Agenda and minutes

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.

Cllr Healey declared a personal interest in the budget amendment in the Report of the Executive Member (Agenda Item 10) and in Motion (iv) at Item 8 (A City Response to Food Insecurity) insofar as they related to free school meals, as a parent of children attending a primary school that might be affected by the proposals.

Cllr Ayre also declared a personal interest in these items, as a parent of a child attending a primary school that might be affected by the proposals.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 23 March 2023 and the Annual Council meeting held on 25 May 2023.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 23 March 2023 and the Annual Council meeting held on 25 May 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.

The Lord Mayor announced:

·        A recent visit from a Professor from the University of Lviv during which gifts were exchanged, including a book which was on display in the room.

·        A recent meeting with the Chinese Ambassador and the receipt of a gift of a scroll, which was also on display.

·        That three delegations had been welcomed from Munster and a civic exchange with Dijon was planned for September, as links were re-established with York’s twinned cities following the pandemic.

·        The unveiling of a ledger stone by the Duke of Gloucester on 11 July to be presented to New York in May 2024 to mark the centenary of the presentation of a bronze plaque from New York celebrating the special relationship between the two cities.

·        A number of upcoming civic charity events, including a ‘Fish & Ships’ cruise on 14 August and the Assize of Bread and Ales on 19 August.

Further to the preceding Special Meeting to appoint Honorary Aldermen/women, the Lord Mayor advised Full Council that the Monitoring Officer had confirmed that the legislation referred to Honorary Aldermen and women so scrolls commemorating the honour would be appropriately scripted in the future.  He also mentioned that Fiona Young, the Interim Democratic Services Manager and longstanding member of the team, would soon be leaving the council and thanked her for her service over the years.

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, 18 July 2023.

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 10 people had registered to speak at the meeting under Public Participation.

Flick Williams spoke on Agenda Items 8, 10 and 11 (Notices of Motion, Report of Executive Member, and Public Footpath Copmanthorpe No. 2) insofar as they related to disabled access issues.  She welcomed the allocation of funding for Blue Badge access to the city centre and the objection to Network Rail’s application in respect of the footpath.

Emma Hardy spoke on matters relevant to the city.  She expressed concern at the council’s decision to renew its membership of Stonewall’s diversity scheme, which she said was incompatible with upholding women’s and gay rights, and asked that it be reviewed as a matter of urgency.

Gwen Swinburn spoke on matters relevant to the city, voicing concerns about issues including the suitability of the Hudson Room as the venue for the meeting and the procedure for presenting the budget amendment proposal.

Vicki Hill spoke on Agenda Item 5 (Petitions), supporting the petition to remove the bollards and create a new regeneration plan for Front Street, which had been signed by 1,500 people.

Ruth Jackson also spoke in support of the petition at Item 5, highlighting the need for a proper conversation on pedestrianising the street while supporting deliveries to local businesses.

Ginnie Shaw spoke on Item 8(i) (the motion on Safeguarding York’s Future).  She commended the intentions of the motion but urged the council to work with a climate and nature citizen’s assembly and keep the carbon neutral target to the forefront.

Denise Craghill also spoke on Item 8(i), welcoming the commitments in the motion but expressing concern about the effect of reductions in local ward funding.

Jamie Sims also spoke on Item 8(i), welcoming the motion and highlighting the need for more stringent building standards, as well as better engagement with civic society groups in decision-making.

Joe Gilling, of York Cycle Campaign, spoke on Items 8(i) and 8(iii) (the motion on Getting York Moving Fairly), calling on the new administration to use the York Civic Trust’s Transport Strategy as a blueprint to re-think York’s approach to transport.

Penny Bainbridge spoke in support of Item 8(iv) (the motion on A City Response to Food Insecurity), as a trustee of Edible York, highlighting the activities of Edible York and its involvement in helping low-income families.

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

·      Cllr Nelson, on behalf of residents of Acomb, regarding the Front Street Regeneration Project.

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

·       A petition presented by Cllr Nelson, on behalf of residents calling on the council to remove all the bollards installed on Front Street and to re-do the street in line with what people had asked for.¹

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

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

Priorities for the New Council

From Cllr Whitcroft: Can you explain why the 4 key themes for the new administration – affordability, health & wellbeing, equalities & human rights and the environment - were chosen?

Response: It’s been a long process.  We have been out talking to the city, to organisations across the board and hundreds of residents, o0ver a period of 2 years.  We know there are health and other inequalities across our wards and we have brought it all together to identify what the city needs.  The themes will all feed into everything we do and every decision we make.

Supplementary from Cllr Steward: Are these ‘planted’ questions good or bad?

