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 he 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 1 August 2017.

Resolved:   That the minutes of the last Decision Session held on 1 August 2017 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 Wednesday 8 November 2017.  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 Officers 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 at the session under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

Mr Howard Perry spoke in relation to agenda item 5 (Mansion House Pricing Structure – Post Restoration), querying the proposed admission charges for York residents set out in the report.

Following on from the paper presented to Executive in April outlining the principles and methodology for the delivery of a multi-agency financial inclusion project, this report offers an update on the project delivery plan, progress to date and methods for evaluating the impact of the project .

Resolved:  That the project plan outlined in Annex A and described in sections 7 to 13 of the report be noted and approved.

Reason:    In order to progress the Area Based Financial Inclusion Project, contributing to the council plan priority to support a prosperous city for all - where local businesses can thrive and residents have good quality jobs, housing and opportunities.

The Executive Member considered a report that followed on from a paper presented to Executive on 27 April 2017 [Minute 150 of that meeting refers] outlining the principles and methodology for the delivery of a multi-agency financial inclusion project, called 4CommunityGrowthYork.

The report provided an update on the project delivery plan, as detailed in Annex A, and on progress to date and methods for evaluating the impact of the project.  Paragraphs 7 to 10 described the proposed work plan activities in relation to the distinct areas of jobs and skills, business and enterprise, financial resilience and community capacity building.  Capacity and next steps were outlined in paragraph 11, including the proposal to commission additional community engagement capacity for a year in the first instance, as detailed in Annex B.  The project budget, refined in line with the work plan, was set out in paragraph 12.

In response to the Executive Member’s questions, Officers clarified that:

·        Communication on the project would take place with Members and local communities using a range of methods, including ward team meetings, face to face visits with representatives of local groups, Facebook and leaflets.

·        Further sessions on the subject of Universal Credit, as referred to in paragraph 18, were being planned with the help of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

Resolved:  That the project plan outlined in Annex A and described in sections 7 to 13 of the report be noted and approved.

Reason:    In order to progress the Area Based Financial Inclusion Project, contributing to the council plan priority to support a prosperous city for all - where local businesses can thrive and residents have good quality jobs, housing and opportunities.

This report sets out proposals for a new pricing structure for the Mansion House,  which is planned to re-open in early December 2017.  It seeks the Executive Member’s approval for a charging structure to cover admission/entrance costs, educational fees and private hire arrangements.

Resolved:  That the pricing structure set out in the report in relation to entrance charges, educational activities and private hires be approved, subject to an annual review.

Reason:    In order to provide a sustainable income generation while also providing community access to the Mansion House.

The Executive Member considered a report that presented proposals for a new pricing structure for the Mansion House when it re-opened to the public after restoration. 

The Mansion House was due to re-open in early December 2017 following a major restoration project, called Opening Doors, funded by a Heritage Lottery grant with a capital contribution from the Council.  A fair and reasonable pricing structure was required that was also sufficient to cover running costs and contribute to income generation.  The proposed structure, detailed in paragraphs 9 to 14 of the report, covered charges for admission, educational activities, and private hires.  It had been produced following an analysis of prices charged by similar sized visitor attractions in the city, as set out in paragraphs 17 to 19, and additional evidence from a range of sources.  It also included discounts for York residents, as highlighted in paragraph 10.

In response to the Executive Member’s questions, Officers confirmed that:

·        The 50% reduction for York residents applied only to the entrance charge and special events, and not to private hires.

·        Prices would be subject to annual review as part of the Council’s budget process.

The Executive Member expressed his thanks to the Mansion House Curator and Mansion House team for their hard work and commitment over the course of the project.

Resolved:  That the pricing structure set out in the report in relation to entrance charges, educational activities and private hires be approved, subject to an annual review.

Reason:    In order to provide a sustainable income generation while also providing community access to the Mansion House.