|
City of York Council |
Committee Minutes |
|
|
Meeting |
Executive |
|
|
Date |
9 September 2026 |
|
|
Present
In Attendance |
Councillors Douglas (Chair), Kilbane, Kent, Lomas, Ravilious, Steels-Walshaw, Webb (Vice-Chair) and Merrett
Councillor Ayre, Opposition Group Leader |
|
|
Officers in Attendance |
Richard Webb, Chief Executive Bryn Roberts, Monitoring Officer Debbie Mitchell, Director of Finance Dave Atkinson, Director of Environmental and Regulatory Services Garry Taylor, Director of City Development Ewa Zielinska, Environmental Services Officer Helene Vergareau, Head of Highway Management Ian Hoult, Head of Environmental Services Zoe Dunn, Head of Housing Delivery Guy Close, Democratic Services Manager Reece Willians, Democratic Services Officer
|
|
22. Apologies for Absence (4:30pm)
It was noted that Councillor Perrett was represented at the meeting by Councillor Merrett, in their roles as joint Executive Members for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities.
Apologies for lateness were received from Councillors Lomas and Webb.
23. Declarations of Interest (4:34pm)
Councillor Kilbane declared a pecuniary interest in relation to agenda item 10, Review of CYC community car park and on-street parking charges in response to petitions. Having sought advice from the Monitoring Officer he left the meeting during consideration of this item and not take part in the vote.
24. Public Participation (4:34pm)
It was reported that there had been four registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme, although only three were in attendance. Two written representations had also been received, and these had been published on the Council’s website.
Johnny Hayes spoke on agenda item 10, ‘Review of CYC community car park and on-street parking charges in response to petitions’ and stated that shoppers should have clear rights to challenge and review charges and highlighted that guidance supported residents’ abilities to challenge over-zealous projects in the local area. He stated that the parking policies were inflated in cost and in scope and the increase of up to 500% in some locations was not best practice and was a failure of professional judgement. Johnny supported the direction offered to Executive but urged Members to take further action. He added that although it was possible that changes in people’s behaviour would result in an increase in revenue, the proposal at face value would see a decrease in revenue.
Ruth Phillips spoke on agenda item 10, ‘Review of CYC community car park and on-street parking charges in response to petitions’ and stated that the petition campaign began after significant changes were made to parking costs. Ruth supported the ambition to reduce congestion and promote sustainable travel but urged members not to usher in changes too quickly and emphasised the need for proper implementation. It was suggested that higher parking charges had not delivered the change expected and that some people had stopped coming into York altogether and businesses had lost out on income. In relation to the Minster Badge, it was stated that only 4.5% of residents had a badge and this represented a small number of residents. Ruth emphasised the need for proportionate adjustments which could then be reviewed as part of a wider policy review. That there was a need for sustainability and lower congestion but only in a way that supported people and businesses.
Andrew Lowson spoke on agenda item 10, ‘Review of CYC community car park and on-street parking charges in response to petitions' and stated that following concerns about increased charges, businesses had reported fewer residents coming into the city, leading to an unsustainable city centre. He stated that the report focussed on a handful of city car parks, and that many people who could not request a Minster Badge were not represented. Andrew emphasised that businesses needed a clear direction in terms of next steps and that change needed to be properly communicated, phased in and evidence led. That there was a need to confirm a timetable for businesses to get involved with the consultation.
The Leader of the Council requested that Officers provided a written response to comments raised by Andrew Lowson.
(Councillor Lomas joined the meeting at 4.42pm during the consideration of this item.)
25. Minutes (4:46pm)
Resolved: That the minutes of the Executive meeting held on 7
July 2026 be approved and signed as a correct record.
26. Forward Plan (4:46pm)
Members received and noted details of the items that were on the Forward Plan for the next two Executive meetings at the time the agenda was published.
27. Quarter 1 2026/27 Finance and Performance Monitor (4:46pm)
The Director of Finance presented a report which outlined the projected financial position and the latest performance information for the period covering 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026.
The following annex was attached to the report:
· Annex 1: Quarter 1 Performance Tables - City Outcomes and Council Delivery Indicators 2023-2027.
The Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion highlighted how CYC was working with Explore York to develop opportunities and ensure closer working in neighbourhoods. Reference was made to issues associated with the Fair Funding Formula and higher rates of inflation for day-to-day services leading to an increase in operational costs.
The Leader of the Council reported that she had been in contact with Central Government to discuss ways to address key funding issues.
