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 asked to declare, at this point in the meeting, any personals 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.

Developing the Council’s Strategic Relationship with Academies and Multi Academy Trusts

Cllr Waller declared a personal non prejudicial interest in relation to this item owing to his role as Chair of Energise in his capacity as a Governor of York High and he left the room for the discussion and voting thereon.

Cllr Steward also declared a personal non prejudicial interest in relation to this item as a Governor of Rufforth School and he also withdrew from the meeting for the discussion and took no part in the voting thereon.

Cllr Runciman confirmed that she was no longer a Primary or Secondary School Governor.

To approve and sign the minutes of the last Executive meeting held on 7 December 2016.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the last Executive meeting held on 7 December 2016 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 Wednesday 25 January 2017.  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.

Filming, Recording or Webcasting Meetings

“Please note this meeting will be filmed and webcast and that includes any registered public speakers, who have given their permission.  This broadcast can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

Residents are welcome to photograph, film or record Councillors and Officers at all meetings open to the press and public. This includes the use of social media reporting, i.e. tweeting.  Anyone wishing to film, record or take photos at any public meeting should contact the Democracy Officer (whose contact details are at the foot of this agenda) in advance of the meeting.

The Council’s protocol on Webcasting, Filming & Recording of Meetings ensures that these practices are carried out in a manner both respectful to the conduct of the meeting and all those present.  It can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/11406/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings_20160809.pdf

It was reported that there had been thirteen registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme, and that five Members of Council had also requested to speak.  The registrations were in respect of the following items:

Matters within the Remit of the Executive

Dave Merrett spoke in relation to the Park and Ride Service Operator Specification agreed by the Executive on 7 December 2016, which had since been called-in for discussion at the Corporate and Scrutiny Management Committee meeting on 3 January 2017. He expressed concern that that the Committee had not had access to important advice from the Council’s Public Protection team prior to taking their decision. He asked the Executive to reconsider their decision in the light of further advice received on the impact of not using ultra low emission vehicles.

Cllr Warters spoke in relation to the recommendations of the Protection of Grass Verges Scrutiny Review report which had been agreed at the Executive’s meeting on 24 November 2016. In particular he questioned the quality of the remedial works to verges in the Osbaldwick area, following the laying of cables.

Taxi Licensing Policy

Antony Green spoke as a Hackney Carriage Driver, regarding the lack of formal consultation on the decision taken in 2015 to remove the requirement for a telephone number to be included on the door sign and requested Members not to approve the recommended option for the policy.

Alan Davies spoke as Chair of the Independent Taxi Association to confirm their concerns as previously mentioned at the Licensing Hearing on 21 December 2016 for the renewal of a private vehicle operators license by Uber Britannia Ltd. He confirmed the presence of 60 low emission taxis in the city and requested the reinstatement of telephone numbers on taxis door signs for public safety and requested that any future changes to the taxi licensing policy should be undertaken in consultation with the trade.

Terry Stubbs spoke as a Director of Fleetways, expressing his views on the effects of the proposed changes on the trade and on the cities economy. He claimed standards were lowered by vehicles from outside York being able to trade in the City. He requested full consultation and debate on any future changes in policy.

Terry Osborne spoke as Treasurer of the York Private Hire Association and as a Streamline driver, also to request the reinstatement of telephone numbers on the side of private hire vehicles.

Cllr Crisp highlighted elected members’ duty to the city and its residents. She referred to the existing high standards in taxi licensing introduced to protect the city and its economy and to the number of staff required for enforcement. She requested the Executive to approve the option to make further amendments to the policy taking account of the representations and comments received.

Cllr Douglas, as Chair of the Gambling, Licensing and Regulatory Committee confirmed the need to bring the policies and conditions into a formal document and she highlighted the lengthy discussion and consultation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

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 listed on the Forward Plan for the next two Executive meetings, at the time the agenda had been published.

This report seeks final approval of a Taxi Licensing Policy and conditions relating to hackney carriage vehicles and drivers, and private hire vehicles, drivers and operators. The Policy was considered and agreed by the Gambling, Licensing and Regulatory Committee on 25 April 2016.

Members considered a report, which in accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Constitution, sought the Executive’s formal adoption of the new and consolidated Taxi Licensing Policy.  It advised on the consultation undertaken, the amendments to the draft policy following the consultation and proposed amendments to the policy following earlier approval by the Gambling, Licensing and Regulatory Committee (GLR Committee).

