Agenda and draft minutes

To receive and note apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Taylor.

At this point in the meeting, Members and co-opted members are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary interest, or other registerable interest, they might have in respect of business on this agenda, if they have not already done so in advance on the Register of Interests. The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.

An interest must also be disclosed in the meeting when it becomes apparent to the member during the meeting.

(1)         Members must consider their interests, and act according to the

following:

(2)         Disclosable pecuniary interests relate to the Member concerned or their spouse/partner.

(3)         Members in arrears of Council Tax by more than two months must not vote in decisions on, or which might affect, budget calculations, and must disclose at the meeting that this restriction applies to them. A failure to comply with these requirements is a criminal offence under section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

Members were invited to declare at this point in the meeting any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests, any prejudicial interests or any disclosable pecuniary interests they might have in the business on the agenda.

In relation to Agenda Item 17 (Motions on Notice), specifically the motion titled ‘Working to tackle the growing epidemic of violence against women and girls (VAWG)’, Cllr Coles noted that as the Deputy Mayor for Police, Fire and Crime for the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority her role included holding the police to account for the York and North Yorkshire Domestic Abuse Strategy. She had requested and received special dispensation from the Monitoring Officer to participate in the debate and vote on the motion.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Budget Council and Extraordinary Council meetings held on 27 February 2025.

Resolved:   That the minutes of the Budget Council meeting and Extraordinary Council meeting held on 27 February 2025 be approved and then signed by the Chair as a correct record.

To consider any announcements made by the Lord Mayor in respect of Civic business.

The Lord Mayor noted that this would be her last ordinary meeting of Council in the Chair and thanked all members for their support during her term of office.

She then updated Members on the recent activities of the civic party, having attended a range of events which showed York at its best and demonstrated the city’s diversity in celebrating cultures from all over the world. These included the Chinese New Year celebrations, a showcase of Sri Lankan dance and customs, Bollywood dancing, sharing the breaking of fast at the Mosque, sharing stories with residents and members of the Armed Forces on Commonwealth Day, and coming together to remember victims and survivors of the Holocaust, as well as visits to schools, older people’s residential homes, and sharing music with people with special educational needs.

The Lord Mayor concluding by drawing attention to the York Community Woodland, noting that she had visited several times over the course of the year and would continue to do so privately. She noted that the Woodland was a peaceful gem in the busy lives of many York residents which represented the city’s promise and commitment to achieve net zero, and she urged all members to visit.

At this point in the meeting, any member of the public who has registered to address the Council, or to ask a Member of the Council a question, on a matter directly relevant to the business of the Council or the City, may do so.  The deadline for registering is 5:00pm on Tuesday, 25 March 2025.

To register to speak please visit www.york.gov.uk/AttendCouncilMeetings to fill in an online registration form. If you have any questions about the registration form or the meeting please contact Democratic Services. Contact details can be found at the foot of this agenda.

Webcasting of Public Meetings

Please note that, subject to available resources, this 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 made some changes to how we're running council meetings.  See our updates at www.york.gov.uk/COVIDDemocracy for more information on meetings and decisions.

It was reported that seven members of the public had registered to speak at the meeting under the council’s Public Participation Scheme.

The first six public participants all spoke in relation to the motion on ‘Changes to disability and long-term sickness benefits’ at Agenda item 17 (Motions on Notice).

Flick Williams stated that the proposed changes presented an existential threat to disabled people, and accused the government of seeking to balance the books on the back of the poorest. She noted that many disabled people had been subject to abuse and urged Members pick a side on the issue.

Anne Norton noted that the announced changes had caused many disabled people profound distress. She suggested work and worth had been falsely equated and highlighted the underfunding of research into chronic conditions, arguing that the cuts were inhumane and that any savings would be short-lived.

Ben Ffrench argued that the motion did not go far enough, noting that the proposed changes would harm council services and the local economy. He suggested that there were alternatives including a wealth tax, and urged Members to join the MP for York Central in using their influence to oppose the cuts.

Lali Hewitson noted that Government figures suggested that cuts to Personal Independent Payments (PIP) would push 250,000 people into poverty. Highlighting the impact on those who were unable to work, they noted that the financial burden would be shifted onto disabled people and their families and friends.

Hilary Conroy suggested that the root of the issue was a societal belief that disabled people should put up or shut up, noting that ableism represented an everyday violence in which all were complicit. They urged the Council to consider how to show its support for disabled people in practical, tangible ways in future.