Resolved:
That Executive:
i. Noted the finance and performance information.
ii. Noted that work would continue in identifying the savings needed to fully mitigate the forecast overspend.
iii. Accepted that the budgeted savings relating to the Explore contract would not be progressed and that the undelivered savings (£600k) would need to be added into growth as part of 2027/28 budget process.
iv. Noted the funding awards provided to the council detailed in the report.
Reason: To ensure expenditure is kept within the approved budget.
28. Capital Programme - Monitor 1 2026/27 (4:46pm)
The Director of Finance presented a report which outlined the projected outturn position for 2026/27 including any under/overspends and adjustments, along with requests to re-profile budgets to/from current and future years.
The following annex was attached to the report:
· Annex 1 – Capital Programme 2026/27 – 2030/31
Resolved:
That Executive:
i) In relation to the overall programme:
· Recommended to Council the adjustments resulting in a reduction in the 2026/27 budget of £5.008k as detailed in the report.
· Noted the 2026/27 revised budget of £107.982m as set out in paragraph 9 and Table 2.
· Noted the restated capital programme for 2026/27 – 2029/30 as set out in Annex 1.
Reason: To enable the effective management and monitoring of the Council’s capital programme.
ii) In relation to the investment at Burnholme:
· Noted the award of grant from the Football Foundation of £700k for a new 3G pitch at Burnholme delegating the Director of Finance to sign the grant agreements with Football Foundation and GLL for their contributions
· Agreed to adding the scheme to the capital programme with £150k CYC contribution from s106 / leisure sinking fund
· Approved the Council to enter into the framework partner agreements, construction contract and other contract documents required to deliver the contract.
· Accepted the risk that scheme cost overruns will need to be funded by the council.
Reason: To ensure that scheme funding can be accepted and the scheme delivery can progress in line with the Council’s Constitution and Financial Regulations.
29. Treasury Management 2026/27 Quarter 1 report and review of Prudential Indicators (4:46pm)
The Director of Finance presented a report which provided an update on treasury management activity and prudential indicators for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.
The following annex was attached to the report:
· Annex A – Prudential Indicators 2026/27 Quarter 1 (30 June 26)
Resolved:
That Executive:
i. Noted the 2026/27 Treasury Management activity up to the first quarter date ending 30 June 2026.
ii. Noted the Prudential Indicators outlined in Annex A (updated where applicable) and note the compliance with all indicators.
Reason: To ensure the continued effective operation and performance of the Council’s Treasury Management function and ensure that all Council treasury activity is prudent, affordable and sustainable and complies with policies set.
30. Recycling Review (5:07pm)
The Director of Environmental and Regulatory Services, Head of Environmental Services, and Environmental Services Officer, presented a report which outlined proposals to further improve overall recycling waste collection rates and separation by supporting residents to recycle as much as possible from home, including a move from boxes to fixed lid wheelie bins.
The following annexes were attached to the report:
· Annex A – Participation by ward
· Annex B – Types of households by ward
· Annex C – Survey responses
· Annex D – Email communication analysis
· Annex E – Drop-in sessions summary
· Annex F – Human Rights Equalities Impact Assessment (HREIA)
· Annex G – Terraced Properties Assessment
· Annex H – August 2026 consultation feedback.
In response to a query, the Head of Environmental Services reported that the Waste Optimisation Project was a separate piece of work to the Recycling Review. It was noted that the Review provided Executive with an opportunity to improve residents’ recycling experience. That work was ongoing to strike a balance between waste capacity and residents’ preferences.
The Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency highlighted that it was not possible to provide a bespoke service for all residents, and that Executive had listened to feedback arising from the consultation exercise. It was acknowledged that there had been a delay in the £260k savings that had been sought and that this was to be achieved as part of the waste optimisation project. Operating collections on the most efficient routes at the most efficient speeds was a priority and wheeled bins resulted in increased efficiency over boxes.
Resolved:
That Executive:
i) Recommended Council to approve of the increase in general fund borrowing required to fund capital investment of up to £2.8m in recycling bins.
Reason: To ensure that the capital programme is fully funded and can be effectively monitored.
ii) Approved moving from recycling boxes to 180l recycling bins as standard based on the financial business case supporting the project. The scope of properties in the first phase is up to 63,000. For those properties producing additional recycling materials, larger contain could be requested.
Reason: To improve efficiency of collections, increase recycling capacity, reduce operating costs, decrease musculoskeletal injuries and reduce street litter as well as providing an adequate kerbside collection service to meet simpler recycling reforms.
iii) Delegated authority to officers to find solutions, in partnership with third parties, for some properties in the first, and future phases that may have storage challenges for wheeled bins. This could mean a small proportion of properties within the first scope of change remain on box collections.
