Agenda, decisions and minutes

At this point, Members are asked to declare:

·        any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests

·        any prejudicial interests or

·        any disclosable pecuniary interests

which they may have in respect of business on this agenda.

Members were asked to declare, at this point in the meeting, any personal interests, not included on the Register of Interests, or any prejudicial or disclosable pecuniary interests they may have in respect of business on the agenda. No additional interests were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 7 October 2014.

Resolved:           That the minutes of the last meeting of Cabinet held on 7 October 2014 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record

At this point in the meeting members of the public who have registered to speak can do so.  The deadline for registering is 5.00pm on Monday 15 December 2014.  Members of the public can speak on agenda items or matters within the remit of the committee.

To register to speak please contact the Democracy Officer for the meeting, on the details at the foot of the agenda.

Filming, Recording or Webcasting Meetings

“Please note this meeting will be filmed and webcast and that includes any registered public speakers, who have given their permission.  This broadcast can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

Residents are welcome to photograph, film or record Councillors and Officers at all meetings open to the press and public. This includes the use of social media reporting, i.e. tweeting.  Anyone wishing to film, record or take photos at any public meeting should contact the Democracy Officer (whose contact details are at the foot of this agenda) in advance of the meeting.

The Council’s protocol on Webcasting, Filming & Recording of Meetings ensures that these practices are carried out in a manner both respectful to the conduct of the meeting and all those present.  It can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/download/3130/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings

It was reported that there had been two registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme and that five Members of Council had also requested to speak on items, details of which are set out below:

Capital Programme – Monitor Two 2014/15

Cllr Healey stated that he would have like to have seen further details in relation to the capital programme and capital receipts. He also referred to the optimistic take up in respect of green waste outlined in the report.

Rewiring Public Services: Adult Social Care and Place Based Services

Heather McKenzie, on behalf of UNISON, expressed concern at the engagement process and the need to manage expectations in relation to these proposals. She referred to the need for improved commissioning, highlighting the high level of service provided by reliable public service staff and suggesting that outsourcing could lead to poorer outcomes for vulnerable residents. She also referred to the effects of rewiring on staff and to possible impacts on jobs and the local economy.

Cllr Reid spoke to express her disappointment at proposed cuts to basic services which included the removal of pest control services, charges for garden waste collections, cuts to street cleaning and litter bins. She referred to the negative effects on the land fill tax and requesting Cabinet to focus on basic services.

Tour de Yorkshire

John Hayes spoke on behalf of the Bishopthorpe Road traders to express his full support for the inaugural ‘Tour de Yorkshire’ event being hosted in the city in May 2015. He referred to the potential benefits for the city following Bishopthorpe Roads recent experience of the Tour de France.

Andrea Dudding, on behalf of UNISON, expressed concern at the costs involved in hosting this event when cuts were being made to front line services. She went on to question the level of financial benefits for the city and the employment status of the report authors.

York Guildhall – Creating a Digital Media and Arts Centre

Cllr Cuthbertson spoke to express his concern at the financing of the Guildhall project, the options put forward for consideration and the risks involved. He referred to the lack of a business case for the project particularly costs and income streams.

Cllr Watson spoke to support the need to secure the future of the Guildhall, an iconic building, but questioned the viability of a restaurant in this location. He also questioned the risks involved with proposed uses of the building owing to continued use of the adjacent Mansion House, yard and garages by future Lord Mayor’s.

Cllr Healey confirmed that his issues in respect of this report had now been raised by earlier speakers.

York UNESCO City of Media Arts

Cllr Healey confirmed that he had now received an Officer briefing in respect of the cost benefits of these proposals.

City of York Local Plan – Housing Numbers

Cllr Orrell confirmed his recognition of the need for more homes in rural areas but confirming that Ward Members and residents  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

Members received and noted details of those items on the Forward Plan for the next two Cabinet meetings, at the time the agenda was published.

This report sets  out the key deliverables of the capital programme and projected outturn position for 2014/15 including any under/ over spends and adjustments, along with requests to re-profile budgets to/from current and future years.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Approve the use of £200k capital contingency for the works on the Councils existing Elderly Persons Homes to ensure they pass Care Quality Commission inspection.

(ii)          Note the 2014/15 revised budget of £72.555m as set out in paragraph 5 and Table 1 of the report.

(iii)        Note the restated capital programme for 2014/15 – 2018/19 as set out in paragraph 50, Table 2 and detailed in Annex A.

Reason:          To enable the effective management and monitoring of the Council’s capital programme

Consideration was given to a report which set out details of the individual schemes under the Council’s capital programme and the projected outturn position for 2014/15.

