Agenda item
Questions to the Cabinet Leader and Cabinet Members received under Standing Order 11.3(a)
To deal with the following questions to the Cabinet Leader and / or other Cabinet Members, in accordance with Standing Order 11.3(a):
(i) To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Runciman:
“Does the Council Leader agree with Councillor Semlyen, Chair of the Economic & City Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee, that the recent floods prove it would be wrong to invest £3.6 million of public money in the Bonding Warehouse?”
(ii) To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Runciman:
“Firstly, I would like to thank those on the ground for their efforts in tackling the recent floods. However, after complaints from members of the public and his own public criticism, will the Council Leader support a full scrutiny review to analyse the response to the floods from City of York Council, Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency and other relevant organisations?”
(iii) To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Reid:
“Could the Council Leader provide an update on the future of the Beckfield Lane site?”
(iv) To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Doughty:
“In the Adult Social Services Finance Report presented to the Health, Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 12th September, it detailed a projected Council overspend in excess of £2.6M for the directorate in the current fiscal year. This report detailed where some of the overspend has taken place or is forecast. It indicated that some “mitigating actions have also been identified to help compensate for some of these pressures” and listed some very generalised areas without giving detail.
Can the Cabinet Member please expand on this to give Council a clearer indication as to how the £2.6M overspend will be tackled and which specific areas, if any will be reviewed?”
(v) To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Doughty:
“The Adult Social Services Finance Report referred to in my previous question also indicated that the directorate is assessing which 2013/2014 savings proposals can be brought forward. Can the Cabinet Member indicate what these might be at this stage. If not, what timescale can we expect to hear about them?”
(vi) To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing & Adult Social Services from Cllr Barton:
“Excluding the efforts of the various housing associations, can the cabinet member say how many affordable homes have been completed as a result of developer contributions during the period the Labour Administration has been in control?”
(vii) To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Aspden:
“Could the Cabinet Member update Council on what is happening to the estimated 184 residents in the ‘moderate’ care bracket recently cut by Labour?”
(viii) To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Reid:
“What has the uptake been for council tenants installing Solar PV (photovoltaic) panels and what impact will this have on national grid capacity?”
(ix) To the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Sustainability from Cllr D’Agorne:
“Can the Cabinet Member report what reviews are taking place following the combined travel disruption caused by flooding and gas works around the city?”
(x) To the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Sustainability from Cllr D’Agorne:
“Will there be a review of the arrangements with utility companies to prevent work being allowed simultaneously on several key roads at the same time (Tadcaster Rd, Sim Balk Lane, Bishopthorpe Rd, Cemetery Rd)?”
(xi) To the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Sustainability from Cllr Barton:
“Bearing in mind that yet another LDF Working Group meeting (1st October) has been cancelled, when will the Conservative motion from the Council Meeting of 12th July 2012 and referred to this group be debated and a recommendation brought to full council?”
(xii) To the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Sustainability from Cllr Reid:
“How much has been spent on the '20’s Plenty' Campaign and does this include the cost of all marketing and advertising?”
(xiii) To the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Sustainability from Cllr Ayre:
“The budget for 2011/12 included £158,000 for a statutory bus partnership and a further £100,000 has been allocated in 2012/13. Does the Cabinet Member think it is acceptable that 5 months after raising the question, I am yet to receive a detailed breakdown of how this money is being spent? Could the Cabinet Member now provide a detailed breakdown of what this £258,000 has been spent on and what benefits have come from this?”
(xiv) To the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Sustainability from Cllr Reid:
“While recognising the excellent work of those on the ground tackling the floods, there were complaints that there were no sandbags available in the Skeldergate area and people were being left to fend for themselves. Could the Cabinet Member confirm that there are 40,000 empty sacks in the depot with sufficient sand to fill and these were properly distributed during the floods?”
(xv) To the Cabinet Member for Crime & Stronger Communities from Cllr Healey:
“Can the Cabinet Member please outline progress on the priorities identified from your administration’s Crime summit?”
(xvi) To the Cabinet Member for Crime & Stronger Communities from Cllr Healey:
“How does the Cabinet Member envisage his role changing with the election of a Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire?”
(xvii) To the Cabinet Member for Crime & Stronger Communities from Cllr Healey:
“Does York Consortium’s £13,405 management fee of the Community Fund represent good value for money?”
(xviii)To the Cabinet Member for Crime & Stronger Communities from Cllr Orrell:
“How many Community Ward Contracts have been fully agreed and signed-off?”
