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 interest was declared:

To consider the exclusion of the press and public from the meeting during consideration of the following:

The Annex to Agenda Item 8 (Recommendations of the Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee) on the grounds that it contains information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.  This information is classed as exempt under paragraph 2 of Schedule 12A to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as revised by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

RESOLVED:       That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the Annex to Agenda Item 8 (Recommendations of the Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee) on the grounds that it contains information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.  This information is classed as exempt under paragraph 2 of Schedule 12A to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as revised by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

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

·        Ordinary Meeting, held on  28 March 2013

·        Annual Meeting, held on 23 May 2013

RESOLVED:       That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 28 March 2013 and the Annual Meeting held on 23 May 2013 be approved and signed by the Chair as correct records.

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

There were no civic announcements.

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 17 July 2013.

The Deputy Lord Mayor announced that one member of the public had registered to speak at the meeting. Gwen Swinburn had registered to speak in relation to neighbourhood governance but did not attend the meeting.

(i)           To debate a petition signed by 1,236 people asking the Council to rethink Cabinet’s plan to close Lendal Bridge for a 6 month trial and stop the ensuing gridlock in York. The petitioners state that “the planned closure of Lendal bridge will have a dire effect on pollution, traffic and business in York. Motorists will be forced to use the 3 already busy bridges crossing the river Ouse causing more traffic build up and pollution”. The ePetition runs from 28/04/2013 to 28/09/2013.  [An explanatory report is attached to the agenda]

(ii)         To consider any petitions received from Members in accordance with Standing Order No.7.  To date, notice has been received of 6 such petitions as follows:

·        A petition to be presented by Cllr Ann Reid opposing Labour's plans to use Green Belt land across York to build 22,000 houses on over the next 15 years.

·        A petition to be presented by Cllr Ann Reid objecting to the proposals in the council's Local Plan for the development of land lying between Wetherby Road and Knapton Village. We believe that the site should continue to be included in the Green Belt as it protects the rural setting of the western approach to the city which will otherwise begin to merge with the outer ring road.

·        A petition to be presented byCllr Lynn Jeffries objecting to the proposal in the Council’s Local Plan for the development of land lying between the existing urban area and the ring road. We wish to see this land retained in the “Green Belt”. Instead we believe that the Council should concentrate any new buildings at previously developed, but now unused, sites such as Terry’s, Nestle South, British Sugar and the area behind the station. We specifically object to the inclusion of part of Acomb Moor as a development site (H9) in the Council’s Local Plan. We believe the site should continue to be included in the Green Belt as it protects the western approach to the City and avoids the dominance that any building near the Great Knoll would have on the surrounding area. The Moor is an important informal recreation amenity for local residents and this should be recognised in the Local Plan.

·        A petition to be presented byCllr Lynn Jeffries calling upon the council to install a dog deterring fence around the play area off Grange Lane (next to Westfield School). We ask that more dog dirt bins, and litter bins, are provided close to the play equipment so that the health hazards, resulting from dog fouling and broken glass, can be tackled and to ensure that children can play safely on the equipment.

·        A petition to be presented by Cllr Keith Aspden calling on City of York Council to give residents in Fulford a fairer deal and improve the road surfaces particularly in Fulford Park, Cherry Wood Crescent, Eastward Avenue and St Oswald’s Road.

·        A petition to be presented by Cllr Ann Reid objecting to the designation  ...  view the full agenda text for item 18.

A.          Petition regarding proposed Lendal Bridge trial closure

In view of the number of signatories, over 1,200 people, the e-petition asking the Council to rethink Cabinet’s plan to close Lendal Bridge for a 6 month trial and stop the ensuing gridlock in York, was then discussed by members.

Councillor Reid moved and Councillor Aspden seconded that Standing Orders be suspended to allow Members to take a decision on the Lendal Bridge petitions request.

On being put to the vote the Motion was LOST.

Following the debate the Lord Mayor confirmed that the Cabinet Member would take note of the petition when considering the consultation responses.

