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 12 May 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 12 May 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 25 March 2009.

RESOLVED:             That the minutes of the meeting of the Shadow Executive held on 25 March 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 5 May 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 12 May 2009.

[Please note that the reports relating to these items will be published on the Council’s website on Friday 1 May 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.]

It was reported that no briefings had been requested in relation to Executive business for the 12 May 2009 meeting.

This report responds to the Shadow Executive’s request for a briefing report on Property Guardians and how they could help local businesses keep buildings secure at low cost as well as offer extra low cost housing to people not on high incomes.

A representative from Ad-Hoc will be present at the meeting to give an overview of the Property Guardians concept and scheme.

Members received a report which responded to their request for a briefing on Property Guardians and how they could help local businesses keep buildings secure at low cost as well as offer extra low cost housing to people not on high incomes.

A representative from Ad-Hoc, an organisation that managed Property Guardians was in attendance and he gave an overview of the Property Guardians concept and scheme. He outlined the benefits of the scheme for the protection of vacant property for both the community and as an alternative to putting expensive security measures in place. 

Officers referred to the suitability of the scheme for council owned buildings that became vacant and it’s potential to address the housing needs in the city.

Members referred to properties not within the authorities ownership and the authorities possible facilitating role in encouraging private owners to consider this type of property protection.  Members questioned the length of time Guardians spent in properties and the affect, if any, on their position on the housing waiting list.

The Chair thanked Officers and the representative from Ad-Hoc for their attendance and their very informative report and briefing. He hoped that the Executive would further explore alternatives with Property Guardians with a view to providing a property guardian scheme in York.

RESOLVED:             That the briefing report be noted.

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