Agenda and draft minutes

To receive and note apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Burton, Vassie and Waudby.                           

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

(Please see attached sheet for further guidance.)

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 interests were declared in relation to Item 14, Motions on Notice:

1) ‘Protecting York’s Independent Patient Voice – Healthwatch’

Cllrs Ayre and Fenton both declared a personal, pecuniary interests and therefore left the chamber during the consideration of that item, they took no part in the vote.

3) ‘Impact of Business Rates Revaluation’

Cllr Kilbane noted, for transparency, his registered pecuniary interest in hospitality businesses in the City. 

The Monitoring Officer subsequently advised that, due to the generality of the Motion, all Members with business interests in the City could take part in the consideration of the motion.

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, 24 March 2026.

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.

It was reported that there had been nine registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

Daniel Staples spoke in relation to agenda item 14, Motions on Notice - Fair Votes for All.  He was in support of the motion, arguing that first?past?the?post no longer reflects a multi?party political system. He stated that proportional representation (PR) would reduce wasted votes, end safe seats and tactical voting, and encourage more collaborative politics. He cited higher voter turnout in countries using PR.

Flick Williams spoke remotely, in relation to agenda item 7 – Report of the Leader and Executive, raising concerns about welfare reforms and the impact on disabled people. She questioned the lack of progress and transparency regarding a previously agreed task and finish group on changes to disability and sickness benefits. She highlighted imminent benefit reductions, falling success rates for claims, increasing sanctions, and long delays in access?to?work support, urging the Council to act.

Ursula Lanvers spoke as Chair of the York–Münster Twinning Association, she noted the absence of any public place in York named after its twin city. With the forthcoming 70th anniversary of the twinning arrangement, she invited the Council to consider naming a bridge, square, park or similar to recognise Münster.

Sean Hagan spoke on behalf of Make Votes Matter York, in relation to agenda item 14, Motions on Notice - Fair Votes for All.  He stated that first?past?the?post produces unrepresentative outcomes and undermines trust in democracy. He referenced Labour Party conference policy acknowledging flaws in the current system and supported the call for a national commission on electoral reform.

Ian Murphy also spoke on behalf of Make Votes Matter York, in relation to agenda item 14, Motions on Notice - Fair Votes for All.  He supported the motion for fair votes, describing the 2024 General Election result as unfair and unrepresentative. He argued that PR would reduce negative campaigning, tactical voting and safe seats, and encourage cooperation between parties. He noted that PR is already used in devolved administrations and urged the Council to support reform.

Joe Nasson spoke on behalf of the Green Party, also in relation to agenda item 14, Motions on Notice - Fair Votes for All.  He spoke in favour of proportional representation, linking unrepresentative election outcomes to public frustration, division and declining trust in politics. He highlighted international use of PR and suggested that fair representation would lead to more collaborative politics and better reflect the diversity of voters.

Celine Barry spoke on behalf of Compass York and North Yorkshire in relation to agenda item 14, Motions on Notice - Fair Votes for All.  She stated that PR is essential to a fairer and more democratic society. She emphasised the need for cross?party cooperation to counter extremism and build public trust, encouraging councillors to work together and support electoral reform.

Lars Crown spoke in relation to agenda item 14, Motions on Notice - Fair Votes for All  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Budget Council meeting held on 12 February 2026.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Budget Council meeting held on 12 February 2026 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.

This item was considered after Item 2, Declarations of Interest, and the Lord Mayor started by inviting the Leader to pay tribute to the outgoing Chief Operating Officer, Ian Floyd, who was to retire at the end of March 2026. 

The Leader thanked Ian Floyd for his service to the city, and praised his cool, calm and measured approach to leadership which had been particularly evident during the period of COVID, enabling strong partnership working under extreme pressure.  She highlighted the progression of York Central onto a clear delivery path, the adoption of the Local Plan after decades of delay and achieving an Outstanding rating for Children’s Services as among his significant achievements.  On behalf of members, she wished him a long, healthy and happy retirement.

The Lord Mayor added his personal thanks, noting that Ian had served seven civic parties during his time as Chief Operating Officer and had ensured the continued relevance and importance of the civic role as it evolved.  He presented Ian with a commemorative gift: a photograph of Clifford’s Tower surrounded by daffodil’s marking the season and the occasion.

Ian thanked Members and reflected on his time with the Council, having joined in summer 2008. He expressed gratitude to all councillors he had worked with over the years, acknowledging the commitment required of elected members.  He thanked the two Leaders he had worked with in the last seven years: Councillor Claire Douglas, Leader of the Council, for her support and ambition for the city and former Leader Councillor Keith Aspden, particularly for his leadership during the COVID?19 period.