Luca Wollny observed that accessing PIP was already a high bar, including for many neurodivergent people, highlighting an existing epidemic of mental health issues. He noted that recipients of PIP lacked the means, not the desire, to get into work, and that cutting their support to do so would prove counterproductive.

Gwen Swinburn spoke in relation to governance matters within the remit of the Council, noting that no community governance review had taken place since 1996. She suggested that parish councils being able to access funding which was denied to unparished inner wards was a democratic disgrace and called for change.

To consider any petitions received from Members in accordance with Standing Order B6.  Notice has been received of no petitions to be presented.

It was reported that notice of no petitions had been received under Rule B6.

To receive and consider a written report from the Leader on the work of the Executive.

A written report was received from Cllr Douglas, Leader of the Council, on the work of the Executive.

Cllr Douglas was joined by the other Group Leaders in offering their appreciation to the Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York Cllr Wells, as she approached the completion of her term of office.

To question the Leader and/or Executive Members in respect of any matter within their portfolio responsibility, in accordance with Standing Order B8.

Members were invited to question the Leader or Executive Members. Questions were received from the floor from the following Members, and replied to as indicated:

Questions to Cllr Douglas, Leader of the Council

From Cllr Widdowson: The Labour government has announced plans for a 15% head-count cut in civil service jobs. Can you explainwhether you believe this will support plans to locate a government hub on the York Central site which will help to create the high-skill, high-wage jobs that we all want to see in York? York Central is predicated on civil service jobs going there; what is your plan for ensuring we get those high-skill, high-wage jobs from the government onto York Central?

Response: I will tell you what I can and then perhaps Cllr Kilbane can answer some of it as the jobs aspect is his role too. We’re in constant conversation with the Government Property Agency with that tenancy on York Central, it is very much still a high priority. The developers, Homes England, Network Rail, the partnership are still working on that, so we’re expecting to get an update as the comprehensive spending review decisions are made, but at this point in time we’re still feeling very optimistic, and it will be great to see such an instrumental and impressive building over there. York Central is not predicated totally on government jobs, there’s a great deal of opportunity there around other forms of work; we’re looking at the innovation hub, which is really exciting, to bring scientific lab space in there and growth hub space for new and growing businesses, which is really important for our city, because there’s an absolute dearth of that availability. As you might imagine, the interest in the buildings on York Central is really high; we’ve just had the closing of the procurement for the hotel space there and the interest to take that up was really quite impressive, so to be quite honest we are very optimistic about what opportunities York Central can continue to bring into the city, and I’m no sure that we fully understand exactly what that will look like yet given that it is a long-term project. So, a huge opportunity, we’re open for business and are encouraging inward investment. Cllr Kilbane would you like to add anything?

Cllr Kilbane: Only if Cllr Widdowson wants me to because the question was to the Leader?

Cllr Widdowson: Thank you for the offer, but no.

Questions to Cllr Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change

From Cllr Widdowson: I was puzzled by the mention in your report of the number of missed waste collections having gone down, as the EPAT Scrutiny scoresheet presented this week suggested the opposite is true, with the direction of travel being red for both the number of missed collections and the number meeting criteria for recollection per 100,000 collections. Is the Executive Member correct, or is the scrutiny scorecard correct?

Response: Based on the information I had when the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

To receive and consider for approval the recommendations of the Executive, as set out below:

Cllr Douglas moved, and Cllr Fenton seconded, the following recommendations of the Executive made at its meeting held on 11 March 2025, as set out from page 51 in the agenda papers.

Recommended:

                        i.            That Council endorse the proposed actions as set out in Annex B in respect of Scrutiny Review Report recommendations 1-2, 4-7 and 9-12, noting that a cross-party working group will be established to lead on and oversee the work;

                      ii.            To recommend that, in respect of recommendation 8 of the Scrutiny Review Report, Full Council resolves to implement a revised Scrutiny structure, comprising an overarching Scrutiny Committee (including calling in functions) with nine seats, a Place Committee with nine seats, and a People Committee (to include Housing) with nine seats. These changes to take effect at the 2025 Annual General Meeting and will be reviewed in 12 months;

                     iii.            To recommend to Council that Recommendation 3 of the Scrutiny Review Report is not adopted.

Reason:     To seek Full Council’s approval for changes to how Scrutiny operates at the Council.

On being put to the vote, the recommendations were declared CARRIED and it was

Resolved:   That the above recommendations be approved.

To receive a report from Councillor Fenton, Chair of the Corporate Services, Climate Change and Scrutiny Management Committee (CSCCSMC), on the work of the Committee.

