Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive and note apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

At this point in the meeting, Members and co-opted members are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary interest, or other registerable interest, they might have in respect of business on this agenda, if they have not already done so in advance on the Register of Interests. The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.

An interest must also be disclosed in the meeting when it becomes apparent to the member during the meeting.

(1)     Members must consider their interests, and act according to the following:

(2)     Disclosable pecuniary interests relate to the Member concerned or their spouse/partner.

(3)     Members in arrears of Council Tax by more than two months must not vote in decisions on, or which might affect, budget calculations, and must disclose at the meeting that this restriction applies to them. A failure to comply with these requirements is a criminal offence under section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

Members were asked to declare at this point in the meeting any disclosable pecuniary or other registerable interests they had in respect of business on the agenda, if they had not already done so in advance on the register of interests.

Councillor Kilbane declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to agenda item 8, The York Business Improvement District (BID) – Ballot for 2026-31, in his capacity as a board member of York BID.

Councillor Kilbane also declared a pecuniary interest in relation to agenda item 9, Review of Parking Charges, on the basis that he owned a business on Bishopthorpe Road. He left the meeting prior to consideration of the item and did not vote.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Executive meeting held on 22 April 2025.            

Resolved: That the minutes of the Executive meeting held on 22

April 2025 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. Members of the public may speak on agenda items or on matters within the remit of the Executive.

Please note that our registration deadlines are set as 2 working days before the meeting, in order to facilitate the management of public participation at our meetings.  The deadline for registering at this meeting is 5:00pm on Friday 30 June 2025.         

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 meeting will be webcast including any registered public speakers who have given their permission. The meeting can be viewed live and on demand at www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

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

One of the representatives registered to speak reported shortly before the meeting that she was unable to attend due to a late change in work commitments.

The following representatives attended:

·        Johnny Hayes spoke in relation to agenda item 9, Review of Parking Charges. As a former shopkeeper on Bishopthorpe Road he was particularly concerned about the parking charge increase from 80p to £4.85. Local businesses and residents were unhappy about the impact on the area and how the changes had been implemented. It had resulted in one of the largest number of signatories to a petition that City of York Council had received (approximately 8,000 in total). Local businesses and residents were keen to work with the Council to review the increases in parking charges.

·        Gwen Swinburn spoke in relation to agenda item 9, Review of Parking Charges. Reference was made to two separate petitions from the Groves area. Residents and businesses had concerns about unfair parking charges and discriminatory practices, which affected disadvantaged communities. The first petition signed by local businesses and residents objected to significant increases in parking charges, which affected the Groves area. The second petition, which was near completion, provided a business case for a formal traffic impact assessment challenge. It was pointed out that there had been multiple breaches of equalities legislation and inconsistent policy application as well as failures in consultation and legal advice.

·        Ruth Phillips spoke as a business owner on Bishopthorpe Road, in relation to agenda item 9, Review of Parking Charges. There was concern about a lack of consultation with local businesses and residents. It was positive that the Council had acknowledged that the consultation had not ensured a sufficient reach and there was a need to work together to establish a meaningful way forward. There was concern that the review had not included data in relation to the impact on congestion and footfall. The only data used related to a 37% reduction in car parking. There was also concern that some of the modelling that had been applied was out of date. In addition, that the increases in parking charges was inconsistent with those applied to similar areas with no affordable options. 

·        Denise Craghill spoke on behalf of York Green Party in relation to agenda item 9, Review of Parking Charges. There was concern about the impact of increases in parking charges on less affluent shopping parades. It was felt that a one size fits all approach had been applied. The increases in parking charges had a significant impact on local businesses, many of these were already struggling. A more affordable, short-term option was needed. It was suggested that the first 30 minutes were free, which supported local businesses, particularly shopping parades, such as the Groves.

·        Councillor Fenton spoke in relation to agenda item 6, Housing Annual Report. The report was welcomed, and housing staff were thanked for their  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

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 of agenda publication.

