Agenda item

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 Monday 15 December 2014.  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 will 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 Officer (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/downloads/download/3130/protocol_for_webcasting_filming_and_recording_of_council_meetings

It was reported that there had been two registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme and that five Members of Council had also requested to speak on items, details of which are set out below:

Capital Programme – Monitor Two 2014/15

Cllr Healey stated that he would have like to have seen further details in relation to the capital programme and capital receipts. He also referred to the optimistic take up in respect of green waste outlined in the report.

Rewiring Public Services: Adult Social Care and Place Based Services

Heather McKenzie, on behalf of UNISON, expressed concern at the engagement process and the need to manage expectations in relation to these proposals. She referred to the need for improved commissioning, highlighting the high level of service provided by reliable public service staff and suggesting that outsourcing could lead to poorer outcomes for vulnerable residents. She also referred to the effects of rewiring on staff and to possible impacts on jobs and the local economy.

Cllr Reid spoke to express her disappointment at proposed cuts to basic services which included the removal of pest control services, charges for garden waste collections, cuts to street cleaning and litter bins. She referred to the negative effects on the land fill tax and requesting Cabinet to focus on basic services.

Tour de Yorkshire

John Hayes spoke on behalf of the Bishopthorpe Road traders to express his full support for the inaugural ‘Tour de Yorkshire’ event being hosted in the city in May 2015. He referred to the potential benefits for the city following Bishopthorpe Roads recent experience of the Tour de France.

Andrea Dudding, on behalf of UNISON, expressed concern at the costs involved in hosting this event when cuts were being made to front line services. She went on to question the level of financial benefits for the city and the employment status of the report authors.

York Guildhall – Creating a Digital Media and Arts Centre

Cllr Cuthbertson spoke to express his concern at the financing of the Guildhall project, the options put forward for consideration and the risks involved. He referred to the lack of a business case for the project particularly costs and income streams.

Cllr Watson spoke to support the need to secure the future of the Guildhall, an iconic building, but questioned the viability of a restaurant in this location. He also questioned the risks involved with proposed uses of the building owing to continued use of the adjacent Mansion House, yard and garages by future Lord Mayor’s.

Cllr Healey confirmed that his issues in respect of this report had now been raised by earlier speakers.

York UNESCO City of Media Arts

Cllr Healey confirmed that he had now received an Officer briefing in respect of the cost benefits of these proposals.

City of York Local Plan – Housing Numbers

Cllr Orrell confirmed his recognition of the need for more homes in rural areas but confirming that Ward Members and residents were not totally against development. He stated that their concerns related to the lack of infrastructure to support development and pointing out that Parish Council’s and action groups could suggest suitable development sites in their area.