He also thanked opposition leaders Councillor Nigel Ayre and Councillor Chris Steward for their constructive working relationships, including work on the Community Stadium project.

He recognised the work of Lord Mayors past and present, Democratic Services, the webcast team and the Civic Team for their support of Full Council meetings.

The Lord Mayor provided his civic announcements and thanked members for their support with the Lord Mayor's Commendation Awards, the ceremony for which would take place in May.  He confirmed that the Lord Mayor elect had agreed to continue with the scheme.  The following day, the Lord Mayor and spouse would undertake a civic visit to Münster, funded privately at no cost to the Council. He would be meeting the Mayor of Münster and the Twin City Committee to discuss anniversary celebrations of the twinning arrangement next year.  The Lord Mayor had attended multiple Guild dinners, including the Guild of Freemen of the City and Members were advised that Democratic Services and the Guild of Freemen were close to agreement on reinstating Freedom Courts.

To consider any petitions received from Members in accordance with Standing Order B6. 

Notice has been received of four petitions to be presented by:

·      Councillor Warters on behalf of local residents to maintain open access for vehicles on Ouse Bridge and Rougier Street.

·      Councillor Waller on behalf of residents of Cornlands Road, calling on City of York Council to develop a road safety scheme to protect residents and their vehicles from further collisions on Cornlands Road.

·      Councillor Fisher on behalf of the residents of Sheriff Hutton Road, Strensall, to introduce a 40mph speed limit along Sheriff Hutton Road from the former Pigott’s Autoparts centre to the current 30mph limit.

·      Councillor Fisher on behalf of residents of Sheriff Hutton Road, Strensall, to install a footpath along Sheriff Hutton Road from the Manor Park site as far as Strensall Cemetery.

Under Rule B6, the following petitions were presented for consideration by the relevant decision maker, in accordance with the council’s petition arrangements:

a)   Councillor Warters regarding access for vehicles on Ouse Bridge and Rougier Street.

b)   Councillor Waller regarding a road safety scheme on Cornlands Road.

Councillor Fisher presented two petitions,

c)   regarding an increase in the speed limit on Sheriff Hutton Road, Strensall and

d)   regarding the installation of a footpath along Sheriff Hutton Road, Strensall.

[The meeting adjourned for a short break at 7.30pm and reconvened at 7.40pm. Councillor Nelson left the meeting during the break.]

To receive and consider a report from the Leader of the Council and Executive providing an update on key activity since the last Council meeting.

A report from the Leader of the Council and Executive was submitted which provided an update on key activity since the last Council meeting.

To ask questions of the Leader of the Council and/or Executive Members in respect of any matter within their portfolio responsibility, in accordance with Standing Order B8.

The Lord Mayor invited members to ask questions of the Leader of the Council and Executive in relation to matters within their portfolio responsibility.

Details of questions and subsequent responses were provided as follows:

Councillor Whitcroft asked about the expansion of the free school meals and breakfast programme to an additional ten schools under the York Hungry Minds initiative, including St Lawrence’s Primary School, and asked why feeding children was beneficial.

The Executive Member for Education, Children and Young People confirmed the programme had expanded to multiple wards and now included 13 schools. He outlined three key benefits: a positive soft start to the school day, improved attendance, and improved attainment. Evidence from pilot schemes and early academic evaluations from the University of York and University of Leeds had shown positive impacts. He expressed ambition to further expand the programme, subject to funding, and thanked donors for their support.

Supplementary Question

Councillor Healey asked whether pupils at Scarborough Primary School would receive free school meals by the end of the current administration.

The Executive Member stated that while further expansion was hoped for, no guarantee could be given at this stage.

Councillor Fisher raised concerns about traffic congestion and safety at Towthorpe Waste Disposal Site following reduced opening hours and the introduction of a booking system at Hazel Court. He asked whether the booking system and opening hours would be reviewed.

The Executive Member for the Environment and Climate Emergency stated that the booking system was a trial and had been running for approximately three and a half weeks. She acknowledged the concerns raised and confirmed these would be followed up with officers, particularly around traffic management. She advised that reopening Hazel Court on Wednesdays was not currently planned and noted that waste disposal arrangements across the region were being reviewed for safety, efficiency and financial reasons.

Supplementary Questions

Councillor Warters asked whether alternative sites for waste disposal were being considered, given Hazel Court’s location.

The Executive Member acknowledged Hazel Court was not an ideal location but advised that identifying and developing alternative sites would be complex, costly and time?consuming. She confirmed work was ongoing.

Councillor Nicholls asked how the success of the Hazel Court trial would be measured, including impacts on recycling rates, congestion, fly?tipping and booking no?shows.