(xix) To the Cabinet Member for Crime & Stronger Communities from Cllr Ayre:
“After first raising concerns in August, I have yet to receive a satisfactory answer to questions on the York Travellers Trust loss of £13,291 CYC funding. Could the Cabinet Member now confirm if this funding is being removed or whether they are receiving funds from a different pot? If they have lost funding what plans are in place to support the Trust? And will the Trust be able to continue without this funding?”
(xx) To the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture & Tourism from Cllr Richardson:
“Is the Cabinet Member going to resign as chair of the Equality Advisory Group given her comments made regarding Cllr. Jeffries and if not will she be apologising to this Group which is tasked with upholding equality in this city?”
(xxi) To the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism from Cllr Ayre:
“An update sent to staff confirms that a project board has been convened to prepare a detailed ‘social enterprise’ model to transfer ownership of libraries from the Council. The recently launched library consultation does not ask residents for their views on this. Therefore, given that the consultation ignores the most important question, would the Cabinet Member consider withdrawing it and starting a proper full and frank discussion about the future ownership of libraries?”
(xxii) To the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism from Cllr Ayre:
“Does the Cabinet Member believe that the ‘social enterprise’ model is the only way to deliver future library services?”
(xxiii)To the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism from Cllr Ayre:
“Can the Cabinet Member guarantee that whatever the future ownership model of libraries, current staffing levels will be maintained?”
(xxiv)To the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism from Cllr Ayre:
“When will the responsibility for equalities and inclusion transfer to the Cabinet Member for Crime and Stronger Communities?”
(xxv) To the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism from Cllr Ayre:
“Could the Cabinet Member give a detailed breakdown of the cost of ‘Illuminating York’ for the last 3 years and for this year?”
(xxvi)To the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services from Cllr Cuthbertson:
“In light of the disastrous 2012-13 Performance and Finance Monitor 1 report which showed a projected overspend of £5.9 million, could the Cabinet Member outline how this situation will be rectified?”
(xxvii)To the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services from Cllr Cuthbertson:
“Will the Cabinet Member ensure that as soon as she receives information on the proposed growth items and savings for next year’s budget, these will be made available to opposition councillors?”
(xxviii) To the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services from Cllr Cuthbertson:
“What was the total revenue lost to this Council through the traffic wardens strike in July?”
(xxix)To the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services from Cllr Reid:
“In the light of other colleagues not having answered this question, I am now asking the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services – In April the Council said it expected to “receive full payment within the next month” for the outstanding rent still owed by UK Entertainment Online Ltd in regards to the Winter Wonderland in Exhibition Square last December. Could the Cabinet Member indicate whether this was achieved and if not what money is still owed to the Council?”
(xxx) To the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services from Cllr Firth:
“Will the Cabinet Member confirm that his colleague, Councillor Sonja Crisp, was wrong to say in March that "all the salt bins required across all wards will be refilled from the core budget?”
(xxxi)To the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services from Cllr Aspden:
“The Cabinet Member recently said that he thinks the “Liberal Democrats could be more constructive” when it comes to reducing litter. Does he agree that the most constructive way to reduce litter would be for Labour to listen to the thousands of residents that have signed petitions and return the 349 litter and dog bins removed earlier this year?”
(xxxii)To the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services from Cllr Reid:
“What does the Cabinet Member intend to do about the salt bins that are out on the street but in need of repair?”
(xxxiii)To the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services from Cllr Reid:
“Can the Cabinet Member confirm that the Snow Wardens scheme will continue?”
(xxxiv)To the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services from Cllr Reid:
“When will the public consultation on changes to the green bin service take place?”
(xxxv)To the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services from Cllr Reid:
“Given the delays in consultation, the threat of a rise in landfill tax charge, and the public opposition, will the Cabinet Member formally rule out introducing charging for the green bin service?”
Minutes:
Thirty five questions had been submitted to the Cabinet Leader and Cabinet Members under Standing Order 11.3(a). The guillotine having fallen at this point, Members agreed to receive written answers to their questions, as set out below:
(i) To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Runciman:
“Does the Council Leader agree with Councillor Semlyen, Chair of the Economic & City Development Overview and Scrutiny Committee, that the recent floods prove it would be wrong to invest £3.6 million of public money in the Bonding Warehouse?”
