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:

Cost of Living Crisis

From Cllr Webb: Can you detail any new actions or commitments to the city arising from the York Cost of Living Summit?

Response: An update was provided to Executive on this and I would be happy to share it and to discuss what more can be done with you and officers.

[Supplementary: But what has this administration actually done?]

Supplementary Response: I discussed some examples in my speech and report, such as the housing support fund.  I will send you the report that outlines feedback and further actions from the Cost of Living Summit.  If you have any further suggestions, drop me a line and I would be happy to look at them.

[Supplementary from Cllr Crawshaw: The household support fund is a government scheme, so have you done nothing?]

Supplementary Response: A lot of funding to the council comes from government, and we need to do what we can to utilise it and top it up or enhance it.  Please get in touch if you have any suggestions.

Devolution

From Cllr Fenton: Can you give an update on the work of the Joint Devolution Committee?

Response: The first committee meeting took place recently with CYC and NYCC joined by colleagues from the LEP and the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner.  This was an important first step to ensure we are in a position to access the government funding offered early.  Subject to the Council making a decision early next year there is likely to be a second meeting in February or March to progress that to becoming a shadow authority, so that we can capitalise on the funding offered.

[Supplementary from Cllr Douglas: How will you face the challenge of spending the money, including £2.6m on brownfield sites by 2025 – are there any creative ideas of finding partners to make sure we benefit?]

Supplementary Response: We discussed that point at the meeting – it’s an ambitious timescale.  A call has already gone out for projects and proposals.  Ensuring that the wider community is aware of the opportunity to become involved is part of the process we’ll take in the coming weeks to benefit from the funding.

[Supplementary from Cllr Warters: Can you clearly outline what levels of adverse reaction to consultation on the devolution proposals would lead to the deal not progressing?]

Supplementary Response: The results will come here for Council to consider and decide on in the new year.  So far, there have been more positive than negative responses to consultation and the part most critically commented on has been the prospect of the elected Mayor having powers to raise taxes or business rates.

Council Budget

From Cllr Douglas: What decisions do you intend to take in-year to stabilise the council’s finances so it’s not at risk of going bust next year?

Response: This has been reported on through various financial monitors to Executive; for example a recruitment freeze on non-essential posts and stopping non-essential spend where services can.  There are particular pressures within Adults’ and Children’s social care and that feeds into the wider conversations about next year’s budget.  We will do everything we can that does not impact on crucial services.

[Supplementary: So what are you going to cut?]

Supplementary Response: I can’t tell you until the government publishes its settlement.  I have given examples of what we are doing in-year and we will continue to do things like that.]

B – Executive Recommendations

Cllr Aspden moved, and Cllr D’Agorne seconded, the following recommendations contained in Minutes 57-59 of the Executive meeting held on 22 November 2022 and Minute 71 of the Executive meeting held on 15 December 2022:

Minute 57 -10 Year Strategies

Recommended:  That Council adopt the 10 year Strategy and Policy framework, which comprises the Climate Change, Economic and Health and Wellbeing 10 year strategies and the emerging 10 year City Plan.

Reason:     To engage partners, city leaders, businesses, stakeholders and residents to work together on key agreed priority areas that aim to actively improve the quality of life for all York’s residents.

Minute 58 - Pavement Café Licence Update¹

Recommended:  (i)      That the following changes be made to local guidance used in the determining of pavement café licenses under the Business and Planning Act 2020:

a)  Cafés only allowed on footways if 1.5m width remains for people to get past (width increased to 2m in high footfall areas, for example busy junctions, near bus stops, etc). In footstreets with access level between footways and carriageway (for example Coney Street), licences may be issued for pavement cafes to cover the full width of the footway. If a licence is refused under the Business and Planning Act it would be possible for the applicant to use the planning permission process (and licensing under Highways Act Part 7A) to seek permission for a pavement café area. If a permission and a licence were to be granted under this process, adequate access mitigations would be conditioned through the planning permission on a case-by-case basis and all costs associated with required highway improvements would need to be borne by the applicant.

b)   Café areas can be allowed in on-street parking bays, where sufficient parking and loading capacity remains (including for Blue Badge holders) and the café area can be protected from passing traffic (if required). The licence holder will be required to cover all associated costs (changes to the permanent TRO, changes to the kerb line/protection measures).

c)   To require the named licence holder to have completed the ACT Awareness E-learning course and provide additional information to licence holders on the Protect Duty.

d)  To adopt the updated guidance document (Annex B) and proposals for additional information to be provided. Key changes are: updated barriers requirements and specifications, updated access width requirements, strengthened enforcement process, reintroduction of a £100 charge per licence. Additional information to be provided includes: design and set up guidance for licence holders, advice and support on ‘How to set-up your pavement cafe area’, and information on hospitality venues’ duties under the Equality Act.  Pavement café licence holders will be written to – to notify them of the changes.

Reason:     To clarify the criteria against which pavement café applications will be assessed and mitigate the impact of some pavement cafes on accessibility and to clarify the criteria against which pavement café applications will be assessed and the standards licence holders will be expected to meet and provide additional support and guidance to licence holders.

(ii)      That the Policy for Pavement Cafes under the Business and Planning Act 2020 be reviewed by the Licensing & Regulatory Committee and be added to the list of functions of that committee.  Officers will continue to determine applications made under that policy.

Reason:     So that the Licensing & Regulatory Committee can review the policy.

Minute 59 - Capital Programme - Monitor 2 2022/23²

Recommended:  That Council approve the adjustments resulting in a decrease in the 2022/23 budget of £38.193m, as detailed in the report and contained in Annex A.

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

Minute 71 - York 2032: The 10-Year Plan³

Recommended:  That Council approve and adopt the York 2032: 10-Year Plan on behalf of the city.

Reason:     To engage partners, city leaders, businesses, stakeholders and residents to work together on key agreed priority areas and actions that aim to actively improve the quality of life for all York’s residents.

On being put to the vote, all of the recommendations were declared CARRIED, and it was

Resolved:  That the above recommendations be approved. ^1,2,3