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 invited 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 consider the exclusion of the press and public from the meeting during consideration Annex 2 to agenda item 16 (Business Case for the Creation of a Warden Call/CELS Social Enterprise) on the grounds that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of particular persons.  This information is classed as exempt under paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as revised by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

RESOLVED:                That it was agreed to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of Annex 2 to agenda item 16 on the grounds that it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of particular persons. Such information is considered exempt under paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as revised by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

To approve and sign the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 2 April 2013.

RESOLVED:                That the minutes of the last meeting of the Committee held on 2 April 2013 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 Friday 3 May 2013.  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.

It was reported that there had been four registrations to speak under the Councils Public Participation Scheme and a number of Members of the Council had requested to speak on the following items:

6. Future of Derwent Schools and Osbaldwick Primary School – details of the speakers are included under the relevant minute item at their request.

10. Improving Movement and Public Realm in the City Centre

Clive Warley spoke as a representatives of the GMB Trade Union. He advised that he supported many aspects of the report but had concerns about the impact on blue badge holders and their ability to access the city centre in the early morning.

12. New Council House Building: Phase 1

Kat Scurr spoke in objection to the proposals as she lived adjacent to the Newbury Avenue site. She advised that she was disappointed with the lack of contact from City of York Council about the plans which would affect access to the rear of her property. She also raised concerns about the impact of the building work and change to the area upon her daughter who has Asperger’s Syndrome.

Councillor Neil Barnes spoke to advise that whilst he commended council house building and action to reduce the council waiting list, he had concerns about the impact upon car parking in the Hull Road Ward. He suggested the provision of some low cost storage units in the area would help alleviate the impact of the loss of garages.

16. Business Case for the Creation of a Warden Call/CELS Social Enterprise

Andrea Dudding spoke on behalf of Unison to advise that 48% of affected staff had indicated they were not in favour of social enterprise and had not been fully engaged in the process so far. She advised that staff had asked that other options were looked at before a social enterprise was approved.

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

This report summarises developments since the proposal to close Derwent Infant and Junior Schools and expand Osbaldwick Primary and the results of the six-week statutory representation period followed the publication of notices which closed on 16April 2013. It also includes an update on staffing and financial issues, pupil places and arrangements to ensure the best possible quality of education for all pupils

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

i)             Close Derwent Infant and Junior Schools from 31 August 2013

ii)            Operate an expanded Osbaldwick Primary School from 1 September 2013

iii)          The minor changes to the catchment area of Tang Hall Primary School and the existing Derwent catchment area in order to balance the available school places from September 2013

iv)          An increase in Planned Admission Numbers (PAN) to Osbaldwick Primary from September 2013

REASON:           The primary education of children will be best served by expanding Osbaldwick Primary, building on the strong leadership and governance already available in the local education community and using the excellent facilities available at Derwent Schools. 

Consideration was given to a report which summarised developments since a report, dated 27 February 2013 had been presented to Cabinet, in relation to the proposal to close Derwent Infant and Junior Schools and to expand Osbaldwick Primary.

Alison Holt the Chair of Governors for Derwent Federation spoke to advise that the proposals were a positive way forward and that the children would thrive as a result. She thanked parents for their thoughtful contributions to the consultation.

Jane Lewis the Chair of Governors for Osbaldwick Primary School spoke to advise that the solution was a bold one and that the consultation had been education and community led and had shown a desire for those affected to work together. She stated that Osbaldwick staff would continue to work with Derwent to ensure continuity and some Governors would be moving over to Derwent School. She commended the proposals for approval.

The update included:

·        Information on staffing and financial issues

·        Information on pupil places

·        Further details on the arrangements in place to ensure the best possible quality of education for the pupils affected.