This report:

•        Provides context for the social housing sector and the new standards with which the service is measured;

•        Outlines current performance levels against a range of standards including tenants perception and compliance data; and,

•        Outlines priorities and targets for this year, providing an opportunity for Executive and council house tenants to scrutinise performance.

Resolved –

a)            Notes the current performance levels across the Council’s landlord services and the proactive approach to working alongside the Regulator of Social Housing.

b)            Approves the priorities for 2025-26 as highlighted within the report and summarised in Annex C to the report. Notes the related performance targets, seeking to deliver further improvements to the quality of service provided for council house tenants.

c)             Approves the adoption of a new Responsive Repairs Policy for Tenants of Council Houses included in Annex A to the report.

d)            Approves the 2025-26 capital programme contained in Annex B to the report.

e)            Approves the principles of the Neighbourhood Investment Programme (paragraph 23 to the report), allowing the service to respond more effectively to the priorities of council house tenants. Notes that further details will be included in the Neighbourhood Model report to be considered by Executive this summer.

The Director of Housing and Communities submitted a report which provided the following:

·        The context for the social housing sector and the new standards with which the service was measured;

·        Current performance levels against a range of standards, which included tenants’ perception and compliance data; and

·        Priorities and targets for the year, providing an opportunity for Executive and council house tenants to scrutinise performance.

The following information was appended to the report for members’ information:

-      Responsive Repairs Policy for Tenants of Council Houses

-      2025-26 Capital Investment Programme

-      Summary of Priorities for 2025-26

-      Tenants Satisfaction Survey Results

-      Equalities Impact Assessment.

The following officers attended the meeting and responded to members’ questions and comments:

-      Pauline Stuchfield, Director of Housing and Communities; and

-      Vicky Japes, Head of Housing Strategy and Performance.

Questions and comments were invited and the key areas of discussion were as follows:

·        Reference was made to key performance indicators (KPIs) and the need to include more detailed historic data to assess the level of performance across key areas in relation to tenant satisfaction. Officers advised that the report contained information and data to be submitted to the regulator and that this was the first year a report had been produced for this purpose.  The findings were to be shared with all housing staff and tenants.

·        The Executive Member reported that the report highlighted tangible improvements that had been made in relation to building services and housing management. It was acknowledged that there had been an increased level of scrutiny by the regulator, which was welcomed. Progress had been made in relation to the level of repairs completed on the first visit, time taken to complete repairs, and the turnaround time for empty properties to re-let. Stock condition surveys had assisted with identifying further work that was required.

Resolved (unanimously) –

a)           Noted the current performance levels across the Council’s landlord services and the proactive approach to working alongside the Regulator of Social Housing.

b)           Approved the priorities for 2025-26 as highlighted within the report and summarised in Annex C to the report. Noted the related performance targets, seeking to deliver further improvements to the quality of service provided for council house tenants.

c)           Approved the adoption of a new Responsive Repairs Policy for Tenants of Council Houses included in Annex A to the report.

d)           Approved the 2025-26 capital programme contained in Annex B to the report.

e)           Approved the principles of the Neighbourhood Investment Programme (paragraph 23 to the report), allowing the service to respond more effectively to the priorities of council house tenants. Noted that further details will be included in the Neighbourhood Model report to be considered by Executive this summer.

The purpose of this report is to gain approval to submit the accountability statement, relating to the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) grant received by York Learning on an annual basis. All providers in receipt of £1m or more of funding for post-16 provision have a statutory responsibility to produce and publish an annual accountability statement that reflects the needs of the local environment as determined by the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) in particular but should also detail how funding is most effectively used in a local context.

Resolved – That Executive approves the Accountability Statement and Action Plan attached as an annex to the report ahead of publication at the end of June 2025.

Reason – For the service to receive funding to deliver against this statement we must gain agreement on contents. This agreement provides a framework for accountability whilst enabling us to receive the necessary funds to deliver the service. The document will also serve as the basis for wider internal conversations that will maximise the potential of learning for our residents.

