Decision details

To present the Executive Member with the Final Report arising from the scrutiny review into the Economic Health of York City Centre.

The Executive Member is asked to approve the recommendations arising from the review.

Resolved: That the Council;

i.        Agrees a grant of £10,000 to the business sector, delegated to the Head of Economic Growth to decide and administer the grant;

ii.       Considers making a bid to the £675 million Future High Streets Fund to secure funding to help York respond and adapt to changes facing city centres.

iii.     Prepares a long-term strategy to make its high streets and the city centre fit for the future, taking into account relevant aspects of the Grimsey report and the view of all key stakeholders.

iv.     Develops an easy but comprehensive and consistent guide to help businesses access relevant information around Council policies effecting businesses, such as planning and licensing issues and alike.

v.      Examines ways of extending the city’s traditional festivals venue in Parliament Street to open up other areas to visitors, particularly across the river into Micklegate, and reduce pedestrian congestion in parts of the city centre at peak hours.

vi.     Works with Indie York and traders to develop a city-wide loyalty scheme to make it easier for businesses to reward customers with an attractive discount offer for shopping locally while encouraging business growth and customer retention across a city-wide customer engagement platform.

vii.   Incentivises ways to further encourage more people to use Park and Ride and work with bus operators to extend the operating hours of Park and Ride to help reduce vehicle congestion in the city.

viii.  Notes the suggestion of an option to seek to make provision in the 2020/21 revenue budget for a grant fund to support independent traders groups, such as Indie York and others. 

Reason:     To promote the economic health of the city centre.