The Leader spoke on behalf of the Cabinet Member who had sent her apologies and thanked Officers and school staff for working with the community on the consultation and for not shying away from a tough decision.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

i)             Close Derwent Infant and Junior Schools from 31 August 2013

ii)            Operate an expanded Osbaldwick Primary School from 1 September 2013

iii)          The minor changes to the catchment area of Tang Hall Primary School and the existing Derwent catchment area in order to balance the available school places from September 2013

iv)          An increase in Planned Admission Numbers (PAN) to Osbaldwick Primary from September 2013. ¹

REASON:           The primary education of children will be best served by expanding Osbaldwick Primary, building on the strong leadership and governance already available in the local education community and using the excellent facilities available at Derwent Schools. 

This report sets out opportunities emerging from the development of a Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and associated City Deal for the city of York and initial steps for the city in taking advantage of these opportunities.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

i)             Note progress to date on the development of the Leeds City Region City Deal.

ii)            Consider the associated WYYTF and Governance Review reports, and the associated calls for funding in the EIF recommendations on this agenda.

REASON:                    To keep Members updated on progress with the development  of the Leeds City Region Deal and emerging opportunities.

Consideration was given to a report which outlined opportunities emerging from the development of a Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and associated City Deal for the city of York and initial steps for the city in taking advantage of these opportunities.

The report was the first of 3 related reports and set out  progress made in recent years by the City of York in its involvement in Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and particularly the Leeds City Region LEP with the predominant economic links and potential for growth.

The report also outlined the following information:

·        Background to LEPs

·        York’s links to the Leeds City Region economy

·        The case for further market integration with Leeds City region

·        Details of the City Deal for Leeds City Region and the opportunities for York in particular The Economic or Revolving Investment Fund and The Transport Deal.

·        The next steps.

The Chair commented that the decision to withdraw from the North Yorkshire LEP reflected that transport and housing were not priorities for the North Yorkshire LEP and that York needed to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Leeds City Region LEP.

Following further discussion it was:

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

i)             Note progress to date on the development of the Leeds City Region City Deal.

ii)            Consider the associated WYYTF and Governance Review reports, and the associated calls for funding in the EIF recommendations on this agenda.

REASON:                    To keep Members updated on progress with the development  of the Leeds City Region Deal and emerging opportunities.

This report provides an update on the development of the West Yorkshire Plus York Transport Fund (WYTF+) and outlines details of the proposed York package of schemes, together with information on the financial contributions and governance proposals.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

i)               Support the principle of establishing a £1 billion ‘West Yorkshire Plus’ Transport Fund and the associated, indicative levels of financial commitments as set out in the report, subject to resolutions ii) and iii) below.

ii)              Satisfactory progress in on-going City Deal negotiations, specifically including securing clarity and agreement on an acceptable level of Earn Back funding from future additional business rates in West Yorkshire and York; and

iii)            An in-principle agreement being made by all West Yorkshire District Authorities.

iv)            Submit the proposal to Full Council once negotiations have been progressed, an acceptable level of Earn Back funding has been agreed and receipt of in-principle agreement by all West Yorkshire District Authorities.

v)            Approve the draft Memorandum of Understanding, as set out Annex C of the report.

vi)           Approve the initial development of business cases for the Outer Ring Road schemes and early development work on the bus interchange at York railway station in 2013/14.

REASON:         i) - iv)  To enable major transport schemes to be brought forward which will deliver the council’s objectives.

v)       To enable CYC and West Yorkshire Authorities to work together to deliver the WYTF+.

vi)                To allow delivery of schemes early in the WYTF+ programme.

Consideration was given to a report which provided an update in relation to the development of the West Yorkshire Plus York Transport Fund (WYTF+). The report also:

·        Provided details of the proposed York package of schemes.

·        Sought support in principle to the indicative level of financial contributions that York would need to make to the fund.

·        Provided an update on emerging governance proposals and indicative timeline of key WYTF+ milestones.

·        Sought approval for the governance Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering the interim period to April 2014.

·        Sought approval for the preliminary development of the projects within the proposed York package in 2013/14.

The Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning and Sustainability confirmed that it was important for York to be involved in order to deliver transport infrastructure improvements through the proposed York package of schemes.