B.          Petitions Presented Under Standing Order 7

Under Standing Order 7, petitions were presented by:

i)             Cllr Ann Reid opposing Labour's plans to use Green Belt land across York to build 22,000 houses on over the next 15 years.^1.

ii)       Cllr Ann Reid objecting to the proposals in the council's Local Plan for the development of land lying between Wetherby Road and Knapton Village. We believe that the site should continue to be included in the Green Belt as it protects the rural setting of the western approach to the city which will otherwise begin to merge with the outer ring road. ^2.

iii)          Cllr Lynn Jeffries objecting to the proposal in the Council’s Local Plan for the development of land lying between the existing urban area and the ring road. We wish to see this land retained in the “Green Belt”. Instead we believe that the Council should concentrate any new buildings at previously developed, but now unused, sites such as Terry’s, Nestle South, British Sugar and the area behind the station. We specifically object to the inclusion of part of Acomb Moor as a development site (H9) in the Council’s Local Plan. We believe the site should continue to be included in the Green Belt as it protects the western approach to the City and avoids the dominance that any building near the Great Knoll would have on the surrounding area. The Moor is an important informal recreation amenity for local residents and this should be recognised in the Local Plan. ^3.

iv)       Cllr Lynn Jeffries calling upon the council to install a dog deterring fence around the play area off Grange Lane (next to Westfield School). We ask that more dog dirt bins, and litter bins, are provided close to the play equipment so that the health hazards, resulting from dog fouling and broken glass, can be tackled and to ensure that children can play safely on the equipment. ^4.

v)        Cllr Keith Aspden calling on City of York Council to give residents in Fulford a fairer deal and improve the road surfaces particularly in Fulford Park, Cherry Wood Crescent, Eastward Avenue and St Oswald’s Road. ^5.

vi)                 Cllr Ann Reid objecting to the designation of land west of Woodthorpe for house building (ST10). Successive local plans have indicated that this land is important in enhancing York’s rural setting.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

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

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

A       Questions

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

(i)           To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Aspden

“Concerning the fall in unemployment in York, more than one million private sector jobs have been created nationally since the Coalition Government came to power. The Liberal Democrats now want to create a million more including in cities such as York. Would the Cabinet Leader support this campaign which builds on Coalition Government achievements, including a fall in youth unemployment, a record rise in apprenticeships, £5.5bn extra invested into science, high-tech manufacturing and renewable energy, and a £2,000 cash back on National Insurance contributions for employers who take on more staff?”

The Leader replied:

“I support any measures that will facilitate economic growth and increase the number of jobs. I should point out the trend of private sector employment increase started in mid 2009 following a low point after the economic crisis. Total private sector jobs in the UK is little more than it was in 2008 and much more needs to be done.”

(ii)          To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Barton

“If the Council is to be “flexible” in seeing the Former Terry’s plans come to fruition, does this mean that the motion suggesting a 10:10 ratio on affordable housing proposed in Council by the Conservative Group and buried by this administration will now be reinstated?”

The Leader replied:

“You can't reinstate something that was never established. Flexibility is the key word here, saying 10% affordable housing is rigid. We may negotiate higher, we may negotiate lower. Flexibility on a site by site basis is what is needed.”.

(iii)        To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Warters

“The Council Leader reports that the Planning Minister made clear the Local Plan is a matter for York, can the Council Leader clarify if this is a matter for York residents or just himself, Councillors Merrett and Simpson-Laing as members of the secret Spatial Planning Member Steering Group?”

The Leader replied:

“It is a matter for all York residents, as demonstrated by the public consultation involving every household in York.”

(iv)        To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Reid

“Hillary Benn, Labour’s Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary, recently said that "local communities should decide where they want new homes and developments to go and then give their consent in the form of planning permission.....it's the difference between having a say and having it done to you. Communities should be able to determine their own future and decide what their area should look like in 5, 10, or 20 years' time”. In regards to the Local Plan, does the Cabinet Leader agree with his Labour colleague and is he prepared to listen to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

To consider the following recommendations for approval from the Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee, together with supporting financial information in relation to Minute 12 (i):

As Chair of the Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee, Cllr Alexander moved and Cllr Simpson-Laing seconded, the following recommendations contained in Minute 12 of the meeting of that Committee held on 10 June 2013:

REdundancy

(i)                     [That Council] agree the proposed dismissal on the grounds of redundancy, together with the associated expenditure detailed in the annex and notes the financial impact set out in the report.

(ii)                     [That Council] agree that the wording of the Council’s Pay Policy is amended to allow all future Chief Officer financial packages to be considered and approved at Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee. ^1.

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

RESOLVED:       That the above recommendations of the Staffing Matters and Urgency Committee meeting held on 10 June 2013 be approved.

To consider the following recommendations for approval from the Joint Standards Committee:

As Chair of the Joint Standards Committee, Cllr Runciman moved and Cllr Horton seconded, the following recommendation contained in Minute 11 of the meeting of that Committee held on 26 June 2013:

recruitment OF INDEPENDENT PERSON

[That Council] approve the appointment of Mr Nicholas Hall as an Independent Person.^1.

