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:

A – Executive Leader’s Report

A written report was received from the Executive Leader, Cllr Aspden, on the work of the Executive.

Members were then invited to question the Leader on his report.  Questions were received from the floor from the following Members in relation to the subjects listed, and replied to as indicated:

Local Plan

·        From Cllr Warters - did the Leader share the pride expressed by Cllr Ayre in the Plan, in view of the effect of inward immigration on the green belt and infrastructure of the city?

The Leader replied that he endorsed the comments of Cllr Ayre, and that the Plan provided the right balance between protecting the city and the green belt and providing economic opportunities and housing.

The Council’s Approach to Equalities

·        From Cllr Fitzpatrick - was the approach anything more than words, as there had been no consultation with the Equalities Board and no Liberal Democrat attendance at the Human Rights network?

·        From Cllr Melly (supplementary) – why was there no re-assessment of the 2017 commitment to look at all policy through the prism of the Human Rights Act?

The Leader replied that he understood there was an action plan which Cllr Smalley would be happy to share with the network and that the report to Executive on 28 November 2019 had confirmed the 2017 commitment.

Budget

·        From Cllr Baker – how would the budget setting process proceed after the Executive Member Decision Sessions and would all Members have copies of the reports?

The Leader replied that all the budget papers for the Decision Sessions would be published at the same time and there would be a further opportunity to see the budget proposals when the agenda for the Executive meeting was published.

Make it York (MIY)

·        From Cllr Myers – in view of the effect on market traders of issues arising from this year’s Christmas events, what future relationship was envisaged with MIY, and would the issues be discussed with its new Chair?

The Leader replied that the situation would be reviewed in the new year, to ensure that the council and MIY worked effectively together on major events in the future and improved their communications.  He noted that much work had already been done to engage with MIY and that advice on safety and anti-terrorism measures also had to be taken into consideration.

B – Executive Recommendations

Establishing an Investment Budget for a Strategic Commercial Property Acquisition

Cllr Aspden moved, and Cllr D’Agorne seconded, the following recommendation contained in Minute 74 of the Executive meeting held on 28 November 2019:

Recommended:  That a capital budget of £2.85 million be established to fund the acquisition of the freehold interest in a York city centre asset, as set out in the exempt annex to the (Executive) report.

Reason:              To ensure the ongoing vibrancy of the city centre, whilst increasing the income from the council’s commercial portfolio in line with budget targets.

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

Resolved:  That the above recommendation be approved.¹