Reply:
“The 2011 Labour manifesto committed us to expand the creative industries in York and we believe creating a hub for those industries is one way of fulfilling this objective. The plan will provide space for up to 250 small creative businesses and could include the creation of up to 500 jobs.
The Bonding Warehouse has always been a building under serious consideration, and is being considered along with other buildings in the city. Demand for such a hub is three times higher than the supply.
Whether the Bonding Warehouse scheme is chosen or not, some long-term use needs to be found for this important building. A great deal of flood protection work (tanking) has taken place to prepare the building for future use.”
(ii) To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Runciman:
“Firstly, I would like to thank those on the ground for their efforts in tackling the recent floods. However, after complaints from members of the public and his own public criticism, will the Council Leader support a full scrutiny review to analyse the response to the floods from City of York Council, Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency and other relevant organisations?”
Reply:
“I saw for myself the rapid response of City of York Council, North Yorkshire County Council, the Environment Agency, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Ambulance services, Yorkshire Water and the Health Protection Agency. I went to Silver Command to thank the staff for their work. My criticism was not of the response but diminishing capital for the Environment Agency to use in securing much needed flood defences. I will soon be meeting with the Environment Agency regarding my concerns.
I would personally welcome any scrutiny review that considers ways in which the council and other agencies can improve the way they do things. The implication that the joint response was in some way deficient is unfair to the many workers across all organisations, whether back office or on the ground, who did their utmost to ensure residents’ homes were not flooded in what was one of the worst floods York has seen for decades.”
(iii) To the Cabinet Leader from Cllr Reid:
“Could the Council Leader provide an update on the future of the Beckfield Lane site?”
Reply:
“The site has been earmarked for housing since March 1999 when it transferred in ownership to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This use was also stated in the budget papers that went before Council in February.”
(iv) To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Doughty:
“In the Adult Social Services Finance Report presented to the Health, Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 12th September, it detailed a projected Council overspend in excess of £2.6M for the directorate in the current fiscal year. This report detailed where some of the overspend has taken place or is forecast. It indicated that some “mitigating actions have also been identified to help compensate for some of these pressures” and listed some very generalised areas without giving detail.
Can the Cabinet Member please expand on this to give Council a clearer indication as to how the £2.6M overspend will be tackled and which specific areas, if any will be reviewed?”
Reply:
“The financial pressures arising in the whole Health and Social Care system are of significant concern and even at this stage we must locate these budget pressures in that wider context.
These pressures do not result from non-delivery against key elements of the 12/14 budget strategy but are a complex combination of increased demand arising from changing demographics and the increasing longevity of those with complex needs - the growing numbers of older people in York who have increasing complex needs and residents with Learning Disabilities living longer are impacting on our social care budget. The final Census demographic trends indicate that there has been an increase of over 30% in the number of over 85s between 2001 and 2011 and census data projections indicate a further 9% increase by 2015 and 21% by 2020. There will also be a 35% increase in over 90s by 2020.
What is needed is for Government to make a decision on the future funding of care.
Despite the investment made in Adult Services as part of the 2012/13 budget the combination of historic levels of funding and the almost unique circumstances facing the York & North Yorks PCT all contribute to the scale of the challenge faced. The on thing that Government could do is to ensure that the Clinical Commissioning Groups do not start their existence with a deficit budget. For the Government to allow this to happen will only put further pressures on the Council.
Officers within the Directorate are maintaining strict expenditure control measures and exploring the potential to bring forward implementation of budget savings.”
(v) To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Doughty:
“The Adult Social Services Finance Report referred to in my previous question also indicated that the directorate is assessing which 2013/2014 savings proposals can be brought forward. Can the Cabinet Member indicate what these might be at this stage. If not, what timescale can we expect to hear about them?”
Reply:
“I would refer Cllr Doughty to my response to his earlier question (iv). Measures to mitigate the financial pressures being experienced will be publically described as part of the report to Cabinet at the Second Monitor of this years budget.
What Cllr Doughty needs to understand, which he and other opposition Councils do not, is that we are talking about people and their needs are not always predictable.”
(vi) To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing & Adult Social Services from Cllr Barton:
“Excluding the efforts of the various housing associations, can the cabinet member say how many affordable homes have been completed as a result of developer contributions during the period the Labour Administration has been in control?”