Following further discussion it was:

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

i)                  Support the principle of establishing a £1 billion ‘West Yorkshire Plus’ Transport Fund and the associated, indicative levels of financial commitments as set out in the report, subject to resolutions ii) and iii) below.

ii)              Satisfactory progress in on-going City Deal negotiations, specifically including securing clarity and agreement on an acceptable level of Earn Back funding from future additional business rates in West Yorkshire and York; and

iii)            An in-principle agreement being made by all West Yorkshire District Authorities.

iv)            Submit the proposal to Full Council once negotiations have been progressed, an acceptable level of Earn Back funding has been agreed and receipt of in-principle agreement by all West Yorkshire District Authorities.

v)            Approve the draft Memorandum of Understanding, as set out Annex C of the report.

vi)           Approve the initial development of business cases for the Outer Ring Road schemes and early development work on the bus interchange at York railway station in 2013/14.

REASON:         i) - iv)  To enable major transport schemes to be brought forward which will deliver the council’s objectives.

v)       To enable CYC and West Yorkshire Authorities to work together to deliver the WYTF+.

vi)                To allow delivery of schemes early in the WYTF+ programme.

This report sets out details of the transport governance review for York which is the next stage of the city’s work to create the best possible environment for its workforce, residents and business base, and builds on the city’s involvement in the development of the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

i)             Option 3, to establish a combined authority with West Yorkshire, subject to resolution of primary legislation.

ii)            Associate membership in the interim.

REASON:           This provides the best option for delivering the benefits listed in paragraph 94 of the report.

Consideration was given to a report which provided a summary of the transport governance review which was the next stage in the City’s work to create the best possible environment for its workforce, residents and business base and built on the city’s involvement in the development of the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The aim of the governance review was summarised at paragraphs 9 to 25 and the current governance arrangements at paragraphs 26 to 49.

The following options had been considered:

Option 1 Status Quo

Option 2 Establishing an Economic Prosperity Board

Option 3 Establishing a Combined Authority with West Yorkshire.

The report concluded that for the City of York, full membership of a Combined Authority to be created with West Yorkshire authorities was the best option for the area. However due to current legislative challenges full membership was not possible and in the interim Associate Membership was recommended. Following further discussion it was agreed that:

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

i)             Option 3, to establish a combined authority with West Yorkshire, subject to resolution of primary legislation.¹

ii)            Associate membership in the interim.

REASON:           This provides the best option for delivering the benefits listed in paragraph 94 of the report.

This report sets out three proposals for Economic Infrastructure Fund (EIF) allocations: (1) LCR Revolving Investment Fund (RIF); (2) LCR transport infrastructure proposals; and (3) Economic Inclusion.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to approve the EIF allocations of:

i)             £1.672m for CYC to invest in the LCR Revolving Investment Fund (RIF), subject to SAF and governance arrangements approval which will be brought back to a further Cabinet meeting;

ii)            £200K required to fund the Economic Inclusion Programme; and

iii)          £550k required to fund the first project in the emerging Transport Package.

REASON:           To support the Council Plan priorities of creating jobs, growing the economy and investing in the city’s economic future.

Consideration was given to a report which set out three proposals for Economic Infrastructure Fund (EIF) allocations: (1)  Leeds City Region Revolving Investment Fund (RIF); (2) Leeds City Region transport infrastructure proposals; and (3) Economic Inclusion.

Details of each of the proposals were set out at paragraphs 2 to 37 of the report.

Members noted that the performance of investments would be reported back to Cabinet.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to approve the EIF allocations of:

i)             £1.672m for CYC to invest in the LCR Revolving Investment Fund (RIF), subject to SAF and governance arrangements approval which will be brought back to a further Cabinet meeting;¹

ii)            £200K required to fund the Economic Inclusion Programme; and²

iii)          £550k required to fund the first project in the emerging Transport Package.³

REASON:           To support the Council Plan priorities of creating jobs, growing the economy and investing in the city’s economic future.

This report sets out the recommendations arising from the Scrutiny Review into Youth Unemployment. A copy of the full final report is attached and Councillor D’Agorne, as Chair of the Task Group, will be in attendance at the meeting to present the report.

