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 or disclosable pecuniary interests they might have in respect of the business on the agenda.

No additional interests were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the following meetings of Council:

·        Special Meeting, held on 13 December 2012

·        Ordinary Meeting, held on 13 December 2012 and

·        Budget Meeting, held on 28 February 2013

RESOLVED:  i)            That the minutes of the Special Meeting of Council held on 13 December 2012 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

    ii)            That the minutes of the last Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 13 December 2012 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

   iii)             That the minutes of the Budget Council Meeting held on 28 February 2013 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.

The Deputy Lord Mayor reported one item of civic business, relating to the 34^th Field Hospital who had had Freedom of Entry to the City of York conferred on them at the December Council meeting. He confirmed that the Lord Mayor had presented the Freedom to the regiment on 9 March 2013 when they were able to exercise their freedom for the first time. A statuette of a medic assisting a fallen solider had been presented to the City by their commanding officer and all ranks.

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 27 March 2013.

The Deputy Lord Mayor announced that two members of the public had registered to speak at the meeting.

Gwen Swinburn spoke to raise her concerns regarding three recent important decisions made by Cabinet Members in private decision sessions. Residents had been unaware of any details of these until the subsequent publication of the decisions with then only a short timescale allowed for call in. It was also unclear from the Council’s website whether decisions were to be considered at public or private sessions. She asked Members to consider taking written questions and answers from the public rather than just noting comments at meetings.

Richard Bridge spoke on the current welfare reforms and to their detrimental effect on York residents. In particular to the ‘bedroom tax’ and the profound effect this would have on residents penalising many unnecessarily.  A request was made for the Council not to evict any tenant on the grounds of under occupancy, undertake a review of Council Tax Benefits at the earliest opportunity, particularly the 50% discount for landlords on void properties and undertake a review of the impact of the reforms on the 10% poorest residents in the city. He went on to commend Cllr Gunnell’s motion on loan sharks to be considered later in the meeting.

To consider any petitions received from Members in accordance with Standing Order No.7.  To date, notice has been received of five petitions to be presented by:

·        Cllr Alexander on behalf of residents in Low Green and Croft Farm Close in relation to parking disruption from parents dropping off children at school.

·        Cllr Reid requesting that the Chancery Court salt bin is put back on the list of salt bins to be filled at the start and throughout the winter period as it is much needed given the age of residents and the incline of the roads and footpath.

·        Cllr Reid requesting that the Parker Avenue and Hotham Avenue ward salt bins are put back on the list of salt bins to be filled at the start and throughout the winter period as they are much needed given the steep incline of the roads and footpaths.

·        Cllr Reid requesting that the Ridgeway salt bin (next to number 10) is put back on the list of salt bins to be filled at the start and throughout the winter period as it is much needed in this road given the nature of the incline of the road and footpath.

·        Cllr Reid requesting that the Vesper Drive salt bin is put back on the list of salt bins to be filled at the start and throughout the winter period as it is much needed in this road.

Under Standing Order 7, petitions were presented by:

(i)           Cllr Alexander on behalf residents in Low Green and Croft Farm Close in relation to parking disruption from parents dropping off children at school. ^1.

(ii)          Cllr Reid on behalf of residents of Chancery Court requesting that the salt bin is put back on the list of salt bins to be filled at the start and throughout the winter period as it is much needed given the age of residents and the incline of the roads and footpath. ^2.

(iii)        Cllr Reid on behalf of residents of Parker Avenue and Hotham Avenue requesting that the ward salt bins are put back on the list of salt bins to be filled at the start and throughout the winter period as they are much needed given the steep incline of the roads and footpaths. ^3.

(iv)        Cllr Reid on behalf of residents of Ridgeway requesting that the salt bin, next to No 10, is put back on the list of salt bins to be filled at the start and throughout the winter period as it is much needed in this road given the nature of the incline of the road and footpath. ^4.

(v)         Cllr Reid on behalf of residents of Vesper Drive requesting that the salt bin is put back on the list of salt bins to be filled at the start and throughout the winter period as it is much needed in this road. ^5.

(vi)        Cllr Brooks on behalf of Kexby Parish Council requesting the provision of an additional bus stop outside the Derwent Care Home for the use of visitors and staff and residents.^6.

