Agenda and draft minutes

To receive and note apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillors Cuthbertson, Mason, Melly and Runciman.

An apology for lateness was received from Councillor Hollyer.

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.)

Councillor Coles declared a pecuniary interest in relation to agenda item 13, ‘North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel Annual Report 2025/26’ in her capacity as Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime of York and North Yorkshire. She left the meeting during the consideration of this item and did not vote.

Councillor Crawshaw declared a pecuniary interest in relation to agenda item 9, ‘Recommendations of Executive’ in his capacity as a Trustee of York Museums Trust. He left the meeting during the consideration of this item and did not vote.

Councillor Clarke also declared a pecuniary interest in relation to agenda item 9, ‘Recommendations of Executive’ in his capacity as a Trustee of York Museums Trust. He left the meeting during the consideration of this item and did not vote.

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, 14 July 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.

Ruth Pearson spoke in relation to agenda item 6, Petitions. Ruth spoke in her capacity as a Town Councillor for Haxby Town Council and on behalf of parents of Ralph Butterfield Primary School. It was reported that Haxby Town Council supported the petition for a zebra crossing outside the school. In addition, parents welcomed the steps that City of York Council (CYC) had taken to improve road safety around the school, particularly the introduction of single yellow lines and the recent appointment of a new crossing patrol officer. However, it was felt that these measures did not go far enough to fully address the risks. That the installation of a zebra or pelican crossing was necessary to properly safeguard children. This would encourage drivers to slow down and provide a clear, permanent safety measure. CYC was urged to give serious consideration to installation of a zebra or pelican crossing as a long-term solution to improve road safety for all children and families accessing the school.

Denise Craghill spoke in relation to agenda item agenda item 17 – Motions on Notice – Expanding Access to On-Street Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging in York. Denise spoke in her capacity as Vice Chair of York Green Party. It was stated that EV charging was an important issue affecting residents that lived in central wards in York who did not have a viable option to charge an electric vehicle at home. Concern was expressed about the lack of action on this issue. That the amendment only committed to some tentative progress with a promise of an updated strategy for cross party scrutiny in six months’ time. It was felt that the most effective way of ensuring progress would be to identify different locations and work with residents to assess what worked. This could include shared learning from other cities and a review of progress to inform next steps.

Flick Williams spoke remotely in relation to agenda item 7 – Report of the Leader of the Council and Executive. Flick expressed concern that the report made no reference to Disability Pride. It was noted that whilst 39 elected members had now attended disability equity training, it was important that all elected members attended. Concern was raised that evidence of learning put into practice was still to be evaluated.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting and Ordinary Council Meeting held on 26 March 2026.

In addition, to approve and sign the minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on 21 May 2026.

The following amendments to the minutes of the Council meeting held on 26 March 2026, were noted as follows:

·      In relation to minute no. 83, Public Participation, it should refer to public speaker, Lars Kramm not Lars Crown.

·      In relation to minute no. 86, Petitions, it should refer to a reduction in the speed limit from 60mph to 40mph on Sheriff Hutton Road, Strensall, not an increase in the speed limit.

Resolved: Subject to the above amendments, the minutes of the

Extraordinary Council Meeting and Ordinary Council Meeting held

on 26 March 2026, together with the minutes of the Annual Council

Meeting held on 21 May 2026, were approved as a correct record.

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

The Lord Mayor provided an update on civic engagements that had taken place since the last Council Meeting.

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

Notice has been received of eight petitions to be presented as follows:

a)   Councillor Merrett to present a petition which calls upon the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the City of York Council to work together to urgently undertake measures to address the serious and regular congestion and queuing back from the hospital car park into Wigginton road.

b)   Councillor Waller to present a petition on behalf of local businesses expressing concerns at the current situation on Front Street in relation to anti-social behaviour which is deterring people from visiting local shops.

c)   Councillor Waller to present a petition on behalf of local residents which calls upon City of York Council to reverse proposals for the loss of parking opposite Radford House, Windsor Garth with double yellow lines, or to provide replacement parking with additional eco-grid parking spaces.

d)   Councillor Orrell to present a petition which calls on the City of York Council to carry out a consultation of Huntington residents where there is match day parking to determine whether local people would like further parking restrictions.

