Decision details

Purpose of report: To update the Executive Member on key issues in the City Centre Economy and recommend options for short term measures to support growth.

The report will ask the Executive Member to approve actions to support the economic health of the city centre.

Resolved: 

                           i.           That the Head of Economic Growth be instructed to bring back a report outlining the impact of Business Rates on retailers in the city centre and options to mitigate that impact, if appropriate.

Reason: To support the City Centre Economy.

                         ii.           That the Head of Economic Growth be instructed to widen the remit of research approved through the Secondary Retail areas funding agreed in June 2018 to cover the city centre, neighbourhood shopping areas and out-of-town retail.

Reason: To support economic growth across the city.

                        iii.           That the Head of Economic Growth be instructed to explore options to reduce the occupancy costs and environmental impact of our retail portfolio through the use of low energy lighting and heating and the installation of low-carbon energy systems, and to bring back costed proposals for the 2019-20 budget. 

Reason: To support the city centre economy.

                       iv.           That the Head of Economic Growth be instructed to bring forward costed proposals which would support the development of traders’ associations and the broader network of independent traders across the city, and explore the potential for York to make an application as a city to the High Street of the Year awards for 2019.

Reason: To support the independent traders as a sector, ensuring the vibrancy of our city centre offer.

                         v.           That the Head of Economic Growth be instructed to make arrangements to pass the surplus Christmas decorations that the Council holds to Acomb Alive and Haxby Town Council to enhance their local decorations.

Reason:  To further support the vibrancy of our Secondary Retail areas.

                       vi.           That the Executive Member consult with other Group Leaders to seek national agreement on removing Permitted Development Rights for office conversions in the city centre.

Reason: To support the City Centre Economy.