Agenda and minutes

At this point, 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.

Members were asked to declare, at this point in the meeting, any personal interests not included on the Register of Interests or any prejudicial or discloseable pecuniary interest that they might have in respect of the business on the agenda. None were declared.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Economy and Place Policy and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 12 June 2019.

Resolved:  That subject to the minutes being amended to the Chair stating that half of the meeting would be focussed on policy and the other half on scrutiny under the work plan, the minutes of the Economy and Place Policy Development Committee meeting held on 12 June 2019 be approved as a correct record and then signed by the Chair.

It is at this point in the meeting that members of the public who have registered to speak can do so. The deadline for registering is 5.00pm on Tuesday 9 July 2019. Members of the public can speak on agenda items or matters within the remit of the Committee. 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 this meeting may be filmed and webcast, or recorded,  and that includes 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 Officer (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_f

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It was reported that there had been five registrations to speak under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

Dave Merrett spoke on Agenda Item 5 Attendance of the Executive Member for Transport - Priorities and Challenges for 2019-2020. He noted that the transport consultation in preparation for the local transport plan was not in a position to take forward. He noted Executive Member for Transport’s comments in respect of congestion and encouraged the Committee to look into congestion on Water End. He also referred to the planning application for the front of the railway station.

Kevin Tuohy spoke on Agenda Item 7 Bi-Annual Update Report from the Managing Director of Make It York (MiY). He explained that a number of market traders felt that MiY did not understand their needs. He noted the economic benefits of market traders and added that market traders did not feature in any long term plans.

Rupert Harrison spoke on Agenda Item 7 Bi-Annual Update Report from the Managing Director of Make It York (MiY). He reported that he had been a market trader on Jubbergate for 24 years employing four full time and two part time employees. He claimed that Jubbergate traders had been told was a vision to see them moved out of Jubbergate. He noted the need for a strong market on Jubbergate and asked that MiY included the market on their journey.

William Owenspoke on Agenda Item 9 Work Plan. He noted that there was a real alternative economy in York and that trickle down inward investment schemes did not work. He added that full employment had gone and that industry was becoming financialised and automated. He stated that the city needed to look after its traders and small businesses. John Mannion had registered to speak on Agenda Item 7 Bi-Annual Update Report from the Managing Director of Make It York (MiY). However, as he had not arrived at that point in the meeting he spoke under the agenda item itself.

The Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning will provide an overview of the priorities and challenges for 2019-20.

(To follow)

The Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning gave a verbal update on his priorities and challenges for 2019-20. He explained that the inclusive green growth consultation needed expanding and the plan for the climate emergency needed expanding and requested that he provide a more detailed update to the Committee at a later date.

A Member expressed concern that a written update had not been provided by the Executive Member to which the Scrutiny Officer clarified that there was no obligation for a written report to the provided to the Committee. In acknowledging the concern, the Chair suggested that a verbal update be provided followed by a written update at the next meeting.

The Executive Member reported that his priorities for 2019-20 included a refresh of the economic strategy, increasing the number of companies accessing apprenticeships and addressing the pressures in the retail sector.

Members welcomed the update and in response to questions he commented that:

·        In terms of supporting people, local area hubs had been providing advice and early information and there could be better initiatives with local traders associations.

·        In terms of procurement at city region level regarding the living wage, as an authority the council could examine purchasing to be used to encourage a living wage.

·        To deliver a better economy there needed to be the opportunity to provide different advice and experience from different sectors, for example on renewables and to help develop more sustainable jobs. In terms of city centre functions, businesses needed to be encouraged to stay in the city.

·        York sat in the middle of two overlapping Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) – York, North Yorkshire and East Riding (YNYER) LEP, and the Leeds City Region (LCR) LEP. There was a need to ensure that the overlap was beneficial to York.

·        In terms of the Local Industrial Strategy it was clear that a larger geography worked better in bidding. There were two strategies being developed and assurance had been given that York would fit into both.

·        York Central was yet to receive approval from the Secretary of State.

·        There had been a presentation to a number of forums which the Executive Member undertook to forward to the Committee.

·        He had made visits to a number of businesses including Biovale in Dunnington. He was also a school governor and would like to make sure that children reached their potential. He had written to the Principal at York College regarding the reinstatement of vocational courses for young people aged 14+ years. There was regional funding for this.