e)   Councillor Cullwick to present a petition which calls on City of York Council to allow Huntington Parish Council to pay for Vehicle Activated Signs on Strensall Road, Huntington, to help reduce speeding.

f)     Councillor Waller to present a petition on behalf of residents of Westfield which calls on City of York Council to bring back Community Skips / Tidy-Up Vans to help residents, particularly those without access to a car to dispose of bulky waste. It also calls on City of York Council to explore options for replacement of the much-missed Beckfield Lane tip.

g)   Councillor Hollyer to present a petition which advocates for the installation of a zebra crossing at the entrance to Wigginton Primary School.

h)   Councillor Hollyer to present a petition which proposes the installation of a well-marked pedestrian crossing with adequate signage and possibly traffic calming measures near the school entrance at Ralph Butterfield School.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule B6, eight petitions were presented for consideration by the relevant decision maker:

a)   Councillor Merrett presented a petition which called upon the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the City of York Council to work together to urgently undertake measures to address the serious and regular congestion and queuing back from the hospital car park into Wigginton Road.

b)   Councillor Waller presented a petition on behalf of local businesses, which expressed concerns at the current situation on Front Street in relation to anti-social behaviour which was deterring people from visiting local shops.

c)    Councillor Waller presented a petition on behalf of local residents which called upon City of York Council to reverse proposals for the loss of parking opposite Radford House, Windsor Garth with double yellow lines, or to provide replacement parking with additional eco-grid parking spaces.

d)   Councillor Orrell presented a petition which called upon City of York Council to carry out a consultation of Huntington residents where there was match day parking to determine whether local people would like further parking restrictions.

e)   Councillor Cullwick presented a petition which called upon City of York Council to allow Huntington Parish Council to pay for Vehicle Activated Signs on Strensall Road, Huntington, to help reduce speeding.

f)     Councillor Waller presented a petition on behalf of residents of Westfield which called upon City of York Council to bring back Community Skips / Tidy-Up Vans to help residents, particularly those without access to a car to dispose of bulky waste. It also called upon City of York Council to explore options for replacement of the much-missed Beckfield Lane tip.

g)   Councillor Watson (on behalf of Councillor Hollyer) presented a petition which advocated for the installation of a zebra crossing at the entrance to Wigginton Primary School.

h)   Councillor Watson (on behalf of Councillor Hollyer) presented a petition which proposed the installation of a well-marked pedestrian crossing with adequate signage and possibly traffic calming measures near the school entrance at Ralph Butterfield School.

Resolved – That the petitions log be updated accordingly and the level of progress tracked by the Corporate Scrutiny Committee.

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

The report of the Leader of the Council and Executive had been included as part of the agenda pack and published on the Council’s website.

(Councillor Hollyer joined the meeting at 7.10pm during the consideration of this item.)

To question the Leader 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 Moroney

Please could the Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Stronger Communities, outline what progress had been made in helping York residents sleeping rough to get into more stable accommodation?

The Executive Member responded that the Labour administration was committed to ending street homelessness in York. That over the last four weeks there had been no individuals from York reported to be without housing. There was also recognition of the positive work undertaken by voluntary groups such as Hoping Street Kitchen and the Salvation Army to support some of the most vulnerable individuals in society.

Councillor Widdowson

Businesses had repeatedly warned that higher parking charges and related policies made it harder for people to visit the city centre, and that it damaged trade. Did the Executive Member for Economy accept that the Labour administration's approach had failed? And would it commit to introducing measures such as restoring low cost, 30-minute parking and taking other urgent action to bring shoppers and residents back into York?

The Executive Member acknowledged that these were tough times for businesses. One of the biggest challenges related to global pressures and the impact this had on businesses. There was a need to restore confidence with a focus on encouraging people to spend time and money in the city.

Councillor Nicholls

Please could the Executive Member for Transport provide an update on amendments to the 20mph speed limit in Bishopthorpe and provide an assurance that any changes were implemented within a reasonable timescale?

The Executive Member responded that there had been positive discussions with officers about this. It was advised that a gateway approach had been devised for all 20 and 30mph, villages and communities. There were four different gateway approaches. Officers were currently reviewing which gateway approach would work best for the entrances into Bishopthorpe. It was agreed to provide the ward member with an update on the gateway approach into Bishopthorpe.

Councillor Warters

Would the Executive Member for Finance, Performance and Major Projects offer a full and unreserved public apology to the council taxpayers of York over the outrageous overspend on the Station Gateway project and indicate how, along with the Executive Member, staff, both past and present will be held accountable?

The Executive Member responded that the Labour administration had inherited the contract and was liable for overspend and costs. The contract had not included essential features in relation to accessibility. Other, unexpected changes were also required. Issues had been discussed at Scrutiny Committee meetings and through the work of the Audit and Governance Committee. Measures had been put in place to ensure that similar issues did not arise in future. Some of the overspend was driven by international pressures, which CYC was unable to control, for example the cost of labour and materials. It was not considered appropriate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

To consider for approval the recommendations of Executive, as set out in the attached notice of decisions.

(A copy of the report and supporting papers in relation to the recommendations can be viewed by accessing the meeting link below.) 

Recommendations of Executive arising from its meeting on 7 July 2026 were presented to Council as follows:

Capital Programme Outturn 2025/26 and Revisions to the

2026/27 - 2029/30 Programme

Resolved:

That Council

a)   In relation to the capital programme outturn:

i)      Approves the restated 2026/27 to 2029/30 programme of £441.313m as summarised in Table 3 and detailed in Annex 1 to the report to Executive at its meeting on 7 July 2026.

Reason: To enable the effective management and monitoring of

the council’s capital programme.

b)   In relation to the funding from the Local Authority Housing

Fund (round 4) from MHCLG:

i)     Approves additional borrowing up to £938k to match fund the scheme.

Reason: To ensure the Council’s acceptance of the funding is

in line with the Council’s Constitution and Financial Regulations.

(The meeting was adjourned at 8.00pm for a short break and reconvened at 8.10pm.)

To receive a report from the Chair of Corporate Scrutiny Committee presenting Scrutiny’s Annual Report for the 2025/26 municipal year.

The Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer submitted a report which presented the Annual Scrutiny Report 2025/26, following its approval by the Corporate Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 6 July 2026.

Resolved: That Council notes the Annual Scrutiny Report 2025/26, following approval by the Corporate Scrutiny Committee.

Reason: To strengthen the scrutiny function and to fulfil the

recommendation endorsed by Council in March 2025 in relation to

reintroducing an annual report.

To receive a report from the Chair of Joint Standards Committee presenting the Committee’s Annual Report for the 2025/26 municipal year.

The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report which presented the Joint Standards Committee Annual Report

2025-26.

Resolved: That Council notes the Joint Standards Committee Annual Report 2025-26.

Reason: To maintain an overview of the Committee’s work.

To receive the Director of Public Health Annual Report for 2025/26: You Bet, They Win: Gambling Harms in York.

The Director of Public Health submitted a report which presented the Public Health Annual Report 2025/26: You Bet, They Win: Gambling Harms in York.

Resolved: That Council approves publication of the Public Health Annual Report 2025/26: You Bet, They Win: Gambling Harms in York.

Reason: To fulfil its duty under the Health and Care Act 2012, and

to progress work on improving the health of young people in the

city.

To receive the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel Annual Report for 2025/26.

The Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer submitted a report which presented the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel Annual Report for 2025/26.

Resolved: That Council notes the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel Annual Report for 2025/26.

To receive a report from the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer presenting the Corporate Scrutiny Committee’s formal response arising from the work of the Task and Finish Group on phase two of the Boundary Commission in relation to ward boundaries.

The Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer submitted a report which presented the Corporate Scrutiny Committee’s formal response arising from the work of the Task and Finish Group on phase two of the Boundary Commission in relation to ward boundaries.

Resolved: That Council approves Corporate Scrutiny Committee’s formal response as follows:

The Boundary Commission Task and Finish Group welcomed the work undertaken by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) and considered the proposals in order to

establish whether there was ‘common ground’ in respect of some or all of the proposals which would facilitate the submission of an agreed response from Council.

As a result of the Boundary Commission Task and Finish Group’s

considerations, the Corporate Scrutiny Committee recommended and endorsed the report to Council for consideration and decision, as the following represents the agreed position of all the groups present at the Boundary Commission Task and Finish Group:

·      The Council expresses its disappointment that the LGBCE proposals resulted in an even number of Councillors, but in light of the major changes required to a wide variety of wards which a decision to resile from the recommended number would cause, the Council does not consider that the proposals should be reconsidered.

·      The Dunnington ward (including Dunnington, Holtby, Kexby and Scoreby Parishes and part of Murton Parish) to be maintained as a standalone ward rather than being included within the Derwent ward.

·      The Wheldrake ward (including Wheldrake, Elvington, Deighton and Naburn Parishes) to be maintained as a standalone ward rather than being included within the Derwent ward.

·      Derwenthorpe is a recognisable single community and should not be split up in the way that LGBCE proposed. Tang Hall and the entirety of Derwenthorpe should together form a separate two member ward.

·      Osbaldwick ward should include the southwestern part of Murton Parish, up to the Osbaldwick Link Road, including the area incorporating Tranby Avenue and Redbarn Drive labelled “A” on the LGBCE Proposals Map.

To receive a report from the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer presenting amendments to the Scheme of Delegation.

The Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer submitted a report which presented amendments to the Scheme of Delegation.

The Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer advised that following publication of the report, feedback had been received from members about some of the proposed changes. The changes related to the following areas:

·      The receipt and approval of grants by officers. It was agreed to include an amendment to ensure quarterly reporting of all such grants received.

·      Delegation from the Head of Paid Service to allow the Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer to take any decision that they were legally capable of undertaking. It was agreed to defer this aspect for further consideration by Audit and Governance Committee.

·      The powers of the Monitoring Officer to attend meetings as considered appropriate for the purposes of investigation. It was agreed to defer this aspect for further consideration by Audit and Governance Committee.

·      The threshold in relation to the Head of Paid Service and Chief Human Resources Officer to be raised from £120,000 to £150,000. It was reported that whilst the consensus from Members was to agree to the increase, there was a need for further explanation in relation to the broader principles. A report back was to be provided to Audit and Governance Committee.

Resolved: That subject to the amendments set out above, changes to the Scheme of Delegation contained in the annexes to the report, be approved.

Reason: To ensure the Council’s Constitution is up to date and widely available.

(Councillor Warters left the meeting at 8.35pm at the conclusion of this item.)

To consider changes to membership of committees and outside bodies set out in the attached list.

Resolved: That Council notes and confirms the following changes to membership of committees and outside bodies for 2026-27:

Committees

Planning Policy and Local Plan Advisory Group

Councillor Rose to replace Councillor Pavlovic.

Health and Wellbeing Board

Lisa Pope, Director of Commissioning and Partnerships at York and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) to replace Sarah Coltman-Lovell. Lisa Pope to be appointed Vice-Chair.

Outside Bodies

Local Government Association – General Assembly

The Local Government Association (LGA) advised that City of York

Council (CYC) was entitled to an additional place. Currently there were four members comprising two Labour and two Liberal Democrat members. In accordance with political proportionality, the Labour Group nominated Councillor Lomas to serve as an additional member on the LGA General Assembly.

Ouse and Derwent Internal Drainage Board

Due to a change in the Board’s constitution, there was now only a

requirement for four City of York Council representatives to serve on this Board (previously five). Councillor Rowley agreed to step down as a representative on the Board.

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

1)   Expanding Access to On-Street Electric Vehicle Charging in York

To be moved by Councillor Vassie

Council notes that:

·        The Government has announced a £25 million Electric Vehicle Pavement Channels Grant to support local authorities in installing cross-pavement charging solutions, including pavement channels and gully systems, enabling residents without off-street parking to safely charge electric vehicles from their homes.

·        Thousands of York households, particularly those living in terraced streets and properties without driveways, are unable to benefit from the convenience and lower cost of home electric vehicle charging.

·        York has established itself as a national leader in public rapid charging through the successful HyperHub sites at Monks Cross and Poppleton Bar Park and Ride, demonstrating the Council's ability to deliver innovative charging infrastructure.

·        The Council's Public EV Charging Strategy prohibits charging cables trailing across the public highway because of legitimate highway safety and accessibility concerns.

·        Advances in cross-pavement charging technology, alongside the creation of a dedicated Government funding programme, now provide an opportunity to address these concerns through engineered solutions designed to remove trip hazards while maintaining safe and accessible footways.

·        The Executive report on the replacement EV back-office contract confirms that future expansion of York's public charging network will come forward through separate Executive decisions, providing an opportunity to consider new forms of neighbourhood charging.

·        There are widespread concerns about the reliability of the existing public charging infrastructure.

Council believes that:

·        Residents without driveways should not be disadvantaged in making the transition to electric vehicles.

·        Expanding access to affordable home charging will support York's climate ambitions while helping residents reduce the cost of motoring.

·        Public rapid charging infrastructure alone cannot meet the needs of every resident, and a successful electric vehicle network requires a range of charging solutions.

·        Accessibility and highway safety must remain paramount. However, the existence of legitimate concerns should not prevent the Council from investigating new technologies specifically designed to address those concerns.

·        York should be proactive in pursuing external funding opportunities wherever they exist, particularly where they support the Council's climate, transport and affordability objectives.

Council therefore resolves to request that the Executive:

·        Welcome the Government's Electric Vehicle Pavement Channels Grant and commit to exploring opportunities for York to benefit from the funding.

·        Request officers to undertake a review of commercially available cross-pavement charging technologies, including pavement channels and gully charging systems, assessing their suitability for use within York's historic streetscape, together with their safety, accessibility, maintenance and legal implications.

·        Review the City of York Public EV Charging Strategy in light of recent Government policy and funding relating to cross-pavement charging technologies.

·        Identify suitable residential locations where a pilot scheme for cross-pavement charging could be introduced, subject to appropriate technical assessment and local consultation.

·        Work with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Government, distribution network operators and industry partners to maximise opportunities to secure external funding for neighbourhood electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

·        Produce a report to Place Scrutiny within six months setting out:  ...  view the full agenda text for item 34.

1)   Expanding Access to On-Street Electric Vehicle Charging in York

This motion was moved by Councillor Vassie and seconded by

Councillor Widdowson. It incorporated an amendment (as set out in

the supplementary agenda pack), moved by Councillor Whitcroft

and seconded by Councillor Ravilious.

Following a number of speakers, the motion, as amended and set

out below was then put to the vote and carried.

Resolved: That with the addition and deletion of the appropriate

words, the motion be amended to read as follows:

Council notes that:

·      The Government announced a £25 million Electric Vehicle Pavement Channels Grant in August 2025 to support local authorities in installing cross-pavement charging solutions, including pavement channels and gully systems, enabling residents without off-street parking to safely charge electric vehicles from their homes. The fund is now closed and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority received £250,000.

·      Thousands of York households, particularly those living in terraced streets and properties without driveways, are unable to benefit from the convenience and currently lower cost of home electric vehicle charging.

·      City of York Council officers carried out an assessment showing that a significant proportion of terraced properties in York can’t currently install cross-pavement charging infrastructure. This is because many properties front directly onto a pavement and significant challenges remain in overcoming this problem.

·      Many of the challenges around on-street residential charging clearly outlined in Annex A of the previous administration’s 2020 adopted Public EV Charging Strategy still exist.

·      York has established itself as a national leader in public rapid charging through the successful HyperHub sites at Monks Cross and Poppleton Bar Park and Ride, demonstrating the Council's ability to deliver innovative charging infrastructure.

·      The Council's Public EV Charging Strategy prohibits private cross-pavement charging infrastructure because of legitimate highway safety and accessibility concerns, hidden maintenance and legal costs associated with the infrastructure and the inequity it creates on terraced streets where it wouldn’t always be possible to provide all households with a private EV charging connection.

·      Advances in cross-pavement charging technology, alongside the creation of a dedicated Government funding programme, now provide an opportunity to address some of these concerns, however the issue of addressing maintenance costs and the challenge of delivering universal coverage for all properties remain obstacles to overcome.

·      The Executive report on the replacement EV back-office contract confirms that future expansion of York's public charging network will come forward through separate Executive decisions, providing an opportunity to consider new forms of neighbourhood charging.

·      There are widespread concerns about the reliability of the existing public charging infrastructure.

Council believes that:

·      Residents without driveways should not be disadvantaged in making the transition to electric vehicles.

·      Expanding access to affordable and accessible EV charging and EV car club and car share cars will support York's climate ambitions while helping residents reduce the cost of motoring.

·      Public rapid charging infrastructure alone cannot meet the needs of every resident, and a successful electric vehicle network requires a range of charging solutions.

·      Accessibility and highway safety must remain paramount. However, the existence  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

Any other business which the Chair considers urgent under the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no urgent items of business to consider.