York Council communications meltdown

The York Councils web site, and most of their telephone systems, have been unavailable for most of today.

End

That is too long for an authority that claims it its trying to reduce costs by encouraging the use of electronic communications.

The responsible Cabinet member is already expected to come under fire at the Council meeting taking place on Thursday for poor customer care performance figures.

A question has been tabled which reads:.

Will the Cabinet member please publish the latest quality of service statistics which he holds for Customer Services covering both “in person” presentations at West Offices together with time to answer telephone calls and respond to electronic communications.

Specifically why is it taking the Council up to 2 weeks to log for action some issues which have been Emailed to the YCC?

Today’s IT collapse – and lack of update information from the Council – will only raise even further concerns..

 

 

Rain reveals more blocked drains

Yesterdays steady rain revealed more blocked drains

We’ve reported several but really think that it is time for the Council to reinstate 6 monthly routine cleans.

Failing that, they need to  actively clear those drains that have – like the one below in Bellwood Drive – been blocked for months.

If there is large scale ponding on footpaths, then the arrival of icy weather will multiply safety problems

Blocked drain in Bellwood Drive

Blocked drain in Bellwood Drive

More revelations on withdrawal of meals service for elderly

The York Council has admitted-  in a response to a Freedom of Information request – that it did not formally consult on ending the mid day meal service at its sheltered accommodation units.

 

Gale Farm Court Affected by meals decision

Gale Farm Court Affected by meals decision

Instead any discussions centred around the quality of the meal on offer.

The cut was implemented on 1st October.

The Council has also blamed officials for the decision to end the meals service which it is intended will save £50,000 a year.

They say that the Labour Cabinet approved the budget cut but implementation was delegated to council officials.

The FOI response can be read by clicking here

Liberal Democrats are pressing for the meals service to be restored and have pointed to the £30,000 a year being spent on the empty Oliver House home as one source of alternative funding.

If the Liberal Democrats win the Westfield by election it is also likely that the number of £20,000 a year Cabinet posts will be reduced from the present level of eight.