Reason: To ensure residents have appropriate storage space within property boundaries and can benefit from outside space within their property boundary, allowing officers more time to find appropriate solutions for these properties to transition onto wheeled bins for recycling.
iv) Approved Waste Services to consider requests for larger 240l containers following standard roll out to support increased recycling and waste minimisation. Special requests for 140l wheeled bins would be based on exceptional circumstances and the resident’s ability to reasonably justify the request.
Reason: To ensure residents have appropriate capacity to increase recycling materials. To allow appropriate storage space within property boundaries and can benefit from outside space within their property boundary.
(Councillor Webb joined the meeting at 5.20pm during the consideration of this item.)
31. Review of CYC community car park and on-street parking charges in response to petitions (5:25pm)
The Director of Environmental and Regulatory Services, and Head of Highway Management, presented a report which outlined the recommendations from the independent review of community car parking and on-street charges focusing on Bishopthorpe Road, East Parade (Heworth), Micklegate, and the Groves, including feedback provided from the Place Scrutiny Committee.
The following annexes were attached to the report:
· Annex A: Human Rights and Equality Assessment (HREA)
· Annex B: Resident and Traders proposals to mitigate increased Car park charging
· Annex C: Arup Independent Review – Executive Summary
o Annex C1: Arup Independent Review – Micklegate Survey Findings
o Annex C2: Arup Independent Review – Bishopthorpe Road Survey Findings
o Annex C3: Arup Independent Review – Heworth Survey Findings
o Annex C4: Arup Independent Review – The Groves Survey Findings
· Annex D: Overview of Council Car Parking and Highways and Transport services income and expenditure
· Annex E: Arup Independent Review – Questionnaire
The Executive Member for Transport thanked those involved with the consultation and stated that York has seen a decrease in spending since 2024 whilst highlighting that factors other than parking charges played a role in this. It was reported that York had seen positive changes in travel habits and that an increase in bus passengers had led to an increase in services provided by operators. Parking revenue had enabled CYC to increase investment into sustainable travel. In response to the Groves petition, the Executive Member spoke of unfair Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and noted that these had been reviewed as part of ongoing work on a future parking strategy.
The Executive Member undertook to respond to outstanding issues identified in petitions. In response to comments raised during public participation it was reported that there was no evidence that there had been an increase in nitrous oxide pollution. That the increase in parking charges did not correlate directly to a drop in footfall, as there had also been an increase in bus travel, walking, and cycling, as well as some people parking elsewhere and still coming into York.
Resolved:
That Executive:
i. Noted the continued focus on LTS objectives to encourage a shift away from the private car and reduce mileage driven in the city by improving alternatives modes of transport and using parking charges as a lever to influence travel behaviour, whilst continuing to offer free unlimited parking for Blue Badge holders.
ii. Approved the following changes to parking charges:
· Changes to the Minster Badge, from the current charge of £45 for two years, to an annual charge of £15.
· Increased discount for Minster Badge holders parking in community parking areas (as listed below) from the current 30% discount to 50% discount.
iii. Noted the commitment to develop a parking strategy as set out in the LTS and its Implementation Plan. This would be done as part of the wider work on the Movement and Place Plan, (also including a kerbside strategy). The parking strategy would consider how parking should be managed near places of worship as well as other important destinations.
iv. Approved the introduction of an informal consultation stage before a decision be made on significant increases to Council parking charges (defined as increases above the rate of increase for City of York Council standard fees and charges).
v. Supported the publication of the annual parking account report in a revised format, to provide more detail on parking revenue and how it is reinvested into transport and environmental improvements.
Reason: To acknowledge the feedback and recommendations received through the independent review and continue to balance competing priorities to deliver the LTS’s objectives.
32. Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) - statutory consultation response (5:40pm)
The Director of Environmental and Regulatory Services, the Director of City Development, and the Head of Highway Management, presented the report which provided a review of representations received during the statutory consultation process for the proposed introduction of a permanent Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) for York city centre.
The following annexes were attached to the report:
· Annex A: Human Rights and Equality Assessment (HREA)
· Annex B: Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) (Not required)
· Annex C: Draft City Centre ATTRO
· Annex D: NYP ATTRO Request letter
· Annex E: Consultation letter to Blue Badge holders
o Annex E1: Consultation leaflet
· Annex F: Consultation letter to business and residents
· Annex G: Representations received against the proposal
· Annex H: Representations received in support of the proposal
The Executive Member for Transport reported that the proposals did not equal a change to residents’ safety but instead changed how ATTROs would be implemented. It was advised that permanent ATTROs sat dormant for most of the time until the Police identified a risk. CYC was undertaking work with North Yorkshire Police to identify the restrictions that were needed at each point the ATTRO became active, and would provide more evidence-based responses to restrictions.
