Agenda, decisions and minutes

At this point in the meeting, the Executive Member is 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.

The Executive Member was asked to declare any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests, or any prejudicial or disclosable pecuniary interests that he might have in respect of the business on the agenda. None were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 22 March 2019.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the last Decision Session held on 22 March 2019 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Executive Member.

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 Friday 19 July 2019.  Members of the public can speak on agenda items or matters within the Executive Member’s remit.

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 that, subject to available resources, this meeting will be filmed and webcast, or recorded, including any registered public speakers who have given their permission.  The broadcast can be viewed at http://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts or, if recorded, this will be uploaded onto the Council’s website following the meeting.

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 Officers (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

https://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/file/11406/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings_20160809

It was reported that there had been one registration to speak under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme. Cllr Douglas, Shadow Spokesperson for Economy and Place, spoke on the economic opportunities and impacts of the York Central development. She noted the need for there to be a clear and firmer vision of what was wanted for York Central and she asked that greater consultation with residents, the community and visitors be carried out. She added that there needed to be greater social, economic and sustainable opportunities in York and expressed concern that an economic appraisal had not been carried out. She asked the Executive Member to make York Central a focus for his work and asked him to pull together a focus group on the matter. Cllr Douglas’ comments were noted by the Executive Member.

This report updates the Executive Member on York Conservation Trust’s (YCT) submission of an Expression of Interest (EoI) to the High Streets Heritage Action Zone Fund, a central government funding opportunity to tackle the challenges facing historic town and city centres.

Resolved: That;

                                     i.        The Council’s support as a co-signatory to York Conservation Trust’s Expression of Interest to central government’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone Fund be noted.

                                    ii.        Officers collate information gathered in the submission work for High Streets funds to be included in the forthcoming ‘My City Centre’ consultation work.

Reason:     In order to be updated on York Conservation Trust’s submission of an Expression of Interest to the High Streets Heritage Action Zone Fund.

The Executive Member considered a report that provided an update on York Conservation Trust’s (YCT) submission of an Expression of Interest (EoI) to the High Streets Heritage Action Zone Fund, a central government funding opportunity to tackle the challenges facing historic town and city centres. The bid was focused on Herbert House, Lady Peckett Yard and Pavement. As part of the funding criteria the support of the Council was required as a co-signatory. However, there was no commitment of Council capital funding towards the proposal which would be funded by YCT and other partners.

Following an overview of the report from the Head of Regeneration Programmes, the Executive Member gave recognition to the work undertaken by his team. He offered his support to the YCT Expression of Interest on Herbert House. He noted that it was a promising plan for one of the most iconic buildings in the city, and, more importantly, would make great social use of that historic building. He then requested that Officers collate information gathered in the submission work for High Streets funds to be included in the forthcoming My City Centre consultation work.

Resolved: That;

                                     i.        The Council’s support as a co-signatory to York Conservation Trust’s Expression of Interest to central government’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone Fund be noted.

                                    ii.        Officers collate information gathered in the submission work for High Streets funds to be included in the forthcoming ‘My City Centre’ consultation work.

Reason:     In order to be updated on York Conservation Trust’s submission of an Expression of Interest to the High Streets Heritage Action Zone Fund.

This reports updates the Executive Member on the economic impact of Business Rates for York and its city centre.

Resolved: That;

a)   A guide to National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR)  and how the system for charging and collecting them works be noted.

b)   Details of the contribution that retained business rates now make to Council budgets be noted.

c)   The flexibilities that City of York Council has in terms of providing relief on those rates, our current policies and take-up levels be noted.

d)   An analysis of the specific impacts for the city centre  be noted.

e)   A consultation process is commenced with business organisations in the city for a review of locally determined policies and future representations on national policies with business rates.

Reason:     To be updated on the economic impact of Business Rates for York and its city centre.

The Executive Member considered a report that provided an update on the economic impact of National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) on York and its city centre. The Head of Economic Growth gave an overview of the report, explaining how rates were calculated. He also drew attention to the data available on the York Open Data website as detailed in paragraph 5 of the report.

The Executive Member commented that the issue of business rates was important to the operation of businesses and whilst there had been some investment in the High Streets funding, a more fundamental review of the system which taxes internet companies in a way that creates a level playing field for businesses. He added that as there had been a focus on other businesses by the government there had been a shortage on policy on the matter and taking this into consideration he asked that a coalition of information for business rate reform by officers. He requested that a consultation process is commenced with business organisations in the city for a review of locally determined policies and future representations on national policies with business rates.

Resolved: That;

a)   A guide to National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) and how the system for charging and collecting them works be noted.

b)   Details of the contribution that retained business rates now make to Council budgets be noted.

c)   The flexibilities that City of York Council has in terms of providing relief on those rates, our current policies and take-up levels be noted.

d)   An analysis of the specific impacts for the city centre be noted.

e)   A consultation process is commenced with business organisations in the city for a review of locally determined policies and future representations on national policies with business rates.

Reason:     To be updated on the economic impact of Business Rates for York and its city centre.