Agenda and minutes

At this point, Members are asked to declare any personal or prejudicial interests they may have in the business on this agenda.

Members were invited to declare at this point in the meeting any personal or prejudicial interests they might have in the business on the agenda.

No interests were declared.

To consider excluding the press and public from the meeting during consideration of any exempt information relating to briefings on Executive business, as detailed on the agenda for the Executive meeting to be held on 31 March 2009, under Schedule 12A to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006.

RESOLVED:             That the press and public not be excluded from the meeting as there was no exempt information relating to briefings on Executive business, as detailed on the agenda for the Executive meeting to be held on 31 March 2009, under Schedule 12A to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government  (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Shadow Executive meeting held on 14 January 2009.

RESOLVED:             That the minutes of the meeting of the Shadow Executive held on 14 January 2009 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting members of the public who have registered their wish to speak regarding an item on the agenda or an issue within the Shadow Executive’s remit can do so. The deadline for registering is Tuesday 24 March 2009, at 5.00 pm.

It was reported that there had been no registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

To receive any briefings requested on Executive business for 31 March 2009.

[Please note that the reports relating to these items will be published on the Council’s website on Friday 20 March 2009. The website address is www.york.gov.uk  Copies of the Executive agenda and reports can also be obtained by telephoning Democracy Support Group on York (01904) 551088.]

The Shadow Executive received briefings on the following items of business on the agenda for the Executive meeting on 31 March 2009:

• Corporate Strategy Refresh (agenda item 5)
• Local Area Agreement 2008/09 to 2010/11 (agenda item 6)

This report responds to the Shadow Executive’s request for a briefing report on innovative thinking to establish what kind of city centre experience we want people to have, taking account of potential funding from Yorkshire Forward for the rejuvenation and regeneration of city centre areas.

This briefing report, responded to Members request for a report on innovative thinking to establish what kind of a city centre experience they wanted people to have. This was to take into account potential funding from Yorkshire Forward for the rejuvenation and regeneration of city centre areas and the report set out progress to date.

Members received a presentation from Officers of City Development on the proposals for a City Centre Action Plan, which would provide a 20 year vision and strategy for the City Centre.

Representatives of Visit York, the Retail Forum, the Minster Quarter and the City Centre Manager attended that meeting and were invited to participate in the discussion.

Officers confirmed that it was important to determine what resident’s and the authority wanted out of the City Centre. Members pointed out that there was a need to examine bus and taxi penetration into the centre, making it more family friendly in the early evening and ensuring that Gateway Streets were better utilised with the introduction of trails. It was confirmed that public spaces should be available throughout the year and that investment was required in city activities.

Members thanked officers for preparing the report and the attendees for their constructive comments.

RESOLVED:             That the briefing report be noted.

REASON:                  To inform and update the Shadow Executive and help shape the effectiveness of future action.