Erratum: There are a number of references in this report to the ‘Head of Adult Services’, this should read ‘Head of York Learning’.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

i)             Note the contents of the final report of the Youth Unemployment Scrutiny Review.

ii)            The implementation of the recommendations set out at Paragraphs 6-15 of the report.

REASON:           To fully inform the Cabinet of the outcome of this scrutiny review.

Consideration was given to a report which set out the recommendations arising from the Scrutiny Review into Youth Unemployment, with a copy of the full final report attached at Appendix 1.

Councillor D’Agorne, as a member of the Task Group attended the meeting and presented the report to Cabinet. He confirmed that in relation to Recommendation 4 funding had been secured for 2 job fairs and in relation to recommendation 7, the Council was involved with the ‘Foundation for Jobs’ campaign.

Members were informed that the review had identified the main barriers to the 18-24 age group getting work, were in particular transport costs, unsocial hours in some sectors with available jobs such as the Care Sector and a lack of skills in areas such as administration. He asked the Cabinet to support the following recommendations arising from the review:

Recommendation 1 - That the Learning City York Partnership Manager, via the ‘Connecting People to Jobs and Opportunities’ partnership network and the Learning City Strategic Board, take overall responsibility for setting an achievable target with key partners within the city to reduce longer termunemployment in the 18-24 year old bracket.¹

Recommendation 2 – That City of York Council continue to offer  apprenticeships to young people under the age of 24 and evaluate the success of this by collecting information on how many of those that have completed an apprenticeship at the Local Authority are still in work or further training 6 – 12 months later and that the Learning City York Partnership Manager lead on a programme with the Head of Adult Services to develop a programme that better supports unemployed 18-24 year olds into unfilled apprenticeship vacancies.²

Recommendation 3 - That City of York Council continue to offer work experience placements to under 16’s (whilst still at school) and under 18s not yet ready for an apprenticeship. And in addition to this:

            i.  That the Head of Strategic Workforce Development and Resourcing, in conjunction with the Learning City York Partnership Manager, offer  a discrete, managed, matched pilot, of work experience placement opportunities for unemployed 18 to 24 year olds, who have been unemployed in excess of three months

           ii. That the Head of Strategic Workforce Development and Resourcing ensures that there is a robust Graduate and Student Internship Programme in place within the authority.³

Recommendation 4 - That the Head of Adult Services at City of York Council ensures that Future Prospects works in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and leads on the co-ordinating of twice yearly job fairs.⁴

Recommendation 5 - That the Head of Adult Services at City of York Council ensures that the Future Prospects team continue to work in conjunction with Jobcentre Plus, to offer sector specific workshops and that both Work Programme providers and their clients* are made aware of the sector specific workshops on offer. *in this instance clients means unemployed 18 to 24 year olds, including those on the Work Programme. ⁵

Recommendation 6 -  ...  view the full minutes text for item 134.

This report sets out a proposal for a trial to establish a pedestrian, public transport and cycle priority route over Lendal Bridge; commencing in August 2013. Removal of through traffic from the ‘heart of the city’ with managed access provided for essential traffic on ‘priority routes’ (in particular Lendal Bridge) offers a key transformational opportunity to maximise access for pedestrians, cyclists and buses.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

i)             The proposal to commence a trial based on a two-way enforced restriction, on Lendal Bridge, starting in August, 7 days per week between 10:30am to 5:00pm. To receive a report considering any objections before considering any further Order to change the time period. Cost implications arising from this recommendation are £70k of capital costs to be funded from the capital programme.

ii)            Undertake consultation on the bridge trial with residents and businesses on the basis of the proposals set out in the report. Cost implications arising from this recommendation are £10k of revenue to be funded from existing public transport resources

iii)          A dedicated Project Manager appointment and authorising the setting up the multi-disciplinary ‘task group’ with a remit to design and implement a trial restriction on Lendal Bridge in August 2013. Cost implications arising from this recommendation are £50k of revenue funded from the BBAF

iv)          To additional Network Operating staff for the pilot period. Cost implications arising from this recommendation are £40k of revenue  funded from BBAF.