A written report was received from Cllr Fenton, Chair of the Corporate Services, Climate Change and Scrutiny Management Committee, on the work of the committee.

To receive and consider for approval the recommendations of the Audit and Governance Committee, as set out below:

Cllr Douglas moved, and Cllr Hollyer seconded, the following recommendations of the Audit and Governance Committee made at its meeting held on 17 March 2025, as set out from page 87 in the agenda papers.

Recommended:

                        i.            That Council agree the final recommendations to the polling places and districts as set out in Annex 1 of this report until the next statutory review, or until it is superseded by any subsequent review of any polling place or district;

                      ii.            That Council agree to publish the revised electoral register on 1 May 2025. (Where the ERO has decided to revise their register by republishing it to incorporate the changes, the law requires that they publish a notice 14 calendar days before the publication of the revised version of the register in a local newspaper, at their office and at some other conspicuous place or places in the area);

                     iii.            That Council agree to delegate to the Chief Operating Officer, in their capacity as the Council’s Returning Officer, the power to make urgent changes to the polling scheme during a statutory election period, where time does not permit a report to be presented to the Audit and Governance Committee. Where such urgent changes are proposed, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee will be consulted, along with the relevant ward councillors. This will ensure that polling arrangements in the City remain fit for purpose for each election called.

Reason: To comply with statutory requirements and to give better flexibility with making decisions regarding polling places between statutory reviews.

On being put to the vote, the recommendations were declared CARRIED, and it was

Resolved: That the above recommendations be approved.

To receive and consider for approval the recommendations of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee, as set out below:

Council received a report which presented the recommendations of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee at its meeting held on 5 March 2025, as contained in the reports set out in the Council agenda from page 141. Cllr Melly moved, and Cllr Cuthbertson seconded the following recommendations contained in the report:

Recommended: That it be recommended to Council that the draft Policy and/or CIA is amended with alternative wording agreed by members.

Reason:               To meet the legislative requirements of the Licensing Act 2005.

On being put to the vote, the recommendation was declared CARRIED, and it was

To approve publication of the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report for 2024/25.

Cllr Steels-Walshaw moved, and Cllr Webb seconded, the following recommendation contained in the report of the Director of Public Health at page 244 of the agenda papers.

Recommended: Council are recommended to publish this Director of Public Health Annual Report 2024/25.

Reason:               To fulfil their duty under the Health and Care Act 2012, and to progress work on improving the health of young people in the city.

Following a brief debate, on being put to the vote, the recommendation was declared CARRIED and it was

Resolved:            That the above recommendation be approved.

To approve the revised Terms of Reference for the York Health and Wellbeing Board.

The following recommendations contained in the report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer at page 349 of the agenda papers was moved by Cllr Steels-Walshaw and seconded by Cllr Douglas.

Recommended: Council is recommended to approve the revised Terms of Reference for the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Reason:               In order to update the terms of reference in line with the Health and Wellbeing Board’s requirements.

On being put to the vote, the recommendation was declared CARRIED and it was

Resolved:            That the above recommendation be approved.

To report to Council on the use of Special Urgency procedures, as required by legislation, and as set out within the City of York Council Constitution and to report, for information, the instances where General Exception (i.e. Urgency) Procedures were used.

Council received a report of the Monitoring Officer on the use of General Exception and Special Urgency Procedures, as set out from page 369 of the agenda papers.

Resolved:   To note the report.

Reason:     To comply with legislative and constitutional requirements, and ensure full transparency.

To consider the appointments and changes to membership of committees and outside bodies set out on the list attached to this summons.

Resolved: That the appointments and changes to membership set out in the agenda at pages 373-374 be noted.

[The meeting adjourned between 8:18pm and 8:37pm].

To consider the following Motions on Notice under Standing Order B10:

Motions submitted for consideration directly by Council, in accordance with Standing Order B10:

i)                From Cllr Whitcroft

Introduction of a Visitor Levy

“Council notes:

·     that York attracts over 8 million visitors annually, significantly contributing to the local economy but placing additional strain on infrastructure, public services, and the local environment;

·     that many cities, such as Venice and Amsterdam, successfully employ tourist levies to offset these impacts, without deterring visitors to the local economy;

·     a visitor levy could provide additional revenue for maintaining public spaces, public transport, heritage conservation, waste management, sustainability projects, supporting the city’s long-term goals and for promoting York;

·     that recent budget consultations demonstrated strong public support for the introduction of a visitor levy in York, with around 90% of York residents who responded to the consultation in favour. 