The Director of Housing and Communities submitted a report which sought approval to submit the accountability statement in relation to the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) grant received by York Learning on an annual basis.

The following information was appended to the report:

-      Draft York Learning Accountability Statement 2024/25; and

-      Equalities Impact Assessment.

The following officers were in attendance to present the report and respond to members’ questions and comments:

-      Pauline Stuchfield, Director of Housing and Communities; and

-      Paul Cliff, Shared Head of Adult Learning and Skills (York and North Yorkshire).

The Executive Member highlighted the need to ensure a good range of opportunities for education and learning. The importance of communities was emphasised. York had some of the most deprived communities and the Council had an important role in ensuring pathways to opportunities.

Resolved (unanimously) – That Executive approves the Accountability Statement and Action Plan attached as an annex to the report ahead of publication at the end of June 2025.

Reason – For the service to receive funding to deliver against this statement we must gain agreement on contents. This agreement provides a framework for accountability whilst enabling us to receive the necessary funds to deliver the service. The document will also serve as the basis for wider internal conversations that will maximise the potential of learning for our residents.

This report seeks the Executive’s support for the York Business Improvement District (BID) bid who are seeking a third five-year term in York City Centre and is undertaking the necessary steps in preparation for a ballot in October 2025.

Resolved –

a)   That Executive supports the Business Improvement District (BID) in their campaign to secure a third term in York through a ballot of all businesses in the BID geography.

b)   Requests that the Leader of the Council casts the Council’s ballot votes in support of a further term.

c)    Notes the content of the Council’s Baseline Service Level Agreements.

d)   Notes the role of the York BID as a key City partner in supporting the City Centre economy.

Reason – To approve the BID in their October 2025 ballot for a third five-year BID term, beginning on 1 April 2026.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which sought the support of Executive for the York Business Improvement District (BID), in preparation for a ballot in October 2025.

The following information was appended to the report:

-      List of streets in York BID geography and map;

-      City of York Council Baseline Agreements; and

-      Equalities Impact Assessment.

Claire Foale, Chief Strategy Officer attended the meeting to present the report and respond to members’ questions and comments:

The Executive Member welcomed the positive work undertaken by York BID, which was valued by the council, businesses, residents and partners. York BID was a robust and critical friend to the council and had an important role in identifying areas where further improvements were required.

Resolved (unanimously) –

a)   That Executive supports the Business Improvement District (BID) in their campaign to secure a third term in York through a ballot of all businesses in the BID geography.

b)   Requests that the Leader of the Council casts the Council’s ballot votes in support of a further term.

c)   Notes the content of the Council’s Baseline Service Level Agreements.

d)   Notes the role of the York BID as a key City partner in supporting the City Centre economy.

Reason – To approve the BID in their October 2025 ballot for a third five-year BID term, beginning on 1 April 2026.

(Councillor Kilbane left the meeting at the conclusion of this item).

Report to follow.

Resolved –

a)   approves an increase in the discount for the Minster Badge to 30% of the standard parking charge, from the current 24%. 

Reason: to minimise the impact of parking charges on residents.

b)   maintains existing on-street parking charges on and inside the inner ring road, with the following exception at (c);

Reason: to ensure parking charges reflect the costs of congestion and contribute to Local Transport Strategy objectives.

c)    approves the adjusting of charges in the Micklegate and Priory Street area to the ‘outside the inner ring road’ on-street parking rate, rather than its existing higher city centre rate. This will be reviewed in the future. City centre evening parking rates for this area will still apply.

Reason: To recognise the anomalously low charges in this area previously, and to allow local business time to adjust to future increases in parking rates.

d)   maintains existing charging at all city centre car parks with the exception of Bishopthorpe Road, which it’s proposed is moved in line with charges approved for community car parks at East Parade and Rowntree Park in the council’s 2025-26 Budget.

e)   approves a standard lower rate outside the inner ring road to apply to on-street parking, matching rates at Bishopthorpe Road, East Parade and Rowntree Park Car Parks.

f)     approves that East Parade Car Park should remain matched to the ‘outer’ on-street local parking rate.