Reply:
“I would refer Cllr Barton to the table below which clearly shows the delivery of Affordable Homes which are much needed by York residents. I would also refer him to the fact that the Housing Waiting List rose again between July and September by 679 to 4651 – these are people who cannot afford to buy or rent in the private rented sector in York. This number is expected to increase due to the Government cuts to Housing Benefit, which many working residents receive
Not included in the table are the 48 planning gain affordable homes secured on the Discus bungalow redevelopments. Although they are planning gain, many have been let at intermediate levels under a rent-to-buy scheme by Tees Valley and they have attracted HCA grant for this. It’s actually an excellent example of responding to the market downturn which has resulted from people not being able to afford to obtain a mortgage due to the difficult lending criteria’s and doing so meant that the homes did not stand empty.”
Note: details of affordable housing completions are on the council’s website at:
http://www.york.gov.uk/housing/Affordable_housing/completions/
|
|
Social rent completions |
Low cost home ownership completions |
Intermediate rent completions |
Total affordable completions |
Of which ... Affordable completions on S106 sites |
Total housing completions (including affordable) |
|
2007/08 |
18 |
33 |
0 |
51 |
19 |
523 |
|
2008/09 |
116 |
35 |
0 |
151 |
52 |
451 |
|
2009/10 |
92 |
60 |
0 |
152 |
25 |
507 |
|
2010/11 |
153 |
55 |
74 |
282 |
87 |
514 |
|
2011/12 |
77 |
44 |
30 |
151 |
50 |
321 |
(vii) To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Aspden:
“Could the Cabinet Member update Council on what is happening to the estimated 184 residents in the ‘moderate’ care bracket recently cut by Labour?”
Reply:
“Councillor Aspden needs to better understand the complexities of the growing care needs of York residents in relation to the damaging cuts that his Coalition Government have places on this Council. The cuts are a result of reduced Government funding and the City of York Council has to make the difficult decisions that Government will not to ensure as many people as possible receive support
Officers have undertaken a review of everyone’s records to ensure that they have the most up to date assessment of eligibility criteria for those identified at Moderate level during the consultation. Around 50 people’s needs level had changed since the Spring.
Officers have written to those who are still listed as being at Moderate level, who will need a review of their needs and have begun to undertake those reviews.
They will be using information from the reviews to develop the investment plan, and have invited user led groups and partners to help with the development of this plan.”
(viii) To the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services from Cllr Reid:
“What has the uptake been for council tenants installing Solar PV (photovoltaic) panels and what impact will this have on national grid capacity?”
Reply:
“As at 5th October 12, 431 properties had a Solar PV system fitted which each generate between 3.2 & 3.8KWph. There were no restrictions on capacity input to the National Grid other than the local loops which are related to the original electrical dwelling designs which has put a restriction on some streets – this meant that some residents who may have wished to have panels were not able to
It is unfortunate that more were not able to be fitted but as Cllr Reid should be aware the debacle of the Feed in Tariff cut of date led to Councils across the country losing 6 months of installation time and only 2 months to do so in. The Governments actions thus resulted in the loss of around 600 roofs from the scheme.”
(ix) To the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Sustainability from Cllr D’Agorne:
“Can the Cabinet Member report what reviews are taking place following the combined travel disruption caused by flooding and gas works around the city?”
Reply:
“I can advise that I have asked officers to undertake a separate review into the impact of flooding on the transport network, with a view to taking on board the lessons learnt and where possible proactively source additional funds to help address these issues as far as we realistically can for the future. However planning gas related road works to avoid flood events I suspect is beyond even my capabilities!”
(x) To the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Sustainability from Cllr D’Agorne:
“Will there be a review of the arrangements with utility companies to prevent work being allowed simultaneously on several key roads at the same time (Tadcaster Rd, Sim Balk Lane, Bishopthorpe Rd, Cemetery Rd)?”
Reply:
“Discussions always take place for major works on key routes and are co-ordinated to minimise the disruption to the travelling public. The Tadcaster Road and Bishopthorpe Road works were not planned to coincide.
The work on Tadcaster Road was supposed to be in the verge only, but National Gas Network’s (NGN) poor records and previous damage to the existing mains meant that the work over ran. However the works were actually completed before the works on Bishopthorpe Road started last Monday.
NGN have consequentially been fined £7,500 overrun charges for Tadcaster Rd and £2,500 for Sim Balk Lane.”
(xi) To the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Sustainability from Cllr Barton:
“Bearing in mind that yet another LDF Working Group meeting (1st October) has been cancelled, when will the Conservative motion from the Council Meeting of 12th July 2012 and referred to this group be debated and a recommendation brought to full council?”