REASON:              i)    To provide a mandate to progressing of this important trial, demonstrate the real as opposed to modelled impacts and to test some of the mitigation proposals.

 ii) Early engagement will enable positive messages and information to be delivered ahead of the trial commencing and ensure that issues are fully captured.

iii)     The success of the trial facilitates and adds value to a number of high profile initiatives. The links and dependencies are cross directorate.   

iv)          To provide proactive management and control to optimise the operation of the traffic network and signalling systems to reduce unintended consequences and keep York moving.

Consideration was given to a report which set out a proposal for a trial to establish a pedestrian and public transport and cycle route over Lendal Bridge commencing in August 2013, operating a two-way restriction enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).

The proposal was part of a number of key city centre improvements that would be completed over the next 2 or 3 years which, taken together, will help to improve the city’s public realm and public transport system.

Key points were outlined in the report including the economic case for investing in the city centre, past opportunities and rationalisation for improving movement and details of the Lendal Bridge trial.

The Cabinet Member advised that under the previous administration, estimates had shown that York could see a 28% increase in traffic congestion over a 15 year period. The Local Transport Plan had addressed some issues but some more radical approaches were now required to tackle the problem. Following resident consultations it was identified that reducing congestion without charging was the preferred approach. Improvements needed to be made to buses, cycling and walking routes and users needed to be taken off the roads to enable this. He referred to a scheme undertaken in Oxford in 1999 that was considered radical at the time but had since proved to be successful. He advised that a trial closure of Lendal Bridge from 10.30am to 5.30pm would give the Council the opportunity to identify any teething problems before moving to a 7am to 7pm closure.

The Chair commented that responses to the trial had varied but there was a general acceptance that this was something the Council should do.

Following further discussion it was:

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

i)             The proposal to commence a trial based on a two-way enforced restriction, on Lendal Bridge, starting in August, 7 days per week between 10:30am to 5:00pm. To receive a report considering any objections before considering any further Order to change the time period. Cost implications arising from this recommendation are £70k of capital costs to be funded from the capital programme.¹

ii)            Undertake consultation on the bridge trial with residents and businesses on the basis of the proposals set out in the report. Cost implications arising from this recommendation are £10k of revenue to be funded from existing public transport resources. ²

iii)          A dedicated Project Manager appointment and authorising the setting up the multi-disciplinary ‘task group’ with a remit to design and implement a trial restriction on Lendal Bridge in August 2013. Cost implications arising from this recommendation are £50k of revenue funded from the BBAF. ³

iv)          To additional Network Operating staff for the pilot period. Cost implications arising from this recommendation are £40k of revenue  funded from BBAF. ⁴

REASON:              i)    To provide a mandate to progressing of this important trial, demonstrate the real as opposed to modelled impacts and to test some of the mitigation proposals.

 ii) Early engagement will enable positive messages and information to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 135.

This report informs the Cabinet of the recent changes made to the Licensing Act 2003, following the implementation of Section 119 (Early Morning Restriction Orders) and Chapter 2 (Late Night Levy) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, on 31 October 2012 and the potential impact on the Licensing Authority.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet approve Option 1, as set out at Para 18 of the report, to consult with North Yorkshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, other responsible authorities, Safer York Partnership and the relevant Business Community with regards to the introduction of Early Morning Restriction Orders and/or the Levy.

REASON:           To ensure that the council have the appropriate evidence to consider the introduction of EMROs or a Late Night Levy.

Consideration was given to a report which informed the Cabinet of recent changes made to the Licensing Act 2003 (2003 Act). This followed the implementation of Section 119 (Early Morning Restriction Orders) and Chapter 2 (Late Night Levy) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (2011 Act), on 31^st October 2012 and the potential impact on the Licensing Authority.

Early Morning Restriction Orders (EMRO’S) would enable licensing authorities to restrict sales of alcohol in the whole or part of their area for any specified period between midnight and 06:00 if they considered this appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The Late Night Levy would allow licensing authorities to raise a contribution from late-opening alcohol retailers towards managing the late night economy.