Reason: to ensure consistency across out of city centre parking and reflect the role and importance of local shopping areas to York’s economy.

g)   removes the proposed charges for dedicated motorcycle bays.

Reason: to recognise that the motorcycle bays are generally in locations where a car space is not possible. The charge is also inconsistent with the on-street charge arrangements. This will be reviewed at a later date.

h)   increases the discount for Low Emission vehicle permits to 20%, from the current 16% discount.

Reason: to set a discount that better reflects the contribution of all types of vehicles to congestion.

i)     approve that Contract Parking permits are no longer linked to Season Tickets, and will be set at last year’s prices, plus circa 5% increase, with a 20% discount for low emission vehicles.

Reason: to recognise the unique circumstances of the small number of residents who live within the city walls without access to parking.

j)     to undertake a review and develop a policy position around travel to places of worship.

Reason: to ensure consistency of approach and ensure the council is meeting its obligations under the Equalities Act.

k)    should Executive approve a change to the amount paid for the low vehicle emission discount, Contract, Season and ResPark permits holders will be refunded the difference.

Reason: so that any change in policy does not adversely affect residents

l)     To note that, if approved, the new charges will need to be advertised in accordance with legislation, meaning those charges implemented will be subject to a pending review under the Traffic Management Act 2004 Right to Challenge Parking  ...  view the full decision text for item 108.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which presented proposals to change car parking charges for approval.

The following information was appended to the report:

-      Bishopthorpe Road Petition;

-      East Parade Petition;

-      Parking Services; and

-      Updated Equalities Impact Assessment.

The following officers were in attendance to present the report and respond to members’ questions and comments:

-      Claire Foale, Chief Strategy Officer; and

-      Patrick Looker, Assistant Director of Finance.

The following updates were provided by officers:

·        All petitions were to be considered as part of the review, which included those that were still pending.

·        A more detailed review was to be undertaken to include information and data on footfall, bus use, car park use, traffic and spend. The consultation was to be extended to include local community groups, business communities and visitor feedback.

·        Independent analysis had been undertaken and published for public inspection, from January 2022 to April 2025.  

Questions and comments were invited and the main areas of discussion were as follows:

·        The need to develop a comprehensive parking strategy to address issues. A more effective consultation process was also required.

·        In response, the Executive Member advised that traffic congestion was a key issue which had resulted in daily collisions, essential workers had been delayed and unable to undertake their work properly and lives were put at risk as emergency services were unable to attend to calls quickly. These issues were likely to get worse if not addressed.

·        There had been significant investment in sustainable travel and improvements to highways. Raising parking charges was a proven way to tackle congestion with evidence to support its effectiveness.

·        Executive had listened to the concerns of businesses and residents and reflected on the feedback provided. It was acknowledged that the budget consultation could have been more far reaching and that there were some areas where the new pricing was considered too much and too soon. The pricing model had been revised using a data led and evidence-based approach.

·        It was also acknowledged that there had been significant challenge to the review of parking charges from the Bishopthorpe Road and Micklegate areas and that less vocal communities in other parts of the city such as the Groves, deserved the same level of recognition.

·        Executive was committed to working together with local businesses and residents to agree a way forward and develop a constructive relationship to build positive motivators and develop sustainable travel.

Resolved (unanimously) –

a)   approves an increase in the discount for the Minster Badge to 30% of the standard parking charge, from the current 24%. 

Reason: to minimise the impact of parking charges on residents.

b)   maintains existing on-street parking charges on and inside the inner ring road, with the following exception at (c);

Reason: to ensure parking charges reflect the costs of congestion and contribute to Local Transport Strategy objectives.

c)   approves the adjusting of charges in the Micklegate and Priory Street area to the ‘outside the inner ring road’ on-street parking rate, rather  ...  view the full minutes text for item 108.

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

There were no urgent items of business.