Supplementary Response: They are helpful to allow me to expand on the subject, and not a bad thing if the balance is right.

From Cllr Widdowson: What progress has been made on reversing the city centre access provisions that hadn’t been looked at before May 2023?

Response: the difference is that I’ve had to consider that there’s a compromise position to be found.  It won’t keep everyone happy but will allow people who haven’t had access to the city centre for 3 years to come back in.  it’s about having the political will to make it happen.

Devolution

From Cllr Wilson: Can you explain what steps you’ve taken to ensure that York is well positioned to benefit from devolution?

Response: I have been attending meetings with officers involved in this – they are doing this in addition to their day jobs.  It’s been quite technical so far and I am trying to shift it into something that is shaped by us as politicians.  I have asked for it to be part of scrutiny to ensure you have the opportunity to feed back on governance structures so we can say how we’d like to be involved in the future.  Some residents, e.g., in Selby, feel distant from decision making – it’s a huge geographical area.  We need to work in partnership; our priorities with North Yorkshire align and I’d love your input on it.

Local Plan

From Cllr Warters: How confident are you that the responses to the questions raised by the Inspectors on the gypsy / traveller policies will allow them to sign off the plan, and can you confirm that you are already working with officers to review the HMO supplementary planning document?

Response: The Local Plan is very important and we have to get it in place, otherwise there is potential for a developer free for all.  Officers assure me that what they have submitted to the Inspectors has been well received.  We’ve been speaking to the Gypsy and Traveller Trust about this – it is a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

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 Kilbane.

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:

Coppergate Car Park

From Cllr Pearson: Do you consider car journeys to Coppergate car park by those who do not hold a Blue Badge to be unnecessary?

Response: I am not going to make ad-hoc interventions in the transport system.  The Local Transport Plan will come forward this year and will address all those issues. We need to free up roads for those who need to use them.

Supplementary from Cllr Ayre: Would ask that you answer the question which was put.

Supplementary Response: The question of what is and isn’t necessary will be answered through the LTP process.  I look forward to your input.

Full Council

From Cllr Warters: Will the new administration be willing to reduce or do away with motions, and use the time for more business-like matters?

Response:  We can use this time more effectively.  If we are to review the Constitution so that we can change the way we do business, we will do so openly, transparently, with all stakeholders involved.  We are keen to ensure the council operates effectively and follow due process, and residents need to have a say in how that happens.

Reverse the Ban

From Cllr Widdowson: Your report states that you recently had a meeting with the Reverse the Ban organisation.  Do you stand by Cllr Douglas’ statements during the election period that allowing access to the footstreets was about managing risk and no different from making a decision to cross the road?

Response: Yes.

Supplementary from Cllr Widdowson: Do you believe that the public were misled regarding the simplicity of Blue Badge access and will you apologise for misleading statements about the level of the security risk?

Supplementary Response: There’s been no misleading. The level of threat will change through time but the risk assessment remains the same and we’ve never believed that Blue Badge holders are a terrorist threat.  You have to be prepared to take political decisions based on the evidence and balance the threat with the fundamental human right of access to services in the city.

Supplementary 2 from Cllr Ayre: Why do you keep saying in public that the Lib Dems think Blue Badge holders are a terrorist threat when you know it’s not true?

Supplementary 2 Response: I don’t keep saying that.  For the past 3 years Blue Badge holders have been banned while all sorts of vehicles have been allowed access on a random basis because of the decisions your administration made, therefore it’s clearly an implication from your actions.

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

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

(i)      From Cllr Ravilious

Safeguarding York’s Future

“Council notes:

• In 2019, City of York Council declared a Climate Emergency and committed to a target of making York carbon neutral by 2030;
• That over 200 Local Authorities have so far pledged to support the Climate and Ecology Bill – a Private Member’s Bill brought to parliament by Olivia Blake MP - which, if it becomes law, would require the development of a strategy to ensure that the UK’s environmental response is in line with the latest science;
• In March 2023, City of York Council adopted a 10 year Climate Strategy;
• The failure to update York’s Local Transport Plan since it was adopted in 2011, despite improved understanding of the impact of transport on the climate;
• City of York Council’s adoption of a Pollinator Strategy in 2021.

Council believes:

• the wording of the 2019 cross-party approved Climate Emergency Motion called for significantly more urgent action than the responses that the previous administration delivered;
• the ecological crisis should be tackled shoulder to shoulder with the climate crisis through a more joined-up approach, with a focus on reversing the destruction of nature by 2030, not just halting it;
• the 10 Year Climate Change Strategy lacked sufficient commitment, in particular through the omission of intermediate carbon reduction targets;
• any updated Local Transport Plan should reflect and improve on the targets for reductions in greenhouse emissions from private vehicle and freight journeys set out within the current 10 year Climate Change Strategy and previously adopted motions;
• there has not yet been enough tangible action to reflect the admirable ambitions set out in York’s adopted Pollinator Strategy.