The Executive Member confirmed that all these factors would be monitored. She provided early data on booking no?shows and advised that full four?week trial data would be published. She confirmed there were no plans to introduce charges for using household waste disposal sites.

Councillor Nicholls asked whether charges were planned for using waste disposal sites.

The Executive Member confirmed that there were no plans to charge to use the tip.

Councillor Waters questioned the sufficiency of the £12m highways budget, the accepted rate of deterioration of highway assets, and whether previous financial management of major highway schemes could affect future funding.

The Executive Member for Transport confirmed the £12m allocation was insufficient to clear the maintenance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

To receive and consider for approval the recommendations of Executive, as set out in the attached Part B minute.

Recommendations of Executive arising from its meeting on 3 March 2026 were presented and approved as follows:

Delivering More Affordable Housing in York – Castle Mills (Executive minute no. 211 refers)

Resolved:

a)   the creation of the Castle Mills scheme within the HRA capital programme; the wider business case for which will come forward at a later date be approved.

b)  A budget of £2.377m funded from HRA borrowing, to develop the proposals through RIBA stages 3 and 4 as described in the Executive minutes referred to above, be approved.

Reasons:

· To ensure any works and/or services are procured in compliance with the Finance Regs, the CPRs, and (where applicable) our statutory duties under the Procurement Act 2023 and the Public Contract Regulations 2015.

· To ensure any grant funding arrangements comply with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.

To receive a report from Councillor Fenton, Chair of Corporate Scrutiny Committee, on the work of Scrutiny.

An update on the latest scrutiny activity was provided by Councillor Fenton, Chair of Corporate Scrutiny Committee.

To receive a report from the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer presenting constitutional changes in relation to revised Joint Standards Committee Procedures and Associated Required Amendments.

Resolved (unanimously): that the constitutional changes, in relation to the revised Joint Standards Committee Procedures and Associated Required Amendments be approved.

[The meeting adjourned for a short break at 8.35pm and reconvened at 8.45pm. Cllr Melly left the meeting during the break.]

To receive a report from the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer which seeks approval from Council to enter into a section 101 agreement with York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (CA) to allow City of York Council (CYC) to continue providing the public transport functions within CYC’s Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs).

The Director of Governance submitted a report which recommended Council to enter into a section 101 agreement with York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to allow City of York Council (CYC) to continue providing the public transport functions within CYC’s Bus Service Improvement Plans.

Resolved-

That Council

i.             Agrees to enter into a Section 101 Agreement with the CA to facilitate the continued delivery of BSIP-funded work and local passenger transport services;

ii.            Delegates authority to the Director of Governance to sign the proposed Section 101 Agreement with the CA; and Page 88 c) Delegates authority to the Head of Paid Service (Chief Executive), in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to enter into any Section 101 agreements, or any subsequent modifications, in the future.

Reasons: To allow CYC to continue to deliver local passenger transport services to residents within the City of York and to continue to lawfully deliver its BSIPs; and to allow officers to address any further necessary agreements without impacting on the continuity of services.

To receive a report from the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer, which seeks Council’s agreement to the appointment of Mark Fynn, Stuart Gibb, and Matt Williams to the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP), and the commencement of the 2026 IRP review.

The Director of Governance submitted a report to seek Council’s agreement to appoint Mark Fynn, Stuart Gibb and Matt Williams to the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP), and the commencement of the 2026 IRP review.

Resolved:

That Council

a)   Approves the appointment of Mark Fynn, Stuart Gibb, and Matt Williams as members of the City of York Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel for an initial term of 24 months; and Page 92

b)   Approves the commencement of the 2026 IRP Review into Members Allowances.

Reasons: To ensure that the Council has the requisite number of IRP Members, and to ensure that the 2026 IRP Review is conducted in good time to present to Council prior to the commencement of the 2027-2031 municipal term.

To consider the following Motions on Notice under Standing Order B10:

1)   Protecting York’s Independent Patient Voice – Healthwatch

To be moved by Councillor Steels-Walshaw

Council notes:

·      That Healthwatch York has for over a decade provided an independent and trusted route for residents to share their experiences of health and social care, particularly for people who feel unable to raise concerns directly with service providers;

·      That this independence enables and supports transparency, learning and improvement across the health and social care system;

·      National proposals within the NHS 10-Year Plan and the Penny Dash Review would bring statutory Healthwatch functions into a new Patient Experience Directorate within the Department of Health and Social Care, with local voice functions embedded within NHS bodies and local authorities;

·      That these proposals require primary legislation, and local Healthwatch services will continue to operate until any such legislation is enacted;

·      A wide range of national organisations, including respected health policy bodies, have highlighted the importance of maintaining strong, independent mechanisms for the service user’s voice to be heard.

