Agenda and minutes

At this point, Members are asked to declare:

·        any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests

·        any prejudicial interests or

·        any disclosable pecuniary interests

which they may have in respect of business on this agenda.

Members were invited to declare at this point in the meeting any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests, any prejudicial interests or any disclosable pecuniary interests they might have in the business on the agenda.

The following prejudicial or disclosable pecuniary interests were declared:

To approve and sign the minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 22 March 2018, the Special Council Meeting held on 17 May 2018 and the Annual Council meeting held on 24 May 2018.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the last Ordinary Council meeting held on 22 March 2018, the Special Council meeting held on 17 May 2018 and the Annual Council meeting held on 24 May 2018 be approved and then signed by the Chair as correct records.

To consider any announcements made by the Lord Mayor in respect of Civic business.

The Lord Mayor expressed his sadness over the death of the Lord Lieutenant Mr Barry Dodd and Council observed a minutes silence.

He then drew Members’ attention to a book about Munster which had which had been recently received from York’s twin City, and was on display that evening. In addition, the Lord Mayor reminded Members, and the public, that on 4 August the Sherriff would be visiting pubs around the City for the traditional ‘assize of ale’.

At this point in the meeting, any member of the public who has registered to address the Council, or to ask a Member of the Council a question, on a matter directly relevant to the business of the Council or the City, may do so. The deadline for registering is 5:00pm on Wednesday 18 July 2018.

To register to speak please contact the Democracy Officer for the meeting, on the details at the foot of the agenda.

Filming, Recording or Webcasting Meetings

Please note this meeting will be filmed and webcast and that includes any registered public speakers, who have given their permission. This broadcast can beviewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

Residents are welcome to photograph, film or record Councillors and Officers at all meetings open to the press and public. This includes the use of social media reporting, i.e. tweeting.  Anyone wishing to film, record or take photos at any public meeting should contact the Democracy Officer (whose contact details are at the foot of this agenda) in advance of the meeting.

The Council’s protocol on Webcasting, Filming & Recording of Meetings ensures that these practices are carried out in a mannerboth respectful to the conduct of the meeting and all those present.  It can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/11406/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings_20160809.pdf

It was reported that six members of the public had registered to speak under the Council’s public participation scheme.

Peter Richardson, a local resident, spoke in objection to the proposed motion ‘Police & Fire Services in York’. He stated he was responding to a York Press article on North Yorkshire Police. He felt the motion should be rejected, and instead passed to the Police & Crime Panel as they had not done the job they were elected to do. He also pointed out that North Yorkshire had the second highest precept in the country. This was despite a reduction in police numbers in the county.

Marc Allington, a local business owner and Secretary of the Micklegate Business Initiative, spoke in favour of the proposed motion ‘Micklegate Bar’. He stated that Micklegate traders were overwhelmingly in favour of one way traffic on Micklegate, although they were opposed to a full closure. They felt this would ease congestion, create space for additional parking bays and allow traders to put more seating and plants outside. He stated that a 1 year trial of this scheme would be welcomed.

Mr Laverack, a local resident, spoke on the treatment of members of the public who participate in public meetings. He stated that no paid employee of the Council should be immune from public criticism. He also commented upon the accountability and remuneration of senior management. Finally he highlighted that he had previously raised a complaint, to which he had never received a response. 

Dr William Owen, a local resident, spoke on a previous Council motion on Community Wealth Building. He criticised the Council’s economic development policy, which he felt gave no importance to social value. He stated that Community Wealth Building was an alternative to this and felt the Council should be an anchor institution in this. Finally he suggested that social value should be taken into account when considering both outsourcing and procurement. He felt this would transform York’s economy, as it had in several other cities.

Honorary Alderman Brian Watson spoke on eligibility for civic office. He stated that becoming Lord Mayor was a privilege, but one which not every Councillor could obtain. He felt the current system disadvantaged Independent Members. In his opinion,  points accrued by each Independent Member should be amalgamated when appointing a Lord Mayor to provide opportunities for Independent Members to accrue points on the same basis as other ‘groups’ on the Council.

Gwen Swinburn, a local resident, spoke on the Annual Report of the Audit & Governance Committee. She raised issues with the current rules on public participation, adding that, she felt, citizens were blocked and vilified when pointing out Council failures. She highlighted the new Social Media Policy and process, which she stated had been signed off by the Chief Executive, and she felt was unlawful. Finally she asked for clarity on the status of this Social Media Policy and process and asked members if they had approved it.