Reply:
“As Councillor Barton should be aware of by now, dates in the Council diary for LDF working group meetings are only provisional as for Licensing/Gambling Hearings, and Scrutiny call ins., This helps to ensure there is a space should there be business to deal with, and avoiding the difficulty of fixing a mutually convenient date when there is business.
A paper considering the Council’s planning policy approach to affordable housing is due to be taken to the Local Plan Working Group on 5th November and Cabinet on 4th December.
This decision at Cabinet will effectively set the Council’s interim position in advance of the emerging Local Plan.”
(xii) To the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Sustainability from Cllr Reid:
“How much has been spent on the '20’s Plenty' Campaign and does this include the cost of all marketing and advertising?”
Reply:
“Nothing. “20s Plenty” is a National Campaigning organisation and we do not fund it.”
(xiii) To the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Sustainability from Cllr Ayre:
“The budget for 2011/12 included £158,000 for a statutory bus partnership and a further £100,000 has been allocated in 2012/13. Does the Cabinet Member think it is acceptable that 5 months after raising the question, I am yet to receive a detailed breakdown of how this money is being spent? Could the Cabinet Member now provide a detailed breakdown of what this £258,000 has been spent on and what benefits have come from this?”
Reply:
“Funding was identified to develop a bus Quality Contract scheme but also to tackle air quality issues as I have previously told you. Not least as a result of the work we commissioned in these areas, the Council was successful in securing nearly £3m of Better Bus Area Funding (BBAF) from government in March 2012, and £51k Air Quality related funding from DeFRA for York.
The projects and schemes forming the BBAF are to be delivered in partnership with York’s bus operators. These have enabled the Council to progress a number of improvements to York’s public transport system which were previously not possible, but this has impacted on the QBC work, as will the recent Government announcements on Better Bus requirements..
Not withstanding this, the additional Bus Quality Contract & Air Quality funding has thus far been spent on:
· Low Emission Zone Feasibility Study £11.7k
· The commissioning of a Bus Improvement Study (to be reported in the coming weeks) - £32k
· The commissioning of a freight Improvement & emission Study (to be reported by the end of the year) - £30k
And shortly to
· Review and re-launch York’s Quality Bus Partnership - £30k
· Undertake a comprehensive review of York’s local bus network - £20k
We will also be undertaking work to look at the appropriate pricing levels for the proposed All York smart tickets.”
(xiv) To the Cabinet Member for Transport, Planning & Sustainability from Cllr Reid:
“While recognising the excellent work of those on the ground tackling the floods, there were complaints that there were no sandbags available in the Skeldergate area and people were being left to fend for themselves. Could the Cabinet Member confirm that there are 40,000 empty sacks in the depot with sufficient sand to fill and these were properly distributed during the floods?”
Reply:
“The emergency response is part of my colleague Dafydd Williams portfolio, not mine. However, I am advised that Silver Command received only a couple of calls regarding Skeldergate. These were from tenants of commercial properties managed by their own property management companies, with the exception of one I made myself in regard to a local resident. The commercial property tenants were advised that their initial request for assistance needed to be to that source, as most have their own resilience contracts.
Approximately 10% of the stock (4000 bags) were distributed throughout the city. These were delivered to, and placed in-situ at the pre designated properties as per the CYC flood plan. I am advised that there were and are sufficient resources and resilience to distribute them as river levels rise and the flood plan is enacted.
It would be helpful if Councillor Reid is aware of some particular issues in Skeldergate that she passes those on to officers so they can be addressed in the plan and any future flood event.”
(xv) To the Cabinet Member for Crime & Stronger Communities from Cllr Healey:
“Can the Cabinet Member please outline progress on the priorities identified from your administration’s Crime summit?”
Reply:
“Work to deliver on the priorities and commitments identified at the Crime Summit is progressing well. The Community Safety Plan has been updated and was signed off by Cabinet on 4th September. The 2012/13 update sets out the priorities from the Crime Summit against the four key priorities established through the Joint Strategic Intelligence Assessment. The document will also be central to our discussion with the PCC.
Crime in the city dropped by 10% during the first year of the Labour administration, and on the first 5 months of the current financial year we are forecasting a further reduction of around the same level.”
(xvi) To the Cabinet Member for Crime & Stronger Communities from Cllr Healey:
“How does the Cabinet Member envisage his role changing with the election of a Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire?”
