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 July 2019.

Resolved:  That the minutes of the last Decision Session held on 22 July 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 Tuesday 13 August 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.

Gwen Swinburn spoke on Agenda Item 4 (Business Rate Support and the Council’s Property Planning).  She raised a number of concerns, including the asset management strategy not being updated, there being no performance metrics or cards in economic development, and the property portfolio only maximising returns to the council.  She requested the appointment of an Asset Management Committee, and suggested that a full review was needed of the property portfolio.

This paper provides the Executive Member with information on the existing business rate support provided and available to businesses in the city.  The paper also provides information on how the council can help in developing the city’s economy through its role as a corporate landlord. 

Resolved: That;

a)   The content of the report be noted

b)   Officers work with the consultation process identified in the Executive Member Decision Session held on 22 July 2019 for business rates, and to include a review of the Council’s policy for business rate discounts.

c)   Officers prepare a report on the strategic utilisation of the Council’s property portfolio to support independent retailers, and diversification of the High Street.

Reason:     To ensure that York continues to have a buoyant, thriving and well planned business economy.

The Executive Member considered a report that informed him of the existing business rate support provided and available to businesses in the city.  The report also provided information on how the council could help in developing the city’s economy through its role as a corporate landlord. 

The Head of Customer and Exchequer Services outlined the types of business rate relief available to business, noting that in addition to mandatory, discretionary and time limited relief there was an enterprise zone which provided relief up to the state aid equivalent of £55,000 per annum. It was noted that a number of business were in receipt of business rate relief.

The Head of Commercial and Operational Asset Managment explained that there were a considerable number of businesses in the council’s property portfolio and added that the nature of the portfolio provided an access to support for local businesses in York.

In response to comments and questions raised by the Executive Member, the Head of Customer and Exchequer Services explained how the council took a proactive approach through business rate relief being paid out automatically (subject to businesses signing a state aid declaration form). The Head of Commercial and Operational Asset Managment was asked and explained that the acquisitions and disposals of assets were reported to the Excutive and that there had been a report and presentation to a Scrutiny Committee.

Resolved: That;

a)   The content of the report be noted.

b)   Officers work with the consultation process identified in the Executive Member Decision Session held on 22 July 2019 for business rates, and to include a review of the Council’s policy for business rate discounts.

c)   Officers prepare a report on the strategic utilisation of the Council’s property portfolio to support independent retailers, and diversification of the High Street.

Reason:     To ensure that York continues to have a buoyant, thriving and well planned business economy.