Council believes:

·     it is great to live in a place that millions of people from all over the world want to come and spend time in;

·     welcome though visitors are, a visitor levy would allow York to ensure visitors contribute fairly to the city's upkeep and to its sustainability, and to better manage the pressures that mass tourism brings;

·     funds should be ring-fenced for projects and initiatives that enhance the visitor and resident experience, improve public services, provide better facilities and reduce the environmental impact of tourism;

·     evidence from numerous cities shows a modest visitor levy would not deter tourists and is now an accepted contribution across Europe to the costs of maintaining and enhancing popular visitor destinations;

·     the council should work to develop the case for a tourism visitor levy with its partners, including the hospitality, arts and culture sectors, as well as with business and residents’ groups.

Council resolves to ask Executive to continue to progress:

·    exploring the feasibility and practical mechanisms for introducing a visitor levy for overnight stays, including for short-term holidays lets, in consultation with local businesses, residents, and hospitality industry stakeholders;

·    researching visitor levy models from other cities to determine the best approach for York, including an Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) option;

·    lobbying central government to grant local authorities the necessary legal powers to implement a compulsory visitor levy;

in order to ensure York’s tourism remains sustainable, benefiting residents and visitors alike.”

ii)             From Cllr Fenton

Changes to disability and long-term sickness benefits

“Council notes that:

·    The Government is bringing forward a Green Paper on changes to disability and long-term sickness benefits, including Personal Independence Payments (PIP)

·    PIP is a benefit not linked to work that is designed to help people with the additional unavoidable costs of their disablement

·    Reports have suggested that the Government is considering freezing PIP payments in 2026 and tightening eligibility criteria, including for reassessments

·    Many disabled people use PIP to cover the cost of getting to and from work, for paying for essential equipment and for meeting social care charges

·    The Resolution Foundation has commented that “Freezing PIP next year will result in a real-terms income  ...  view the full agenda text for item 87.

i.       Introduction of a Visitor Levy

Moved by Cllr Whitcroft and seconded by Cllr Clarke.

“Council notes:

·     that York attracts over 8 million visitors annually, significantly contributing to the local economy but placing additional strain on infrastructure, public services, and the local environment;

·     that many cities, such as Venice and Amsterdam, successfully employ tourist levies to offset these impacts, without deterring visitors to the local economy;

·     a visitor levy could provide additional revenue for maintaining public spaces, public transport, heritage conservation, waste management, sustainability projects, supporting the city’s long-term goals and for promoting York;

·     that recent budget consultations demonstrated strong public support for the introduction of a visitor levy in York, with around 90% of York residents who responded to the consultation in favour. 

Council believes:

·     it is great to live in a place that millions of people from all over the world want to come and spend time in;

·     welcome though visitors are, a visitor levy would allow York to ensure visitors contribute fairly to the city's upkeep and to its sustainability, and to better manage the pressures that mass tourism brings;

·     funds should be ring-fenced for projects and initiatives that enhance the visitor and resident experience, improve public services, provide better facilities and reduce the environmental impact of tourism;

·     evidence from numerous cities shows a modest visitor levy would not deter tourists and is now an accepted contribution across Europe to the costs of maintaining and enhancing popular visitor destinations;

·     the council should work to develop the case for a tourism visitor levy with its partners, including the hospitality, arts and culture sectors, as well as with business and residents’ groups.

Council resolves to ask Executive to continue to progress:

·     exploring the feasibility and practical mechanisms for introducing a visitor levy for overnight stays, including for short-term holidays lets, in consultation with local businesses, residents, and hospitality industry stakeholders;

·     researching visitor levy models from other cities to determine the best approach for York, including an Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) option;

·     lobbying central government to grant local authorities the necessary legal powers to implement a compulsory visitor levy;

in order to ensure York’s tourism remains sustainable, benefiting residents and visitors alike.”

Cllr Warters then moved, and Cllr Rowley seconded, an amendment to the above motion, as follows:

“After ‘Council notes’ and after the fourth bullet point add a fifth bullet point with the following wording;

·     In addition there is of course the long standing public support in York for an end to the Council Tax Educational Exemption that sees York, as a University City, disproportionately affected with a loss in Council Tax revenue now approaching £7 million a year.

After ‘Council believes’ and after the second bullet point insert a further bullet point to read;

·     Reforming the Council Tax system to ensure students living in York also contribute fairly to the City’s upkeep, its sustainability and to better manage the pressures that being a University City brings.

After ‘Council resolves to ask Executive to continue to progress’ and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.