Council therefore resolves to request:  

• that the Lord Mayor and Executive Members begin Full Council, Executive meetings and Executive Member Decision Sessions respectively by reminding Members of the remaining days until 1^st January 2030, by which time we have pledged to be carbon neutral and requesting that Members keep this at the forefront of their minds when taking decisions;
• that the Leader writes to our local MPs urging them to sign up to support the Climate & Ecology Bill, or thanking them for already doing so; and write to Zero Hour, and organisers of the cross-party campaign for the Climate & Ecology Bill, expressing its support;

-       request that the Executive develops a process that demonstrates clear commitment to a strengthened York 10-year Climate Change Strategy by exploring a series of intermediate carbon reduction targets, following exploration of the topic at Corporate and Climate Scrutiny Committee and following receipt of an options report to Executive;

• that the Executive Member for Transport brings forward an updated Local Transport Plan that reflects the latest science and which includes ambitious targets in line with a strengthened York 10 year Climate Strategy;
• that the Executive Members for Environment and Climate Emergency take steps to implement the actions that deliver  ...  view the full agenda text for item 22.

(i)      Safeguarding York’s Future

Moved by Cllr Ravilious, seconded by Cllr Kent.

“Council notes:

·         In 2019, City of York Council declared a Climate Emergency and committed to a target of making York carbon neutral by 2030;

·         That over 200 Local Authorities have so far pledged to support the Climate and Ecology Bill – a Private Member’s Bill brought to parliament by Olivia Blake MP - which, if it becomes law, would require the development of a strategy to ensure that the UK’s environmental response is in line with the latest science;

·         In March 2023, City of York Council adopted a 10-year Climate Strategy;

·         The failure to update York’s Local Transport Plan since it was adopted in 2011, despite improved understanding of the impact of transport on the climate;

• City of York Council’s adoption of a Pollinator Strategy in 2021.

Council believes:

·         the wording of the 2019 cross-party approved Climate Emergency Motion called for significantly more urgent action than the responses that the previous administration delivered;

·         the ecological crisis should be tackled shoulder to shoulder with the climate crisis through a more joined-up approach, with a focus on reversing the destruction of nature by 2030, not just halting it;

·         the 10-Year Climate Change Strategy lacked sufficient commitment, in particular through the omission of intermediate carbon reduction targets;

·         any updated Local Transport Plan should reflect and improve on the targets for reductions in greenhouse emissions from private vehicle and freight journeys set out within the current 10-year Climate Change Strategy and previously adopted motions;

• there has not yet been enough tangible action to reflect the admirable ambitions set out in York’s adopted Pollinator Strategy.

Council therefore resolves to request:

·         that the Lord Mayor and Executive Members begin Full Council, Executive meetings and Executive Member Decision Sessions respectively by reminding Members of the remaining days until 1^st January 2030, by which time we have pledged to be carbon neutral and requesting that Members keep this at the forefront of their minds when taking decisions;

·         that the Leader writes to our local MPs urging them to sign up to support the Climate & Ecology Bill, or thanking them for already doing so; and write to Zero Hour, and organisers of the cross-party campaign for the Climate & Ecology Bill, expressing its support;

·         that the Executive develops a process that demonstrates clear commitment to a strengthened York 10-year Climate Change Strategy by exploring a series of intermediate carbon reduction targets, following exploration of the topic at Corporate and Climate Scrutiny Committee and following receipt of an options report to Executive;

·         that the Executive Member for Transport brings forward an updated Local Transport Plan that reflects the latest science and which includes ambitious targets in line with a strengthened York 10-year Climate Strategy;

·         that the Executive Members for Environment and Climate Emergency take steps to implement the actions that deliver on the Pollinator Strategy to achieve a measurable increase in biodiversity.”

Cllr Widdowson then moved, and Cllr Waudby seconded, an amendment to the above motion,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

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 Finance, Performance, Major Projects and Equalities, and to question the Executive Member thereon, in accordance with Standing Orders B9 and B10.  This report also includes proposals in relation to a Budget amendment, on which a named vote will be taken.

[The Lord Mayor having varied the order of business, this item was brought forward and dealt with immediately after Petitions.]

A written report was received from Cllr Lomas, the Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects & Equalities.

Cllr Crawshaw then moved, and Cllr Webb seconded, a motion to suspend Procedure Rule B10 in order to extend the time limit available for this item and enable the Executive Member to move the proposed budget amendment contained in her report and Council to debate and vote on that proposal.