(vii)      Cllr Doughty in respect of the Towthorpe Household Waste Recycling Centre. This petition informs the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and the Council administration that residents of the City of York, do not want any diminishment in service, whether this is through reduced operating hours, days of operation or seasonal closures at this Household Waste Recycling Centre.^7.

 The Deputy Lord Mayor confirmed that, Cllr Doughty’s petition would be taken into account when discussing the Conservative motion in relation to the Towthorpe HWRC later this evening.  The remaining petitions would be referred to the Cabinet, Cabinet Member or appropriate Committee.

To receive and consider a written report from the Leader on the work of the Cabinet.

A written report was received from the Cabinet Leader, Cllr James Alexander, on the work of the Cabinet.

Questions

Notice had been received of eighteen questions on the written report, submitted by Members in accordance with Standing Orders. The first five questions were put and answered as follows and Cllr Alexander undertook to provide Members with written answers to the remaining questions:

(i)           From Cllr Healey:

“What contingency plans does CYC have in place should the Allerton Park EfW fail to proceed?”

The Leader replied:

“While continuing discussions to establish a way forward with the Allerton Park Waste scheme, the council is also considering alternatives for depositing waste in the short to medium terms.  Harewood Whin offers the council sufficient capacity for some years to come but without Allerton Park, alternatives will be required.

We are exploring what capacity there is in other local authority areas through talks with those authorities and also looking at merchant facility providers for alternative solutions.

A report to Cabinet in June will provide more detail and an update on where we go next following the Government’s decision.”

(ii)          From Cllr D’Agorne:

“While acknowledging potential benefits of HS2, can the Leader outline what action has been taken to oppose the re-privatisation of East Coast service and to seek assurances that any future franchise will limit fares increases and guarantee HQ jobs being kept in York?”

The Leader replied:

“Can I first of all welcome your acknowledgement of the potential benefits of HS2. I know how difficult this must be for you considering your party nationally is opposed to HS2. I have raised all of the issues you mention to the rail minister, shadow rail minister, both the city's MPs and the East Coast Main Line Authority group we have set up.  The Government has sadly failed to offer assurances these jobs will remain in York, but I will be lobbying, I’m sure with both of the city’s MPs, to ensure that they do in fact remain here once the franchise is awarded.”

(iii)        From Cllr Reid:

“Will the Cabinet Leader confirm that the new HS2 trains will be able to travel on the existing line from Church Fenton to York or will this line need upgrading?”

The Leader replied:

“No, not until the Government can confirm this. I suspect there will be some upgrade at the junction where the HS2 line will meet the classic line at Church Fenton.”

(iv)        From Cllr Warters:

“Following my support of the Council’s Living Wage policy, would the Council Leader now join me in congratulating the Coalition Government for further assisting low paid workers by increasing personal allowances to £10,000 a year earlier than forecast?”

The Leader replied:

“Yes and thank you for your support.  But Coun. Warters I’m sure must be aware that what the Government giveth with one hand, it taketh away with another. For example, if you are low paid, this higher tax threshold will be welcome but the Government’s removal of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

To consider the following recommendations for approval from the Audit and Governance Committee:

http://democracy.york.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=437&MId=7803&Ver=4

As Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, Cllr Cunningham-Cross moved, and Cllr Brooks seconded, the following recommendations contained in Minute 60 of the Audit and Governance Committee meeting held on 19 March 2013.

CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES RELATING TO PUBLIC HEALTH

That Council make the appropriate constitutional amendments to formally set up a Health and Wellbeing Board and endorses the terms of reference as attached, to the report.

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

RESOLVED:       That the above recommendations of the Audit and Governance Committee meeting held on 19 March 2013 be approved. ^1.

To receive a report from Councillor Wiseman, the Chair of the Corporate and Scrutiny Management Committee (CSMC) on the work of the CSMC.

Council received the report of the Chair of the Corporate and Scrutiny Management Committee at pages 105 to 108, on the work of the Committee.

Councillor Wiseman then moved and Cllr Runciman seconded acceptance of the report and it was

RESOLVED:                That the scrutiny report be received and noted.

To receive a written report from the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services, and to question the Cabinet Member thereon, provided any such questions are registered in accordance with the timescales and procedures set out in Standing Order 8.2.1.