Reply:
“The election of the PCC is changing the way the police are governed with a move away from the NYPA to an elected individual. My role as Cabinet Member for York is to engage with the police and the NYPA / PCC to ensure that policing within York is delivered in a way that is not only reactive where crimes occur but also proactive to reduce not only crime but the fear of crime.
The changes being introduced will no doubt change the dynamics, and as Cabinet Member I will sit on the Police and Crime Panel, whose role it is to hold the PCC to account, however the key principals of the role as set out will remain the same.
I will be an ambassador for York on matters related to crime and anti-social behaviour and key decision maker and budget holder for a number of key services in these areas.”
(xvii) To the Cabinet Member for Crime & Stronger Communities from Cllr Healey:
“Does York Consortium’s £13,405 management fee of the Community Fund represent good value for money?”
Reply:
“Yes.”
(xviii)To the Cabinet Member for Crime & Stronger Communities from Cllr Orrell:
“How many Community Ward Contracts have been fully agreed and signed-off?”
Reply:
“Eight. With a further 10 in progress.”
(xix) To the Cabinet Member for Crime & Stronger Communities from Cllr Ayre:
“After first raising concerns in August, I have yet to receive a satisfactory answer to questions on the York Travellers Trust loss of £13,291 CYC funding. Could the Cabinet Member now confirm if this funding is being removed or whether they are receiving funds from a different pot? If they have lost funding what plans are in place to support the Trust? And will the Trust be able to continue without this funding?”
Reply:
“The Council’s funding arrangements changed in October when Your Consortium took over management of new funding arrangements as set out above. I understand that the Travellers Trust did not submit a qualifying bid as they were not able to supply the necessary supporting information.
They have received some additional funding and Council officers are working with the trust on their longer term future.”
(xx) To the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture & Tourism from Cllr Richardson:
“Is the Cabinet Member going to resign as chair of the Equality Advisory Group given her comments made regarding Cllr. Jeffries and if not will she be apologising to this Group which is tasked with upholding equality in this city?”
Reply:
“No I am not, as there is no valid reason to do so.
The remark to which I think you are referring had nothing to do with Equalities or my role on EAG.
Your statement that EAG is tasked with upholding equality betrays your lack of understanding of the equalities agenda as we are all, as councillors, jointly and "equally" charged with upholding equalities in this city, not just EAG.”
(xxi) To the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism from Cllr Ayre:
“An update sent to staff confirms that a project board has been convened to prepare a detailed ‘social enterprise’ model to transfer ownership of libraries from the Council. The recently launched library consultation does not ask residents for their views on this. Therefore, given that the consultation ignores the most important question, would the Cabinet Member consider withdrawing it and starting a proper full and frank discussion about the future ownership of libraries?”
Reply:
“No, I will not be withdrawing it and the following may help you to understand why.
First of all, I am very proud that this Council under the current administration signed up to be a “Co-operative Council”. Officers across the Council have been working to draw out the benefits of social enterprises for delivering Council services.
In my portfolio officers have been working together to look at all the options for the Library Service, aiming to identify arrangements that have the best potential to build on the success that the service has enjoyed over the past 18 months.
Before we make any decisions, however, we need to refresh our understanding of what the people of York want from their service and the extent to which they are willing to get involved in helping to shape the service.
The consultation is completely open about the idea of the social enterprise model and makes it clear that this is under consideration. We are seeking people’s views through a wide variety of channels. It will enable us to make the most informed decision about how to continue to develop our services in line with residents’ wishes.
There are three questionnaires for different age groups:
Under sevens, 8-17 year olds and adults. We want to ensure that everyone can take part.
The questionnaires are available online and in paper format from all libraries. We are also taking them to all our housebound users. We want the consultation to be organic and have set up a blog to report on the discussion taking place. We will be providing additional information as people ask for it. This will be in all libraries and online.
We are also engaging with all parish councils and ward councillors, and community groups and communities of identity directly. There will be displays in all libraries with an area in York Explore Cafe set aside for staff to be available for questions and discussions. This will be replicated in all libraries. Children’s Centres are emailing the consultation out to all their contacts and having the questionnaire in the centres for people to pick up. We will consult properly and will react positively to residents concerns for more information as and when that arises.
Across the country since April 2011 57 'static' libraries (buildings) have closed; 53 'mobile' libraries (based in vehicles) have closed and 46 libraries have been taken over by volunteers, social enterprises or parish councils.
