Agenda and minutes

At this point in the meeting, Members are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary interest or other registerable interest they might have in respect of business on this agenda, if they have not already done so in advance on the Register of Interests.

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.

Cllr Barker declared a pecuniary interest in Motion (iii) at Agenda Item 8, ‘Introduction of Council Tax Premium for Second Homes’, as the owner of a second home.  He left the Chamber during consideration of that motion, and took no part in the debate or decision thereon.

Prior to the debate on Motion (iii) Cllr Cullwick declared, for the sake of transparency, that he was in the process of administering an estate but it was not his second home.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Council meeting held on 20 October 2022.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 20 October 2022 be approved, and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

To consider any announcements made by the Lord Mayor in respect of Civic business, including inviting the eligible Group to nominate the Lord Mayor for the next Municipal Year.

The Lord Mayor invited Members to observe a minute’s silence in memory of Andrew Digwood, former Under-Sheriff, who had died in November 2022.

The Lord Mayor went on to announce the receipt of gifts to the city from the Women’s Rugby World Cup teams of Australia, France, the Cook Islands and New Zealand.

Finally, the Lord Mayor invited Cllr Aspden to nominate the Lord Mayor Elect for the 2023/24 Municipal Year, on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group.  Cllr Aspden nominated Cllr Chris Cullwick as the Lord Mayor Elect.  Cllr Cullwick confirmed that he would be honoured to accept, and nominated Cllr Susan Hunter as his Sheriff.

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 Tuesday, 13 December 2022.

To register to speak please visit www.york.gov.uk/AttendCouncilMeetings to fill in an online registration form. If you have any questions about the registration form or the meeting please contact Democratic Services. Contact details can be found at the foot of this agenda.

Webcasting of Public Meetings

Please note that, subject to available resources, this public meeting will be webcast including any registered public speakers who have given their permission.  The remote public meeting can be viewed live and on demand at

www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

During coronavirus, we made some changes to how we're running council meetings.  See our updates at www.york.gov.uk/COVIDDemocracy for more information on meetings and decisions.

It was reported that ten people had registered to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme. 

Gwen Swinburn spoke on governance issues as a matter relevant to the Council or city, raising concerns about the control of governance and the report on Members’ Allowances.

The following spoke on Agenda Item 6 (Executive Recommendations) in relation to the 10 Year Strategies, supporting the proposals and the Climate Change Strategy in particular:

a)      Professor Andy Gouldson, Co-Director of the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission.

b)      Laurence Beardmore, President of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

c)      Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice Chancellor of the University of York, and Chair of Higher York.

d)      James Farrar, Chief Operating Officer of York and North Yorkshire LEP

e)      Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct, York Minster.

f)       Gareth Parry Forest Managing Director Yorkshire District, Forestry England.

g)      Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York.

Carl Alsop, of York BID, spoke on Agenda Item 6, regarding the Pavement Café Licence Update.  He urged Council not to overlook the impact of the proposals on businesses, and to improve consultation so that business owners could plan ahead.

Flick Williams spoke on Agenda Item 11 (Scrutiny – Report of the Chair of CCSMC), asking why the issue of the accessibility of the Council Chamber had not been through the scrutiny process. 

To consider any petitions received from Members in accordance with Standing Order B5.  Notice has been received of two petitions, to be presented by:

(i)      Cllr Myers, on behalf of residents of Westminster Road, Greencliffe Drive and The Avenue, asking the council to provide options for a Low Traffic Neighbourhood to reduce through traffic on residential streets in this area; and.

(ii)      Cllr Baker, on behalf of residents of the Bishopthorpe Road area calling for action to tackle the problem of vehicles using St Benedict’s Road as a ‘rat run’.

