Agenda item

Notices of Motion

Meeting of Council, Thursday, 27 March 2014 6.30 pm (Item 79.)

To consider the following Notices of Motion under Standing Order 12:

A – Motions referred from the Cabinet in accordance with Standing Order 12.1(a)

None

B – Motions submitted for consideration directly by Council, in accordance with Standing Order 12.1(b)

(i) From Cllr Semlyen

“York Labour promised to set up an independent Fairness Commission before the last local elections. This was implemented soon after the election result. The commission was led by the Archbishop of York. A key recommendation of the commission was the introduction of the Living Wage. Under Labour this is the first local authority in Yorkshire and the Humber to commit and implement the Living Wage. This has so far helped increase the pay levels of 700 of our lowest paid staff.

The Leader of the Conservative Group has said he is “sceptical” about the Living Wage and the Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group has called the Living Wage “immoral”. York Liberal Democrats have previously published leaflets stating they would “realign staff costs to private sector rates”.

Council believes both the electorate and staff deserve to know where each of the party stands on the Living Wage over the course of the next council (2015-9). Council resolves to commit to the Living Wage for at least the course of this period.”

(ii) From Cllr Brooks

“Council notes residents’ concerns regarding the placement of wind turbines within the council’s boundaries and acknowledges their impact on residential amenities and visual landscapes and the spatial and safety issues which arise from erecting large wind turbines in the Vale of York. Therefore, as a key aspect of the next phase of York’s Local Plan process, the council recommends the Local Plan consults on imposing minimum distance setbacks between wind turbines and habitation as follows:

For all wind turbines of 15m in height and over (as measured from the ground to hub height), a distance of 1.5 km between the turbine and any habitation, unless all landowners or occupiers within this distance consent; and

For all wind turbines of whatever height, a distance of 350m from any public footpath or bridleway.”

(iii) From Cllr Reid

“Council notes the report in The Press on 27th February which revealed important facts about the Lendal Bridge closure.

Council further notes that:

1. The Labour Cabinet’s six-month trial closure of Lendal Bridge should have finished at the end of February

2. The closure has brought widespread criticism from local residents, business owners, tourists and tourist groups

3. Negative media and social media coverage has been generated to the detriment of our city

4. The closure has failed to significantly improve overall bus journey times

5. Traffic displaced by the closure has caused increased congestion elsewhere in the city e.g. Foss Islands Road and Water End at Clifton Bridge

6. Officers have admitted that the trial closure has had little impact on overall air quality

7. The Labour Cabinet Member responsible has admitted that the signage at the start of the trial was “very confusing”

8. Around 45,000 motorists have received fines for crossing the bridge.

Council therefore resolves to ask Cabinet to:

a. immediately end the trial closure of Lendal Bridge

b. publicly admit that the trial has been botched and to apologise for this

c. immediately publish the raw data on the trial ahead of their detailed evaluation report

d. commit to consulting with residents and local businesses before bringing forward any future plans for Lendal Bridge.”

(iv) From Cllr Boyce

“Council notes the proliferation of betting shops and payday lenders in certain areas and is concerned by the lack of powers currently available under the planning or licensing systems to deal with this matter.

Council further notes the damage done by the unregulated spread of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) and currently virtually uncapped payday loans, and that dealing with these issues would make a significant contribution to the Council’s Anti Poverty Strategy as well as preserving the city centre’s unique character.

Council therefore resolves to support Hackney Borough Council which is leading a cross-party group of councils in putting forward a proposal under the Sustainable Communities Act for specific action that will address this problem, such as for a new planning use class to be created for betting shops, and for appropriate licensing proposals to be brought forward to allow Councils to control the spread of betting shops and payday lenders on the high street.”

Minutes:

(i) Living Wage

It was moved by Councillor Semlyen and seconded by Councillor Williams that:

On being put to the vote, the motion was declared CARRIED and it was

Resolved: That the above motion be approved. ^1.

(ii) Wind Turbines

It was moved by Councillor Brooks and seconded by Cllr Docherty that:

For all wind turbines of whatever height, a distance of 350m from any public footpath or bridleway.”

On being put to the vote, the motion was declared LOST and it was

Resolved: That the above motion be not approved.

(iii) Lendal Bridge Closure (proposed by Cllr Reid)

Council notes the report in The Press on 27th February which revealed important facts about the Lendal Bridge closure.