Agenda and minutes

At this point, Members are asked to declare:

·        any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests

·        any prejudicial interests or

·        any disclosable pecuniary interests

which they may have in respect of business on this agenda.

Members were asked 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, that they might have in the business on the agenda.  No additional interests were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the last Executive meeting, held on 7 May 2020.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the Executive meeting held on 7 May 2020 be approved and then 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 Wednesday, 24 June 2020.  Members of the public can speak on agenda items or matters within the remit of the committee.

To register to speak please contact Democratic Services, on the details at the foot of the agenda. You will then be advised on the procedures for dialling into the remote meeting.

Webcasting of Remote Public Meetings

Please note that, subject to available resources, this remote public meeting will be webcast including any registered public speakers who have given their permission. The remote public meeting can be viewed live and on demand at www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

During coronavirus, we've made some changes to how we're running council meetings. See our coronavirus updates (www.york.gov.uk/COVIDDemocracy ) for more information on meetings and decisions.

It was reported that they had been 3 registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme, but that one of those public speakers, Ms Swinburn, had had to cancel her registration just prior to the meeting starting.  The remaining 2 speakers were as follows:

(i)        Councillor Douglas: spoke in relation to minute No 125 below on the Council’s proposed Renewal & Recovery Plan.  She commented on the need help local businesses thrive for the economic benefit of visitors to and residents of York: referring specifically to improvements required to signage for Coney Street and to toilet facilities in the city; as well as to the role for the Council as landlord to many small businesses.  She briefly outlined the Labour Group’s alternative plans for approaching recovery;

(ii)       Mr Johnny Hayes: spoke in relation to minute no. 125 below also, as Chair of York’s Independent Businesses Association.  He emphasised the need for the Council and all stakeholders to work together, focussing on the potential long term impact of the pandemic on independent businesses in York. He urged the Council to take a lead role between landlords and tenants to get a sustainable balance between rent charged and income potential for those businesses.

To receive details of those items that are listed on the Forward Plan for the next two Executive meetings.

Members received and noted details of the items that were on the Forward Plan for the next two Executive meetings at the time the agenda was published.

The Interim Head of Paid Service to present a report which outlines a proposed approach to support York’s recovery over the next year from the significant and wide-reaching impacts of the coronavirus, and the reprioritisation of existing budgets required to deliver these strategies and plans.

Members considered a report outlining the proposed strategic approach to supporting York’s recovery from the Covid 19 pandemic over the coming year, including, at Annex 1, a Recovery & Renewal Strategy. The report also set out the specific areas for investment required and where existing budgets would need to reprioritised.

In introducing the report, the Leader emphasised that the Plan was initially a one year plan, given the ongoing need to adapt to changing circumstances with Covid 19 and that, as we emerged from the current lockdown arrangements, supporting residents and small businesses would be imperative. He added that the Council would continue to lobby Government for financial support, wherever possible, given the predicted budget gap. 

In highlighting key aspects of the report and Plan, the Deputy Chief Executive, stressed that the risks of the virus had still not gone away and set out the work done to date to provide community and business support.  He referred to the key strands of the Recovery Plan and the key financial challenges and finally advised that developing a 10 year city plan with partners was under consideration.

A full debate then ensued on the proposed Plan, with Executive Members emphasising, in turn, key elements within their portfolio areas. 

Resolved: That

a.    the overall Recovery and Renewal Strategy (Annex 1), and the underpinning plans outlined in Annexes 2-4, be approved;

b.    the recommendation in respect of parking incentives (paragraph 10 of Annex 2b) be approved;

c.     the work to expand the attendance of pupils in schools (Annex 5), be noted;

d.    the areas of priority investment and the reprioritisation of budgets, outlined in paragraphs 17-28 of the report, be noted;

e.    the development of a 10-year City Plan (paragraph 12 of the report) be noted;

f.      the ongoing consultation with residents and businesses throughout the recovery period (paragraph 29 of the report), be noted.

Reason: To enable measures to be put in place for the continuing recovery of York as it emerges from lockdown and the pandemic.

The Corporate Director of Economy & Place to present a report which seeks approval for: a proposed delivery and procurement strategy for Phase 1 of the YORR dualling and upgrade project; the development of a public engagement strategy that complies with physical distancing guidance while maintaining the integrity of the process; and a commitment to a net gain in tree planting and woodland areas, in line with principles set out by the Environment Agency.

Further to the approval given by the Executive in February 2020, to merge proposals for junction upgrades and dualling of York Outer Ring Road (YORR) into one scheme, Members considered a further report seeking approval to the following delivery critical areas:

(i)      The proposed delivery and procurement strategy;

(ii)      A proposed public engagement strategy for the scheme; and

(iii)     Commitment to a net gain in tree planting and woodland areas, in accordance with Environment Agency guidance.

Following debate, the Leader emphasised the need to proceed in order to achieve future improvements at the YORR.

Resolved: That

1)       Approve the recommended procurement routes set out in Annex A for the required support and construction services, approve the carrying out of those recommended procurement processes and to delegate to the Director of Economy and Place (in consultation with the Director of Governance or her delegated officers) the authority to take such steps as are necessary to procure, award and enter into the resulting contracts.

2)       Approve the recommendation for officers to develop and pursue a public engagement strategy which incorporates the provisions of physical distancing.

3)       Approve the landscaping principles, specifically the commitment to provide a net gain in tree planting, bio-diversity and habitats following the strategy developed by the Environment Agency.

Reason:  To enable the project to move forward in an efficient and cost effective manner, providing for a quicker overall delivery programme for the scheme.