Under Rule B5 2, the following petitions were presented for reference to the Customer and Corporate Services Scrutiny Management Committee, in accordance with the Council’s petition arrangements:

(i)      A petition presented by Cllr Myers, on behalf of residents of Westminster Rd, Greencliffe Drive and The Avenue, asking the council to explore options for a Low Traffic Neighbourhood in their area.¹

(ii)      A petition presented by Cllr Baker, on behalf of residents  calling on the council to take action to tackle safety concerns resulting from drivers using St Benedict’s Road as a short cut.²

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

A – Executive Leader’s Report

A written report was received from the Executive Leader, Cllr Aspden, on the work of the Executive.

Members were then invited to question the Leader on his report.  Questions were received from the floor from the following Members in relation to the subjects listed, and replied to as indicated:

Cost of Living Crisis

From Cllr Webb: Can you detail any new actions or commitments to the city arising from the York Cost of Living Summit?

Response: An update was provided to Executive on this and I would be happy to share it and to discuss what more can be done with you and officers.

[Supplementary: But what has this administration actually done?]

Supplementary Response: I discussed some examples in my speech and report, such as the housing support fund.  I will send you the report that outlines feedback and further actions from the Cost of Living Summit.  If you have any further suggestions, drop me a line and I would be happy to look at them.

[Supplementary from Cllr Crawshaw: The household support fund is a government scheme, so have you done nothing?]

Supplementary Response: A lot of funding to the council comes from government, and we need to do what we can to utilise it and top it up or enhance it.  Please get in touch if you have any suggestions.

Devolution

From Cllr Fenton: Can you give an update on the work of the Joint Devolution Committee?

Response: The first committee meeting took place recently with CYC and NYCC joined by colleagues from the LEP and the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner.  This was an important first step to ensure we are in a position to access the government funding offered early.  Subject to the Council making a decision early next year there is likely to be a second meeting in February or March to progress that to becoming a shadow authority, so that we can capitalise on the funding offered.

[Supplementary from Cllr Douglas: How will you face the challenge of spending the money, including £2.6m on brownfield sites by 2025 – are there any creative ideas of finding partners to make sure we benefit?]

Supplementary Response: We discussed that point at the meeting – it’s an ambitious timescale.  A call has already gone out for projects and proposals.  Ensuring that the wider community is aware of the opportunity to become involved is part of the process we’ll take in the coming weeks to benefit from the funding.

[Supplementary from Cllr Warters: Can you clearly outline what levels of adverse reaction to consultation on the devolution proposals would lead to the deal not progressing?]

Supplementary Response: The results will come here for Council to consider and decide on in the new year.  So far, there have been more positive than negative responses to consultation and the part most critically commented on has been the prospect of the elected Mayor having powers to raise taxes or business  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

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

A written report was received from the Deputy Leader, Cllr D’Agorne.

Members were then invited to question the Deputy Leader on his report.  Questions were received from the floor from the following Members in relation to the subjects listed, and replied to as indicated:

Cost of Living Crisis

From Cllr Orrell: Can you update Members on work in the city to support those struggling most this winter, and is there any progress on the Warm Spaces initiative?

Response: Warm Spaces is an important initiative.  A number of places such as Explore libraries and community centres are offering that facility, and I very much welcome any other organisations that could be added to the list.  10,000 copies have been produced of a leaflet providing information to residents on how to find out more about the funding sources available for them to access.  The leaflet is available online at foodaidnetwork.org.uk and worryingaboutmoney.co.uk/york.  We also work with other organisations through the Financial Inclusion Steering Group – there are many ways in which residents can get support at this difficult time, even down to the small things like the York Energy Advice service and the housing Handyperson service.

York Central

From Cllr Hook: Can you update Members on the Riverside Park consultation as part of the York Central plans?

Response: This is an important connection for people to walk and cycle from one area to the city centre, and a sensitive issue given the impact of stopping off Leeman Road.  Consultation is under way inviting residents to comment.  I’m aware that although we have capital funding to spend on it probably won’t cover everything we choose to do there and several options are being looked at.  When the consultation feedback has been compiled there will be a further report to decide what the money will be spent on.

