Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

declare any disclosable pecuniary interests or other registerable

interests she might have in respect of business on this agenda, if

she has not already done so in advance on the Register of

Interests.

At this point in the meeting, the Executive Member was asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary interest or other registerable interest that he might have in respect of business on this agenda, if he had not already done so in advance on the Register of Interests. None were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 26 April 2022.

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on the 26

April 2022 be approved as a correct record and

signed by the Executive Member.

At this point in the meeting members of the public who have registered to speak can do so. Members of the public may speak on agenda items or on matters within the remit of the committee.

Please note that our registration deadlines have changed to 2 working days before the meeting, in order to facilitate the management of public participation at remote meetings.  The deadline for registering at this meeting is 5.00pm on Friday 20 May 2022.

To register to speak please visit www.york.gov.uk/AttendCouncilMeetings to fill out an online registration form.  If you have any questions about the registration form or the meeting, please contact the relevant Democracy Officer, on the details at the foot of the agenda.

Webcasting of Remote Public Meetings

Please note that, subject to available resources, this remote public meeting will be webcast including any registered public speakers who have given their permission. The remote public meeting can be viewed live and on demand at www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

During coronavirus, we've made some changes to how we're running council meetings. See our coronavirus updates (www.york.gov.uk/COVIDDemocracy) for more information on meetings and decisions.

It was reported that there had been two registration to speak

under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

Geoff Beacon suggested that new crimes be created to hold those accelerating climate change to account as it will lead to more people dying from climate changes causes. He noted that he felt that the Council was failing the young and poor in the housing market with homes that were too expensive and infrastructure to them encouraging things such as car use.

Cllr Douglas welcomed the good performance of York’s economy but noted concerns that traders were highlighting that spend per person was down. She asked the Executive Member to discuss with the planning department why commercial unit developments were being considered while not being accessible to those with disabilities.  

This report presents updates on the local financial climate, core business support work and Council-led initiatives. 

Resolved: That the contents of the report be noted.

Reason:     To support York’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing economic work.

The health of York’s economy was discussed noting that unemployment was low, however, there were around 3,500 job vacancies. The pandemic and international affects on York’s economy were noted as having created a challenge to the labour market. It was confirmed that grant funding related to the pandemic had come to an end and the Council had granted all the money received to business in York and the Council had been acknowledged as one of the most effective Council’s in the deliver of grant funding related to the pandemic.

The Executive Member thanked the different teams across the Council working in collaboration with businesses in the city to support York’s economy. He noted specific work the Council was undertaking with the Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses to support businesses with the rise in energy prices.

The Executive Member thanked officers for their work on the report and in supporting York’s economy during his time as the Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning.

Resolved: That the contents of the report be noted.

Reason:     To support York’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing economic work.