To consider any petitions received from Members in accordance with Standing Order No.15.  Notice has been received of one petition to be presented by:

Councillor Denise Craghill, on behalf of residents of St John Street, calling for a one way traffic system on St John Street and for narrower bollards.

Under Standing Order 15, the following petitions was presented by the following Member for reference to the Customer and Corporate Services Scrutiny Management Committee, in accordance with the Council’s petition arrangements:

Councillor Denise Craghill, on behalf of residents of St John Street, calling for a one way traffic system on St John Street and for narrower bollards.

To receive and consider a written report from the Leader and, to answer questions on the work of the Executive, and the Executive recommendations for approval, as set out below:

A.  Executive Leader’s Report

A written report was received from the Executive Leader, Councillor Gillies on the work of the Executive.

Members were then invited to question the Deputy Leader, Councillor Waller, in the Leaders absence, on the report and questions were received from the floor from the following Members in relation to the subjects listed:

Councillor S Barnes – Provision of housing through the Housing Revenue Account as opposed to the proposed Development Company

Councillor D Taylor – The relocation of Channel 4 and the Leeds City Region Bid

Councillor Kramm – Consultation on York Central and sustainability of the development. Supplementary from Councillor Craghill regarding traffic flow through the site and pedestrian access via Leeman Road

Councillor Waller responded directly to all the questions put to him, including supplementary questions, but agreed to respond in writing to the question from Councillor D Taylor.

B.  Executive Recommendations

Capital Programme Outturn 2017/18 and Revisions to the

2018/19 - 2022/23 Programme

In the Leader’s absence, Cllr Dew moved, and Cllr Aspden seconded, the following recommendation contained in Minute 11 of the Executive meeting held on 21 June 2018:

Recommended: That Council approve the re-stated 2018/19 to 2022/23 capital programme of £302.185m, as summarised in Table 3 at paragraph 77 of the report and detailed in Annex A.

Reason:     To enable the effective management and monitoring of the council’s capital programme.

On being put to the vote, the recommendation was declared CARRIED and it was

Resolved:  That the above recommendation in respect of the Capital Programme be approved.

Housing Delivery Programme

In the Leader’s absence, Cllr Dew moved, and Cllr Aspden seconded, the following recommendation contained in Minute 22 of the Executive meeting held on 12 July 2018:

Recommended: That a budget of £22.5m be created for the development of the Lowfield site, funded from HRA resources (£4.5m) and market sales (£18m), as set out in the report, noting that the final funding split may change and will be reported to future Executive meetings, and that HRA reserves will cash flow the development prior to the start of market sales.

Reason:     To enable the progression of the building of much needed  new homes in York, to increase the number of affordable homes in the city and meet the housing needs of a broader range of York residents

In accordance with Standing Order 34.1, a named vote was then

taken of those Members present, with the following result:

Resolved:  That the above recommendation in respect of the Housing Delivery Programme be approved

Delivering Improved Sport and Active Leisure Facilities at

Burnholme

In the Leader’s absence, Cllr Dew moved, and Cllr Aspden seconded, the following recommendation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

To receive and consider a written report from the Deputy Leader and, to question the Deputy Leader thereon.

A written report was received from Cllr Waller, the Deputy Leader on his portfolio area.

Members were then invited to question Cllr Waller on his report and questions were received from the floor from the following Members in relation to the subjects listed:

Councillor D Myers – Delays in the collection of green waste.

Supplementary questions

·        Councillor D Myers – Recruitment of HGV drivers and ongoing collection issues due to this

·        Councillor Richardson – How many rounds were currently outstanding

·        Councillor S Barnes – How many rounds were currently outstanding

Councillor Cuthbertson – Commitment to the development of the 500 metre protection policy in relation to fracking.

Supplementary questions

·        Councillor Cuthbertson – Ministerial input on this decision

·        Councillor Kramm – Would the 500 metres only apply in the City of York or across North Yorkshire

Councillor Warters – Thanks to Councillor Hayes in relation to Clifford’s Tower

Councillor Crawshaw – Commitment to a Clean Air Zone in relation to York Central

Councillor Waller responded directly to all the questions put to him, including supplementaries.