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

RESOLVED:       That the above recommendation of the Joint Standards Committee meeting held on 26 June 2013 be approved.

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

As Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, Cllr Potter moved, and Cllr Burton seconded, the following recommendations contained in Minutes 12 and 13 of the Audit and Governance Committee meeting held on 9 July 2013.

review of the terms of reference of the audit & governance committee

[That Council] approve the revised terms of reference for the Audit and Governance Committee.

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

RESOLVED:       That the above recommendation of the Audit and Governance Committee meeting held on 9 July 2013 be approved. ^1.

Appointment of Independent Member to the Audit and Governance Committee

[That Council] approve the appointment of:

(i)           Mr Martin Whiteley as an Independent Member of the Audit and Governance Committee.

                                      (ii)      That this be a two-year term of

                                                office.

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 9 July 2013 be approved. ^2.

To consider the following recommendation for approval from the Member Support Steering Group:

As Chair of the Member Support Steering Group, Cllr Douglas moved and Cllr Runciman seconded, the following recommendation contained in Minute 8 of the meeting of that Committee held on 1 July 2013:

review of member training and development policy

[That Council] agree the adoption of the revised Member Training and Development Policy.^1.

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

RESOLVED:       That the above recommendation of the Member Support Steering Group meeting held on 1 July 2013 be approved.

To consider a report which presents to Council the recommendations of the Audit and Governance Report in respect of their Annual Report for the extended period covering October 2011 to April 2013.

Council received the Annual Report of the Audit and Governance Committee, covering the period October 2011 to April 2013, from Cllr Potter, as Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee.

Councillor Potter then moved, and Cllr Brooks seconded acceptance of the report and it was

RESOLVED:       That the Annual Report of the Audit and Governance Committee be received and noted.

To receive a report from Councillor Galvin, 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 129 to 131, on the work of the Committee.

Councillor Galvin 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 Education, Children and Young People's 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 Looker, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People.

Notice had been received of nine 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)           To the Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People Service from Cllr Runciman

“Whilst thanking Jill Hodges for all the excellent work she has done in leading the city’s School Improvement team, I would like reassurance from the Cabinet Member that there will also be a replacement for our Senior Primary Adviser, who will be retiring shortly. If that is not the case, can she reassure me that the Standards agenda in the primary sector will be given the same expertise and attention that it has previously had?”

Cabinet Member replied:

“The LA has invested in School improvement Partners, particularly in the primary sector. They will also be renamed as York Challenge Partners to reflect our new programme around school improvement – the York Challenge.  Maxine Squire will take up the position of Head of School Improvement from September.  She will be supported by the current Principal Adviser Primary on a consultancy basis until Easter 14 and also retiring primary Head teachers from within the city.  There is a national shift to sector led improvement and our model of empowering clusters to drive school improvement reflects this agenda.  However, there is a risk around funding for school improvement as this area faces reductions.”

(ii)         To the Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People Service from Cllr Brooks

“Can the Cabinet Member explain why, as of early July, nearly a quarter of York’s schools are in the categories ‘Requiring Improvement’ or Special Measures?

Cabinet Member replied:

“I don’t dispute what is stated in your question but as from the end of this term the LA will have 78% schools rates as good or outstanding.  This is an improvement on the position two years ago. This includes 8 schools, inspected since September 2012, that have moved from satisfactory to good.  These serve areas of disadvantage in the city.  Securing and embedding a good judgment takes time and we have been working with these schools over a period of 3-4 year. 

These figures remain above the regional average and in-line with the national average, but of course we constantly support schools to improve, especially those that have not received good or outstanding ratings.”

(iii)        To the Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People Service from Cllr Brooks

“The Learning and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee has agreed to a scrutiny review on the take up of school meals.  Does the Cabinet Member welcome the newly announced Government School Food Plan as an opportunity of making a difference to the lives of children in the city?”

Cabinet Member replied:

“The recently announced school food plan is an interesting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

To consider a report which asks Council to consider options to revise the Council’s Constitution for the scheme of delegation in respect of planning matters

Cllr Merrett, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainability presented a written report asking Council to amend the Scheme of Delegation for Planning Matters. A copy of the amended report was circulated at the meeting and republished in the online agenda. The recommendations asked:

    [That Council] agree:

i)             That options A, C and D be adopted and the Scheme of Delegation for Planning within the Council’s Constitution be amended as set out in Annex F to this report to reflect the requirements of those options.

ii)            That Option B be considered for future introduction, to alter the frequency of meetings, if required.