It was noted that there was a decrease of £3.764m in the monitor which resulted in a revised capital programme of £72.555m, the majority of which was due to re-profiling to budgets to future years. Details of the variances against each portfolio areas was shown at Table 1 of the report with details of the key exceptions and implications for the programme reported and summarised in the 5 year programme at Table 2.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Approve the use of £200k capital contingency for the works on the Councils existing Elderly Persons Homes to ensure they pass Care Quality Commission inspection.

(ii)          Note the 2014/15 revised budget of £72.555m as set out in paragraph 5 and Table 1 of the report.

(iii)        Note the restated capital programme for 2014/15 – 2018/19 as set out in paragraph 50, Table 2 and detailed in Annex A. ^1.

Reason:          To enable the effective management and monitoring of the Council’s capital programme

This report presents details of the Council’s financial position for the period covering 1 April to 30 September 2014.

Resolved:           That Cabinet agree to note the current financial position of the Council as set out in the 2014/15 Finance Monitor.

Reason: To ensure expenditure is kept within the approved budget.

Consideration was given to a report which presented details of the Council’s financial position for the period 1 April to 30 September 2014.

It was noted that the Council faced financial pressures of £1,309k, an improvement of £1,015k compared to Monitor 1. Details of the main variations and any mitigating actions proposed were set out in detail in the report .

The Cabinet Member referred to the continuing financial pressures and to the significant progress made in improving the situation.

Resolved:           That Cabinet agree to note the current financial position of the Council as set out in the 2014/15 Finance Monitor.

Reason: To ensure expenditure is kept within the approved budget.

This report presents details of the Council’s performance covering 1 April to 30 September 2014. This is the second report of the financial year and assesses performance against key themes, including Council Plan Priorities.

Resolved: That Cabinet agree to note the Council’s current performance against its key priorities as set out in the 2014/15 Performance Monitor.

Reason: To update Members on the performance of the Council in relation to the priorities set out in the Council Plan.

Consideration was given to the  Quarter 2 update of the York Monitor  which covered the period 1 April to 30 September 2014, and assessed performance against key themes, including the Council Plan Priorities.

Resolved: That Cabinet agree to note the Council’s current performance against its key priorities as set out in the 2014/15 Performance Monitor.

Reason: To update Members on the performance of the Council in relation to the priorities set out in the Council Plan.

This report provides Members with a mid year update on treasury management activities as required through regulations issued under Part 1 of the Local Government Act 2003 and the revised 2011 (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) Code of Practice for Treasury Management (as revised).

Resolved:           That, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2003 (revised), Cabinet agree to:

(i)     Note the Treasury Management activities to date in 2014/15 as set out in the report.

(ii)   Note the Prudential Indicators set out at Annex A and note the compliance with all indicators.

Reason:     To ensure the continued performance of the Council’s Treasury Management function.

Members considered a report which provided an update on treasury management activities for the period 1 April 2014 to October 2014, to ensure that the Council was implementing best practice in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Code of Practice for Treasury Management (as revised).

Details of the present economic background and its effect on the Annual Investment Strategy and Portfolio were set out at paragraphs 4 to 24 of the report.

Information on the monitoring of the Prudential Indicators (PI’s) to ensure that the Council had operated within the treasury limits and PI’s was also attached at Annex A.

Resolved:           That, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2003 (revised), Cabinet agree to:

(i)     Note the Treasury Management activities to date in 2014/15 as set out in the report.

(ii)   Note the Prudential Indicators set out at Annex A and note the compliance with all indicators.

Reason:     To ensure the continued performance of the Council’s Treasury Management function.

This report is part of a six monthly review process to inform Cabinet of the progress made in delivering the work of the Financial Inclusion Steering Group together with an update on the performance, and demand for YFAS since April 2014, including comparative data from 2013/14.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Note the performance of the York Financial Assistance Scheme for the first 5 months of 2014/15 as compared to 2013/14.

(ii)          The changes to the scheme proposed in the report with the final detail to be approved by the Director of Customer and Business Support Services in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Performance before implementation by 1st April 2015.

(iii)        Commit to maintaining the YFAS funding at its current levels (inclusive of grant) and considering in principle (subject to the full budget approval), the use of additional council tax from technical changes introduced 1 April 2014 being directed towards the YFAS scheme from April 2015.

(iv)        Approve the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (s13) at Annex C of the report.

Reason:   To ensure Cabinet can properly plan for future financial pressures relating to the York Financial Assistance Scheme.

Consideration was given to a report which informed Cabinet of progress made in delivering the work of the Financial Inclusion Steering Group. In particular the performance of York’s Financial Assistance Scheme (YFAS) and noting that the Government would  commit to make a final decision in respect of funding shortly, to allow the Council to plan for provision during 2015/16.  

Building on the progress and achievements of previous years the report outlined the key successes of 2014/15 which included details of all grants made to date. It was noted that following discussions with agencies in the York Benefits Forum a list of measures had been put forward that could be applied to YFAS to bring about changes which would allow continued delivery of the service by CYC Customer Services.

Following consultation the following options had been put forward for consideration:

1.          No change to the scheme but consider the investment required to continue the current arrangements;

2.          Adopt the changes outlined in the report and again consider the financial commitment to be made to the scheme in future years;

3.          Cease the scheme.  Whilst all claim expenditure will stop, there will be the additional redundancies of two staff members and associated costs to fund.

The Cabinet Member referred to the high level of uptake for emergency assistance by residents, who often found themselves in desperate situations and to the robust checks undertaken to ensure a persons eligibility.

Following further discussions it was

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Note the performance of the York Financial Assistance Scheme for the first 5 months of 2014/15 as compared to 2013/14.

(ii)          The changes to the scheme proposed in the report with the final detail to be approved by the Director of Customer and Business Support Services in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Performance before implementation by 1st April 2015. ^1.

(iii)        Commit to maintaining the YFAS funding at its current levels (inclusive of grant) and considering in principle (subject to the full budget approval), the use of additional council tax from technical changes introduced 1 April 2014 being directed towards the YFAS scheme from April 2015.

(iv)        Approve the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (s13) at Annex C of the report. ^2.

Reason:   To ensure Cabinet can properly plan for future financial pressures relating to the York Financial Assistance Scheme.

This report provides Cabinet with details of new applications for Discretionary Rate Relief for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2017.  The paper sets out the council’s available budget and asks Members to approve any new awards based upon available funding.        

Resolved: That Cabinet approve the new applications for discretionary rate relief set out at Annex A of the report;

Reason:     To provide a transparent process for awarding discretionary rate relief as approved by Cabinet in February 2013. 

Members considered a report which set out details of new applications for Discretionary Rate Relief (DRR) received by the Council for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2017.

Information had been provided on the areas where DRR could be awarded together with details of the qualifying criteria under which each application had been assessed. Annex A of the report set out the organisations and clubs recommended to receive top up discretionary relief for 2 years from April 2015 and Annex B, existing organisations who did not reapply and those that applied but had been declined.

Consideration was then given to the following options:

Option 1 – Approve the new applications for discretionary rate relief set out at Annex A;

Option 2 – Decline the new application of discretionary rate relief set out at Annex A.

Resolved: That Cabinet approve the new applications for discretionary rate relief set out at Annex A of the report. ^1.

Reason: To provide a transparent process for awarding discretionary rate relief as approved by Cabinet in February 2013. 

This report seeks approval to increase the Council’s fees and charges in the following areas with effect from the 1^st January 2015 -  Registrars, Community Centres, Bereavement Services, Waste Services, Parks and Open Spaces, Housing Services and Planning.

Resolved: That Cabinet approve option 1 and increase the relevant fees and charges for Registrars, Community Centres, Bereavement Services, Waste Services, Parks and Open Spaces, Housing Services and Planning, as set out in the Annexes attached to the report.

Reason: To enable the Council to effectively manage its budget.

Members considered a report which sought their approval to increase the following range of Council fees and charges, with effect from 1 April 2015:

·        Registrars

·        Community Centres

·        Bereavement Services

·        Waste Services

·        Parks & Open Spaces

·        Housing Services and

·        Planning

It was noted that additional income of £146k would be generated in 2015/16 from these increases and that a number of additional service areas were to be examined as part of the 2015/17 budget strategy.

Consideration was then given to the following options:

1 (recommended option) – Agree the fees and charges as set out in the annexes to the report.

 2 – Agree a different increase to that proposed.

Resolved: That Cabinet approve option 1 and increase the relevant fees and charges for Registrars, Community Centres, Bereavement Services, Waste Services, Parks and Open Spaces, Housing Services and Planning, as set out in the Annexes attached to the report. ^1.

Reason: To enable the Council to effectively manage its budget.

This report focuses on updating Cabinet on the proposals for Adult Social Care and the transformation of Place Based Services. Both service areas need significant reform to deliver the outcomes residents want and to operate within the funding that the council has available.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           The proposed scope of the Adult Social Care reform as set out at Annex 1 of the report;

(ii)          The proposed scope of Place Based Services transformation as set out at Annex 2 of the report;

(iii)        A period of engagement with residents, service users, partners and other key stakeholders about specific Adult Social Care and Place Based Services outcomes.

Reason:     In order to deliver the outcomes requested by residents and provide the required reforms in Adult Social Care and Place Based Services and operate within available budgets.

Consideration was given to a report which outlined progress being made across the Rewiring Public Services programme. In particular on the proposals for Adult Social Care and the transformation of Place Based Services.  Feedback received from residents, staff, elected members and partners had required a rethink of the way in which these services were delivered with the funding available. The proposals and programmes for both services were detailed at Annexes 1 and 2 of the report.

It was noted that the transformation programme had been challenged to reduce the cost of Place Based Services by around £2m per annum and that it was estimate that cost across adult social care could be reduced by  £1.3m.

Officers presented the report confirming that all alternative delivery methods would be examined and tested with residents.

Members referred to the downward trajectory in government funding and increasing costs against services for the vulnerable which still required delivery. Members highlighted the importance of the service, the residents experience and consultation.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           The proposed scope of the Adult Social Care reform as set out at Annex 1 of the report;

(ii)          The proposed scope of Place Based Services transformation as set out at Annex 2 of the report;

(iii)     A period of engagement with residents, service users, partners and other key stakeholders about specific Adult Social Care and Place Based Services outcomes. ^1.

Reason:     In order to deliver the outcomes requested by residents and provide the required reforms in Adult Social Care and Place Based Services and operate within available budgets.

This report sets out progress on the project to establish re-use of the Guildhall complex as a Digital Media Arts Centre in accordance with the Cabinet decision of July 2013.  Approval is sought to proceed with the procurement of a design team and an operating partner who will run the Centre and lease space in the building.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Note the progress made with the project.

(ii)          Progress on the basis of Option 3 as outlined in the report.

(iii)        The procurement of a design team for the Digital Media Arts Centre.

(iv)        The procurement of an operating partner to take forward and develop plans for a DMAC in the Guildhall complex.

(v)         Release a further £500k from the Economic Infrastructure Fund to fund the detail design of the scheme and gain statutory approvals, and fund specialist finance, procurement and legal support where needed.

(vi)        Undertake a public consultation to feed into the future design and business case development.

(vii)      The proposals as set out at paragraphs 48-50 of the report, for interim use / urgent works with a draw down of up to £90k from the Capital Scheme already committed for the Guildhall roof.

Reason:     To ensure the refurbishment and reuse of the Guildhall whilst securing the future use of a historically significant building, supporting the growing creative digital media sector and increasing Gross Value Added for local businesses and boosting the economy.

Consideration was given to a report which set out, in detail, progress on the project to establish a viable reuse of the Guildhall complex as a Digital Media Arts Centre (DMAC).

Approval was sought to proceed with the procurement of a design team and an operating partner to run the DMAC and lease space in the building. Members were also asked to agree to release of monies to fund the design of the building to the planning stage and through to the next phase of the project.

The Chair confirmed the need to bring the Guildhall back into use and to secure high value jobs into the economy. In answer to earlier questions both the Chair and Officers confirmed that extensive work had been undertaken on a business case for the scheme to ensure viability and that a report would be brought back to Council for a decision on capital funding for the project.

Following full consideration of the costs of the development phase, the financial summary of the options appraisal as set out in the reports and annexes and consideration of the following options:

Option 1 – Do nothing – renew Guildhall only - capital cost £350k

Option 2 – Major repairs and maintenance only – capital cost £2.47m

Option 3 – Comprehensive refurbishment and conservation with new build elements - capital cost £9.23m

Option 4 –New build and conservation – capital cost £12.49m

It was

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Note the progress made with the project.

(ii)          Progress on the basis of Option 3 as outlined in the report.

(iii)        The procurement of a design team for the Digital Media Arts Centre.

(iv)        The procurement of an operating partner to take forward and develop plans for a DMAC in the Guildhall complex.

(v)         Release a further £500k from the Economic Infrastructure Fund to fund the detail design of the scheme and gain statutory approvals, and fund specialist finance, procurement and legal support where needed.

(vi)        Undertake a public consultation to feed into the future design and business case development.

(vii)      The proposals as set out at paragraphs 48-50 of the report, for interim use / urgent works with a draw down of up to £90k from the Capital Scheme already committed for the Guildhall roof. ^1.

Reason:     To ensure the refurbishment and reuse of the Guildhall whilst securing the future use of a historically significant building, supporting the growing creative digital media sector and increasing Gross Value Added for local businesses and boosting the economy.

This report provides an update on the review of day support and development of Burton Stone Community Centre into a Specialist Activity Base and Community Hub, in line with the transformation programme and the strategic direction within CANS for all community centres to be self sufficient by April 2015. 

Resolved:   That Cabinet approve the continued revenue budget for the proposed procurement of a new operator for Burton Stone Community Centre to operate the Specialist Activity Base and the Facility Management function for the next 5 years, as set out at paragraph 30 of the report, option (ii).

Reason:     This scheme will enable savings from the Community Hub project as well as from Health and Wellbeing’s revenue spend.

Members considered a report which provided an update and a financial analysis on the review of day support and development of Burton Stone Community Centre. It was proposed to develop the Centre as Specialist Activity Base and Community Hub, in line with the Council’s transformation programme and the strategic direction for all community centres to be self sufficient by April 2015.

It was noted that extensive consultation had been undertaken both with providers, who currently offered support to adults with a learning difficulty and autism and through a public engagement event in September. Concern had been expressed by the York Coronary Support Group and York Renal exercise group, regarding their future use of the Centre however a commitment had been made to ensure that facilities would continue to be made available to these groups.

Members confirmed their support for enhancement of the current facilities at the Centre to ensure that the current community use was developed alongside activities which focused on delivering services for adults at a specialist activity base.

Consideration then was given to the following options:

          i.             No capital investment - Burton Stone Community Centre closes.

         ii.             Adaptations to Burton Stone Community Centre to create a Specialist Activity Base providing the building with a 5 year life span.

Resolved:   That Cabinet approve the continued revenue budget for the proposed procurement of a new operator for Burton Stone Community Centre to operate the Specialist Activity Base and the Facility Management function for the next 5 years, as set out at paragraph 30 of the report, option (ii). ^1.

Reason:     This scheme will enable savings from the Community Hub project as well as from Health and Wellbeing’s revenue spend.

This report outlines the options for the replacement of the existing temporary homeless hostel at Ordnance Lane, and recommends the demolition of the existing and the construction of a new modular build hostel and new council housing on the site.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

(i)     The demolition of the existing Ordnance Lane hostel to be replaced with a new modular build hostel, with the remainder of the site to be used for new council housing.

(ii)    The commencement of the proposed procurement for the replacement of Ordnance Lane Hostel.

Reason:     (i)      To replace existing poor quality temporary homeless accommodation that is no longer fit for purpose with a high quality new build hostel, and much needed new council housing.

                (ii)     To allow a new modular build hostel to be built that will minimise the disruption to the provision of temporary homeless services.

Members considered a report which outlined the options for the replacement of the existing temporary homeless hostel at Ordnance Lane, York.

Officers confirmed that the final part of the Council’s homeless accommodation improvement strategy had been re-provision of this homeless hostel with solutions having been pursued since 2008. Whilst a range of options outlined in detail in the report had been considered, the use of modular off site construction for the re-provision of the current facility provided the best timely solution and value for money.

Consideration was given to the following options:

Option one – demolition of the existing Ordnance Lane hostel to be replaced with a new modular build hostel, with the remainder of the site to be used for new council housing. This could include a proportion of market sale should any new housing development exceed 20 dwellings.

Option two – continue to search for alternative sites on which to build a replacement hostel, with the Ordnance Lane site to be allocated for an alternative use.

Members confirmed the Council’s statutory and moral duty to provide accommodation that was fit for purpose and it was

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

(i)     The demolition of the existing Ordnance Lane hostel to be replaced with a new modular build hostel, with the remainder of the site to be used for new council housing.

(ii)    The commencement of the proposed procurement for the replacement of Ordnance Lane Hostel. ^1.

Reason:     (i)      To replace existing poor quality temporary homeless accommodation that is no longer fit for purpose with a high quality new build hostel, and much needed new council housing.

                (ii)     To allow a new modular build hostel to be built that will minimise the disruption to the provision of temporary homeless services.

This report provides Cabinet with a financial policy framework for consideration in respect of the Care Act.  The policies requiring approval are deferred payment, direct payment and a revised charging policy.           

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree:

(i)           The three policies for Deferred and Direct Payments, and Revised Charging set out at Paragraph 5 – 17 and set out at Annex A, B and C of the report;

(ii)          The administration fee for self funders set out at Option 3 and paragraph 16;

(iii)        The deferred payment fee set out at Option 4 and in detail within Annex D of the report;

(iv)        The delegated power to make minor policy amendments in line with the Care Act to the Council’s Chief Financial Officer in consultation with the Director of Adult Services (Paragraph 18);

(v)         That the Council does not adopt the universal opportunity to charge carers but reserves the right to do so in certain cases (Para 17 & Option 6).

Reason:  (i)           To provide a policy framework to comply with the Care Act 2014 and the Acts objectives for the residents of York. 

               (ii & iii)   To cover the costs of the council carrying out this work. 

(iv)       To ensure the policies are kept up to date and are accurate. 

(v)       The administrative cost would likely be higher than any gain and it may send a negative message to carers.

Members considered a report which provided Cabinet with a financial policy framework in respect of the Care Act, which would come into force on 1 April 2015.

The report confirmed that the Care Act was intended to make a difference to the most vulnerable people and was intended to make the care and support system clearer and fairer for those that required it.

Consideration was given to the following policies, reference was made to the Deferred Payment  policy which would provide support so that qualifying customers may not have to sell their home during their lifetime to pay for care. Details of he following policies and the recommended fees were set out in the report and Annexes:

·        Deferred Payment – Annex A

·        Direct Payment – Annex B and

·        Revised Charging – Annex C

The following options were considered:

Option 1 - Approve the revised policies set out at paragraph 5 - 17  and Annex A, B & C of the report;

Option 2 - Do not approve the revised policies set out at paragraph 5 – 17 and Annex A, B & C;

Option 3 – Implement an administration fee for self funders who request that the council administer their personal account £280 (Paragraph 16);

Option 4 – Implement a deferred payment fee as set out in detail at paragraph 7 and Annex D of £221;

Option 5 – Implement a charge for support to carers (Paragraph 17)

Option 6 – Do not implement a charge for support to carers but reserve the right to consider a charge in certain circumstances based upon a means tested approach (Paragraph 17)

The Cabinet Member highlighted the need to have a scheme in place for 1 April, pointing out that although York was one of the few authorities who already had a deferred payment scheme in place it was recommended that this should continue alongside the universal scheme.  

Following discussion it was

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree:

(i)           The three policies for Deferred and Direct Payments, and Revised Charging set out at Paragraph 5 – 17 and set out at Annex A, B and C of the report;

(ii)          The administration fee for self funders set out at Option 3 and paragraph 16;

(iii)        The deferred payment fee set out at Option 4 and in detail within Annex D of the report;

(iv)        The delegated power to make minor policy amendments in line with the Care Act to the Council’s Chief Financial Officer in consultation with the Director of Adult Services (Paragraph 18); ^1.

(v)         That the Council does not adopt the universal opportunity to charge carers but reserves the right to do so in certain cases (Para 17 & Option 6).

Reason:  (i)           To provide a policy framework to comply with the Care Act 2014 and the Acts objectives for the residents of York. 

               (ii & iii)   To cover the costs of the council carrying out this work. 

(iv)       To ensure the policies are kept up to date and are accurate. 

(v)       The administrative cost  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

This report updates Members on the Local Plan following the Council Resolution on 9^th October 2014 and outlines what actions are being taken to respond to the requirements of the motion.

Resolved:  That Cabinet note the contents of the Local Plan housing report.

Reason:     So that an National Planning Policy Framework compliant Local Plan can be progressed.

Consideration was given to an update report on the Local Plan, following a Council motion on 9 October 2014, which asked Officers to produce a report for the next Local Plan Working Group (LPWG) meeting on housing trajectory. This analysis would then be used to inform housing allocations and a new proposed Local Plan would be brought back for consideration by Cabinet in November.

Officers confirmed that, following the halting of the Local Plan, Members had been invited to an independently chaired Seminar and presentation on 1 December 2014. This had provided members with details of how to ensure that local plans were compliant with the National Planning Policy Framework, information on objectively assessed housing need and household formation rates. Full details of which had been attached as annexes to the report.

Following the Seminar it was proposed to prepare a report for the LPWG on housing options and details of the proposed way forward on the Plan.

Officers highlighted the need to minimise delay in the preparation of the Local Plan in order to reduce the risks of not having a planned approach to development. 

Members referred to the LPWG meeting to be held the following day and, whilst also wishing to protect the Green Belt, they highlighted the need for compromises in respect of additional housing sites.

Resolved:  That Cabinet note the contents of the Local Plan housing report.

Reason:     So that a National Planning Policy Framework compliant Local Plan can be progressed.

This report advises Members of the current position with regard to the progress of the Minerals and Waste Joint Plan for North Yorkshire, York and North York Moors and to seek approval in respect of the Additional or Revised Sites consultation for the purposes of public consultation.

Resolved: That in accordance with Option One Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Note the current position of the Minerals and Waste Joint Plan and to:

(ii)          Approve the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan Additional or Revised Sites documents for the purposes of public consultation.

(iii)        Give authorisation to the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Economic Development to make non-substantive editorial changes to the draft consultation documents prior to publication.

Reason:    So that the document can progress to public consultation.

Consideration was given to a report which advised Members of the current position regarding progress with the Minerals and Waste Joint Plan for North Yorkshire, York and North York Moors. The report sought approval in respect of the Additional and Revised Sites consultation document, at Annex A of the report, for public consultation.

Details included the following three sites in the York area together with the key public consultation stages:

·        HarewoodWhin, Rufforth

·        North Selby Mine, Escrick

·        Dutton Farm, Upper Poppleton

The Cabinet Member referred to the extension of  the Harewood Whin site, for which planning permission had already been granted to allow for improved waste recovery facilities. He also asked Members to note that public consultation on the revised sites would now be delayed until January 2015.