The Cabinet Member outlined the proposals and advised that income from the levy would be split 70% to the Police and 30% to the Council for clean up costs. A typical Friday night in York saw low level anti social behaviour on a frequent basis and the money would help to manage the late night economy. He thanked Officers for their efforts and recommended that the Council carry out a consultation with regards to the introduction of the levy and/or an EMRO.

Following further discussion it was:

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet approve Option 1, as set out at Para 18 of the report, to consult with North Yorkshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, other responsible authorities, Safer York Partnership and the relevant Business Community with regards to the introduction of Early Morning Restriction Orders and/or the Levy. ¹

REASON:           To ensure that the council have the appropriate evidence to consider the introduction of EMROs or a Late Night Levy.

This report sets out details of the Council’s ambitions to build new council homes as part of the Get York Building (GYB) initiative. It  seeks approval to pursue development of a number of sites within the Housing Revenue Account to build between 50 and 70 new homes. 

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree:

i)             Option 2, to the building of 50 to 70 new council homes on the sites identified in the report, with delegated responsibility to the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services to approve any alternative sites following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing, and Adult Social Services, should those identified be unable to progress.

ii)            The inclusion of an element of market housing at Beckfield Lane

iii)          The identified procurement routes, with delegated authority to the Cabinet Member to approve any revisions.

iv)          Additional project management resources required to deliver the project

REASON:        i)            To allow the council to add a significant number of homes to its existing asset base and help to alleviate the acute housing need in the city, and ensure that should one of the identified sites not progress an alternative can be pursued without delaying the project.

           ii)        To ensure a mix of tenures to allow a mixed and sustainable community and to provide cross subsidy to help fund the project.

           iii)       To allow officers to progress with the identified procurement processes to achieve the delivery timescale, and to ensure that any revisions to the identified process do not lead to delays related to achieving cabinet approval.

iv)          To allow the successful delivery of the project without impacting on the wider Housing Development Team work plan by ensuring the appropriate level of resources.

Consideration was given to a report which set out proposals to deliver the first phase of new council homes and sought approval for the council to pursue development of a number of sites within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) to build between 50 and 70 new homes.

The Cabinet Member outlined the report and advised that the Council needed to improve its housing stock level to address the high level of housing need in the city. The sites indentified in the report as suitable for development were sites within the councils own portfolio and the Beckfield Lane site would be the first to come forward.

Details of the funding route was outlined at paragraphs 14 to 16 of the report, including the use of £1million of commuted sums that were ring fenced for the delivery of affordable housing.

The registered speakers comments from earlier in the meeting were noted and the Cabinet Member advised that all sites would be subject to public consultation and the planning process.

Following further discussion it was:

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree:

(i)           Option 2, to the building of 50 to 70 new council homes on the sites identified in the report, with delegated responsibility to the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services to approve any alternative sites following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing, and Adult Social Services, should those identified be unable to progress. ¹

(ii)          The inclusion of an element of market housing at Beckfield Lane. ²

(iii)        The identified procurement routes, with delegated authority to the Cabinet Member to approve any revisions. ³

(iv)        Additional project management resources required to deliver the project. ⁴

REASON:            i)        To allow the council to add a significant number of homes to its existing asset base and help to alleviate the acute housing need in the city, and ensure that should one of the identified sites not progress an alternative can be pursued without delaying the project.

           ii)        To ensure a mix of tenures to allow a mixed and sustainable community and to provide cross subsidy to help fund the project.

           iii)       To allow officers to progress with the identified procurement processes to achieve the delivery timescale, and to ensure that any revisions to the identified process do not lead to delays related to achieving cabinet approval.

iv)          To allow the successful delivery of the project without impacting on the wider Housing Development Team work plan by ensuring the appropriate level of resources.

This report provides Cabinet with an overview of how the Council have and are implementing the additional public health duties that came into effect on 1 April 2013.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet note the content of the report and the implications and risks associated with the transfer of public health into CYC.

