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 Tuesday, 24 March 2026.

To register to speak please visit www.york.gov.uk/AttendCouncilMeetings to fill in an online registration form. If you have any questions about the registration form or the meeting please contact Democratic Services. Contact details can be found at the foot of this agenda.

Webcasting of Public Meetings

Please note that, subject to available resources, this public meeting will be webcast including any registered public speakers who have given their permission.  The remote public meeting can be viewed live and on demand at www.york.gov.uk/webcasts.

It was reported that there had been nine registrations to speak at the meeting under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

Daniel Staples spoke in relation to agenda item 14, Motions on Notice - Fair Votes for All.  He was in support of the motion, arguing that first?past?the?post no longer reflects a multi?party political system. He stated that proportional representation (PR) would reduce wasted votes, end safe seats and tactical voting, and encourage more collaborative politics. He cited higher voter turnout in countries using PR.

Flick Williams spoke remotely, in relation to agenda item 7 – Report of the Leader and Executive, raising concerns about welfare reforms and the impact on disabled people. She questioned the lack of progress and transparency regarding a previously agreed task and finish group on changes to disability and sickness benefits. She highlighted imminent benefit reductions, falling success rates for claims, increasing sanctions, and long delays in access?to?work support, urging the Council to act.

Ursula Lanvers spoke as Chair of the York–Münster Twinning Association, she noted the absence of any public place in York named after its twin city. With the forthcoming 70th anniversary of the twinning arrangement, she invited the Council to consider naming a bridge, square, park or similar to recognise Münster.

Sean Hagan spoke on behalf of Make Votes Matter York, in relation to agenda item 14, Motions on Notice - Fair Votes for All.  He stated that first?past?the?post produces unrepresentative outcomes and undermines trust in democracy. He referenced Labour Party conference policy acknowledging flaws in the current system and supported the call for a national commission on electoral reform.

Ian Murphy also spoke on behalf of Make Votes Matter York, in relation to agenda item 14, Motions on Notice - Fair Votes for All.  He supported the motion for fair votes, describing the 2024 General Election result as unfair and unrepresentative. He argued that PR would reduce negative campaigning, tactical voting and safe seats, and encourage cooperation between parties. He noted that PR is already used in devolved administrations and urged the Council to support reform.

Joe Nasson spoke on behalf of the Green Party, also in relation to agenda item 14, Motions on Notice - Fair Votes for All.  He spoke in favour of proportional representation, linking unrepresentative election outcomes to public frustration, division and declining trust in politics. He highlighted international use of PR and suggested that fair representation would lead to more collaborative politics and better reflect the diversity of voters.

Celine Barry spoke on behalf of Compass York and North Yorkshire in relation to agenda item 14, Motions on Notice - Fair Votes for All.  She stated that PR is essential to a fairer and more democratic society. She emphasised the need for cross?party cooperation to counter extremism and build public trust, encouraging councillors to work together and support electoral reform.

Lars Crown spoke in relation to agenda item 14, Motions on Notice - Fair Votes for All and also addressed follow?up actions on council decisions. He highlighted proportional and run?off voting systems used in Münster and questioned the fairness of representatives being elected on minority vote shares. He encouraged the Council to take practical action and publicly report back on outcomes of agreed motions.

Gwen Swinburn raised governance and accountability issues, requesting a correction to previous minutes to clarify she had referred specifically to a potential equal pay liability. She expressed concern that a significant financial risk recorded in the Council’s accounts and risk register had not been adequately explained to members, requesting a formal briefing and written response.