Resolved:
That Executive:
i. Considered the representations received during the statutory consultation;
ii. Approved the making of the permanent ATTRO (as per the draft order provided in Annex C).
iii. Delegated the decision to activate the permanent ATTRO on the receipt of a Police recommendation to do so to the Chief Executive of the Council.
iv. Approved the development and implementation of an agreed decision-making framework for the permanent ATTRO’s activation with the Chief Executive of the Council working in conjunction with the Leader of the Council and relevant Executive Members.
Reason: To respond to the recommendation from the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police (NYP) to consider the making of a permanent ATTRO (Annex D), having taken into account the representations received during the statutory consultation process and all other relevant considerations.
33. Preparation for Potential Use of Compulsory Purchase Powers at Willow House to Support the Delivery of Affordable Housing (5:49pm)
The Director of City Development, and the Head of Housing Delivery, presented a report which sought an in-principle decision to enable the Council to continue preparatory work for the potential use of compulsory purchase powers under Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985, should they ultimately be required to support land assembly for the Willow House development.
The following annexes were attached to the report:
· Annex A: Equalities Impact Assessment
· Annex B: Willow House Boundary Plan
The Director of City Development reported that there was an expectation to acquire the premises through negotiation and that legislation supported this provisional course of action as an emergency measure in case negotiation was not possible. He outlined that no scoping or costs had been brought to Executive as the final costs would be brought back at a later point if required.
The Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities acknowledged that this was an important step in getting the acquisition completed and noted that it would support a significant number of people to be rehoused if progress was made.
Resolved:
That Executive:
i. Noted the preparatory work already undertaken to assemble the land, interests and rights required for the Willow House development, including engagement with leaseholders, initial land referencing activity and preparation of the supporting documentation needed for a potential Compulsory Purchase Order. This preparatory work supports the future potential use of compulsory purchase powers should they be required.
ii. Approved the principle of using compulsory purchase powers under Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 to acquire the land, interests and rights in the six assets, included within the plan at Appendix 1, for the purposes of the erection of houses as part of the Willow House development.
iii. Noted that authority to make a Compulsory Purchase Order would only be requested following a further detailed report and a Statement of Reasons being brought back to the Executive, and that a future report would request authority to make a CPO only where voluntary acquisition has not been achievable and where the statutory tests are met.
iv. Noted, for the avoidance of doubt, the in-principle approval of the use of compulsory purchase powers relates only to the land, interests and rights required for the Willow House development and does not include the acquisition of any residential properties shown within the wider boundary plan.
v. Delegated authority to the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Director of Governance, to prepare draft documentation for any potential Compulsory Purchase Order referred to above without authorising the making of the order at this stage. This includes appointing land referencing agents, preparing the Statement of Reasons, preparing an Equalities Impact Assessment and securing any statutory consents, licences or orders required to support timely project delivery. These activities form part of the preparatory stage of a CPO process.
vi. Delegated authority to the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Director of Governance, to use all reasonable endeavours to assemble the land, interests and rights required for the scheme by agreement prior to making any CPO. This includes settling compensation and related terms where appropriate and in accordance with statutory requirements where appropriate, removing land no longer required from any proposed CPO, and making arrangements for the relocation of leaseholder possessions and vesting of land acquired in the ownership of the Council where required.
Reasons:
i. To ensure the Council is able to secure the land, interests and rights required to deliver the Willow House development, where voluntary acquisition may not be achievable.
ii. To maintain progress on a scheme that has planning permission, secured funding and a clear delivery route, and which will provide new affordable homes and improved amenity space on a long-vacant site.
iii. To allow preparatory work for a potential CPO to continue in parallel with ongoing negotiations, reducing the risk of delay to the programme and ensuring the Council is ready to act promptly if required.
iv. To ensure that any future Executive decision to make a CPO is supported by a full Statement of Reasons, an Equalities Impact Assessment and a complete land referencing schedule, in line with statutory guidance.
v. To provide clarity that this report does not authorise the making of a CPO, nor does it predetermine any planning matters, which remain the responsibility of the Local Planning Authority.
Councillor Douglas, Chair
(The meeting started at 4:30pm and finished 5:58pm).