Council received a written report from Cllr Simpson-Laing, Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services.

Notice had been received of twenty seven questions on the report, submitted by Members in accordance with Standing Orders. The first three questions were put and answered as follows and Members agreed to receive written answers to their remaining questions, as set out below:

(i)           From Cllr Doughty:

“Firstly, let me begin by congratulating Councillor Simpson-Laing on her proclamation to 'make a difference'. This is a laudable aim but it is unfortunate that within this statement, the first paragraph of the Cabinet members report aims to make purely political statements that have the potential for causing serious misunderstanding and anxiety to residents in the City.  Can she please tell Council what benefit cuts are being referred to that are making the city unequal, less fair and with reduced life outcomes and if any actual evidence exists to support these claims?”

Cabinet Member replied:

“Cllr Doughty, as a Councillor I have the right to express my views and concerns with regard to the residents of this City when I believe that the policies of your Government, as I did under the previous administration, are detrimental those residents. Not to express my concerns over the devastating cuts to Local Government funding would be a failure of my duties, as would not informing residents of the effects that changes to benefits will have on their lives. We are undertaking this process of informing as it has become clear both locally, and nationally that Government has done little to pre-warn or prepare those in receipt of benefits or service cuts exactly what they are facing.

Cllr Doughty should remember that Adult Social Care takes up a large proportion of the Council’s Budget and that that percentage will continue to rise due to the City’s increasing older population and as a result of improved healthcare. With that in mind, Cllr Doughty needs to realise that many people will be affected and that if this Council cannot provide the same levels of service in the future, than it did in the past, then the work to make the City a more equal place will go backwards not forwards.

Along with the cuts to Government funding to this Council I am also referring to the reduction in the Local Housing Allowance to the lowest 30% of housing in the PRS, the introduction of Universal Credit, the removal of inflationary rises to Child Benefit, Child Tax Credits, Working Family Tax Credits, Maternity Pay, Paternity Pay, the constant and often intrusive re-assessments of those receiving disability benefits – their reduction and freezing to name but a few of the benefits many people receive in this City. The changes taking place are fact, something your colleagues across the country seem to accept but not the Conservatives in York. Because of these changes it will make it more difficult for many residents to continue to live and contribute to the City. When you have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.

To consider a report seeking approval to the Pay Policy Statement for 2013/14 relating to the pay of the Council’s senior staff, to fulfil the requirements of Sections 38 – 43 of the Localism Act 2011.

Cllr Gunnell, as Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, presented a written report presenting the Pay Policy Statement for 2013/14 relating to the pay of the Council’s senior staff, to fulfil the requirements of Sections 38-43 of the Localism Act 2011.

Cllr Gunnell then moved a motion to approve the Pay Policy Statement, which was seconded by Cllr Alexander.

RESOLVED:       That the motion in respect of the Pay Policy Statement for 2013/14 be approved.

To consider a report asking Council to extend the list of approved duties and to request Officers to publish details of all travel and subsistence costs incurred on behalf of Members.

As Cabinet Leader, Cllr Alexander moved and Cllr Simpson-Laing seconded, the following recommendations contained in the report of the Monitoring Officer, in respect of anomalies as to when travel costs could be claimed by Members, at pages 141 to 145 of the agenda:

i)             [That Council] extend the list of approved duties in line with paragraph 5 in the report.

   Reason: To ensure that the list of approved duties   properly reflects the range of work undertaken by Councillors.

ii)            [That Council] request Officers to publish details of all travel and subsistence costs incurred on behalf of Members alongside the details of their allowances.

Reason: To ensure complete transparency in this area

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

RESOLVED:       That the recommendations contained in the report of the Monitoring Officer be approved. ^1.

Minutes of the following meetings of outside bodies, received since the last meeting of Council, have been made available for Members to view via the Council’s website at

http://sql003.york.gov.uk/mgListOutsideBodies.asp?bcr=1

Copies may also be obtained by contacting Democracy Support Group at West Offices, York (tel. 01904 551088)

·        Fire Authority – 13/02/13

·        Safer York Partnership – 06/12/12

·        Quality Bus Partnership – 10/12/12

·        Yorkshire Purchasing Org – 30/11/12

·        Without Walls – 19/12/12

·        NHS – 17/10/12

Members are invited to put any questions to the Council’s representatives on the above bodies, in accordance with Standing Order 10(b).

