An electronic petition is being collected in support of a return to annual elections for the York Council. It can be found here http://tinyurl.com/Annual-elections-petition

In support of the petition the organisers point out that until 1995, annual Council elections took place in York.

One third of the Council was elected each year.

As now, each Councillor served for 4 years (County Council elections took place on the fourth year; although that would no longer apply to York as it is now a Unitary – all purpose – Authority).

This system continues in use in many Councils up and down the country.

The advantages of annual elections include:

• The ability of the electorate to hold to account, on a regular basis, those who spend taxpayers money

• Avoiding dramatic changes to the political make up of the Council avoiding periods of indecision as large numbers of new Councillors build up experience

• Acting as a pressure on the Councils leadership to be sensitive to public opinion on an ongoing basis

The Boundary Commission is asking for views on the reintroduction of annual elections as part of its current review of Ward Boundaries in the City which is scheduled to be completed by 14th January 2013.

This petition asks the current York Council to support the reintroduction of annual elections.

Representations on election frequency and ward boundaries can also be made direct to the Boundary Commission by clicking here: http://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/yorkshire-and-humberside/north-yorkshire/city-of-york-fer

North Yorkshire Police haven’t published a list of mobile speed camera locations this week. Ironically, perhaps, they say that they are however supporting a road safety week organised by a speed reduction charity.

“The 95 Alive York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership is supporting this year’s Brake Road Safety Week, from 19th to 25th November 2012. This year’s theme is “Slower Speeds = Happy People!”

By easing off the accelerator, drivers can give themselves that extra few seconds to see other road users and plenty of time to react if needed.

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A key council committee that scrutinises policies on the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable is being “effectively abolished” according to Liberal Democrat Councillors.

Council Leader downgrades vulnerable groups status

Under changes being introduced by the Labour Cabinet, the ‘Equality Advisory Group’ will see informal meetings replace regular formal committees and opposition councillors will be banned from sitting on the body. The EAG’s role is to advise the Labour Cabinet on policies affecting vulnerable groups and on equality and diversity issues. The EAG is made up of councillors and representatives from groups including the York Older People’s Assembly and the York Racial Equality Network. The changes were rubber-stamped by the Labour Cabinet earlier this month and are scheduled to come into effect in January.

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The First Day of Christmas event will run from 6-7pm on Thursday 22 November in St Helen’s Square.

The festive season officially begins in York tomorrow with the ‘First Day of Christmas’, a spectacular event in St Helen’s Square involving special guests Father Christmas and York’s favourite pantomime dame, Berwick Kaler of York Theatre Royal, with a few surprises along the way.

To get them in the Christmas spirit, residents will be treated to joyful carols from the Railway Institute Golden Rail Band while they await the arrival of Father Christmas and Berwick Kaler, who will roll up in style in a vintage car to be greeted by the Lord Mayor. Berwick will be starring in Robin Hood and his Merry Mam! from 13 December until 2 February.

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City of York Safeguarding Children Board (CYSCB) host a conference in York on 21st November to explore the issue of child neglect. The event will be attended by over 200 childcare professionals. The keynote speaker is childcare expert, Professor Eileen Munro. Professor Munro conducted a wide ranging national review into frontline child protection practice in 2011 on behalf of Secretary of State for Education; Michael Gove.

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