Consideration was also given to the following options:

Option 1 – note the content of the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan Additional or Revised Sites documents and approve them for the purpose of public consultation.

Option 2 – note the content of the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan Additional or Revised Sites documents and, subject to a number of changes in response to discussion at this session, approve them for the purpose of public consultation.

Option 3 – reject the Joint Mineral and Waste Plan Additional or Revised Sites documents and defer consultation.

Resolved: That in accordance with Option One Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Note the current position of the Minerals and Waste Joint Plan and to:

(ii)          Approve the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan Additional or Revised Sites documents for the purposes of public consultation.

(iii)        Give authorisation to the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Economic Development to make non-substantive editorial changes to the draft consultation documents prior to publication.^1.

Reason:    So that the document can progress to public consultation.

This report informs Cabinet of details of the inaugural ‘Tour de Yorkshire’ - a 2.1 UCI Europe Tour even which has been announced as taking place from the 1^st – 3^rd May 2015.The report provides an overview of the ambition for the city, proposed delivery objectives, an operational plan and a budget outline.

Resolved:  That subject to a minimum of £100k of the hosting fee for the Tour de Yorkshire event being met by regional support Cabinet agree to:

(i)           York hosting the day two events outlined in the report (women’s race, men’s race and finish);

(ii)          Ratify the outlined delivery objectives and operational plan;

(iii)        Delegate authority to the Chief Executive to enter into legal agreement with Welcome to Yorkshire to deliver the race in York.

Reason:     To achieve the outlined economic, cultural and community benefits for the city.

Members considered a report which asked Members to approve York’s significant involvement in the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire, a Union Cycliste Internationale Europe Tour event over the weekend 1-3 May 2015.

A review of the delivery objectives and proposed operational plan for York’s role in the Tour de Yorkshire together with the outline budget for the event were reported. Officers confirmed that the Tour offered a further opportunity to enhance community engagement and it was noted that a full range of activities would be planned around the event.

Officers were thanked for all their efforts in respect of this event and also asked to examine opportunities for a children’s race, similar to that held in St Ives, Cambridge as part of the weekends events. ^1.

In answer to earlier speakers concerns regarding the costs of hosting the event, reference was made to the financial benefits for the city however Members confirmed that further discussions were taking place in the region regarding the hosting fee.

The Chief Executive referred to negotiations underway with Welcome to York and the Leeds City Region in respect of the hosting fee which is was hoped would be covered, however details were still awaited. Following further discussion it was

Resolved:  That subject to a minimum of £100k of the hosting fee for the Tour de Yorkshire event being met by regional support offsetting the costs in recommendation iv): Cabinet agree to:

(i)           York hosting the day two events outlined in the report (women’s race, men’s race and finish);

(ii)          Ratify the outlined delivery objectives and operational plan;

(iii)        Delegate authority to the Chief Executive to enter into legal agreement with Welcome to Yorkshire to deliver the race in York. ^2.

(iv)        Agree the City of York Council contribution to the financing of the event £100k from ITravel York and £150k from the Economic Infrastructure Fund.

Reason:     To achieve the outlined economic, cultural and community benefits for the city.

This report updates Cabinet on the successful UNESCO bid  confirmed by the Director-General of UNESCO for York to become a new City of Media Arts.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Support the creation of an official office of designation.

(ii)          Endorse the immediate priorities and actions as a City of Media Arts, as set out at Annex 1 of the report proposed to follow the four themes.

(iii)        Endorse the major aspirations for York’s creative sector as a result of designation.

Reason:     To update Members on the successful bid and the actions required in order to implement. 

Cabinet considered a report in respect of the Council’s  successful bid to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Media Arts. The information report sought endorsement for the work the Council would do, in partnership to secure the benefits that the designation would offer.

The city had set out its ambitions for the future and details of the resulting benefits both inclusive and beneficial were reported. Consideration was also given to York’s 2015/16 plans for designation at Annex 1 of the report which had been developed in close collaboration with key stakeholders and industry bodies.

Members and Officers referred to the boost this would provide for inward investment, strengthening Gross Value Added and encourage resident participation in the arts. Officers were also thanked for all their work both during submission of the bid and their work with stakeholders.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

(i)           Support the creation of an official office of designation.

(ii)          Endorse the immediate priorities and actions as a City of Media Arts, as set out at Annex 1 of the report proposed to follow the four themes.

(iii)        Endorse the major aspirations for York’s creative sector as a result of designation. ^1.

Reason:     To update Members on the successful bid and the actions required in order to implement. 

This report asks Cabinet to consider the points system for the annual nomination of the Lord Mayor for the City of York Council and confirm that the Group with the most points under that system should be invited to appoint the Lord Mayor for the coming municipal year, 2015/2016.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to invite the Labour Group to nominate the Lord Mayor for 2015/2016, in line with the existing accumulated points system.

