Executive
Set out below is a summary of the decisions taken at the Executive meeting held on Thursday, 13 July 2023. The wording used does not necessarily reflect the actual wording that will appear in the minutes.
Members are reminded that, should they wish to call in a decision, notice must be given to Democracy Support Group no later than 4pm on the second working day after this meeting. The recommendations to Council at Item 8 on the list cannot be called in.
If you have any queries about any matters referred to in this decision sheet please contact FionaYoung.
5. Update on Local Bus Services
Resolved: (i) That the BSIP delivery update in the report be noted, including infrastructure improvement development, young person and family incentives, and the bus service support, these being the key BSIP items prioritised for the current year, the delivery of which was not affected by the bus subsidy challenges.
(ii) That it be noted that there remain a number of issues within the bus industry, including changes to government funding for bus companies and the fact that the current timeline of government funding matches BSIP, leading to a potential ‘cliff edge’ of funding for services in summer 2025; although officers will continue to work with the Enhanced Bus Partnership to seek to mitigate risk, future intervention by the council may be required.
(iii) That it be noted that operators have indicated they were to remove some early a.m. and late p.m. commercial services (Nos. 1, 4, 6, and 10/10A) which they consider are not economically viable, that officers have arranged short-term contracts from bus operators to retain the under-threat elements of these services, and that this additional funding will be considered by the Enhanced Bus Partnership in July 2023, with a longer-term tender process to be undertaken and reported back to the Executive.
(iv) That it be noted that officers will present the subsidy per passenger as part of any future funding decisions on which services should be supported, to help Members with their decision-making.
(v) That it be noted that the funding allocation to service support is limited and the initial allocation is committed, that Local Transport Authorities (LTAs), such as York, are now able to re-allocate part of the original BSIP funding to service support, that LTAs can switch up to 10% of the revenue allocation over the three-year programme without the government’s approval, and that this would impact on the council’s ability to deliver an existing BSIP deliverable project and require formal decision making.
(vi) That it be noted that the report on the City Centre Bus Shuttle is imminent but that it will need to be considered, and possibly revised further, in the light of any decisions to review hostile vehicle mitigation measures.
Reason: To ensure that the Bus Network in York is stabilised and that the council can work with the statutory Enhanced Bus Partnership to deliver its stated Bus Service Improvement Plans objectives in line with the National Bus Strategy, by both improving passenger experience and increase bus patronage.
6. LEVI Pilot Funding for Askham Bar HyperHub
Resolved: (i) That Option 1 be approved and the LEVI funding offer of £1,243k be accepted in principle, recognising the ultimate need for the £669k match funding, and that approval be given at this stage to match fund £60k, allocated from within current transport budgets, for a phase 1 business case and feasibility study.
(ii) That the results of the feasibility study be reported to a future Executive meeting and a further decision be sought on proceeding with delivery dependent on the outcome of the study.
Reason: To continue to deliver on the public EV charging strategy to meet objectives in terms of uptake of Electric Vehicles and climate change and carbon reduction.
7. Anti-Racism & Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan
Resolved: (i) That the Strategy and Action Plan at Annex A to the report be noted.
(ii) That the council’s response to the Strategy and Action Plan and the next steps, including a clear commitment in the new Council Plan and a detailed plan of delivery within three months, be agreed and that officers be instructed to carry out the steps identified.
(iii) That it be noted that a further report will be presented to Executive within three months in response to the strategy, making recommendations for change where actions can be implemented in the short term and also identifying medium and longer-term measures .
Reason: To demonstrate the City of York Council’s commitment to being an Anti-Racist City.
8. Anti-Racism & Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan
Recommended: (i) That Council receive the Strategy and Action Plan on behalf of the City.
(ii) That the Leader sign the Pledge at Annex B to the report on behalf of the Council.
Reason: To demonstrate the City of York Council’s commitment to being an Anti-Racist City.