Agenda and minutes

The Lord Mayor confirmed that:

·        this was a budget meeting of City of York Council and public participants must only address business on the agenda.

·        York’s target for net zero was 2030 and the city had recently achieved global recognition for climate action, with an A rating from CDP. With only 2,232 days to 31 December 2029, the Lord Mayor acknowledged the importance of working together to address the climate emergency. 

·        in accordance with the council’s procedure rules, named votes would only be required for items directly linked to the budget and not in respect of agenda items 6, 10 and 11.

At this point in the meeting, Members and co-opted 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. The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.

An interest must also be disclosed in the meeting when it becomes apparent to the member during the meeting.

(1)         Members must consider their interests, and act according to the

following:

(2)         Disclosable pecuniary interests relate to the Member concerned or their spouse/partner.

(3)         Members in arrears of Council Tax by more than two months must not vote in decisions on, or which might affect, budget calculations, and must disclose at the meeting that this restriction applies to them. A failure to comply with these requirements is a criminal offence under section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

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 Lord Mayor confirmed that government guidance stated that Members did not have a disclosable pecuniary interest in the business of setting the council tax and that the council’s code of conduct also stated that Members did not have a prejudicial interest in that business.

For transparency, the following interests were reported:

Cllr Kilbane confirmed that his partner worked for Safer and Sound Homes (SASH).

Cllr Pavlovic noted that between 2011 and 2014 he worked for a charity that delivered services to rough sleepers.

Cllr Nelson confirmed that her husband worked in social care at City of York Council.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Council meeting held on 23 November 2023.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 23 November 2023 be approved and then signed by the Chair as a correct record.

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

(a)     Invite Council’s nomination for the Lord Mayor Elect 2024/25 in line with the Council’s Protocol for Nomination of Lord Mayors; and

(b)     Invite the Lord Mayor Elect for 2024/25 to announce the nominee for Sheriff for 2024/25.

The Lord Mayor invited Cllr Douglas to nominate the Lord Mayor Elect for the 2024/25 municipal year. Cllr Douglas nominated Cllr Margaret Wells as the Lord Mayor Elect.  Cllr Wells confirmed that she would be honoured to accept, and nominated former Councillor Fiona Fitzpatrick as her Sheriff.

The Lord Mayor announced that since the last meeting he had received a dragon soft toy on behalf of the city as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations, as well as receiving various gifts from when he met:

·        visitors from Nanjing and from the Chinese Consulate based in Manchester.

·        the German Ambassador.

He also noted that on behalf of City of York one of the city’s seals had been presented to the Mayor of Lviv, and he concluded that he had copies of a press cutting from the 1924 Washington Post, which referenced a presentation of a ledger stone from New York to old York in the Guildhall.

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, 20 February 2024.

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 eight members of the public had registered to speak at the meeting under the Public Participation item. The Lord Mayor confirmed that, on the advice of the Monitoring Officer, public participation would be allowed on the additional items on the agenda as well as on the business associated with setting the council’s budget for the coming financial year.

All speakers spoke on Agenda Item 8: Recommendations of Executive on the Council's Financial Strategy 2024/25 to 2028/29, Capital Budget 2024/25 to 2028/29, Capital Financing and Investment Strategy and the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, as follows:

Flick Williams raised concerns regarding the cuts affecting the reduction in webcasting which would reduce accessibility of participation by members of the public in the decision-making process.

Gwen Swinburn raised concerns regarding the inadequate consultation and lack of equalities impact assessments around the budget setting process. She also addressed concerns regarding the reduction in webcasting and she asked the Monitoring Officer to confirm where the blanket member interest dispensation notice, in respect of Council Tax decisions, was lodged.

Denise Craghill spoke as Chair of the York Green Party and raised concerns regarding the cuts to library services. She noted the benefits and key roles of libraries and the value they provided to the community.

Jenny Layfield raised concerns on the reductions to the contract sum for Explore Libraries and Archives.  She highlighted the uniqueness of each library and how each venue supported local communities. She also clarified the terms and impact of contract reductions.

Diane Geogheghan-Breen spoke in support of the green waste charge proposed. She noted that this service was not a statutory requirement and other local authorities had introduced the charge.

Luke Charters, a parliamentary candidate for York Outer constituency, expressed his concerns and the challenges faced regarding the significant budget pressures City of York Council were facing due to inadequate central government funding.

Carolyn Frank expressed the Federation of Small Businesses’ views on the council budget proposals. They agreed that decisions were required that continued the resilient trend for the businesses in the city, and the wider city economy, balanced alongside protecting the council finances. They requested a small business impact assessment to be undertaken to understand the impact the proposals had on small and micro businesses as well as the self-employed. 