On being put to the vote, the motion to suspend the Procedure Rules was declared CARRIED.

Cllr Lomas then moved, and Cllr Douglas seconded, the proposal, as follows:

“That Council approve the proposed budget amendment at Annex A to the report.

Reason: In order to alter the council’s existing approved budget to reflect the priorities of the council’s new administration.”

Cllr Ayre then moved, and Cllr Healey seconded, an amendment to the proposal, as follows:

“Before ‘proposed’ insert revisions to the’, and after ‘report’ remove the full stop and insert ‘, as contained in the Liberal Democrats’ budget amendment attached to the Agenda Supplement.”

A named vote was taken on the amendment, with the following result:

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

The original proposal was therefore declared CARRIED and it was

Resolved:  That the budget amendment contained in the Executive Member report and its annex and moved by Cllr Lomas be approved.¹

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

Budget Amendment

From Cllr Waudby: Why has no Equalities Impact Assessment been presented with your amendment?

Response: We will no longer be using EIAs to consider these issues but will be moving to a human rights and equalities analysis model to look at the positive as well as negative impacts of decisions, and at mitigations against the negative effects.

From Cllr Fisher: During the last Council cycle, a lot of work was done on footpaths in Stockton on the Forest, providing disabled access to the village hall and funding a path through the woods as a safe space for exercise.  How many of these schemes outside your ward did you visit before taking  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

To consider a report of the Director of Transport, Environment & Planning seeking Council’s endorsement of an objection to  the above application for the proposed closure of a pedestrian level crossing and the diversion of the existing public footpath between Copmanthorpe and Bishopthorpe.

[The Lord Mayor having varied the order of business, this item was brought forward and dealt with immediately after the Report of the Executive Member.]

Cllr Kilbane moved, and Cllr Nicholls seconded, the following recommendations contained in the report of the Director of Transport, Environment & Planning at page 43 of the agenda papers:

(i)            “That Council endorse the objection to the proposed Order which was submitted by the council to the Secretary of State following the decision made by the Chief Operating Officer using their urgency powers to oppose the order on 15 May 2023, in accordance with the procedures set out in Section 239 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Reason: To confirm the objection submitted by the Chief Operating Officer using their urgency powers, as the proposed footbridge would not allow disabled pedestrians to use the crossing. The footbridge proposal being unlit and enclosed was also considered to be unsafe particularly at night.

(i)            Subject to legal advice, that Council authorise the representation of the council at any public inquiry in respect of the proposed Order.

Reason: To enable the council to be represented at any public inquiry in respect of the proposed Order.”

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

Resolved:  That the above recommendations be approved.¹

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer which seeks approval to sign a revised Management Agreement setting out the governance arrangements for the YPO Joint Management Committee following a review.

The following recommendations contained in the report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer at page 55 of the agenda papers were deemed moved and seconded and were voted on without debate:

“Council is recommended to:

a.    note and consider the changes recommended by the YPO Management Committee;

b.    delegate authority to Director of Governance to sign an updated Management Agreement on behalf of the Council noting that all Member Authorities must also agree before the revisions take effect; and

c.    confirm the appointment of Cllr Merrett as the Member of the Joint Committee and Cllr Wilson as their substitute.

Reason:     To ensure that the governance of YPO Management Committee remains up to date and fit for purpose.”

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

Resolved:  That the above recommendations be approved.¹

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer seeking approval of  proposed appointments to the Independent Remuneration Panel that will review the allowances and entitlements given to elected Members.

The following recommendation contained in the report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer at page 121 of the agenda papers was deemed moved and seconded and was voted on without debate:

“To approve the appointment of the following individuals to the Independent Remuneration Panel, in order to establish a Panel of 3 to undertake the work of reviewing allowances and entitlements given to elected Members:       

Mr David Dickson

Ms Elizabeth Heaps

Ms Lucy Shaw.”

Reason: To comply with statutory requirements for an independent review of allowances and entitlements for Councillors following their election to the Council.”

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

Resolved:  That the above recommendation be approved.¹

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer which seeks approval to provisionally extend the term of office of the currently appointed Independent Person on the Audit & Governance Committee for a further 2 years.

The following recommendation contained in the report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer was deemed moved and seconded and was voted on without debate:

“To extend the current term of office of the Independent Person (Mr Joe Leigh) appointed to Audit & Governance Committee for a further 2 years on the proviso that Mr Leigh provide up to 3 months’ notice should he wish to resign from the office.

Reason:     To ensure continuity of office for the immediate future.”

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

Resolved:  That the above recommendation be approved.¹

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 set out on the list at page 3 of Agenda Supplement 1 be approved.¹