Reason:     To ensure that the Council secures the necessary leadership to undertake its civic functions and provides continuity for future selection.

Consideration was given to a report which asked Cabinet to consider the annual nomination of the Lord Mayor for the City of York Council, and to confirm that the Group with the most points under the points system should be invited to appoint the Lord Mayor for the 2015/16 municipal year.

A revised copy of the report, republished online, which set out a slightly revised points table, following recent changes in Group membership, was circulated at the meeting.

It was noted that the options available for consideration were either to invite the Labour Group to nominate the Lord Mayor for the municipal year 2015/2016 or to consider reviewing the points system currently adopted for nominations.

Resolved:           That Cabinet agree to invite the Labour Group to nominate the Lord Mayor for 2015/2016, in line with the existing accumulated points system. ^1.

Reason:     To ensure that the Council secures the necessary leadership to undertake its civic functions and provides continuity for future selection.

Recommended:           That Council agree the adjustments in the Capital programme of a decrease of £3.764m in 2014/15 as detailed in the report and contained in Annex A.

Reason:     To enable the effective management and monitoring of the Council’s capital programme.

Consideration was given to a report which set out details of the individual schemes under the Council’s capital programme and the projected outturn position for 2014/15.

It was noted that there was a decrease of £3.764m in the monitor which resulted in a revised capital programme of £72.555m, the majority of which was due to re-profiling to budgets to future years. Details of the variances against each portfolio areas was shown at Table 1 of the report with details of the key exceptions and implications for the programme reported and summarised in the 5 year programme at Table 2.

Recommended:           That Council agree the adjustments in the Capital programme of a decrease of £3.764m in 2014/15 as detailed in the report and contained in Annex A. ^1.

Reason:     To enable the effective management and monitoring of the Council’s capital programme.

Recommended: That Council include the scheme within the Council’s capital budget for consideration at the February 2015 budget meeting.

Reason:     This scheme will enable savings from the Community Hub project as well as from Health and Wellbeing’s revenue spend.

Members considered a report which provided an update and a financial analysis on the review of day support and development of Burton Stone Community Centre. It was proposed to develop the Centre as Specialist Activity Base and Community Hub, in line with the Council’s transformation programme and the strategic direction for all community centres to be self sufficient by April 2015.

It was noted that extensive consultation had been undertaken both with providers, who currently offered support to adults with a learning difficulty and autism and through a public engagement event in September. Concern had been expressed by the York Coronary Support Group and York Renal exercise group, regarding their future use of the Centre however a commitment had been made to ensure that facilities would continue to be made available to these groups.

Members confirmed their support for enhancement of the current facilities at the Centre to ensure that the current community use was developed alongside activities which focused on delivering services for adults at a specialist activity base.

Consideration then was given to the following options:

          i.             No capital investment - Burton Stone Community Centre closes.

         ii.             Adaptations to Burton Stone Community Centre to create a Specialist Activity Base providing the building with a 5 year life span.

Recommended: That Council include the scheme within the Council’s capital budget for consideration at the February 2015 budget meeting. ^1.

Reason:     This scheme will enable savings from the Community Hub project as well as from Health and Wellbeing’s revenue spend.

Recommended:           That Council use £3.56m from the Housing Revenue Account Investment Fund to demolish the existing accommodation and rebuild the new hostel.  Any material changes will be reported to full Council through the capital monitoring process.

Reason:              To release funding from the HRA Investment Fund to finance the required new hostel accommodation.

Members considered a report which outlined the options for the replacement of the existing temporary homeless hostel at Ordnance Lane, York.

Officers confirmed that the final part of the Council’s homeless accommodation improvement strategy had been re-provision of this homeless hostel with solutions having been pursued since 2008. Whilst a range of options outlined in detail in the report had been considered, the use of modular off site construction for the re-provision of the current facility provided the best timely solution and value for money.

Consideration was given to the following options:

Option one – demolition of the existing Ordnance Lane hostel to be replaced with a new modular build hostel, with the remainder of the site to be used for new council housing. This could include a proportion of market sale should any new housing development exceed 20 dwellings.

Option two – continue to search for alternative sites on which to build a replacement hostel, with the Ordnance Lane site to be allocated for an alternative use.

Members confirmed the Council’s statutory and moral duty to provide accommodation that was fit for purpose and it was

Recommended:           That Council use £3.56m from the Housing Revenue Account Investment Fund to demolish the existing accommodation and rebuild the new hostel.  Any material changes will be reported to full Council through the capital monitoring process. ^1.

Reason:              To release funding from the HRA Investment Fund to finance the required new hostel accommodation.