Brian Watson briefly raised concerns with the proposed green waste and council tax charges, and cashless car parking payments. He then spoke on Agenda Item 6, CYC Scheme of Member Allowances: Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) where he made reference to sections of the IRP report, and he also acknowledged the role of the Lord Mayor.

The Lord Mayor thanked all the public participants and confirmed that their comments had been noted and would be taken into account when Council debated those proposals and made its decisions.

To consider any petitions received from Members in accordance with Standing Order B5.  Notice has been received of 2 petitions to be presented by:

                         i.         Cllr Hollyer – regarding proposed Green Bin Charges.

                        ii.         Cllr Hollyer – regarding proposed reduction in funding to York Explore.

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 Hollyer, on behalf of residents, regarding the proposed green waste charge.¹

ii)            A petition presented by Cllr Hollyer, on behalf of residents, regarding the proposed reduction in funding to York Explore.²

The Lord Mayor confirmed receipt of the petitions and stated that they would be considered by Members when they debated the budget proposals.

To consider the final report and recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel in relation to the City of York Council Scheme of Member Allowances.

The Monitoring Officer advised Members that he recommended that this item be deferred to the next Council meeting, due to be held in March 2024, in order that some outstanding matters be clarified. It was noted that the Chair of the Independent Remuneration Panel would be invited to present the Panel’s report at that meeting.

The Lord Mayor thanked the Panel for their hard work and commitment in producing the report.

Following debate and on being put to the vote, the recommendation to defer this item was declared CARRIED and it was

Resolved: That the CYC Scheme of Member Allowances: Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel be deferred to the 21 March 2024 Full Council meeting.

Reason: To enable further clarification on matters within the report.

To consider the recommendations made by Executive, at their meeting on 25 January 2024, regarding the third monitor report on the 2023/24 Capital Programme.  These are set out in the attached Part B minute and will be moved by the Executive Leader.

Please note you can view the Executive Budget Agenda 25 January 2024 here: https://democracy.york.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=733&MId=13934&Ver=4

Cllr Douglas moved, and Cllr Kilbane seconded, the following recommendation contained in Minute 84 of the Executive meeting held on 25 January 2024:

“Recommended:

i. That Council agree to adjustments resulting in a

              decrease in the 2023/24 budget of £16.013m as

              detailed in the report.

Reason: To enable the effective management and monitoring

               of the Council’s capital programme.”

A named vote was then taken, with the following result:

The recommendation was therefore declared CARRIED, and it was

Resolved:  That the above recommendation be approved.

To consider the recommendations made by the Executive, at their meeting on 25 January 2024, in relation to:

i)     The Financial Strategy 2024/25 to 2028/29 (Revenue Budget)

ii)    The Capital Budget 2024/25 to 2028/29

iii)  The Capital Financing and Investment Strategy

iv)  The Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Prudential Indicators 2024/25 to 2028/29.

These recommendations are set out in the attached report and will be moved by the Executive Leader.

Please note you can view the Executive Budget Agenda 25 January 2024 here: https://democracy.york.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=733&MId=13934&Ver=4

Cllr Douglas moved, and Cllr Kilbane seconded, the following recommendations made by Executive at its meeting on 25 January 2024 in relation to:

i)     The Financial Strategy 2024/25 to 2028/29 (Revenue Budget)

ii)    The Capital Budget 2024/25 to 2028/29

iii)  The Capital Financing and Investment Strategy

iv)  The Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Prudential  Indicators 2024/25 to 2028/29.

as set out in paragraphs 7 to 10 of the report at Agenda Item 8 on the Council agenda:

“Revenue Budget

Executive recommends that Council:

i.  Approves the budget proposals outlined in the Financial Strategy report and in particular;

a)  The net revenue expenditure requirement of £149.268m

b)  A council tax requirement of £113.927m

c)  The revenue growth proposals as outlined in the body of the  report

d)  The 2024/25 revenue savings proposals as outlined in annex 2

e)  The fees and charges proposals as outlined in annex 3

f)   The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 24/25 budget set out in annex 5

g)  The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) proposals outlined from paragraph 139

ii. Notes that the effect of approving the income and expenditure

    proposals included in the recommendations would result in a

    4.99% increase in the City of York Council element of the

    council tax, 2% of which would relate to the social care precept.

iii.  Approves the 100% increase in council tax on second homes

     with effect from 1st April 2025 subject to the Levelling Up bill

     receive Royal Assent by 31st March 2024, as set out in      paragraphs 75 to 77.

iv.  Approves the change to charge a 100% premium on homes

     that have been empty for 1 year with effect from 1st April 2024,

     as described in paragraph 78.

