Agenda item

To receive and consider a written report from the Leader and, to answer questions on the work of the Executive, and the Executive recommendations for approval, as set out below:

Note: Leader’s Report added to agenda on 16 March 2018

A.  Executive Leader’s report

A written report on the work of the Executive was received from the Executive Leader, Councillor Gillies. He also provided a verbal update on the work undertaken by him over the past week.

Members were then invited to question Councillor Gillies on his report and questions were received from the floor from the following Members in relation to the subjects listed:

·        Councillor Williams – new Leader’s priorities during the upcoming administration;

·        Councillor Kramm – the affordability of housing in York;

·        Councillor S Barnes – what attempts had been made to bring the Secretariat of East Cost Mainline Authorities to York;

·        Councillor Craghill – new Leader’s plans to manage the co-ordination of work between different parts of the Council (e.g. planning enforcement and other departments);

·        Councillor Derbyshire – new Leader’s views on the Local Plan given the proposed housing numbers in York;

Councillor Gillies responded directly to all the questions put to him, including supplementaries. 

B.  Executive Recommendations

Future Operation of Rowntree Park Lodge and Park

Cllr Gillies moved and Cllr Waller seconded the following recommendation contained in Minute 116 of the Executive held on 25 January 2018:

“Recommended:          That Council approve the allocation of £150,000 capital budget to facilitate the regeneration of the upper floors of Rowntree Park Lodge, to be funded from the revenue receipts generated from future use of the Lodge.

Reason:                        To support Rowntree Park and its stakeholders in developing the facilities for a long term sustainable future.”

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

Resolved:                     That the above recommendation in respect of the Future Operation of Rowntree Park Lodge and Park be approved.

Investment at Lincoln Court to Create an Independent Living with Support Facility

Cllr Gillies moved and Cllr Waller seconded the following recommendation contained in Minute 149 of the Executive held on 15 March 2018:

“Recommended:          That the estimated £1.4m gross cost of the Lincoln Court capital investment be added to the Capital Programme, with the costs to be funded from the Housing Revenue Account investment reserve, recycled right to buy receipts, other Housing capital receipts and capital held by the Older Persons’ Accommodation Programme.

Reason:                        To secure the long term future of Lincoln Court and ensure that it can continue to provide good quality accommodation for older people, while also expanding the capacity to provide community support and care from this location.”

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

Resolved:                     That the above recommendation in respect of the Investment at Lincoln Court to Create an Independent Living with Support Facility be approved.

James House Temporary Homeless Accommodation – Approval for Budget Revisions and Authorisation to Appoint the Successful Contractor

Cllr Gillies moved and Cllr Waller seconded the following recommendation contained in Minute 150 of the Executive held on 15 March 2018:

“Recommended:          That Council approve the revised budget of £12.4m for the James House project, financed from £2.451m Homes England grant and £9.949m from the Housing Revenue Account (investment reserve, capital receipts and commuted sums), thereby ensuring no increase in cost to the council.

Reason:                        To enable the construction contract for the new homeless accommodation at James House to be awarded, £2.451m Homes England grant funding to be claimed, and a start on site achieved by 29 March 2018.”

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

Resolved:                     That the above recommendation in respect of the James House Temporary Homeless Accommodation – Approval for Budget Revisions and Authorisation to Appoint the Successful Contractor be approved.