REASON:    To address the change to a single Planning Sub-Committee, to ensure effective, timely decision making and the efficient use of Member and officer time.

Cllr Galvin then moved, and Cllr Gillies seconded, the following amendment to the motion, as circulated in the additional papers circulated around the chamber: 

“Amend the first resolution as follows:

Council is asked to agree:

“(i)   That options A, C and D be adopted and the Scheme of Delegation for Planning, within the Council’s Constitution, be amended as set out in annex F to the report to reflect the requirements of those options,subject to Ward Members being able to maintain their right to call in planning applications affecting their wards, without the need for consideration by the Chairs and Vice Chairs of Planning Committees and subject to Annex F being appropriately amended to also reflect this requirement.”

On being put to the vote, the amended motion was declared LOST.

Councillor D’Agorne had submitted a further amendment to the resolution however this was subsequently withdrawn.

Cllr Merrett then moved the original motion to amend the Scheme of Delegation, which was seconded by Cllr Horton.

RESOLVED:       That the original motion in respect of the Scheme of Delegation for Planning Matters be approved. ^{1 & 2.}

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://democracy.york.gov.uk/ecCatDisplay.aspx?sch=doc&cat=12959&path=0

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

·        Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation – 22 March 2013

·        Without Walls – 27 March 2013

·        Quality Bus Partnership – March minutes have not been approved and will not be for the foreseeable future as the partnership is possibly being disbanded.

·        Safer York Partnership – 18 April 2013

·        NHS Foundation Trust –  20 March 2013

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:

·        Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation – 22 March 2013

·        Without Walls – 27 March 2013

·        Quality Bus Partnership – March minutes have not been approved and will not be for the foreseeable future as the partnership is possibly being disbanded.

·        Safer York Partnership – 18 April 2013

·        NHS Foundation Trust –  20 March 2013

No questions had been submitted to representatives on outside bodies.

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 Merrett

“Council agrees with the need to upgrade York's Outer Ring Road to alleviate congestion which is increasingly a barrier to jobs and growth. 

Council also endorses efforts to produce a funding package through the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund to achieve this goal within a decade.

Council notes the MP for York Outer’s earlier commitment to such an upgrade, as reported in The Press on 12^th June 2007:

"Tory Julian Sturdy, who has made calls for dualling a key plank of his campaign to win the new York Outer seat at the next General Election" and "The high cost of dualling - estimated at about £140 million - means it would be impossible without Government funding".

Mr Sturdy has now been in office for over three years and has been a Parliamentary Private Secretary to a Department of Transport Minister for a year. Council therefore invites Mr Sturdy to a meeting of City of York Council to provide an update on any progress made towards his and the Council’s shared aspiration of a completed dualled outer ring road for the city”.

(ii)       From Cllr Watt

“Council agrees to respect the citizens of York and promises to produce a ‘Local Plan’ which acknowledges and respects any clearly expressed wishes of the people, from their responses to the ‘Preferred Options’ consultation.”

(iii)     From Cllr Aspden

“Council notes the failure of the Labour Cabinet to build-on the achievements of the previous Liberal Democrat administration and bring forward a distinct vision for a greener council and greener York.

This approach has seen a fall in recycling rates, the closure of Beckfield Lane, the reduction in opening hours at Towthorpe, the introduction of unpopular green bin charges, the failure to bring forward a replacement to the successful ‘Carbon Reduction Programme’, the ending of the Green Jobs Task Group, and the failure to innovate and lead the development of new approaches to tackling climate change and improving the environmental credentials of York.

Council Resolves to:

Confirm its vision to make York the greenest city in the North of England with the highest unitary council recycling rates in the area, a long-term commitment to a food waste recycling scheme, and as a regional centre for Green Jobs.

Ask Cabinet to immediately bring forward the details of the next stage of the ‘Carbon Reduction Programme’ with renewed commitments to reduce emissions.

Agree to set-up a cross-party ‘Green Policy Working Group’ (which will incorporate a re-established the Green Jobs Task Group) and will seek to turn this vision into a detailed strategy. This Group should consider issues such as developing a renewable energy company, a sustainable food strategy, a waste minimisation programme and work on fuel poverty and energy efficiency. The Group  ...  view the full agenda text for item 29.