[Supplementary from Cllr Melly: All the improvements to Riverside Park are necessary and are now more urgent in the light of plans to close Leeman Road.  We are told they will cost over £1m but only £0.5m has been allocated.  You said in your report that the plans would be funded through the capital programme.  Can we take this as a commitment to fully fund the required improvements?]

Supplementary Response: I share your concerns, and it’s important to understand the priorities from the perspective of local residents.  The budget is constrained - your leader raised questions this morning about how to reduce the capital programme - but we need to spend to ensure long-term investment in the city.  It may be that, for example, we have to spend on ensuring the route is gritted and raised or widened to enhance its safety and reduce the impact on the city, residents and the NHS.

[Supplementary from Cllr Crawshaw: Previous funding for other schemes has been removed from the budget for lack of officer time. Can you guarantee to Holgate ward councillors that any money in the budget for these riverside improvements  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

To consider the following Motions on Notice under Standing Order B13:

Motions submitted for consideration directly by Council

(i)      From Cllr Webb

Delivering Effective Customer Services to York Residents

“This Council believes that an effective council is one that appropriately supports its staff and is responsive to the needs of all its residents.

Council notes:

·        that at least one in ten people are not digitally connected, rising to more than four in ten for the over 75s;

·        older residents are less likely to wait for long periods to have their calls answered, and are more likely to have difficulty navigating numbered option-based customer service phone lines;

·        that the welcome 4 Cs  council policy for comments, concerns, complaints and compliments is tempered by the Local Govt Ombudsman’s reported concerns about the way some council departments are responding to complaints;

·        the 2,500% increase in average call wait times for residents when calling the council for help over the past two years, from 42 seconds to 18 minutes, not accounting for those calls abandoned altogether;

·        the value and importance of calling residents back if their calls are not answered;

·        that the complexity and sometimes difficult experience of customer calls, as well as understaffing of the customer services team, are exacerbating the problem of poor staff retention.

Council believes quality of customer service reflects the importance the council attaches to residents’ issues, whether online, over the phone or in person.

It further believes:

·        that cuts to staffing and policy decisions taken by the current administration are a significant component in current poor response times;

·        that we do not currently know the extent of resident calls abandoned due to non-responses by the council;

·        that helping residents in the right way at the first opportunity saves time and money for the council;

·        suspending the call-back service to residents whose calls go unanswered sends the message that their issues are unimportant;

·        new approaches must be considered to operating the council’s customer services number to arrest the decline in responsiveness to residents;

·        the effect of the removal of staff from the customer services phone line is to make services far more difficult to access for some York residents;

·        current and former call-centre staff have been avoidably exposed to increased abuse and a deterioration in their working conditions due to poor political decision making both in policy and budgetary (staff) cutbacks.

Council resolves to request that the Executive, including as part of its current budget preparations:

·        publicly acknowledges the hard work of customer services staff and the impact of cuts on their ability to meet resident expectations, and apologises for the council’s ongoing inability to effectively respond to residents’ issues in a timely way;

·        urgently reinstates the customer services call-back service to residents;

·        commits to reviewing the functioning of the relevant council services as a priority, with a focus to include:

-         staffing and operating hours of the customer call centre;

-         ensuring access to non-digital council services is an easy, straightforward process;

-         categorisation of services on, and  ...  view the full agenda text for item 38.

(i)      Delivering Effective Customer Services to York Residents

Moved by Cllr Webb and seconded by Cllr Lomas.

“This Council believes that an effective council is one that appropriately supports its staff and is responsive to the needs of all its residents.

Council notes:

·        that at least one in ten people are not digitally connected, rising to more than four in ten for the over 75s;

·        older residents are less likely to wait for long periods to have their calls answered, and are more likely to have difficulty navigating numbered option-based customer service phone lines;

·        that the welcome 4 Cs  council policy for comments, concerns, complaints and compliments is tempered by the Local Govt Ombudsman’s reported concerns about the way some council departments are responding to complaints;

·        the 2,500% increase in average call wait times for residents when calling the council for help over the past two years, from 42 seconds to 18 minutes, not accounting for those calls abandoned altogether;

·        the value and importance of calling residents back if their calls are not answered;

·        that the complexity and sometimes difficult experience of customer calls, as well as understaffing of the customer services team, are exacerbating the problem of poor staff retention.

Council believes quality of customer service reflects the importance the council attaches to residents’ issues, whether online, over the phone or in person.

It further believes:

·        that cuts to staffing and policy decisions taken by the current administration are a significant component in current poor response times;

·        that we do not currently know the extent of resident calls abandoned due to non-responses by the council;

·        that helping residents in the right way at the first opportunity saves time and money for the council;

·        suspending the call-back service to residents whose calls go unanswered sends the message that their issues are unimportant;

·        new approaches must be considered to operating the council’s customer services number to arrest the decline in responsiveness to residents;

·        the effect of the removal of staff from the customer services phone line is to make services far more difficult to access for some York residents;

·        current and former call-centre staff have been avoidably exposed to increased abuse and a deterioration in their working conditions due to poor political decision making both in policy and budgetary (staff) cutbacks.

Council resolves to request that the Executive, including as part of its current budget preparations:

·        publicly acknowledges the hard work of customer services staff and the impact of cuts on their ability to meet resident expectations, and apologises for the council’s ongoing inability to effectively respond to residents’ issues in a timely way;

·        urgently reinstates the customer services call-back service to residents;

·        commits to reviewing the functioning of the relevant council services as a priority, with a focus to include:

o   staffing and operating hours of the customer call centre;

o   ensuring access to non-digital council services is an easy, straightforward process;

o   categorisation of services on, and user-friendliness of, a council website a significant number of residents struggle to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

To question the Leader and/or Executive Members in respect of any matter within their portfolio responsibility, in accordance with Standing Order B11.

No questions were put, as the guillotine had fallen.

To receive a written report from the Executive Member for Transport and to question the Executive Member thereon, in accordance with Standing Orders B9 and B10.

The report was received.  No questions were put, as the guillotine had fallen.

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

The report was received.

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

Resolved:  That the appointments and changes to membership on the list at page 49 of the agenda papers be approved.¹

Any other business which the Chair considers urgent under the Local Government Act 1972.

The Chair has agreed to accept under this item a report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer which seeks Council approval for a potential uplift of Members’ allowances, prompted by the National Joint Council Pay Award negotiated for City of York Council employees under national collective bargaining. 

The reason for the urgency is that, as there is no scheduled Ordinary meeting of Council until March, a decision needs to be made at December’s Council meeting to ensure that the increases are implemented by the financial year end.

Council received a report which sought Council’s decision on a potential increase to Members’ Allowances, prompted by the National Joint Pay Award negotiated for City of York Council employees under national collective bargaining.

The Lord Mayor had agreed to accept this item as Urgent Business to ensure that the increase, if agreed, could be implemented by the end of the financial year.

The Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer introduced the report, at page 1 of Agenda Supplement 1, and granted a general dispensation for all Members to take part in the debate and vote.

During the debate, a Member indicated they had not taken any increases since 2019.  

A vote was then taken on the following options, as set out in paragraph 4 of the report:

·        Option 1 - Apply 4.04% to both the basic and special responsibility allowances. 

·        Option 2 - Apply ‘52.5% less a third’ (in line with the calculation methodology used in the 2019 IRP Report) of £1,925 to the basic allowance (which equates to £673) and 4.04% to the special responsibility allowances. 

·        Option 3 - No uplift and a freeze on the current basic and special responsibility allowances. 

Option 1 received 38 votes and Option 3 received 2 votes.  There were no votes in favour of Option 2 and no abstentions.  Option 1 was therefore declared CARRIED, and it was

Resolved:  That Option 1, to apply 4.04% to both the basic and special responsibility allowances, be approved.¹

Note: The above item was brought forward on the agenda by the Lord Mayor and was therefore dealt with before the guillotine fell.