Council recognises:

·      The value of an independent voice in supporting residents to speak openly about their experiences, including those in vulnerable circumstances;

·      The contribution Healthwatch York makes to local insight, system learning, and partnership working across health and social care in the city;

·      The importance of ensuring that any future arrangements continue to provide a clear, accessible and independent mechanism for people to share their views and experiences.

Council resolves to express its strong support and appreciation for Healthwatch York for representing the views of service users locally for over a decade, and for the work of York’s Health and Care Partnership Executive Committee in continuing to promote the importance of Healthwatch’s work, including keeping this independent function within the York health system.

Council further resolves to:

·      Request the Council Leader writes to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care requesting a review of the proposed legislative changes, to ensure that any future model continues to provide a robust, truly independent and trusted mechanism for representing patient and public voices; and

·      Request the Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, including as Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, works constructively with local partners, including the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, local MPs and voluntary and community sector organisations, as well as York’s Health and Care Partnership, to promote and protect independent advocacy for York residents.

2)   Fair votes for all

To be moved by Councillor Hook

Council notes that:

·      The First Past the Post (FPTP) voting system originated when parliament was dominated by land-owning aristocrats and the vote restricted to property-owning men.

·      In Europe, only the UK and authoritarian Belarus still use single-round FPTP for general elections. By contrast, more than 80 countries worldwide use forms of Proportional Representation (PR).

·      The 2024 General Election delivered the most disproportional and unrepresentative Parliament in British electoral history. The winning party was elected with 63.2% of MPs (411 out of 650) on a UK vote  ...  view the full agenda text for item 94.

14.1 Protecting York’s Independent Patient Voice - Healthwatch

This motion was moved by Councillor Steels-Walshaw and seconded by Councillor Rose.  It incorporated an amendment (as set out in the supplementary agenda pack), moved by Councillor Runciman and seconded by Councillor Cuthbertson.

Following a number of speakers, the motion, as amended and set out below was then put to a vote and carried unanimously.

Resolved – That with the addition and deletion of the appropriate words, the motion be amended to read as follows:

Council notes:

·        That Healthwatch York has for over a decade provided an independent and trusted route for residents to share their experiences of health and social care, particularly for people who feel unable to raise concerns directly with service providers;

·        That this independence enables and supports transparency, learning and improvement across the health and social care system;

·        National proposals within the NHS 10-Year Plan and the Penny Dash Review would bring statutory Healthwatch functions into a new Patient Experience Directorate within the Department of Health and Social Care, with local voice functions embedded within NHS bodies and local authorities;

·        That these proposals require primary legislation, and local Healthwatch services will continue to operate until any such legislation is enacted;

·        A wide range of national organisations, including respected health policy bodies, have highlighted the importance of maintaining strong, independent mechanisms for the service user’s voice to be heard.

·        That the King's Fund has warned that the decision to abolish Healthwatch was taken “without a comprehensive review” of the patient feedback landscape, and that the implications for the wider system of patient voice and experience were “not fully explored”;

·        That the King’s Fund has noted “Recent high-profile failures where people's voices were ignored or marginalised, including maternity care scandals (Department of Health and Social Care 2025c), underline that the conditions that led to the creation of Healthwatch have not disappeared.”

·        That the Health Secretary is incorrect to state that “we don’t need ventriloquists to speak for patients, patients can speak for ourselves if we’re given the opportunity to do it.” Such views risk excluding some of the more marginalised voices that Healthwatch work so hard to engage and fail to acknowledge what happens when voices are ignored.

·        Concerns expressed nationally that absorbing patient voice functions into NHS bodies and local authorities risks undermining the independence necessary for patients to speak freely and without fear or favour;

Council recognises:

·        The value of an independent voice in supporting residents to speak openly about their experiences, including those in vulnerable circumstances;

·        The contribution Healthwatch York makes to local insight, system learning, and partnership working across health and social care in the city;

·        The importance of ensuring that any future arrangements continue to provide a clear, accessible and independent mechanism for people to share their views and experiences.

Council resolves:

·        to express its strong support and appreciation for Healthwatch York for representing the views of service users locally for over a decade, and for the work of York’s Health and Care Partnership Executive  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94.

To receive a report from the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer inviting members to agree the calendar of meetings for the 2026-27 municipal year.

The Director of Governance submitted a report which recommended approval of the calendar of meetings for 2026/27.

Resolved:

That Council approve the calendar of meetings for 2026/27.

Reasons:

i.             To provide a framework for the democratic and decisionmaking functions which will underpin delivery of the Council’s corporate priorities.

ii.            To ensure that the calendar of meetings is implemented to assist with the forward planning and better management of meetings.