Half of the members of York’s Labour Cabinet have taken on second jobs.

Unlike the past, when the members of the Executive were expected to put in 40 hours (at least) a week on behalf of York residents, the current Cabinet appears not to be so fastidious.

Many residents were touched to learn that Council Deputy Leader Tracey Simpson Laing had opened up a coffee stall on Newgate Market earlier in the autumn. Commendably she immediately added the “interest” to the Councils public register. It was to be a 5 weeks before the Cabinet decided to invest £1.6 million in modernising the market.

Meanwhile the Library service in York is threatened with a takeover by a “social enterprise” organisation. New Cabinet member David “leftie” Levene admits to being on the payroll of “Social Enterprise Yorkshire & the Humber”. No conflict of interest there then.

“Leftie” caused embarrassment for the Labour party in the summer when he steadfastly refused to celebrate the Queens Jubilee. He declared himself to be a member of “Republic” an anti monarchist anarchist group whose web site http://www.republic.org.uk/ says, “The monarchy is not only an unaccountable and expensive institution, unrepresentative of modern Britain, it also gives politicians almost limitless power”. Well that’s one in the eye for politicians like, err, “Leftie” then!

Meanwhile the unemployable Cllr Crisp forsook our ancient City’s Remembrance Day services to head for (inevitably) Blackpool. She tweeted that she was having a fabulous “coming together” at a Diwali Party. Cllr Crisp continues to have difficulty explaining why her register of interests was not kept up to date earlier in the year although she has now admitted to receiving over £500 worth of gifts and hospitality so far in 2012.

But it is Cllr Alexander who tops the hospitality and gifts league table http://tinyurl.com/JA-York-reg. So far he has raked in around £2000 worth this year alone.

Two other Councillors may care to explain just how much time they are putting in to their Council jobs in return for salaries of around £22,000? Both Councillors Merrett and William’s also record salaries received from Amey and Yorkshire Water respectively.

But full marks to Cllr Gunnell who doesn’t have another job and who has not received any gifts or hospitality.

NB. It’s just a few weeks since some Councillors were appealing to an independent remuneration panel saying that they spent 50 or 60 hours a week on their Council roles.

Fresh questions have been raised over this month’s ‘Gunpowder Plod’ fireworks event after it was revealed that the Council did not receive any rental payment from the company behind the event.

City of York Council gave organisers ‘Rat Race Adventures’ use of the Knavesmire venue for no charge. This subsidy was offered in the expectation that profit in future years, though crucially not this year, would be shared. However, it is unclear what will happen to this arrangement after the event received widespread criticism and reportedly left many visitors unhappy.

Visitors complained of two hour long queues at food stalls, a delay of an hour for the start of the fireworks display, a delayed start for the 5km race, and a bonfire which had burnt out before people arrived. In response to the criticism ‘Rat Race Adventures’ promised to donate £5,000 to charity.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Leisure & Culture, commented:

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Increased use of the Danesgate Community school in Fulford has been blamed for an increase in school transport costs for the York Council.

Currently around 150 children attend the school which was set up as a “referral unit” for those with behavioral problems. The reasons for the increase have not been revealed by the Council, although there is a move to get all schools to bear the pooled costs of transport to specialist units like these.

The overspend forms part of a £1 million potential end of year deficit on the Council’s Children and Young Peoples budget.

The issue will be debated at a “scrutiny” meeting which is taking place on 21st November.

Other significant budget pressures include the increasing number of children being put with foster parents.

On a more positive note, York has the lowest level of children in workless households in the region, which the Council claims is “an illustration of our comparatively strong economy creating good conditions and prospects for young people”.

North Yorkshire Police will be carrying out mobile safety camera enforcement on the following routes between Wednesday 7 November and Tuesday 13 November 2012.

•A64 east-bound Bowbridge Farm, Tadcaster
•B1228 Main Street, Elvington, York
•B1228 Dunnington Lodge, Elvington, York
•A1237 Monks Cross, York
•A64 west-bound Bowbridge Farm, Tadcaster
•A64 east-bound Bowbridge Farm, Tadcaster
•A19 Selby Road, Whitley
•Millfield Road, Chapel Haddlesey
•A64 west-bound Bowbridge Farm, Tadcaster
•A64 east-bound Bowbridge Farm, Tadcaster
•Brayton Lane, Brayton, Selby
•Barff Lane, Brayton, Selby
•A64 west-bound Bowbridge Farm, Tadcaster
•A64 Between Whitwell Hill and Barton Hill
•A64 Between Barton-le-Willows and Jinnah
•A64 Between Barton Hill and Whitwell Hill
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