To consider the following Motions on Notice under Standing Order 22:

Motions submitted for consideration directly by Council, in accordance with Standing Order 22.1

(i)           From Councillor Doughty

Green Waste Collection

“Council:

Recognises residents do not expect to pay additional charges, over and above their council tax, for green waste collection and that they are right in this;

acknowledges that the separation of green (garden) waste into a separate bin plays a well-established role in helping the environment;

believes it was right for the coalition's emergency budget to guarantee that there is no additional charge for the collection of the first household green bin for the duration of the administration; 

Therefore pledges its support to ensuring that for the years ahead the first green bin collection remains free and that this desire should be at the forefront of budget planning.’’

(ii)          From Councillor Mason

Police & Fire services in York

“Council acknowledges and commends the hard work of the North Yorkshire Police Force and North Yorkshire Fire Service in difficult times.

Council notes:

·        That the North Yorkshire Police budgets have remained exactly the same as last year, which taking into account inflation, means that North Yorkshire Police have incurred real-terms cuts of £1.27 million.

·        That in 6 months, between March 2017 and September 2017, there were 58 fewer North Yorkshire Police officers.

·        That the UK’s Senior National Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism highlighted that neighbourhood policing was now at risk and that withdrawing police on the ground could mean losing the relationships and trust within communities.

·        That violent crime in York and North Yorkshire rose by 10% and total recorded crime by 5% in 2016-17.

·        That the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service faces significant and on-going financial pressures nearing £1million per annum.

·        That vital and valuable policing and fire services across North Yorkshire need additional resources to cope with additional pressures on the respective services.

Council therefore thanks North Yorkshire Police Force and North Yorkshire Fire Service in appreciation of their services to York, particularly against the backdrop of increasing demand on their services.

Council resolves:

That the Chief Executive writes to the Police & Crime Commissioner for York and North Yorkshire, copied to the City’s Members of Parliament and Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Service, requesting that:

·        North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire Service are funded properly in order to do their jobs effectively.

·        That additional resources are provided to Neighbourhood Policing Teams in order to strengthen the working relationships between the Force and local communities in the city.

·        That there should be no cuts to frontline fire & rescue services in the City of York.’’

(iii)        From Councillor Crawshaw

Micklegate Bar

“Council notes that Micklegate Bar:

·        is one of the jewels in York’s heritage crown;

·        is a site of cultural and historic significance for York, Yorkshire and the entire country;

·        Is the last of York’s four historic gateways to have unrestricted traffic access through it.

Council believes that recent works to secure Micklegate Bar for future generations could  ...  view the full agenda text for item 20.

Motions submitted for consideration directly by Council, in accordance with Standing Order 22.1.

(i)           Green Waste Collection

(Proposed by Councillor Doughty, seconded by Councillor K Myers)

In moving his motion, Councillor Doughty indicated he was minded to  accept the amendment to be proposed by Councillor Reid, which was as follows:

At the end of the last paragraph, add the words “As a result, it resolves:

That in response to recently missed green waste collections; a report is prepared for the Executive at the earliest opportunity to examine options for building further resilience into the service.

That Council officers produce a report, to be brought back for consideration of the Executive, to identify options for the delivery of a new green waste ‘bring site’.”

Upon being formally asked, Council then agreed to accept the motion as altered above for debate, so that it now read:

“Council:

·        Recognises residents do not expect to pay additional charges, over and above their council tax, for green waste collection and that they are right in this;

·        acknowledges that the separation of green (garden) waste into a separate bin plays a well-established role in helping the environment;

·        believes it was right for the coalition's emergency budget to guarantee that there is no additional charge for the collection of the first household green bin for the duration of the administration;

Therefore pledges its support to ensuring that for the years ahead the first green bin collection remains free and that this desire should be at the forefront of budget planning.

As a result, it resolves:

·        That in response to recently missed green waste collections; a report is prepared for the Executive at the earliest opportunity to examine options for building further resilience into the service.

·        That Council officers produce a report, to be brought back for consideration of the Executive, to identify options for the delivery of a new green waste ‘bring site’”.

Following debate, a vote was then taken on the motion, as altered above by Cllr Reid’s amendment, being declared CARRIED, it was:

Resolved:  That the motion, as altered and set out above, be approved.

(ii)         Police & Fire services in York

(Proposed by Councillor Mason, seconded by Councillor Aspden)

“Council acknowledges and commends the hard work of the North

Yorkshire Police Force and North Yorkshire Fire Service in difficult

times.

Council notes:

·        That the North Yorkshire Police budgets have remained exactly the same as last year, which taking into account inflation, means that North Yorkshire Police have incurred real-terms cuts of £1.27 million.