(i)        York’s Outer Ring Road (proposed by Cllr Merrett)

“Council agrees with the need to upgrade York's Outer Ring Road to alleviate congestion which is increasingly a barrier to jobs and growth. 

Council also endorses efforts to produce a funding package through the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund to achieve this goal within a decade.

Council notes the MP for York Outer’s earlier commitment to such an upgrade, as reported in The Press on 12^th June 2007:

"Tory Julian Sturdy, who has made calls for dualling a key plank of his campaign to win the new York Outer seat at the next General Election" and "The high cost of dualling - estimated at about £140 million - means it would be impossible without Government funding".

Mr Sturdy has now been in office for over three years and has been a Parliamentary Private Secretary to a Department of Transport Minister for a year. Council therefore invites Mr Sturdy to a meeting of City of York Council to provide an update on any progress made towards his and the Council’s shared aspiration of a completed dualled outer ring road for the city”.

Amendment proposed by Councillor D’Agorne:

Delete first sentence and replace with: “Council agrees that the proposed 4,000 home development north of Clifton Moor, the 1500 homes at Monks Cross, together with the community stadium and retail expansion at Monk's Cross would outpace congestion benefits from any of the potential upgrades to the ring road as modelled in 2008 by consultants Halcrow. Additional major investment in sustainable transport is urgently required for York to address the growing barrier to jobs and economic prosperity arising from congestion.”

In second sentence delete ‘to achieve this goal within a decade’

In the final sentence delete ‘and the Council’s shared’

The amendment was declared LOST.

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

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

ii)       Local Plan (proposed by Cllr Watt)

“Council agrees to respect the citizens of York and promises to produce a ‘Local Plan’ which acknowledges and respects any clearly expressed wishes of the people, from their responses to the ‘Preferred Options’ consultation.”

RESOLVED:       That the motion be approved.^2.

(ii)         Vision for a Greener Council (proposed by Cllr Aspden)

“Council notes the failure of the Labour Cabinet to build-on the achievements of the previous Liberal Democrat administration and bring forward a distinct vision for a greener council and greener York.

This approach has seen a fall in recycling rates, the closure of Beckfield Lane, the reduction in opening hours at Towthorpe, the introduction of unpopular green bin charges, the failure to bring forward a replacement to the successful ‘Carbon Reduction Programme’, the ending of the Green Jobs Task Group, and the failure to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

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 Cabinet Leader recently welcomed the cross-party support for the Poverty Strategy. Would he agree with me that a cross-party approach to supporting residents with welfare reforms is also needed? If so, would he agree to set-up a cross-party welfare reform working group as soon as possible, including opposition councillors and relevant council officers, through which the council can objectively assess the effects of welfare changes in York, ensure that the council is using its staff and resources to help and inform the most vulnerable, and collectively lobby the government where necessary?”

(ii)      To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Ayre:

“How much has the Council spent to date on work connected with the tender for the Community Stadium and how much taxpayers’ money does the Leader now expect to invest in the project in total?”

(iii)     To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Hyman:

“Would the Council Leader confirm how much the Council spent in assessing the suitability of the Bonding Warehouse for use as a media centre?”

(iv)    To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Ayre:

“Will the Cabinet Leader agree to join me for a walk along the section of Millennium Way that passes through Heworth Without so he can fully understand the impact of the Local Plan Proposals on the natural environment?”

(v)      To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Ayre:

“Regarding the Tour de France, how many new posts are being created or adapted to support the TDF – on which scale and at what cost to the Council?”

(vi)    To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Ayre:

“Besides the £500,000 hosting fees already paid by the citizens of York to secure the Tour De France what other expenses are forecast to be incurred, (broken down by category where possible)?”

(vii)   To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Ayre:

“In responding negatively to the government proposal to allow conversions of offices to housing, the Cabinet Leader said there is a shortage of office accommodation in York. Could he tell me how many square feet of office space is currently vacant in the City?”

(viii)  To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Ayre:

“Does the Cabinet Leader think it is acceptable that opposition councillors were prevented from seeing key evidence for the Local Plan prior to the public consultation?”

(ix)    To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Ayre:

“Given the Labour Leader’s public statement in 2010 that opposition councillors should not be prevented from seeing key Community Stadium documents because of commercial confidentiality, can he explain why his administration is now preventing councillors from seeing documents for this very reason?”

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

“Does the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing & Adult Social services agree with the statement from York City of Sanctuary’s report  ...  view the full agenda text for item 30.

Thirty seven 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: