Agenda, decisions 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, or any prejudicial or disclosable pecuniary interests they may have in respect of business on the agenda.

Cllrs Crisp and Alexander declared prejudicial interests in respect of agenda item 12b (Delivering Marketing, Culture, Tourism and Business Development for the City of York Council) as Directors of Visit York and they left the room and took no part in the discussion or voting in relation to this item.

Cllr Merrett declared a personal non-prejudicial interest in relation to agenda item 5 (Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Scrutiny Review Final Report) as his daughter was in Yr 9 at a local secondary school.

To approve and sign the minutes of the last Cabinet meeting held on 1 October 2013.

Resolved:           That the minutes of the last Cabinet meeting held on 1 October 2013 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting members of the public who have registered to speak can do so.  The deadline for registering is 5.00pm on Monday 4 November 2013.  Members of the public can speak on agenda items or matters within the remit of the committee.

To register to speak please contact the Democracy Officer for the meeting, on the details at the foot of the agenda.

It was reported that there had been five registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme, and that three Members of Council had requested to speak on items, details of which are set out below. One of the registered speakers did not attend the meeting:

6. External Funding Scrutiny Review Final Report (Minute 57)

Cllr Steward raised concerns at the size of today’s Cabinet agenda which he felt would be difficult to discuss in any meaningful detail. 

He also made reference to the final report of the External Funding Scrutiny Review which he considered to have been too broad in scope.

9. 2013-14 Performance and Finance Mid Term (Qtr 2) Report (Minute 60)

Cllr Aspden spoke to express concern at the city centre footfall figures provided in the report and made a request for cross party action to bring the recycling rates back to earlier levels. Concern was also expressed at the timing of the end of green waste collections. 

12b. Delivering Marketing, Culture, Tourism and Business Development for the City of York (Minute 63b)

Jane Gibson, spoke as Chair of Visit York confirming the excellent work already undertaken by this body to support the marketing of the city. There was a need however to focus on the competition and address any duplication of effort. She expressed support for the development of a new agency with a partnership approach  and one voice to gain York’s market share internationally.

Andrea Dudding, representing Unison, expressed support for recent staff consultation on the proposals, confirming that a key element would be to identify what was required from staff who had an expert knowledge of the service. Disappointment was expressed that there was no resident buy in.

Cllr Aspden confirmed that whilst not against the proposals in the three reports related to attracting investment to the city, in principle, there was little detail provided in the reports so he was unable to support the suggested approaches at the present time.

13. Travellers Site Provision – Extension of Osbaldwick Site (Minute 69)

Cllr Steward made reference to the chairing of the Planning Committee meeting which had recently considered this planning application. Concerns were raised regarding a number of issues relating to the management of the site and of the need for this management prior to the site extension.

Phil Cain spoke as North Yorkshire Police representative, confirming that the Police were aware of the concerns of the local communities of Osbaldwick, Holtby and Murton in relation to crime and anti social behaviour in their area. He reiterated that the Police were working closely with these communities, local businesses and the Parish Councils to prepare an action plan to take steps aimed at reducing these concerns.

Steven Pittam spoke as a representative of the York Travellers Trust who had worked with the travelling community over a number of years. He expressed support for the proposed investment in the Osbaldwick site giving reasons why expansion was necessary. He acknowledged the problems that existed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

Members received and noted details of those items on the Forward Plan for the next two Cabinet meetings, at the time the agenda was published.

This report presents the final report from the CEIAG Scrutiny Review and asks Cabinet to approve the recommendations arising from the review. The Chair of the appropriate Scrutiny Committee will be attending the meeting to present the final report.

Resolved:           That Cabinet approve the recommendations arising from the scrutiny review of Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) as set out in paragraphs 7 to 9 of the report.

Reason:              To conclude the Scrutiny Review in line with CYC Scrutiny procedures and protocols.

Consideration was given to the final report from the Careers Education Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) Scrutiny Review, at Appendix 1 of the report. A review set up to assess the standard of CEIAG for young people in York, and where appropriate to identify improvements.

Cllr Reid, as Chair of the Learning and Culture Overview Committee presented the report giving details of the Task Groups work on the review, consultation undertaken and input received from young people. Cabinet were asked to support the recommendations.

Cllr Scott spoke as the report author confirming the timeliness of the scrutiny review with OFSTED also carrying out a review of CEIAG and coming to similar conclusions. He reported on the enthusiasm of schools and careers and connexions advisers. He pointed out that many of the recommendations only required promotion however it had been noted that as careers advice was now school based the Council’s ability to action some of the final recommendations was limited.

The Chair referred to the suggested development of a charter mark confirming that the criteria should be developed in conjunction with the Cabinet Member. It was questioned whether career guidance could or should be directed to meet the ‘skills gap’.

The Cabinet Member expressed her full support for the review and its recommendations particularly as careers advice was key to young people and should be provided much earlier as had been suggested.

Members thanked the Task Group for the compilation of an excellent, relevant and topical report on what was an integral part of the curriculum.

Resolved:           That Cabinet approve the recommendations arising from the scrutiny review of Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) as set out below and in detail in paragraphs 7 to 9 of the report:

i.    The final report together with an executive summary be provided to the following:

•       All Head Teachers at all York secondary schools

•       To employers in the CYC business forum

•       Training Providers

•       National Apprenticeship Service

•       Partner Agencies (North Yorkshire Business Education Partnership, Science Learning Centres)

•       York College

•       All Governors

•       PTA’s

•       School Councils and the Schools Council

•       Local Authority Representatives ( e.g. CYC 14-19 Manager, CYC Youth Support Service Manager, CYC Strategic Resourcing) ^1.

ii.         Champion recommendations 5-10 below and seek both to raise awareness of them and the need for good quality careers advice.  ^2.

iii.       Develop criteria that embody recommendations 5 -10 below for good careers advice and; ^3.

iv.       Develop some form of CYC charter mark that can be awarded to schools that meets the criteria recommended above (following the publication of the forthcoming report on the recent Ofsted review referred to in paragraph 4 above). ^4.

v.        Each young person should be offered a career interview. ^5.

vi.       There is a need to provide greater scope for involvement by employers in schools – see paragraph 63 of final report. ^6.

vii.     Schools should ensure that all young people are provided with advice and the necessary support to access  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

This report presents the final report arising from the External Funding Scrutiny Review and asks Cabinet to approve the review recommendations. The Chair of the appropriate Scrutiny Committee will be attending the meeting to present the final report.

Resolved:           That Cabinet:

i)             Notes the contents of the final report of the external funding scrutiny review set out at Appendix 1 of the report.

ii)            Approves the recommendations as set out in paragraph 4 of the cover report.

Reason:              To conclude the Scrutiny Review in line with CYC Scrutiny procedures and protocols

Members considered the final report arising from the External Funding Scrutiny Review, at Appendix 1 of the report. The review had been suggested by Cllr Semlyen with the aim of being more effective and systematic in securing external funding and investment for York.

Cllr Burton, as Chair of the Task Group presented the report confirming that the review had originally been based on European funding. This had however proved too narrow and been extended to identify a structured approach to securing funding and investment in order to maximise the amount received. Further information was provided on the ten recommendations relating to strategic aims, partnership working and the tools required to implement this.

The Chair thanked the Task Group for their work confirming that work was already ongoing in relation to some of the recommendations whilst others would be taken forward as part of other work which was being progressed.

The Chief Executive confirmed the availability of the Investment Plan for the city before the end of the year. This would highlight key growth priorities for CYC and the wider city, the Plan being critical to draw funds to key city sites.

Following further discussion it was

Resolved:           That Cabinet:

i)             Notes the contents of the final report of the external funding scrutiny review set out at Appendix 1 of the report.

ii)            Approves the recommendations as set out in paragraph 4 of the cover report. ^1.

Reason:              To conclude the Scrutiny Review in line with CYC Scrutiny procedures and protocols.

The purpose of this report is to set out the projected capital programme outturn position for 2013/14 including any under/ over spends and adjustments, along with requests to re-profile budgets to/from current and future years.

[See also Part B minute]

Resolved:           That  Cabinet agree to:

i)             Note the 2013/14 revised budget of £72.573m as set out in paragraph 5 and Table 1 of the report.

ii)            Note the restated capital programme for 2013/14 – 2017/18 as set out in paragraph 43, Table 2 and detailed in Annex A of the report.

iii)          Approve the use of contingency to fund £15k in relation to the Crematorium and note the allocation of £220k in relation to The Tour de France programme.

Reason:              To enable the effective management and monitoring of the Council’s capital programme.

[See also Part B minute]

Consideration was given to a report which set out the projected capital programme outturn position for 2013/14 including any under/over spends and adjustments and requests to re-profile budgets between years.

The capital programme approved by Council in February, updated in the September monitor was £77.184m, financed by £42.467m of external funding and internal funding of £34.717m.  A decrease of £4.611m which was detailed in the current monitor resulting in a revised budget of £72.573m the decrease being made up of £4.403m reprofiling schemes to 2014/15 and scheme reductions of £208k, mainly arising from a reduction in the IT development plan in year spend. Details of the variances in each portfolio area were set out at Table 1 of the report with a summary of the key exceptions, implications on the capital budget and Economic Infrastructure Fund at paragraphs 8 to 42.

Information on the 5 year capital programme was reported at Table 2 and at Annex A and details of the capital programme financing to 2017/18 at paragraphs 45 to 47 and Table 3.

The Cabinet Member reported on a number of large capital projects planned for schools to provide improved accommodation and to smaller variances which affected the overall programme.

Resolved:           That  Cabinet agree to:

i)             Note the 2013/14 revised budget of £72.573m as set out in paragraph 5 and Table 1 of the report.

ii)            Note the restated capital programme for 2013/14 – 2017/18 as set out in paragraph 43, Table 2 and detailed in Annex A of the report.

iii)          Approve the use of contingency to fund £15k in relation to the Crematorium and note the allocation of £220k in relation to The Tour de France programme. ^1.

Reason:              To enable the effective management and monitoring of the Council’s capital programme.

This report provides Members to ensure the Council is implementing best practice in accordance with the Local Government Act 2003 and the revised 2011 (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) Code of Practice for Treasury Management (as revised).  An update on the Treasury Management activities for the period 1 April 2013 to 30 September 2013 is also provided.

Resolved:           That, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2003 (revised) Cabinet agree to note:

i)             The Treasury Management activities in 2012/13 and

ii)            The Prudential Indicators set out at Annex A of the report and the compliance with all indicators.

Reason:     To ensure the continued performance of the Council’s Treasury Management function.

Members considered a report which provided an update on treasury management activities for the period 1 April 2013 to 30 September 2013, to ensure that the Council was implementing best practice in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Code of Practice for Treasury Management (as revised).

Details of the present economic background and its effect on the Annual Investment Strategy and Portfolio were set out at paragraphs 4 to 29 of the report.

Information on the monitoring of the Prudential Indicators (PI’s) to ensure that the Council had operated within the treasury limits and PI’s was also attached at Annex A.

Resolved:           That, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2003 Cabinet agree to note:

i)             The Treasury Management activities in 2012/13 and

ii)            The Prudential Indicators set out at Annex A of the report and the compliance with all indicators.

Reason:     To ensure the continued performance of the Council’s Treasury Management function.

This report provides a mid year review and update on progress following the year end analysis reported in July 2013. It provides an overview of where the council is doing well and where there may be areas for potential improvement or challenges to be met.

Resolved:                     That Cabinet approve the 2013/14 performance and finance mid term report for Quarter 2.

Reason:                        To provide Cabinet with an overview of performance against the five key priorities of the Council and within this an update on the financial position.

Consideration was given to a report which provided a mid year review and update on progress following the year end analysis reported to Members in July. An overview of achievements to date against the Corporate Plan priorities and the Council’s financial position were reported together with information on action taken to affect the necessary savings forecast for 2013/14.

With a further £8.8m of savings in the 2013/14 budget still required the report outlined how this challenge would be met. An overview of the finance forecast in relation to the £127.8m General Fund budget, on a Directorate basis was set out in Table 1. Financial pressures of £3,364k showed a slight improvement on that reported at Monitor 1. Although mitigation strategies were in place it was noted that if the financial position of the health sector or severe weather over the winter months could increase pressure on a number of budgets.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Customer Services reported on a number of positive performance areas, including a reduction in Job Seekers Allowance claimants, a reduction in crime levels with York’s economy doing well. The reported pressures on Adult and Children’s social care were highlighted.

Other Cabinet Members highlighted achievements made in their portfolio areas and areas for improvement.

Following further discussion it was

Resolved:                     That Cabinet approve the 2013/14 performance and finance mid term report for Quarter 2.

Reason:                        To provide Cabinet with an overview of performance against the five key priorities of the Council and within this an update on the financial position.

This report builds on the July Financial Strategy Refresh and updates Members on the latest Government announcements in relation to grant funding and asks Cabinet to note the current issues and approach to financial planning.

Resolved:           That Cabinet notes the current issues and approach to financial planning.

Reason:              To ensure the Council meets future financial challenges and produces a sound, prudent budget for 2014-15 and 2015-16

Consideration was given to a report which updated Members on the July Financial Strategy Refresh and the latest Government announcements in relation to grant funding. The level of budget reductions made since 2007/8 were reported together with reductions in funding anticipated up to 2019/20, highlighting the likelihood of adult care costs accounting for up to 50% of the Council’s net expenditure by 2019/20. 

It was confirmed that, in light of future pressures and budget reductions, the process of equal efficiency reductions to all services was not sustainable. With the budget reduction strategy for 2015/16 and beyond only being achieved by Council wide efficiency, priority based budgeting and transformation work was presently ongoing to identify proposals for each of these area. Further information in relation to funding reductions and the distribution of cuts which had the potential to significantly widen the gulf between authorities, reported at paragraphs 16 to 30 of the report.

Cabinet Members highlighted the scale of budget reductions required particularly with additional pressures on core services. It noted that it would not be possible to deliver the current level of services without transformation changes.

Officers confirmed the need for greater self reliance to mitigate funding reductions which were still uncertain as budget announcement would not be made until December 2013.  Reference was also made to the budget consultations being carried out in all wards between 13 to 28 November, to allow residents a say in how budgets were spent in the forthcoming year.

Resolved:           That Cabinet notes the current issues and approach to financial planning.

Reason:              To ensure the Council meets future financial challenges and produces a sound, prudent budget for 2014-15 and 2015-16

This report presents the Annual Audit Letter which summarises findings from the 2012/13 audit of the Council and asks Cabinet to note the content.

Resolved:           That Cabinet notes the Annual Audit Letter 2012/13.

Reason:              It is a statutory requirement that the Annual Audit Letter is issued on completion of the audit.

Consideration was given to a report which presented Members with the Annual Letter summarising the 2012/13 audit of the City of York Council. This was the first year that Mazars had been the Council’s external auditor and, in line with the Audit Commission’s requirements, a summary of their findings were set out in the Appendix to the report.

It was confirmed that a combination of a good track record in managing expenditure and a robust planning process had enabled savings in excess of £20m to be made by the authority over the last two years.

The Cabinet Member highlighted references in the report to the strong financial standing of the Council and confirmation that appropriate arrangements were in place for securing value for money.

Resolved:           That Cabinet notes the Annual Audit Letter 2012/13.

Reason:              It is a statutory requirement that the Annual Audit Letter is issued on completion of the audit.

This report provides an update on the city’s economic performance, setting out the specific productivity challenge that the city faces, and recommends the development of new approaches to attracting investment to the city – both of which are covered in two supplementary reports to this item.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

i)             Note progress and the challenges remaining in the delivery of the York Economic Strategy 2011-15.

ii)            Consider the supplementary reports and their recommendations for new ways of working to deliver against these ambitions; and

iii)          Approve the proposal to work with the York Economic Partnership Board to develop these proposals for new ways of working.

Reason:              To ensure members understand changes required for more effective delivery of economic growth.

Members considered a report which provided an update on the city’s economic performance, and the productivity challenges faced, recommending the development of new approaches to attracting investment to the city.

Following joint development of the York Economic Strategy 2011-15, which had an overall target of York becoming a top 5 UK for competitiveness and a top 10 mid-sized European city on a similar benchmark, it was noted that the city was underperforming on productivity measures. The barriers facing the city in overcoming this challenge and suggested approaches were reported in detail at paragraphs 13 to 17 of the report.

Officers confirmed the loss of a number of inward investors owing to a lack of suitable commercial premises and their workforce being able to find homes in the city.

Cabinet Members confirmed productivity as a regional issue requiring a greater focus on skills funding.

Following further discussion it was

Resolved:  That Cabinet agrees to:

i)             Note progress and the challenges remaining in the delivery of the York Economic Strategy 2011-15.

ii)            Consider the supplementary reports and their recommendations for new ways of working to deliver against these ambitions; and

iii)          Approve the proposal to work with the York Economic Partnership Board to develop these proposals for new ways of working. ^1.

Reason:              To ensure members understand changes required for more effective delivery of economic growth.

This report responds to the previous report on supporting economic growth by attracting and supporting investment in the city and proposes exploring the development of a new agency to deliver key remits in the marketing, tourism, cultural and business development agendas for the city of York.

Resolved:  That Cabinet:

i)             Agrees in principle to pursuing a joined up approach to business development and marketing.

ii)            Agrees to receive a business plan for an independent agency model for delivery early in the New Year.

Reason:     To enable the city to make greater progress in attracting and supporting high value investment to the city, and supporting the growth of the visitor economy, all underpinned by a more efficient and effective approach to marketing and profiling of the city’s offer.

Cabinet considered a report which responded to the previous report relating to supporting economic growth, recommending methods of attracting and supporting growth in the city. It proposed exploration of the development of a new agency to deliver marketing, tourism, cultural and business development for the city.

Although performing well against other cities there was evidence to suggest that York was not capitalizing effectively on its assets which was supported by the city’s businesses, wider communities and stakeholders. Currently the city’s key partners and organisations worked in a piecemeal approach leading to duplication and fragmented marketing with the new approach proposing:

·        A joined up approach to “Brand York”

·        A joined up offer for businesses and visitors

·        Co-ordination

·        Culture of the city being fundamental

·        Commercial viability

Details of the new organisation, including the legal structure, establishment and funding were reported at paragraphs 23 to 43 of the report.

Officers confirmed that, although in the early stages, following Member approval different options would be examined with the final product being sector led to streamline current work and raise the profile of the city.

Resolved:  That Cabinet:

i)             Agrees in principle to pursuing a joined up approach to business development and marketing.

ii)       Agrees to receive a business plan for an independent agency model for delivery early in the New Year.^1.

Reason:     To enable the city to make greater progress in attracting and supporting high value investment to the city, and supporting the growth of the visitor economy, all underpinned by a more efficient and effective approach to marketing and profiling of the city’s offer.

This report sets out a new approach to delivering the spatial and infrastructure requirements dictated by the city’s economic ambitions, and seeks an in-principle decision by members as to exploring this new model against a full options appraisal to be brought back to Cabinet in the New Year.

Resolved:  That  Cabinet:

i)             Agree in principle to a more strategic and proactive model for bringing forward investment in development of key sites, based on the objectives set out in Para 16 of the report.

ii)            Approve the development and engagement of potential investor partners to develop options for a new model, with the intention of a full options appraisal and business case being brought back to Cabinet in the New Year.

iii)          Approve the city’s representation at MIPIM 2014 as the next step in engaging with potential investors and developers as part of developing the new model.

Reason:    To enable the city to make a step change improvement in development of key and strategic sites.

Consideration was given to a report which set out details of a new approach to delivering spatial infrastructure requirements arising from the city’s economic ambitions outlined in the two earlier reports considered at the meeting.

Members were asked to give an in-principle decision to explore the new model against a full options appraisal with the intention of reporting back to Cabinet in the New Year. A request was also made for the Council’s involvement in the international property event MIPIM in 2014 to carry forward and build on contacts and leads made at the previous year’s event.

Further information in relation to the investment model proposed, used by other cities and local authorities, was set out in detail at paragraphs 17 to 26 and Appendix 1 of the report, with the timetable for development and benefits to the city at paragraphs 27 to 31.

Officers confirmed that, following discussions with potential investors the need to take these proposals forward or opportunities would be lost.

Following further discussion it was

Resolved:  That Cabinet:

i)             Agree in principle to a more strategic and proactive model for bringing forward investment in development of key sites, based on the objectives set out in Para 16 of the report.

ii)            Approve the development and engagement of potential investor partners to develop options for a new model, with the intention of a full options appraisal and business case being brought back to Cabinet in the New Year. ^1.

iii)          Approve the city’s representation at MIPIM 2014 as the next step in engaging with potential investors and developers as part of developing the new model. ^2.

Reason:    To enable the city to make a step change improvement in development of key and strategic sites.

This report sets out work undertaken since September 2012 to develop options for the future use of the Burnholme Community College site and proposes a broad consultation exercise with the local community to seek their views on what happens on the site following the closure of the college in July 2014.

Resolved:           That Cabinet agree to a community consultation exercise being undertaken, in relation to the Burnholme site, in order to seek views on the options set out in the report and for further work to be done to assess affordability  which will be brought back to Cabinet in early 2014 to inform a decision on the preferred option.

Reason:              To deliver a sustainable community facility on the Burnholme site and support corporate priorities with respect to Building Strong Communities and Protecting Vulnerable People.

Consideration was given to a report which set out details of work undertaken to develop options for the future use of the Burnholme Community College site. This included consultation with the local community to seek their views on the proposals.

Following the decision taken to close the College, owing to a fall in student numbers, a review had been undertaken to investigate a range of alternative uses for the site which included health and wellbeing and retail and housing. With over 300 people taking part in consultation in July 2013 this had resulted in suggestions for a number of possible themes and interest expressed in use of the site by eleven different organisations. The options being considered for the site were:

A   Housing only

B1 Health and Wellbeing Hub – New Build.

B2 Health and Wellbeing Hub – part refurbished/ part new build.

C  Small scale Community use

A full appraisal had now been undertaken and a number of high level options developed which were fully discussed in the report together with the financial viability and affordability of each scheme.

The Cabinet Member expressed his support for the site to remain as a focal point of the area and for continued community engagement to hear residents’ views prior to a final decision being taken.

Resolved:           That Cabinet agree to a community consultation exercise being undertaken, in relation to the Burnholme site, in order to seek views on the options set out in the report and for further work to be done to assess affordability  which will be brought back to Cabinet in early 2014 to inform a decision on the preferred option. ^1.

Reason:              To deliver a sustainable community facility on the Burnholme site and support corporate priorities with respect to Building Strong Communities and Protecting Vulnerable People.

This report asks Cabinet to consider the Supported Housing Strategy, housing defined as being designed to meet specific needs where there is some level of on-site support. Members are asked to comment on the priority areas and adopt the draft strategy.

Resolved:           That Cabinet:

i)             Approve option one and adopt the Supported Housing Strategy as set out at Appendix 1 of the report.

ii)            Agree the delivery of the strategy being monitored through the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Reason:            The supported housing strategy enables the Council to take a strategic and planned approach to the provision of supported housing for vulnerable residents. 

Members considered a report which presented a Strategy for Supported Housing, defined as housing designed to meet specific needs in which there was some level of on-site support provided as part of the accommodation offer.  

A range of supported housing was available in the city for vulnerable members of the community, developed in response to demand and available resources. However a more co-ordinated approach was required to prioritise need and ensure appropriate and sustainable supported housing solutions. The strategy considered the housing needs of seven specific customer groups:

·        Older People

·        Mental ill-health

·        Learning disabilities

·        Young people

·        Offenders and ex-Offenders

·        Substance misuse

·        Homelessness

Informal consultation had taken place with service providers and stakeholders on the seven key areas set out within the strategy. These areas were identified by all stakeholders as key areas with Mental Health highlighted as the key area.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the high proportion of residents with learning disabilities who now had their own tenancies, mainly due to the work of Council Officers and partners.

Consideration was given to the following options:

Option 1 – To adopt the strategy as set out at Appendix 1 of the report

Option 2 – To ask Officers to revise the document.

Resolved:           That Cabinet:

i)             Approve option one and adopt the Supported Housing Strategy as set out at Appendix 1 of the report.

ii)            Agree the delivery of the strategy being monitored through the Health and Wellbeing Board. ^1.

Reason:            The supported housing strategy enables the Council to take a strategic and planned approach to the provision of supported housing for vulnerable residents. 

This report sets out details of work undertaken to date in transforming the Council’s approach to delivering street level environmental services. It reports on proposals to transform partnership working between the City Council and North Yorkshire Police to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour and Nuisance.

Resolved:           That Cabinet agree to the establishment of a multi-agency and Community Safety Scheme Accredited Neighbourhood Enforcement Officer role.

Reason:              To ensure that the council actively addresses the issue of anti-social behaviour on our communities.

Consideration was given to a report which detailed work being undertaken in relation to the delivery of street level environmental services, including changes to partnership working between the City Council and North Yorkshire Police (NYP) to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Following the streamlining of posts focussed on delivery of the Smarter York agenda, an examination had been made of the current methods of dealing with ASB. This had been found to vary depending whether residents contacted the Council or North Yorkshire Police and the category of the case. As tackling ASB was seen as a local neighbourhood priority and central to both the Council Plan and the Police and Crime Plan consideration had been given to joint working with the NYP to deliver services to improve residents quality of life.

It was proposed to create a multi-agency ASB hub with the NYP to review all ASB reports and establish a new Neighbourhood Enforcement Officer role. The new Officer role would undertake the Council’s enforcement function with accredited powers through the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme in order to strengthen relationships with communities. Further information on the development of both the ASB hub and new Officer role and associated powers were reported at paragraphs 21 to 51 and Annex 1 of the report.

The Cabinet Member welcomed the new approach which would provide residents with a holistic approach to ASB problems.

Following further discussion consideration was then given to the following options:

Option 1 – To agree to establish a joint working group to develop the proposals.

Option 2 – To suggest alternative approaches to improve front line delivery of services to address ASB and it was

Resolved:           That Cabinet agree to the establishment of a multi-agency ASB hub and Community Safety Scheme Accredited Neighbourhood Enforcement Officer role. ^1.

Reason:              To ensure that the council actively addresses the issue of anti-social behaviour on our communities.

This report asks Cabinet to consider the points system for the annual nomination of the Lord Mayor for the City of York Council and confirm that the Group with the most points under that system should be invited to appoint the Lord Mayor for the coming municipal year 2014/2015.

Resolved:           That Cabinet agrees to invite the Conservative Group to nominate the Lord Mayor for 2014/2015, in line with the existing accumulated points system.

Reason:                        To ensure that the Council secures the necessary leadership to undertake its civic functions and provides continuity for future selection.

This report asked Cabinet to give consideration to the points system for the annual nomination of the Lord Mayor for the City of York Council and confirmed that the Group with the most points under that system should be invited to appoint the Lord Mayor for the 2014/15 municipal year.

The system for nominating the Lord Mayor was based on an accumulation of points determined by the number of seats held by each group on the Council, on Lord Mayor’s Day the previous year. Details of the current points accumulated by each group was set out at paragraph 4 of the report showing that the Conservative Group, with a total of 32 points qualified for the position in 2014/15.

Consideration was then given to the options available to either to invite the Conservative Group to nominate the Lord Mayor for the 2014/15 municipal year or consider reviewing the points system currently adopted for nominations.

The Cabinet Leader expressed best wishes to Cllr Gillies for the Conservative Groups support for his nomination as Lord Mayor for 2014/15.

Resolved:           That Cabinet agrees to invite the Conservative Group to nominate the Lord Mayor for 2014/2015, in line with the existing accumulated points system. ^1.

Reason:                        To ensure that the Council secures the necessary leadership to undertake its civic functions and provides continuity for future selection.

[See also Part A minute]

Recommended:           That  Council agree the adjustments in the Capital programme of a decrease of £4.611m in 2013/14 as detailed in the report and contained in Annex A.

Reason:                        To enable the effective management and monitoring of the Council’s capital programme.

[See also Part A minute]

Consideration was given to a report which set out the projected capital programme outturn position for 2013/14 including any under/over spends and adjustments and requests to re-profile budgets between years.

The capital programme approved by Council in February, updated in the September monitor was £77.184m, financed by £42.467m of external funding and internal funding of £34.717m.  A decrease of £4.611m which was detailed in the current monitor resulting in a revised budget of £72.573m the decrease being made up of £4.403m reprofiling schemes to 2014/15 and scheme reductions of £208k, mainly arising from a reduction in the IT development plan in year spend. Details of the variances in each portfolio area were set out at Table 1 of the report with a summary of the key exceptions, implications on the capital budget and Economic Infrastructure Fund at paragraphs 8 to 42.

Information on the 5 year capital programme was reported at Table 2 and at Annex A and details of the capital programme financing to 2017/18 at paragraphs 45 to 47 and Table 3.

The Cabinet Member reported on a number of large capital projects planned for schools to provide improved accommodation and to smaller variances which affected the overall programme.

Recommended:           That  Council agree the adjustments in the Capital programme of a decrease of £4.611m in 2013/14 as detailed in the report and contained in Annex A. ^1.

Reason:                        To enable the effective management and monitoring of the Council’s capital programme.

Recommended:    That Council give approval to:

  i)      Option 1 to provide financial support for the extension of the Osbaldwick Travellers Site.

ii)     A capital budget of £763.5k to be funded from external grant of £423.5k and prudential borrowing of £340k.

iii)    Note the prudential borrowing will be repayable from additional rental income and that the terms of the borrowing and repayments will be agreed by the Director of Customer & Business Support Services.                                    

Reason:   To ensure that the council plays an active role in meeting the long term accommodation needs of the travelling community

Members considered a report which requested approval and part funding, combined with funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to support the extension of the Osbaldwick Travellers site. The development agreed by the Planning Committee at their meeting on 24 October provided 6 additional pitches, grazing land for horses and amenity space.

It was reported that overcrowding was an issue on existing pitches, owing to a need to accommodate extended families including young children and elderly relatives and due to a shortfall of provision across the city. The Council currently held a waiting list of approximately 24 households seeking a York Travellers site pitch.

Further information on population growth amongst the traveller population over the Local Plan period 2015-2030 was reported together with details of the proposal, including scheme plan and consultation undertaken at paragraphs 9 to 27 of the report.

The Cabinet Member referred to comments of earlier speakers and to the discrimination and alienation of the community. Thanks were expressed to the Planning Committee for their full consideration of the planning application and for approval given to the extension of the site. The Cabinet Member referred to increases in the scheme costs of £135k which, following discussion, the HCA had agreed to provide an additional £81k match funding to reflect the anticipated scheme costs.

Members expressed their support for the proposals to address the proven need of the community and for ongoing dialog with both the travelling and the wider community to alleviate concerns.

Consideration was then given to the release of funding to support the extension of the Osbaldwick Travellers site and it was

Recommended:    That Council give approval to:

  i)      Option 1 to provide financial support for the extension of the Osbaldwick Travellers Site.

ii)     A capital budget of £763.5k to be funded from external grant of £423.5k and prudential borrowing of £340k.

iii)    Note the prudential borrowing will be repayable from additional rental income and that the terms of the borrowing and repayments will be agreed by the Director of Customer & Business Support Services.  ^1.                                  

Reason:   To ensure that the council plays an active role in meeting the long term accommodation needs of the travelling community