Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

At this point in the meeting, 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.

At this point in the meeting, the Executive Member was asked to declare any personal, prejudicial or disclosable pecuniary interests he may have in the business on the agenda. He declared he had none.

At this point in the meeting, members of the public who have registered their wish to speak at the meeting can do so. The deadline for registering is 5.00pm on Monday 23 May 2016.

Members of the public may register to speak on an item on the agenda or an issue within the Executive Member’s remit.

Filming or Recording Meetings

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 (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 https://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/file/6453/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_council_meetingspdf

It was reported that there had been no registrations to speak under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

This report sets out an update to the city’s play policy together with specific proposals for the improvement of playgrounds.

Resolved:

a)   That the updated play policy be agreed.

b)   That the criteria for the release of the Council’s capital programme for playground improvement  be agreed.

c)   That the allocation of £30k of the capital funding as match funding for the Rowntree Park Skatepark scheme be agreed.

d)   That the proposed new playground inspection regime be agreed.

e)   That questions raised in the Learning and Culture and Policy Scrutiny Committee (Pre Decision Calling In) on street play and areas of need including suitable play equipment for all age groups are to be considered by officers.

Reason:  To ensure that the Council’s approach to play remains up to date and resources are used to the best effect

The Executive Member considered a report that set out an update to the city’s play policy together with specific proposals for the improvement of playgrounds.

Following on from the Learning and Culture Policy and Scrutiny Committee (Pre Decision Calling In) officers confirmed:

·         They would continue to work with Planning and Local Plan officers to identify areas of need and advise on what could be done to fill those gaps.

·         They would continue to work with residents and ward councillors to target any issues raised.

·         They would continue to advise on suitable play equipment for all age groups.

·         A  Play Officer would be developing street play and would consult with ward councillors to explore this with residents.

·         The process and protocol to close roads would be added to the City of York Council’s website and councillors would be encouraged to explore this option further and engage with residents.

The Executive Member thanked officers for their updates and noted the comments raised in the Pre Decision Call-In. He agreed the recommendations would begin an investment in play and he welcomed any further discussions with the Called-In Members to improve the provision across the city.

Resolved:

(i)           That the updated play policy be agreed.

(ii)         That the criteria for the release of the Council’s capital programme for playground improvement be agreed.

(iii)        That the allocation of £30k of the capital funding as match funding for the Rowntree Park Skatepark scheme be agreed.

(iv)       That the proposed new playground inspection regime be agreed.

(v)         That questions raised in the Learning and Culture and Policy Scrutiny Committee (Pre Decision Calling In) on street play and areas of need including suitable play equipment for all age groups, be considered by officers.

Reason:  To ensure that the Council’s approach to play remains up to date and resources are used to the best effect.