·        That in 6 months, between March 2017 and September 2017, there were 58 fewer North Yorkshire Police officers.

·        That the UK’s Senior National Coordinator for Counter- Terrorism highlighted that neighbourhood policing was now at risk and that withdrawing police on the ground could mean losing the relationships and trust within communities.

·        That violent crime in York and North Yorkshire rose by 10% and total recorded crime by 5% in 2016-17.

·        That the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service faces significant  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

To question the Leader and/or Executive Members in respect of any matter within their portfolio responsibility, in accordance with Standing Order 20.

In accordance with Standing Order 20, Members were invited to question the Leader and/or the other Executive Members in respect of any matters within their portfolio responsibility. 

Questions were received from the floor from the following Members in relation to the subjects listed:

(i)           To Councillor K Myers, Executive Member for Children, Education & Young People:

Councillor Crawshaw – with the loss of senior managers in Children’s Services and a reliance on agency social workers, how would the Executive Member ensure safeguarding remained a key focus.

(ii)          To Cllr Douglas, Executive Member for Housing & Safer Neighbourhoods:

Councillor Wells – Beyond the next 5 years, how did the Council plan to deliver affordable housing for key workers in the City

Supplementary questions

·        Councillor Wells – how did the Executive Member plan to help those key workers who wished to remain living in the City they were born in

·        Councillor Williams – given that the Local Plan only proposed to provided 1/15^th of required affordable housing, how was the Executive Member proposing to address this

Councillor Boyce – What problems were there with the Housing Development company to cause the change of approach to Housing Delivery

Supplementary questions

·        Councillor S Barnes – what would have been the problem with reinvesting profit made by a Development Company for future development

Councillor Hunter – what was the Council’s policy on empty homes

Councillor S Barnes – what are the plans for securing part of the old Manor School playing fields as public open space

Councillor Kramm – improvements to the enforcement of bus lanes

Supplementary questions

·        Councillor Kramm – would the Executive Member consider restricting use of the bus lanes to local private hire firms

[this question was put to the Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods  but answered at the meeting by the Executive Member for Transport and Planning - this amendment was agreed at the meeting of Council on 25 October 2018]

The Executive Member for Education, Children & Young People responded directly to all the questions, including supplementary questions, put to them. The Executive Member for Housing & Safer Neighbourhoods agreed to respond to questions in writing.

At this point in the meeting the guillotine fell, and remaining matters were deemed moved and seconded as required under the Constitution.

To receive a written report from the Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health, and to question the Executive Member thereon, in accordance with Standing Order 19.

Council received a written report from Cllr Runciman, Executive Member for Adult Social Care & Health.

As the guillotine had already fallen, no questions were put to the Executive Member on their report in accordance with Standing Order 19 and it was:

Resolved: That the report of the Executive Member for Adult Social Care & Health be received and noted.

To receive a report from Councillor Williams, the Chair of the Customer & Corporate Services Scrutiny Management Committee (CSMC) on the work of the Committee.

Council received the report of the Chair of the Customer and Corporate Services Scrutiny Management Committee on the work of the Committee. Council was asked them to endorse the Annual Scrutiny Report attached to the agenda papers, in line with the recommendation of the Customer and Corporate Services Scrutiny Management Committee from its meeting on 11 June 2018.

As the guillotine had already fallen this was deemed moved and seconded as required under the Constitution and it was:

Resolved:  That the report of the Customer and Corporate Services Scrutiny Management Committee be noted and the Annual Scrutiny Report be approved.

Reason:     To update Members on the work of the committee and to ensure the Council receives an Annual Scrutiny Report in accordance with Constitutional requirements.

To receive a report from Councillor Cannon, the Chair of the Audit & Governance Committee on the work of the Committee.

Council received the Annual report of Audit & Governance Committee.

As the guillotine had already fallen this was deemed moved and seconded as required under the Constitution and it was:

Resolved:  That the report be received and noted.

To consider appointments and changes to membership of committees and other bodies, as set out on the list attached to this summons.

Resolved:  That the appointment set out at page 85 of the agenda papers be approved.

On behalf of the Council, the Lord Mayor expressed best wishes to Martin Farran, Corporate Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Jon Stonehouse, Corporate Director of Children, Education and Communities, who would both be leaving shortly to take up new posts. He thanked them for their hard work and commitment during their time at City of York Council.