Minutes of the following meetings had been made available for Members to view on the Council’s website:

·        Fire Authority – 13/02/13

·        Safer York Partnership – 06/12/12

·        Quality Bus Partnership – 10/12/12

·        Yorkshire Purchasing Org – 30/11/12

·        Without Walls – 19/12/12

·        NHS – 17/10/12

Notice had been received of six questions in respect of the minutes, submitted by Members in accordance with Standing Orders. The first five questions were put and answered as follows and the Members agreed to receive written answers to the remaining question, as set out below:

To Cllrs Merrett and Steward as appointed Council representatives on Quality Bus Partnership – Minutes of 10/12/12

From Cllr Reid:

(a)“At December’s Council meeting the Cabinet Member told Cllr D’Agorne, in reply to a written question about the sales of “All York” bus tickets, that “This is a commercial product of the operators. It is commercial data that belongs to the operators and the operators view is that this is commercially sensitive information. It's disclosure could have a negative impact on both the future development of all York products and on general operations.”

It now appears from the minutes of the above meeting (para 3.2), which have been made publicly available on the Council website, that you were told at the Partnership meeting (which had taken place 3 days before the Council meeting) that 10,000 of the tickets had been sold in the first quarter. Why has there been such secrecy about these figures and will you now agree to make the total number of tickets sold available to residents and bus users via the Councils web site on a monthly basis? 

(b) As part of the bus improvement work (para 6.0), will the Cabinet Member agree to publicise all bus service reliability information that the Council has access to?

(c) The minutes of the above meeting say (para 7.1.2) that a Green Bus Fund bid “will be submitted by 26^th March 2013”. The bid was being constructed by ARUP consultants. How much has this consultancy work cost, who has paid for it and in what ways were Council Members, taxpayers, bus operators and bus users consulted on the content of the bid before it was submitted?”

Reply:

Cllr Merrett confirmed that a figure had been quoted in reply to a question at the last Council meeting, however the information was still commercially sensitive. It was understood that the original agreement had been to allow publication of annual cumulative totals, which would be continued. Information regarding reliability was also subject to similar restrictions.

It was reported that the cost of the Green Bus Fund bid had been borne by First.  Work was ongoing regarding the new Park and Ride site and further information would be provided on this cost when the relevant Officer returned from leave. Information from the Bus Improvement Study had informed the bid prior to submission.

(i)           From Cllr D’Agorne:

“Is the reported 10,000 'All York' bus ticket sales  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

To consider the appointments and changes to membership of committees set out on the list attached to this summons, including appointments to the statutory Health and Wellbeing Board.

RESOLVED:       That the appointments and changes to membership of committees as set out in the Council papers pages 147 and 148, be approved. ^1.

To consider the following Notices of Motion under Standing Order 12:

A – Motions referred from the Cabinet in accordance with Standing Order 12.1(a)

None

B – Motions submitted for consideration directly by Council, in accordance with Standing Order 12.1(b)

(i)                   From Cllr Gunnell

“CYC welcomes the UK-wide campaign to end ‘legal loan sharking’ and believes that the lack of access to affordable credit is socially and economically damaging.

Unaffordable credit is causing a myriad of unwanted effects such as colder homes, rent, council tax and utility arrears, and depression, which itself impacts on job seeking behaviour.  All of these effects ultimately lead to poorer health.  This practice is extracting wealth from York’s most deprived communities.

Council notes the efforts made cross-party through Amendment 41 to the Financial Services Bill, in May 2012, to properly regulate legal loan sharks but was disappointed with its final report.

Whilst acknowledging recent announcements by the Office of Fair Trading, that the top fifty pay-day loan companies need to change their practices or risk losing their licences, Council is disappointed that the Government is not going to cap the price – interest and costs – of borrowing from pay-day loan companies.

Council believes it is the responsibility of all levels of government to ensure affordable credit for all, and therefore pledges to use best practice to promote financial literacy and affordable lending to help to ensure that wealth stays in the local economy. Council will continue to work with those affected by the introduction of Universal Credit to ensure help is available.