Officers commented on the concerns raised by earlier public speakers and to previous changes agreed to policies and conditions, confirming that consideration had been given to all representations received. In particular they highlighted other licensing authority’s requirements for private hire vehicle door signage, at paragraph 29 of the report and the environmental considerations and the need for the Council to meet its health based air quality objectives.

Members expressed their support for the introduction of a Taxi Licensing Policy which could be reviewed, as necessary and to joint work being undertaken with the West Yorkshire and York Combined Authority Group.

Following further discussion consideration was given to the following options:

Option 1- to take into consideration the representation/comments from the licensed trade and approve the Taxi Licensing Policy in the amended form appended to the Report.    Prior to approval of the Taxi Licensing Policy the GLR Committee had taken into consideration the responses received to the public consultation and the representations made at committee. 

Option 2 - to take into consideration the representation/comments from the licensed trade and make further amendments to the Taxi Licensing Policy prior to approval.  

This report sets out progress to date on the Castle Gateway project and opportunities to partner with other stakeholders to deliver the regeneration aims for the area. It also seeks to establish the principles and parameters of the Area of Opportunity policy for inclusion in the Local Plan.

Please note that Annex 7b (Arup Feasibility Study for Castle Car Park – Appendices) is available on line.

Members considered a report which set out progress to date on the Castle Gateway project and opportunities to partner with other stakeholders to deliver the regeneration aims for the area. Copies of the draft minutes from the Local Plan Working Group meeting, on 23 January were also circulated, which highlighted the suggested amendments in relation to the Draft Area of Opportunity Policy.

Officers confirmed the approach to be taken for the delivery of the vision for the area together with the key challenges and the need for a working group to develop the proposals. Whilst there was a need to keep the membership of the working group targeted it would also engage with a broader group of stakeholders. Members were informed of discussions with Steamrock Capital, owners of a long term lease of the Coppergate Centre and of undeveloped properties on Piccadilly, in forming a partnership with the authority.

Members welcomed the proposals for the enhancement of the public realm and city’s heritage and also agreed to the establishment of a cross party working group to receive briefings on progress.

Following further discussion it was 

This report sets out proposals to dispose of the freehold of a small portion of land around Clifford's Tower to enable English Heritage to develop a Visitor Centre following award of planning permission for the scheme. The report also seeks permission to grant a short term lease for a plot of land to deliver public realm area next to the visitor centre.

Consideration was given to a report which set out proposals to dispose of the freehold of a small portion of land around Clifford’s Tower to enable English Heritage to develop a Visitor Centre following the award of planning permission for the scheme.  The report also sought permission to grant a short term lease for a plot of land to deliver a public realm area next to the visitor centre.

Officers highlighted the land arrangements and the reasons for the differing valuations received for the land for the visitor centre, the public plaza area and the section of land in the Council’s ownership, but in the guardianship of the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England.

The Chair referred to a speaker’s earlier comments and confirmed that the Executive recommendations had taken account of the application for a judicial review of the planning permission. 

This report provides an update on the emerging Local Plan and in particular on the initial consideration of the newly submitted MOD sites against the Local Plan Site Selection methodology following the report to Executive on 7 December 2016.

Members considered a report which provided an update on the emerging Local Plan and in particular on the initial consideration of the newly submitted Ministry of Defence sites against the Local Plan Site selection methodology following the report to Executive on 7 December 2016. Consideration was also given to the draft minutes and recommendations of the Local Plan Working Group, from their meeting held on 23 January 2017, which had also considered this report, circulated at the meeting.

Officers acknowledged that further public consultation was required together with work to evaluate the MOD sites. It was therefore anticipated that this would add around 6 months to the Local Plan timetable. Officers also confirmed that the Department for Communities and Local Government were aware of the impact on the timetable and were happy with the approach being taken.

In answer to questions the Chair referred to a recent meeting held with the MOD in an effort to mitigate the effects of any disposal of sites on the local economy.

Consideration was then given to the following options:

Option 1: That the Executive, subject to any recommended changes, approve the recommendations set out in the report.

Option 2: That the Executive request officers to undertake further work not highlighted in the report

This report presents a proposal in respect of the costs and actions required to reinstate streets previously gritted by the Council. 

Consideration was given to a report which set out a proposal in respect of the costs and actions required to reinstate streets previously gritted by the Council, details of which were set out at Annex A of the report.