The fact that the Lib Dem /Tory coalition government has caused the closure of so many libraries in the last 18 months across the length and breadth of the UK is of great concern to me and my Labour colleagues and is probably just the tip of the iceberg.
Against all the odds, this administration has opened a new reading cafe in the last year, adding to our library offer. It is a constant battle to protect this level of offer with huge funding reductions, year on year.
From Cllr. Ayre’s question it strikes me that he has failed to grasp the enormity of the budget pressures this council is facing due to his Government’s actions. I’m afraid the decisions we have to take are as much about do we or don’t we continue to deliver a service in this climate. Considering alternative delivery models allows the council to say a service can and will be maintained, which I’m certain residents will value.
If the Member has discovered a new-found and immovable commitment to retaining services in-house, then he would be best making representations to his party in Government, who can influence the present situation quickly by ensuring York receives a fair funding settlement in future.”
(xxii) To the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism from Cllr Ayre:
“Does the Cabinet Member believe that the ‘social enterprise’ model is the only way to deliver future library services?”
Reply:
“No, of course it is not the only model for the delivery of a service.
It is certainly one that we would favour over profit making enterprises however, as they are more likely to strip value out of a service.
As I’ve said before, the options we are looking at involve how we can keep the service going, and a social enterprise model is amongst the best ways of achieving this.
The way the current coalition government is going it may well be the only hope for many council services in the future, not just libraries. This is not only my opinion, but it is also the opinion of anyone who has any experience and interest in local government and knowledge of the unrealistic funding cuts on local authorities, whatever their political colour as outlined in the ‘Graph of Doom’, issued by independent advisors at the LGA and introduced at the LGA Urban Commission. You would then see that across the political spectrum, local authority councillors fear the worst.
Whether a social enterprise mode of delivery is the best direction for York is something that the Cabinet will to take a view on, in the light of the public consultation, when officers bring a report forward in December.”
(xxiii)To the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism from Cllr Ayre:
“Can the Cabinet Member guarantee that whatever the future ownership model of libraries, current staffing levels will be maintained?”
Reply:
“Clearly I cannot give that guarantee. Eric Pickles may sign local government up for a whole series of extra cuts beyond those we already know about, and without warning. A social enterprise model, should it be a route we agree to pursue, may determine that current staffing levels are unsustainable. There are a number of unknowns that in the current climate that it would foolish to try and predict.
What I will say is that this administration is fully committed to maintaining an excellent and nationally recognised service, and the staffing necessary to support such a service.”
(xxiv)To the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism from Cllr Ayre:
“When will the responsibility for equalities and inclusion transfer to the Cabinet Member for Crime and Stronger Communities?”
“That responsibility will transfer across when the Cabinet Leader feels it is time to do so, and when he does, I will ask that you are one of the first people to be informed. But it will certainly be during the course of this administration.”
(xxv) To the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism from Cllr Ayre:
“Could the Cabinet Member give a detailed breakdown of the cost of ‘Illuminating York’ for the last 3 years and for this year?”
Reply:
“Yes. I’m pleased that this year we are moving into a whole new ball game in terms of our ambition for Illuminate. This has been made possible by our success in attracting in-kind support from other partners, notably £68k’s worth of equipment through our collaboration with Blackpool, and also through a larger than ever grant from the Arts Council.
This year’s event is a very special one as it falls in York800 year and we have been fortuitous in attracting a big star name to design and be associated with the event.
It is a much bigger and more ambitious project than ever before as befits our ambition and vision for what is possible.
The Arts Council has been very generous because it is such a different event and is truly bringing art to the people. Many other organisations and partners from across the city and further afield have generously contributed to the event as never before.
However, as wonderful as Illuminating York is, due to funding pressures caused by swingeing cuts to Local Authority budgets by the Coalition Government, we must work on making events such as this sustainable for future years if they are to survive.”
(xxvi)To the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services from Cllr Cuthbertson:
“In light of the disastrous 2012-13 Performance and Finance Monitor 1 report which showed a projected overspend of £5.9 million, could the Cabinet Member outline how this situation will be rectified?”
Reply:
“Given huge reductions in funding from Government, these are incredibly difficult times that look set to continue for some years. However, ensuring we come in on budget each year is essential and we are giving this the highest priority.
Extensive work is ongoing in all areas of the Council with a view to bringing the Council’s spending in line with budget at the end of the year. All areas are being reviewed in terms of areas to reduce expenditure, and we will take whatever actions are necessary in order to ensure we stay within budget at year end, just as we did last year.”