REASON:           To ensure that Members are aware of the heightened role of the local authority in public health from 1^st April 2013.

Consideration was given to a report which provided an overview of how the council were implementing the additional public health duties that came into effect on 1^st April 2013.

Following the introduction of the Health and Social Care Act 2012, the structure of the National Heath Service has gone through major change. As part of these changes, City of York Council would take on additional public health responsibilities which were intended to clearly demonstrate the leadership role for local authorities in:

·        Tackling the causes of ill health and reducing health inequalities

·        Promoting and protecting health

·        Promoting social justice and safer communities.

The Cabinet Member outlined the key points of the report and it was:

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet noted the content of the report and the implications and risks associated with the transfer of public health into CYC.

REASON:           To ensure that Members are aware of the heightened role of the local authority in public health from 1^st April 2013.

This report presents the final report arising from the Sickness Absence Management scrutiny review at Appendix 1.  It asks Cabinet to note the work on the scrutiny review, endorse the implementation of the recommendations by HR and where appropriate, approve the remaining recommendations arising from the review. Members of the Task Group will be in attendance to present the report and answer any questions.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to endorse the  recommendations already implemented by HR and approve the remaining Recommendations arising from this review, as shown in paragraph 7 of the report.

REASON:           To conclude the Scrutiny Review in line with CYC Scrutiny procedures and protocols.

Consideration was given to a report which set out the recommendations arising from the Sickness Absence Scrutiny Review, with a copy of the full final report at Appendix 1.

Councillor Steward was in attendance to present the report as a member of the Task Group. He advised that the review had been long running and many issues with staff sickness data had been resolved with the introduction of iTrent. However, some work on policies still needed to be undertaken.

Consideration was then given to the following recommendations:

i.     The Council’s policy be rewritten as two separate documents – one to be a short, clear and succinct policy for employees, and one to be a separate guide for managers.

ii.    Both documents be written in a clear, assertive and more formal language.

iii.   Both new documents incorporate the amendments identified in Annexes A & B of final report, as appropriate.

iv.  Mandatory training on absence management to be introduced for managers e.g. through the introduction of an eLearning package and use of Team Talk.

v.   HR should consider the one off purchase of an online training package for managers in an effort to reduce Health Nurse training costs.

vi.  Mandatory induction for new staff should be introduced.

vii.Manager’s should be held accountable for employees in their team failing to attend Occupational Health appointments without an appropriate reason, and the number of missed appointments should be reported to the Corporate Joint Consultative Committee.

viii.Managers should report quarterly to DMT on absence figures.

viii.               HR should look at positive ways of promoting good attendance, e.g. recognition for those employees who have no or low rates of absence e.g. letter from Chief Executive, Xtra Factor Award. 

ix.  Two HR officers should be designated as ‘GO TO’ officers (see 4^th bullet point in paragraph 49 of final report).

x.   CYC’s Counselling Services should be re-publicised.

xi.  Corporate and Scrutiny Management Committee should re-visit the question of how best to create a change in culture once the revised policy and change to working practices had been embedded throughout the organisation.

The Chair thanked the Task Group members for their work on this review and it was:

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to endorse the  recommendations already implemented by HR and approve the remaining recommendations arising from this review, as shown in paragraph 7 of the report. ¹

REASON:           To conclude the Scrutiny Review in line with CYC Scrutiny procedures and protocols.

This report presents information gathered in support of the Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s review on Improving Community Resilience and asks Members to agree the recommendations arising. Member of the Committee will be in attendance to present the report.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet approve the recommendations arising from the Improving Community Resilience Scrutiny Review, as set out in paragraph 9 of the report.

REASON:           To conclude the Scrutiny Review in line with CYC Scrutiny procedures and protocols

Consideration was given to the final report  from the Improving Community Resilience scrutiny review with a full copy of the report attached at Appendix 1.

