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 might have in respect of business on this agenda.

At this point in the meeting, the Executive Member was asked to

declare any personal interests not included on the Register of

Interests, any prejudicial interests or any disclosable pecuniary

interests which he had in the business on the agenda. No additional interests were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Decision Session - Executive Member for Environment held on Monday 6 March 2017

Resolved:   That the minutes of the Decision Session held on 6 March 2017 be approved as a correct record and then signed by the Executive Member.

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 at 5.00pm on Friday 31 March 2017.

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

Filming, Recording or Webcasting Meetings

Please note this meeting may 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 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:

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 no registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

This report outlines the background to the National Clean Air Day and asks the Executive Member to endorse the event on behalf of City of York Council.

Resolved: That option 1 be agreed:

·        That City of York Council (CYC) officially support and endorse National Clean Air Day 2017 with Public Protection Officers leading local events on the ground in partnership with local partners and volunteers.  This option would formally commit CYC to delivering the minimum level of support to the day as set out in paragraph 9 of the report.  Additional events would be provided at a level which reflects the level of resourcing made available for the day via CYC, partners and volunteer forces. 

Reason: To help raise awareness of air quality and health issues in York and support development of a wider air quality marketing and communications strategy (as detailed in measure 10 of the current York Air Quality Action Plan). 

The Executive Member considered a report that outlined the background to the National Clean Air Day and asked him to endorse the event on behalf of City of York Council (CYC).

Officers gave an update and confirmed:

·        the first UK National Clean Air Day would take place on 15 June 2017.  This initiative was being supported by Government departments and a number of organisations.

·        the purpose of the day was to inspire people across the UK to reduce their emissions and exposure to air pollution in view of the impact of air quality on public health.

·        CYC had been invited to be an official supporter of the event.   Although it would not benefit from the resources being provided to some other cities, it would have access to free guides and toolkits which would be made available to support action at a local level.  It was hoped to encourage schools, the hospital and other organisations in the city to take part and there would be a particular focus on the impact of idling vehicles.

The Executive Member stated that he had requested that the Council signed up to Clean Air Day and there were some clear parallels with the work that was taking place in York.  Public awareness of this issue was increasing and it was important that a scientific and evidence-based approach was taken but that the information was presented in way which engaged with residents.  There was a particular need to raise awareness of the problems in respect of diesel.

At the request of the Executive Member, details were given of the ways in which it was intended to engage with schools.  Information could also be made available on the Council’s website.   The Executive Member sought assurances that the resources were available to support the National Clean Air Day, as outlined in the report.  He was informed that this was the case and that the I-Travel team were keen to engage and offer support.

The Executive Member considered the options detailed in paragraphs 16 to 18 of the report.

The Executive Member stated that supporting and endorsing National Clean Air Day 2017 would be a very positive step in raising public awareness of the health implications of air quality and the steps residents could take to help address this issue.  It was important that a partnership approach was taken and that organisations were encouraged to come forward with their ideas and contributions.

Resolved: That option 1 be agreed:

·        That City of York Council (CYC) officially support and endorse National Clean Air Day 2017 with Public Protection Officers leading local events on the ground in partnership with local partners and volunteers.  This option would formally commit CYC to delivering the minimum level of support to the day as set out in paragraph 9 of the report.  Additional events would be provided at a level which reflects the level of resourcing made available for the day via CYC, partners and volunteer forces. 

Reason: To help raise awareness of air quality and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.