·        It had been confirmed that there was no ‘plan B’ should the HIF funding not be received.

Resolved: That;

                             i.        The verbal update from the Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning on his priorities and challenges for 2019-20 be noted.

                            ii.        The Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning attend the next Committee meeting to provide a detailed update on his  priorities and challenges for 2019-20

Reason:     To understand the priorities and challenges for Economy and Strategic Planning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

The Executive Member for Transport will provide an overview of the priorities and challenges for 2019-20.

The Executive Member for Transport gave an overview of his priorities and challenges for 2019-20 as detailed in his written report provided to the Committee. The Executive Member noted that his aspirations for the year included all buses from 2020 being Euro 6 or electric and for anti-idling measures to be focussed beyond buses, HGV deliveries and bus services. He noted that work was being undertaken on city centre access and security measures, walking and cycling, the local transport plan, residents’ parking review and highways maintenance. He added that as transport improvements were taken forward, the benefits needed to be looked at to ensure that residents had sustainable travel options for their journeys.

Members welcomed the update and in response to questions he commented that:

·        He would like to see a continuing review of bus services in terms of large developments coming forward.

·        There was audio visual technology in the new Park and Ride buses.

·        In terms of helping to deliver his priorities, the committee could help by getting an understanding of the issues, helping to engage residents in their own Wards and by identifying common scrutiny topics.

·        In terms of the station plans he would like to see additional funding for walking and cycling initiatives and he had asked for a separate report on options for this.

·        Concerning the Scarborough Bridge closing times, the Leader had requested a meeting with the rail operators to discuss the matter.

·        He would be asking for reports and next steps on the Clean Air Zone. The Corporate Director of Economy and Place added that the Executive had asked for the York Central Development to include a Clean Air Zone.

·        The dualling of the outer ring road would be considered on a case by case.

·        The Executive Member felt unable to commit at that stage to carbon budgeting from the Council and undertook to give an update at a future meeting in six months.

In response to questions from Members, the Corporate Director of Economy and Place explained that:
 

·        The Local Plan was to be agreed. Following this, the infrastructure plan would need to reflect the Local Plan and would inform the Local Transport Plan.

·        The Executive Member had asked officers to bring a report forward on the prioritisation of highways maintenance.

·        Refuse vehicles were out of lease this year. The cost of this was £125,000 per vehicle over a lifetime of seven years and their replacement needed to be considered carefully.

·        With regard to co-mingling, materials were separated and recycled.

·        Officers would be looking at the harmonisation of the fleet during vehicle breakdowns.

Resolved:  That Members note the priorities and challenges for Transport 2019-20.

Reason:     To understand the priorities and challenges for Transport 2019-20.

This report updates Members on the activities of York Business Improvement District 2018-19 and outlines the BID priorities for the year ahead.

The Executive Director of York BID was in attendance to present the York BID Annual Report. He gave an update on the work carried out by the BID over the previous year and future projects. He noted a number of points:

·        With regard to appearance and environment the BID was doing well with street cleansing and there was a rapid response team for street cleaning.

·        The BID was about to implement a signage and wayfinding scheme.

·        There had been a number of projects on the public realm, for example the removal of the redundant fountain and toilet block on Parliament Street.

·        There was a successful Street Ranger scheme which involved a two weekly partner meeting with the police.

·        The BID provided support to businesses, for example support for Indie York and help for businesses. This included a business cost saving plan that provided savings across pest control and utility bills.

·        The BID has been working with First buses in providing more evening services to support the evening economy.

·        With reference to events and festivals, the BID worked closely with Make it York (MiY) to make interventions on a strategic level for example putting funding into the Fossgate Festival, Ice Trail and Soapbox Challenge.

·        Key projects for the forthcoming year included wayfinding, the introduction of the York gift card and the use of better technology in car parks.

The Executive Director was thanked for his update and in answer to Member questions he explained that:

·        With regard to retail units in the city centre, many of the buildings were owned by pension and investment companies. There was a change in the market and the prices for big units were coming down. He would like to see an investment plan to look at whether an area like Coney Street could be broken down into smaller units, and the use of upper floor space.

