at the Combined Authority, and the provision of 61 weeks of supported work experience through the Supported Internship Programme. The report also noted the redistribution of over 300 digital devices and the growth of the Fair Employment Charter to 188 members. Councillors commended the report and raised questions about the process for reaching care leavers for travel passes, the measurement of social value, and the maximum age for care leavers to access the travel pass. The committee noted the report and agreed to consider the progress made and provide comments prior to its consideration by the Combined Authority.

Mersey Tunnels Byelaw Consultation

Liam Phelan introduced the proposed amendments to the Mersey Tunnels Byelaws (2003). The review aims to align the byelaws with current legislative and regulatory frameworks, reflecting changes in vehicle technology, user behaviour, and safety expectations. Key proposed changes include reducing speed limits on the approaches to the plaza, updating dangerous goods provisions to align with ADR regulations, and introducing a new byelaw for vehicle recovery, retention, and disposal. Councillors raised concerns about the legibility of the PDF documents, the brightness of LED lighting in the tunnels, and the future-proofing of legal changes in light of upcoming roadworks. Questions were also raised about how the public would be able to access the byelaws and the process for mobile payments at the tolls. The committee was asked to consider the proposed revisions and provide comments.

Work Programme 2026-27

Trudy Bedford presented the draft work programme for 2026-27. Suggestions for inclusion from committee members included a focus on climate action, the impact and placement of data centres, and a review of tidal energy for the Mersey, including its potential impact on shorelines and fish populations. Councillor Fadden requested a report in December on the state of homelessness across the city region, given the government's intention to end street homelessness. The committee agreed to consider and review the work programme attached at Appendix 1, use the Forward Plan of Key Decisions to identify potential areas for scrutiny, and authorised the Statutory Scrutiny Officer, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair, to make amendments to the work programme as required.