Agenda item

At this point in the meeting, any member of the public who has registered to address the Council, or to ask a Member of the Council a question, on a matter directly relevant to the business of the Council or the City, may do so.  The deadline for registering is 5:00pm on Wednesday 15 July 2015.

To register to speak please contact the Democracy Officer for the meeting, on the details at the foot of the agenda.

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Andrew Walker, a Woodthorpe resident, spoke to raise concerns at any proposals to increase the existing 20mph speed limit in residential areas in the city. He confirmed that a slightly longer journey time was a price worth paying to minimise the accident risks.

Richard Bridge spoke in respect of his change.org petition, containing 5,400 signatures, of which 3,660 were York residents requesting the Council to remove the anti homeless bars in the Rougier Street bus stop. He asked Members to support removal of the bars to ensure that rough sleepers were able to stay safe in the public eye.

Rebecca Jeffrey, from Advice York spoke in relation to the budget amendment proposals and, in particular, Council Tax Support and recent changes which meant clients were now required to pay their Council Tax direct and she highlighted the difficulties many residents faced. She asked Council to review their Council Tax Support Scheme to assist residents with their payments.

Mark Havercroft spoke in his capacity as a self employed builder, to raise concerns at the proposed revenue savings to halt the further rollout of 20mph zones. He felt that not continuing the rollout would undermine the Council’s city wide transport strategy.

Anna Semlyen spoke as Campaign Manager for 20’s Plenty for both York and nationally. She also raised concern at the proposal to halt further 20mph zones which she felt would undermine the safety of cyclists and vulnerable people in the city. She highlighted the possible illegality of removing existing 20mph zones under the Equalities Act.

Mandy Swithenbank spoke to represent the GMB in relation to the budget amendment and proposed reduction in Trade Union budget as a lead Union convenor. She highlighted the affect this would have on the Union’s ability to represent their members in an effective and timely manner.

Ghada Khattab, spoke as the parent of child at Scarcroft School and as a University Lecturer with an expertise in children, in support of Cllr Gunnell’s motion proposing a community ballot for schools considering a change to Academy Status. She raised concerns at the pressures put on school to move to academy status with no evidence to show this provided any improvements. She felt that, whilst a ballot would not be legally binding, it would provide clear guidance for school governors.

Rhydian Beynon-Davies, also spoke, as a regular cyclist, in respect of proposed changes to the 20mph speed limit in the city. He referred to a number of transport and congestion issues and to the affects on resident’s health and wellbeing. He requested the Council set up a Congestion Commission or undertake wider consultation.

Louise Diver a Fulford resident spoke of consultation undertaken in relation to proposals for limiting the speed limit in residential streets which had received overwhelming support. She highlighted her concerns at confusion if the 20mph limit was removed in some areas.

Brian Watson spoke as a York resident in support of Cllr Keith Myer’s motion on the night time economy. He referred to the need to address issues around both the night time economy and for residents who lived in the city centre. In particular he requested partnership working between planning and licensing. 

Heather McKenzie, representing Unison, also spoke in relation to the proposed cuts to the trade union budget. She referred to the affect this would have on the ability of the Unions to represent staff. She highlighted the variety of issues dealt with pointing out that their work often avoided stress and distress for staff and employment appeals. In particular she referred to the recent increase in Union work relating to the transformation project and the affect cuts would have on industrial relations.

The Lord Mayor confirmed that the speakers comments had been noted and would be taken into account when Members were debating items later in the meeting and that Mr Bridge’s petition would be referred to the Corporate & Scrutiny Management Policy & Scrutiny Committee on 14 September.