Decision details

Purpose of Report: The report sets out the benefits and challenges of the council continuing to use X, formerly known as Twitter. It will include a plan to encourage residents to seek information from the remaining council channels, and explains what will happen in the event of an incident, when the council has a duty to “warn and inform”.

The Executive Member will be asked to: Approve the Council no longer share information on it’s corporate X (formerly known as Twitter) account City of York Council (@CityofYork) / X). Approve the plan to encourage residents to register for information or follow other council social media channels.

The Council aims to give the same 28 days’ clear notice of non-key decisions as it does for key decisions, but in exceptional circumstances this may not be possible. It has not been possible to give 28 clear days’ notice for this item due to staff sickness.

Resolved:

                         i.         Approved the Council no longer sharing information on its corporate X (formerly known as Twitter) account @CityofYork, unless directed by Silver Command.

                        ii.         Approved the plan (Annex A) to encourage residents to register for information or follow other council social media channels, whilst closing all council X accounts that do not respond to an incident.

Reason:     The recommendation to end routine use of X follows an ongoing review of our communication methods to ensure they reflect our values of inclusion, trust, and respect. As the platform no longer aligns with these principles, this allows us to focus on clearer, more accessible routes for the public to engage with the Council, including our own channels, and other social networks. This recommendation does allow the Council the flexibility to utilise the X platform in emergency incidents and safeguards the Council against losing its verified status and identity.