In addition, following a recent announcement, Council is recommended to:

v. Note the increase in social care funding of £1.525m and agree

    that this be allocated to existing pressures.

vi.  Note the increase in services grant of £76k and agree that this    be allocated to the contingency.

Reason: To ensure a legally balanced budget is set.

Capital Budget 2024/25 to 2028/29

Executive recommends that Council:

i.  Agree to the revised capital programme of £395.186m that

    reflects a net overall increase of £56.409m (as set out in table 2

    and in Annex A). Key elements of this include:

a) New schemes funded by prudential borrowing totalling  £3.353m  as set out in table 3;

b) Extension of prudential borrowing funded Rolling Programme schemes totalling £25.025m as set out in table 4;

c) Extension of externally funded Rolling Programme schemes  totalling £6.030m and new schemes funded by external grants totalling £3.844m as set out in table 5;

d) An increase in HRA funded schemes totalling £18.157m funded from a combination HRA balances/capital receipts as set out in table 6;

ii. Note the total increase in Council borrowing as a result of new

    schemes being recommended for approval is £28.378m the details of which are considered within this report and the financial strategy report.

iii.  Approve the full restated programme as summarised in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

To consider the Council Tax Resolution for 2024/25, as set out in the attached report.

Following the setting of the budget for 2024/25 under minute 66 above, Councillor Douglas moved, and Councillor Kilbane seconded, the Council Tax resolution for 2024/25, as set out in the report and schedules at pages 84-86 of the Council agenda.

It was noted that there was an error within the report regarding a  discounted sum for the Heworth Without Ward that would require amending.¹

After debate, the required named vote was taken on the Council Tax Resolution, with the following result:

The motion was accordingly declared CARRIED, and it was

Resolved:

(i)           That it be noted that on 1 December 2023 the Chief Finance Officer, under her delegated authority, calculated the council tax base for the year 2024/25:

(a)   for the whole Council area as 69,097.60 [Item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”)]; and

(b)   for those dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish precept relates as in column 1 in the attached Schedule A.

(ii)         That the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2024/25 (excluding Parish precepts) be calculated as £113,926,740.

(iii)        That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2024/25 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Act:

(a)     £558,853,007     being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils.

(b)     £443,927,044     being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act.

(c)      £114,925,963     being the amount by which the aggregate at 9(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 9(b) above, calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act as its Council Tax requirement for the year. [Item R in the formula in Section 31B of the Act].

(d)     £1,663.24           being the amount at 9(c) above [Item R], all divided by Item T (7(a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including Parish precepts).

(e)     £999,223            being the aggregate amount of all special items (Parish precepts) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act (as per the attached Schedule A).

(f)       £1,648.78           being the amount at 9(d)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

The purpose of the report is to present for approval the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2024-2025.

Council received a report which presented the Pay Policy Statement for 2024-2025.

Cllr Douglas moved, and Cllr Kilbane seconded, the following recommendation contained in the report:

“That Council approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2024 – 2025. 

Reason:     In order to fulfil the requirements of Section 38 – 43 of the Localism Act 2011 for the Council to produce and publish an annual policy statement that covers a number of matters concerning the pay of the Council’s senior staff, principally Chief Officers and relationships with the pay of the rest of the workforce.

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

Resolved:  That the above recommendation be approved.¹

This report seeks nominations for the Combined Authority places available to City of York Councillors, as set out in Annex A to this report.

Council received a report that sought nominations for the Combined Authority places available to City of York Councillors.

Cllr Douglas moved, and Cllr Kilbane seconded, the following recommendation contained in the report:

“That Council nominates members to fill the Combined Authority committee places noted in Annex A to the report.

Reason: To ensure allocations to the Combined Authority committees are made.”

The Labour Group nominated Cllr Melly and Cllr Crawshaw onto  the York and North Yorkshire Combine Authority Audit and Governance Committee and Cllr Merrett and Cllr J Burton onto the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Liberal Democrat Group agreed to provide nominations to the Monitoring Officer and the Conservative Group nominated Cllr Rowley onto the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Audit and Governance Committee.

On being put to the vote, the above nominations were declared CARRIED and it was

Resolved: 

(i)           That the above Labour and Conservative Group nominations be approved.¹

(ii)         That the Liberal Democrat Group provide their nominations to the Monitoring Officer.²