Council resolves:

·         To lobby Government to ensure that pressure is kept up so that action is taken to regulate legal loan sharks and a sensible cap placed on levels of interest charges; and

·         To further lobby Government on introducing veto powers to Local Authorities to ensure that they are able, through licensing, to prevent socially damaging high street credit agencies operating within their areas.”

(ii)                  From Cllr Doughty

“Council notes with concern the deterioration in recycling in York and the negative effects on the environment and on the city’s reputation that such a decline may produce.  In particular Council is concerned that household recycling targets look set to be missed and that landfill tax to be paid is predicted to rise by 12.5%.This could be further exacerbated should the Council introduce an unwelcome charge for green bins.

“Therefore, in light of the failure to reach these recycling targets and the closure of Beckfiled Lane Recycling Centre, Council confirms that it commits to the future of Towthorpe Recycling Centre in order to provide a basic service to residents and to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill in order to prevent costly increases in landfill taxes.”

(iii)                From Cllr Reid

“Council Notes:

·        Under the previous Liberal Democrat administration the recycling rate increased from 12% to 45% and a successful garden waste collection system operated.

·        The Labour Cabinet has closed Beckfield Lane Recycling Centre and is due to miss its 2012/13 recycling  ...  view the full agenda text for item 79.

(i)        Regulation of Loan Sharks

It was moved by Cllr Gunnell and seconded by Cllr Boyce that: 

“CYC welcomes the UK-wide campaign to end ‘legal loan sharking’ and believes that the lack of access to affordable credit is socially and economically damaging.

Unaffordable credit is causing a myriad of unwanted effects such as colder homes, rent, council tax and utility arrears, and depression, which itself impacts on job seeking behaviour.  All of these effects ultimately lead to poorer health.  This practice is extracting wealth from York’s most deprived communities.

Council notes the efforts made cross-party through Amendment 41 to the Financial Services Bill, in May 2012, to properly regulate legal loan sharks but was disappointed with its final report.

Whilst acknowledging recent announcements by the Office of Fair Trading, that the top fifty pay-day loan companies need to change their practices or risk losing their licences, Council is disappointed that the Government is not going to cap the price – interest and costs – of borrowing from pay-day loan companies.

Council believes it is the responsibility of all levels of government to ensure affordable credit for all, and therefore pledges to use best practice to promote financial literacy and affordable lending to help to ensure that wealth stays in the local economy. Council will continue to work with those affected by the introduction of Universal Credit to ensure help is available.

Council resolves:

·        To lobby Government to ensure that pressure is kept up so that action is taken to regulate legal loan sharks and a sensible cap placed on levels of interest charges; and

·        To further lobby Government on introducing veto powers to Local Authorities to ensure that they are able, through licensing, to prevent socially damaging high street credit agencies operating within their areas.”

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

RESOLVED:       That the above motion be approved. ^1.

(ii)   Towthorpe Household Recycling Centre

It was moved by Cllr Doughty and seconded by Cllr Richardson that: 

“Council notes with concern the deterioration in recycling in York and the negative effects on the environment and on the city’s reputation that such a decline may produce.  In particular Council is concerned that household recycling targets look set to be missed and that landfill tax to be paid is predicted to rise by 12.5%.This could be further exacerbated should the Council introduce an unwelcome charge for green bins.

Therefore, in light of the failure to reach these recycling targets and the closure of Beckfield Lane Recycling Centre, Council confirms that it commits to the future of Towthorpe Recycling Centre in order to provide a basic service to residents and to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill in order to prevent costly increases in landfill taxes.”

Councillor Orrell moved, an amendment to the above motion, as follows:

Insert the following additional paragraph at the end after landfill taxes:

“Council also calls on the Cabinet Member to work with Yorwaste to review the traffic arrangements  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

To deal with the following questions to the Cabinet Leader and / or other Cabinet Members, in accordance with Standing Order 11.3(a):

(i)                   To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Aspden:

“The ‘Voting Age (Reduction to 16) Bill 2012-13’ sponsored by Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Williams is due for its second reading on 26th April. Will the Cabinet Leader continue his efforts to promote this reform and join me in lobbying York Outer MP Julian Sturdy?”