Officers highlighted that the reinstatement of these streets would assist in managing risks around claims for potential injuries and property damage.

Members welcomed the inclusion of a number of streets on industrial estates and bus routes and the Deputy Leader confirmed that the inclusion of these routes would be included in the forthcoming budget.

Consideration was then given to the following options:

Option 1 – Approve the reinstatement of 43km of gritting route, commencing from 1^st February 2017.

Option 2 – Approve the reinstatement of 43km of gritting route, commencing from 1^st November 2017.

This report seeks an Executive decision on granting long term leases to the following clubs/associations using the bowling/croquet facilities at West Bank Park; Glen Gardens Bowling Green; Clarence Gardens and Scarcroft Green.

Members considered a report regarding the granting of long term leases to the following clubs/associations using the bowling / croquet facilities at West Bank Park; Glen Gardens Bowling Green; Clarence Gardens and Scarcroft Green.

Officers confirmed that the clubs had been heavily involved in the process over the last three years and that leasing the sites would enable the clubs to apply for external investment from both local and national funders.

The Executive Member confirmed his support for the leasing of these valuable community assets to provide security for the clubs who aided social inclusion.

This report covers the work in 2015/16 and 2016/17 to date of the Financial Inclusion Steering Group.

Consideration was given to the report of the Financial Inclusion Steering Group which included work in 2015/16 and 2016/17 to date. The report informed Members of the progress made in delivering financial inclusion activity across the city, including the Council’s Tax Support Scheme, delivery of the York Financial Assistance Scheme and an update on Discretionary Housing Payments.

The Executive Member welcomed the opportunity to support the Groups financial inclusion work and their promotional activity.

This report asks Members to consider which of the political groups should be invited to appoint the Lord Mayor for the 2017-18 municipal year and invite the group with the most points for the Mayoralty to nominate a Lord Mayor for the 2017-18 municipal year.

Consideration was given to a report which looked at which of the political groups should be invited to appoint the Lord Mayor for the 2017-18 municipal year. The report considered the existing system for nomination of the Lord Mayor, based on the accumulation of points determined by the number of seats held by each particular Group on the Council.

Details of the number of points accumulated by each party were set out at paragraph 5 of the report, which showed that the Labour Group, with 33 points, qualified for the Lord Mayoralty in 2017-18.

This report outlines the implications of the accelerating pace of academisation in York which is requiring the local authority (LA) to review and develop its strategic working relationship with schools and other partners.  In order to develop the council’s strategic position it is important for the LA to retain an objective relationship with all schools and multi-academy trusts.  This will allow the LA to work in partnership with all schools so that it can act effectively as the champion for children, families and communities.

Members considered a report which outlined the implications of the accelerating pace of academisation in York, which required the local authority to review and develop its strategic working relationship with schools and other partners.  It was noted that it was important for the Local Authority to retain an objective relationship with all schools and multi-academy trusts which would require the Council to cease its involvement with the South Bank Academy Trust Board.

Consideration was also given to the Academy Toolkit, at Annex 1 of the report, which provided schools with information on the Local Authority’s role in the conversion process. It was noted that owing to the complexity of some school sites that there had been delays in agreeing land leases, therefore in order to avoid future delays, delegations were suggested to Officers in cases where there were no proposals to change the designation of land.

Officers highlighted work on academising Canon Lee School which it had hoped to complete with the school sponsor the Hope Learning Trust  by 1 January 2017.  However, following a review of land and property to be included in the 125 year land lease a preference had been expressed to include the Clifton Without site in the lease, as this was part of the main route for pupils walking to Canon Lee School.

Consideration was then given to the following options:

Option 1:The Executive approve the disposal of the site as a capital asset and an application is made to the Secretary of State to dispose of the site under Schedule 1 of the Academies Act 2010.

Option 2:The Executive approve the lease of part of the site to the Hope Learning Trust as part of the academisation of Canon Lee and that an application is made to the Secretary of State to dispose of the remainder of the site.  If this is approved Canon Lee School and the Hope Learning Trust will receive a proportion of the proceeds from the disposal of the remainder of the site for reinvestment into the Canon Lee site.  If this option is agreed then it is recommended that the agreement of the detail of this arrangement be delegated to the Corporate Director for Children, Education and Communities in consultation with the Executive Member for Education, Children and Young People and the Section 151 Officer.

Option 3:The Executive agree that the Clifton Without site should be included in the 125 year lease to the Hope Learning Trust. 

Following further discussion it was