(xxvii)To the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services from Cllr Cuthbertson:
“Will the Cabinet Member ensure that as soon as she receives information on the proposed growth items and savings for next year’s budget, these will be made available to opposition councillors?”
Reply:
“This information was included within the report to Council in February 2012, when a two year budget was set. The report in February set out the details of nearly £9m of planned savings for 2013/14 so this is all available in the public domain and has been since February. As have indications for planned growth.
Due to the uncertainty, and further funding reductions being imposed by Government, we will inevitably have to review the position, and consider some further details of the plans we set out in February 2012. This will all be reported to Council in the normal manner, including a report to Cabinet in February 2013.
Government delays in the grant settlement, now planned for mid December, and uncertainty over the funding of local government, and a delayed Autumn statement, do not help in terms of our long term planning.”
(xxviii) To the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services from Cllr Cuthbertson:
“What was the total revenue lost to this Council through the traffic wardens strike in July?”
Reply:
“During the week of the dispute a total of £131.6k income was collected from on-street and off-street car parking facilities. This was in line with projected income levels and actually £0.2k higher than the income received in the preceding week. There was income lost from not issuing Penalty Charge Notices during the week (budget £9-10k per week) but this was offset by not having to pay Civil Enforcement Officers as a result of the industrial action.”
(xxix)To the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services from Cllr Reid:
“In the light of other colleagues not having answered this question, I am now asking the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services – In April the Council said it expected to “receive full payment within the next month” for the outstanding rent still owed by UK Entertainment Online Ltd in regards to the Winter Wonderland in Exhibition Square last December. Could the Cabinet Member indicate whether this was achieved and if not what money is still owed to the Council?”
Reply:
“The council sent an invoice to the company on 26th April 2012. Unfortunately this invoice has not been paid and is currently going through our recovery process.”
(xxx) To the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services from Cllr Firth:
“Will the Cabinet Member confirm that his colleague, Councillor Sonja Crisp, was wrong to say in March that "all the salt bins required across all wards will be refilled from the core budget?”
Reply:
“I will confirm no such thing. Cllr Crisp said that all required bins would be filled from the core budget, and all required bins are being filled from the core budget, with contingency funding available if the need arises.”
(xxxi)To the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services from Cllr Aspden:
“The Cabinet Member recently said that he thinks the “Liberal Democrats could be more constructive” when it comes to reducing litter. Does he agree that the most constructive way to reduce litter would be for Labour to listen to the thousands of residents that have signed petitions and return the 349 litter and dog bins removed earlier this year?”
Reply:
“As Cllr. Aspden knows, I said “Liberal Democrats could be more constructive in encouraging the responsible disposal of litter and dog waste”. I said this as I find various comments from Liberal Democrats indicating that they thought residents will invariably start littering if a bin is not immediately present rather insulting.
We do not want to be making these reductions, and if Cllr Aspden’s Government was not making huge cuts to the Council, we would not have to. But they are, and we do. Liberal Democrats nationally talk of the “Big Society”, so instead of cheap political point scoring that appears to justify littering when no bin is close at hand, maybe Liberal Democrats locally should do the right thing and help us encourage residents to take their litter home with them.”
(xxxii)To the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services from Cllr Reid:
“What does the Cabinet Member intend to do about the salt bins that are out on the street but in need of repair?”
Reply:
“Councillors and members of the public can report bins in need of repair in the usual manner.
The Customer Centre can be reached by telephone on 01904 551 550, 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday, emailed at ycc@york.gov.uk, or online at www.york.gov.uk/doitonline.”
(xxxiii)To the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services from Cllr Reid:
“Can the Cabinet Member confirm that the Snow Wardens scheme will continue?”
Reply:
“Yes.”
(xxxiv)To the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services from Cllr Reid:
“When will the public consultation on changes to the green bin service take place?”
Reply:
“Cabinet will consider a report on options for garden waste in December – there will be a consultation following consideration of this report.”
(xxxv)To the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services from Cllr Reid:
“Given the delays in consultation, the threat of a rise in landfill tax charge, and the public opposition, will the Cabinet Member formally rule out introducing charging for the green bin service?”
Reply:
“Given the cuts made by Cllr Reid’s party in Government, I can make no such statement. We have not made any decisions about this service as information is still coming forward and the public is still to have its say, and to rule any options out or in would pre-empt that public consultation, which we are not prepared to do.”