(ii)                  To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Aspden:

“Could the Cabinet Member outline what has happened to residents who previously received support in the “moderate” care bracket. How many residents have been reassessed and how many now have care needs classified as “substantial”?” 

(iii)                To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Aspden:

“Labour’s Budget confirmed plans to move the Warden Call service to a ‘social enterprise’ model. Could the Cabinet Member ensure all options are considered before a final decision is taken and proper consultation takes place with users of the service?”

(iv)                To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Aspden:

“How will the community be involved in decisions on the future of the Fordlands site in Fulford?”

(v)                 To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Orrell:

“Following the recommendation of the Fairness Commission to set up an Equity Release Scheme when does the Cabinet Member expect the scheme to start?” 

(vi)                To the Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People from Cllr Aspden:

“Labour’s Budget included a further £150,000 cut to Youth Services in 2014/15. Could the Cabinet Member guarantee that the Council will continue to fund and supervise Youth Centres and none will close as a result of this funding reduction?”

(vii)               To the Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People from Cllr Aspden:

“Labour’s Budget included plans to scrap the Toy Library Bus in 2014/15. In a recent letter to the Council concerned parents said that “To lose this wonderful resource would be to the detriment of young learners’ creative development in the York area.” Will the Cabinet Member listen to these concerns and rethink this cut?”

(viii)             To the Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People from Cllr Aspden:

“Labour’s Budget included plans to cease directly offering play grants and transfer this to Your Consortium. Could the Cabinet Member outline what impact this will have on groups such as SNAPPY?”

(ix)                To the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning and Sustainability from Cllr Reid:

“The Green Deal has the potential to deliver significant environmental, social and economic benefits for York. Could the Cabinet Member outline what plans are in place to ensure that York residents benefit from this opportunity?”

(x)                 To the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning and Sustainability from Cllr Reid:

“Could the Cabinet Member outline what consultation will take place with residents in  ...  view the full agenda text for item 80.

Twenty two questions had been submitted to the Cabinet Leader and Cabinet Members under Standing Order 11.3(a). The guillotine having fallen at this point, Members agreed to receive written answers to their questions, as set out below:

(i)                     To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Aspden:

“The ‘Voting Age (Reduction to 16) Bill 2012-13’ sponsored by Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Williams is due for its second reading on 26th April. Will the Cabinet Leader continue his efforts to promote this reform and join me in lobbying York Outer MP Julian Sturdy?”

Reply:

“Yes.”

(ii)         To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Aspden:

“Could the Cabinet Member outline what has happened to residents who previously received support in the “moderate” care bracket. How many residents have been reassessed and how many now have care needs classified as “substantial”?” 

Reply:

“184 residents who received support at  ‘Moderate’ received a review.  Approximately half (92) were re-designated as having substantial needs, either because their needs had changed since their previous review, or because it was agreed their needs had been wrongly designated as moderate – this is not unusual as peoples needs to change with time due to age and changes in their health situation.  Those who remained at Moderate level were offered advice information and support to find alternative ways to meet their needs.”

(iii)        To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Aspden:

“Labour’s Budget confirmed plans to move the Warden Call service to a ‘social enterprise’ model. Could the Cabinet Member ensure all options are considered before a final decision is taken and proper consultation takes place with users of the service?”

Reply:

“Cllr Aspden should be aware that due to continued Government cuts to the funding of Local Government we are being actively being supported by Government to look at alternative models to deliver services. Consideration of the options and a full business case will be the subject of a report to Cabinet on the 7^th May. Consultation with customers and stakeholders continues and will be included in the report.”

(iv)       To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Aspden:

“How will the community be involved in decisions on the future of the Fordlands site in Fulford?”

Reply:

“I have no involvement in decisions on the future of the Fordland’s site. Property services and the Capital Asset Board are dealing with this and this is not within my portfolio area.”

(v)         To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Orrell:

“Following the recommendation of the Fairness Commission to set up an Equity Release Scheme when does the Cabinet Member expect the scheme to start?” 

Reply:

“I am glad to see that Cllr Orrell has read the Fairness Commission report. His question relates to the ‘Idea’s for action’ companion report that supported the development of the recommendations in the September 2012 report.

One idea  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.