Agenda, decisions and minutes

At this point in the meeting, the Executive Member is asked to

declare:

·        any personal interests not included on the Register of

Interests

·        any prejudicial interests or

·        any disclosable pecuniary interests

which he might have in respect of business on this agenda.

The Executive Member confirmed that he had no personal interests that were not included on the Register of Interests, nor any prejudicial or disclosable pecuniary interests, to declare in the business on the agenda.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Decision Session held on 4 December 2017.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Decision Session held on 4 December 2017 be approved and signed by the Executive Member 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 Friday, 5 January 2018.  Members of the public can speak on agenda items or matters within the Executive Member’s remit.

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 that, subject to available resources, this meeting will  be filmed and webcast, or recorded, including any registered public speakers who have given their permission. The broadcast can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts or, if recorded, this will be uploaded onto the Council’s website following the meeting.

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 (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

https://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/file/11406/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings_20160809

It was reported that there had been no registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

This report provides an update on the governance of Health & Safety arrangements and risks at the council, key areas of the work of the council’s Health & Safety Service during 2017/18 and the performance of the new shared service with North Yorkshire County Council.

Resolved:  (i)      That the following be noted:

a)   The fire risk mitigation measures in place;

b)   The key Health & Safety (H&S) risks, and the council’s response to managing and responding to those risks;

c)   The progress made in embedding the H&S shared service.

                   (ii)      That Officers be requested to:

a)   Ensure that future H&S reports contain statistical analysis of the work of the team, identifying performance against targets;

b)   Provide a report on the analysis of any changes required to car parks, following the fire in Liverpool Echo Arena on 2 January;

c)   Keep the City of York Council’s website updated with information on the activities of the Shared Service.

Reason:     To provide assurance to the Executive Member and York residents that H&S services are appropriately managed and resilient and that the council has proper arrangements in place for managing and responding to H&S risks.

The Executive Member considered a report which provided an overview of the performance of the Health & Safety (H&S) shared service formed by North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council, and an update on fire mitigation measures in place following the Grenfell Tower fire in London.

In respect of the shared service, the combined team structure was now complete and the service was working with department management teams to develop H&S action plans focusing on key priorities for the next 3 years.  It had also supported the council in responding to H&S incidents and provided advice on risk assessment during maintenance work at council buildings.

With regard to fire safety, progress made since the report to the 2 October 2017 Decision Session (Minute 21 of that session refers) was highlighted in paragraphs 7 to 9.  Fire risk assessments (FRAs) for communal areas of residential blocks had been completed.  Plans were in progress for qualified contractors to carry out follow-up reviews of FRAs up to 3 years old, with a target completion date of March 2018.  Property types most at risk would be prioritised.  The interim report of the independent review of building regulations and fire safety law commissioned after Grenfell had found the current system unfit for purpose in high rise and complex buildings; this indicated that changes to the regulation regime were likely.  Meanwhile, it was essential for the council to continue to work to reduce fire risk, supported by the increased capacity which the shared service provided.

The Executive Member welcomed the work carried out and stressed the need to keep residents informed and involved.  In response to further questions, Officers confirmed that:

·        The proactive management of fire risk had been escalated and expedited rather than changed, with an increased number of inspections, and training for estate managers.

·        Discussions had been held with Thirteen Group on fire risk responsibilities for their properties, including liaising with residents.

·        An update on implementing changes arising from the review of construction regulations (paragraph 16) would be brought to the Decision Session in July.

·        The asbestos review (paragraph 18) had been completed.

·        Departmental action plans (paragraph 20) would be signed off by joint H&S committees and included in the trades union consultation framework.

Resolved:  (i)      That the following be noted:

a)   The fire risk mitigation measures in place;

b)   The key Health & Safety (H&S) risks, and the council’s response to managing and responding to those risks;

c)   The progress made in embedding the H&S shared service.

                   (ii)      That Officers be requested to:

a)   Ensure that future H&S reports contain statistical analysis of the work of the team, identifying performance against targets;

b)   Provide a report on the analysis of any changes required to car parks, following the fire in Liverpool Echo Arena on 2 January;

c)   Keep the City of York Council’s website updated with information on the activities of the Shared Service.

Reason:     To provide assurance to the Executive Member and York  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.