Agenda and minutes

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At this point in the meeting, Members were asked to declare any personal interests not included on the register of Interests, any prejudicial interest or any discloseable pecuniary interests which they may have in respect of business on the agenda. None were declared.

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It was reported that there had been four registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme but that only three were available to speak at the meeting.

All three speakers spoke on agenda item 3, City of York Council Recovery and Renewal Strategy.

Mr Bradnam, Chair of the Hospitality Association York, was encouraged by the Council’s current recovery plan but would welcome a clearer specific approach for the sector roundtable meetings organised by Make it York, including more specific information in the strategy document, to ensure the meetings measured specific aims, output and success.

Mr Pinder, Chair of York Retail Forum, confirmed 60% of shops reopened on 15th July and he raised concerns with the lack of signage within the city centre. He welcomed the parking offers put forward by the Council but questioned why the closest car parks to the city centre were excluded. He confirmed there had been a lack of contact from Make it York and that a detailed marketing strategy would be welcomed from them.

Councillor Webb requested Members maintain a focus on the further opening of schools in September and in particular the wrap around service that supported children and young people in York.  He praised the short term support that organisations had provided to families but welcomed a long term provision. He also addressed the support required to ensure city centre businesses opened responsibly and he applauded the work of the public health team. Cllr Webb also raised concerns regarding Member involvement in the decision-making process and the participation of Members going forward.

This report presents, at Annex 1, the Council’s Recovery and Renewal Strategy, outlining the proposed approach to support York’s recovery from the Covid 19 pandemic over the coming year. Committee Members have the opportunity to look forward and comment upon the recovery work and plan endorsed by the Executive.

Members considered a report that presented the Council’s Recovery and Renewal Strategy, outlining the proposed approach to support York’s recovery from the Covid 19 pandemic over the coming year.

The Chair confirmed that at its meeting on 25 June 2020, the Executive considered and broadly approved a strategic recovery approach and the Committee noted that at this evenings meeting, officers would be providing an introductory overview and would highlight the key elements of York’s recovery in line with the agreed Strategy.

The Interim Head of Paid Services updated Members on the Recovery and Renewal Strategy, including the underpinning plans and strategies that were annexed to the report.  It was noted that alongside the Strategy, a 10 year City Plan was being discussed with partner organisations and would be reported to Executive in future reports.

The Director of Health informed Members that the new Covid Outbreak Management Plan would provide a central framework for the Council and its partners to ensure a city wide response to managing and minimising any further waves of coronavirus across the city. She highlighted the core part of the plan, including the seven themes and she stated that the City of York Outbreak Management Advisory Board would monitor and challenge the Outbreak Management Plan to ensure good communication and engagement across the city. 

The Head of HR provided Members with an overview and it was noted that staff had adapted and changed their way of working to ensure the Council could continue to support residents through the pandemic. She confirmed officers were still focusing on the ongoing health, safety and wellbeing of staff and that a dedicated staff helpline had been created.  Members noted that the Organisational Development Plan had also been adapted to support staff in delivering the services across the city through new or amended operating models. She confirmed that West Offices was undergoing risks assessments and that an induction program was being devised for staff.

Officers answered Members questions relating to the 10 year recovery plan and Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 data and it was noted that a supplementary response to some questions would be annexed to the minutes.

The Director of Public Health, Head of HR and Interim Head of Paid Service left the meeting at 18:27.

The Head of Economic Growth, the Assistant Director of Regeneration and Asset Management, the Head of Regeneration Programmes and the Corporate Director of Economy and Place briefed Members on the One Year Transport and Place Strategy Plan. Members noted the frameworks and strategies being developed to support the city’s economic recovery.

Officers then answered Members questions relating to employment and skills, the 12 sector roundtables, the retail sector and partnership working.  Members noted that updates would continue to be reported to Executive and officers agreed to provide Members with further details on the 12 sector roundtables.¹

The Chair thanked officers for their update and an adjournment took place at 19:20 until 19:27.

The Head of Corporate Finance & Commercial Procurement (interim s151 officer) presented  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.