·        Approximately £50,000 could not be carried forward to the new financial year and there was a need to ensure that funds would be spent in partnership with businesses.

·        The next BID renewal ballot was in 2020 and there was a strategy regarding how this would be discussed with the BID Board. He would like to develop a business plan that meets the needs of businesses. The BID had tried to deliver tangible outcomes.

·        The BID did not work directly with market traders and was accountable to its levy payers. The BID tried to listen to all business and help where it could.

·        With regard to food waste the BID had entered into a partnership with a recycling company.

·        The BID would be supportive of a contribution to the cost of a water fountain in the city centre to reduce plastic waste.

·        The BID was looking to increase diversity on its Board and two women would be joining the Board.

The Executive Director was thanked for attending the meeting. The Corporate Director of Economy and Place clarified that there would be no compulsory purchase orders for properties on Coney Street.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

This report updates Members on the progress and activities of MiY as at July 2019.

At this point in the meeting, John Mannion spoke under public participation in regard to the situation regarding stalls on Jubbergate market. He explained that it had been said that the market traders on Jubbergate had to reapply for their stalls and he respectfully requested that Committee put a number of questions to the Managing Director of MiY in respect of whether that area of Jubbergate was going to be let out to Pret a Manger and the Market Cat, both of which were situated on Jubbergate.  

The Managing Director of Make it York was in attendance to present the MiY biannual update. He gave an update on the background to MiY, the recent company restructuring, financial and revenue generation, recent activity and highlights, and potential collaborations MiY and the Committee.

Members thanked him for his update. In response to Member questions he:

·        Acknowledged that The Shambles was an important asset and was unique to York.

·        Gave an assurance that the market stalls on Jubbergate would not be removed and he apologised to the lack of communication on the matter. He added that post-Christmas there would be no distinction between Jubbergate and the rest of the market.

·        Explained that he and the Board had been giving greater priority to social responsibility.

·        Gave an explanation regarding how MiY would be involved with York Central. The Corporate Director of Economy and Place was asked and gave clarification on the council ownership of land on the York Central site.

·        Asked for all to be engaged in the narrative for York.

Members thanked the Managing Director for his update.

Resolved:  That Members receive the Bi-Annual Update Report from the Managing Director of Make It York (MiY).

Reason:     In order to be updated on the work of Make It York (MiY).     

This report provides details of the 2018/19 outturn position for both finance and performance across the Economy and Place Directorate.

The agenda contained a report that provided details of the 2018/19 outturn position for both finance and performance across the Economy and Place Directorate. However, the Committee agreed to defer this to give priority to other items on the agenda. The Chair stated that there were no decisions to be taken with this report and asked the Committee to note and accept its contents, but if Members had any questions these could made in writing and submitted to the relevant officers. 

Resolved: That the 2018/19 Finance & Performance Outturn Report be received.

Reason:     To update the Committee of the latest finance and

                   performance position.

Members are asked to consider the Committee’s work plan and work planning for the 2019-20 municipal year.

Members considered the draft Work Plan 2019-20 and work planning for the new municipal year. During discussion regarding potential items for the work plan, the following suggestions were out forward:

1.   High value jobs. How York has performed in recent years and whether we can make the most of the developments at York Central to ensure growth of high-skilled jobs and growth of high-skilled jobs in the green sector.

2.   A raft or work around an inclusive economy in York:

·        Pay in work poverty;

·        Gender pay gap;

·        Apprenticeships and skills – how we use apprenticeship levy in the council and also its use around the city;

·        Low paid industries – hospitality and tourism – and how we encourage career progression in those industries

·        Graduate retention;

·        Stem the loss of skilled people;

·        Sustainable growth and social values;

·        Community wealth

3.   Performance on road repairs.  This is an unavoidable issue across the city. Deep dive into repairs – road surfaces, not just pot holes.

4.   Review of Business rates system to see if it is fit for purpose

5.   Bus services in outlying areas

6.   Parking across the city. Increasing use of park and ride to reduce the number of people parking on city centre streets.

Resolved: That the above items for the Committee’s work plan for the 2019/20 municipal year be considered at the next meeting.

Reason:     To keep the Committee’s work plan updated.