Agenda item

To receive and consider a written report from the Leader and ask questions on the work of the Executive, and to consider 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:

Integrated Rail Plan, GBR and Haxby Station

From Cllr Douglas: Are the comments made by the public speaker regarding lack of consultation on Haxby Station true?

Response: The issue of Haxby Station has been discussed for decades and the site location has been the subject of briefings and consultation.  We took the opportunity to purchase land to enable us to proceed at pace.  If the programme slips we risk losing the opportunity to obtain new stations funding.  The other site suggested would bring a wider raft of disbenefits, and opposition from nearby householders. There is more consultation to come with the local community and Haxby Town Council.

[supplementary: Were the speaker’s comments true?]

Response: There have been numerous stages of consultation over many years, including on this site, and we have committed to further consultation around this site.  If you are in favour of the new station, then support us to get it done.

From Cllr Fenton: Is the Leader concerned about the government’s failure to live up to its promises to level up as part of its rail investment plans?

Response: The government’s rail review was not good news for Yorkshire and the North, and the more opportunities we get to make that point the better.  We have undertaken to work with all councils and leaders in Yorkshire to tell the government what we think it should do with the investment, but this in no way makes up for the benefits that many cities were told they would get from Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Christmas Holiday Activities / general

From Cllr Webb: At the last meeting, Council approved a motion supporting the right to food.  Which member of the Executive has been selected as the Right to Food Champion, and why?

Response: I will need to discuss this amongst my colleagues.  I’m happy to ensure that a report is brought forward on this and I will write to you.

[Supplementary: Is it because you don’t care, or can’t find someone who is up to the task?]

Response: No.  I will make sure a report is brought forward, and you will receive a reply.

Devolution in York and North Yorkshire

From Cllr Wann: Once the Levelling Up White Paper has been published, what do you think the next steps are likely to be in the devolution process for York and North Yorkshire?

Response: All councils are trying to understand what is on offer.  I want to be able to compare the deal for a mayoral combined authority against what we might get in any of the other arrangements.  I hope we will get more detail when the White Paper is published, but there’s no reason why we cannot have discussions with civil servants on what devolution will mean for York and North Yorkshire.  Once we have that clarity, we will need a series of consultations with businesses and residents on the options, and especially if we want a combined mayoral authority.  There will then be a formal procedure to follow.

The Local Plan

From Cllr K Taylor: I understand there has been a shift from permanent staff to external consultants in the period leading up to the local plan hearings.  How much has been spent annually on external consultants and why has the council opted for them over the lower cost of experienced permanent staff?

Response: Cllr Ayre has already responded to Cllr Kilbane at Executive on this topic and on his confidence in the local team, and I’d be happy to provide an answer to you on the specific matter of financial spend after this meeting.

B – Executive Recommendations

Capital Programme – Monitor 2 2021/22

Cllr Aspden moved, and Cllr D’Agorne seconded, the following recommendation contained in Minute 63 of the Executive meeting held on 18 November 2021:

“Recommended: That the adjustments resulting in a decrease in the 2021/22 budget of £15.142m, as detailed in the report and contained in Annex A, be approved.

Reason:              To enable the effective management and monitoring of the council’s capital programme.”

A named vote* was taken on the recommendation, with the following result. 

*Cllr Perrett did not participate in the vote due to technical issues.

The recommendation was therefore declared CARRIED, and it was

Resolved:  That the Chief Operating Officer be recommended to approve the above recommendation.¹