Councillor Douglas as a member of the Task Group attended the meeting and presented the report to Cabinet. Members were informed that it had been an interesting review and the recommendations would not be costly to implement. She asked Cabinet to support the following recommendations arising from the review:

i) Strengthen Community Resilience by following best practice as implemented by others (e.g. East Riding of Yorkshire Council) through the introduction of Community Resilience Plans. ¹

ii)Work with Communities to help them identify any available external funding. ²

iii)Work with appropriate partners to encourage their support and assistance. ³

Officers confirmed that elements of the review were already in place with the introduction of Snow Wardens.

The Chair thanked the Task Group members for their work on the review and it was:

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet approve the recommendations arising from the Improving Community Resilience Scrutiny Review, as set out in paragraph 9 of the report.

REASON:           To conclude the Scrutiny Review in line with CYC Scrutiny procedures and protocols

This report provides a summary of the planning underway in developing and evaluating the Integrated Business Plan for the Community Equipment Loan and Warden Call/Telecare Service (CELTAS) to become a social enterprise. 

RESOLVED:  i)   That Cabinet agree to the establishment of the Council’s  first social enterprise and to:

ii)  Create a mutual, Social Enterprise organisation to provide the Warden Call/CELS service in shadow form to facilitate smooth transition.

iii)  Form a Community Interest Company,(in the form of a Company Limited by Guarantee) for the reasons described in sections 4 and 5 of the report.

iv)  Provide a further report on progress in December 2013 to seek confirmation of a 1 April 2014 start date for the new organisation

REASON:           To create a viable social enterprise opportunity that will provide services to a wider customer base whilst providing value for money to the council.  

Consideration was given to a report which outlined the business case for the creation of a Community Equipment Loan and Warden Call/Telecare Service social enterprise.

The report asked Cabinet to approve the following:

·        the proposed governance structure and legal form

·        to proceed initially in shadow form to facilitate a smooth transition

·        and receive a further report in December 2013 to update on progress and seek approval for a 1 April 2014 start date for the social enterprise.

Details of the consultation carried out with staff were outlined at paragraph 9 and details of the options considered for the governance structure and legal form were contained at paragraphs 22 to 29. The best option was considered to be a Community Interest Company, in the form of a Company Limited by Guarantee.

Members noted the comments made by the Union representative on this item and:

RESOLVED:  i)   That Cabinet agree to the establishment of the Council’s  first social enterprise and to:

ii)  Create a mutual, Social Enterprise organisation to provide the Warden Call/CELS service in shadow form to facilitate smooth transition. ¹

iii)  Form a Community Interest Company,(in the form of a Company Limited by Guarantee) for the reasons described in sections 4 and 5 of the report.

iv)  Provide a further report on progress in December 2013 to seek confirmation of a 1 April 2014 start date for the new organisation. ²

REASON:           To create a viable social enterprise opportunity that will provide services to a wider customer base whilst providing value for money to the council.  

The Chair passed on his thanks to Councillor Julie Gunnell who would not be on the Cabinet for the next municipal year due to being the Lord Mayor elect.

RECOMMENDED:      That Cabinet agree to recommend the use of £1m commuted sums, and thereby increase the approved capital programme (HRA) for new homes from £6m to £7m.

REASON:                      To allow a total scheme budget of £7m to deliver the project.

[See also Part A Minute]

Consideration was given to a report which set out proposals to deliver the first phase of new council homes and sought approval for the council to pursue development of a number of sites within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) to build between 50 and 70 new homes.

The Cabinet Member outlined the report and advised that the Council needed to improve its housing stock level to address the high level of housing need in the city. The sites indentified in the report as suitable for development were sites within the councils own portfolio and the Beckfield Lane site would be the first to come forward.

Details of the funding route was outlined at paragraphs 14 to 16 of the report, including the use of £1million of commuted sums that were ring fenced for the delivery of affordable housing.

RECOMMENDED:      That Cabinet agree to recommend the use of £1m commuted sums, and thereby increase the approved capital programme (HRA) for new homes from £6m to £7m.

REASON:                      To allow a total scheme budget of £7m to deliver the project.