So how much income will the Tour de France bring into York?

After months of prevarication the York Council has revealed how much of its £1.6 million investment it hopes to recoup from camping, sales and other sponsorship.

The Council Leader said that a business plan had been drawn up earlier in the year; “my expectations on income would have been circa £175,000 directly to the council”.

In a moments panic, he later claimed that the estimate might have to be reduced because of the decision to restrict the opening hours of the camp site on Monk Stray!

Quite how much the Council was planning to charge Monk Stray campers will now be a matter of some local interest.

He went on to say that “our main objectives are to ensure local businesses benefit hugely”.

Some hospitality businesses are already doing hugely well out of taxpayer funded events!

A seemingly endless stream of no expense spared events has been taking place over the last few days.

They culminated in an exclusive dinner last night in Ripon Cathedral which was attended by 2000 people.

Tour De France launch dinner in Ripon Cathedral

Tour De France launch dinner in Ripon Cathedral

NB. Unfortunately the York Council’s Chief Executive failed to attend last nights important Council meeting. Had she been there, she might have been able to advise a floundering Labour Cabinet, on the steps necessary to control expenditure on the “Grand Départ’ before they get totally out of control.

York Council spent £5,747 on trip to Cannes

York twinned with Cannes. Improvement in fireworks expected

York twinned with Cannes. Improvement in fireworks expected

Labour have been forced to admit that they spent £5,747 sending 3 senior officers to this years Estate Agents convention in Cannes.

In 2013 the bill was even higher.

The Council have not revealed how much their partner organisation the “Leeds City Region” – also partly funded by York taxpayers – has spent on the jaunt.

The breakdown for the costs to York Taxpayers are:

“Kersten England (CX) (2 night stay); Katie Stewart (Head of ED) and Andrew Sharp (Strategy and Investment Manager for ED) (both 4 night stays) attended.

Accommodation: £2943.95

Travel: £2653.24

Subsistence for KS and AS: £150 approx.”

In a written answer to a question posed at last nights Council meeting about what tangible benefits attendance at this conference had produced, the Council Leader was less forthcoming.

“Ultimately the benefits of this year’s event will be better known only in the months and years that follow when we see what investor interest results from our attendance”.

So in other words “I’ve no idea”

When pressed further on the benefits of the Cannes initiative he was equally vague

He was asked “What is the value of the investment – detailing each development separately – made in York which can be directly attributed to the Council and its partners’ participation in the 2013 MIPIM event?”

(more…)

Garden waste collections restart

Charges for extra bins also introduced

“Look out for your new sticker” say Council

Garden Waste bin stickers

Garden Waste bin stickers

City of York Council’s garden waste collections will start again from next week, with fortnightly green bin collections through ‘till the end of October.

The Council says, “From Monday 31 March, all eligible households will continue to have one garden waste bin emptied free of charge. To enable crews to identify these easily all households have been sent a new garden waste sticker to place on the lid of their bin.

Residents will be given a period of time to ensure the sticker is placed on their bin because from 5 May those bins which are not displaying the sticker will not be emptied.

In addition to this, any households who would like to have more than one garden waste bin collected between April and October 2014 still have time to subscribe to the additional green bin scheme before the collection service starts up again at the end of this month.

These households will receive a separate and unique ‘garden waste scheme sticker’ as part of signing up.

Residents can join the scheme at any time, but those who subscribe before the start of April will benefit from around 16 collections during the 2014 collection period – which equates to less than £2.50 per collection (£35 per year)”.

To join the scheme simply call 01904 551551 or ‘apply for it’ via our secure website at https://www.york.gov.uk/DoItOnline/

To find out more about the new stickers or the garden waste subscription scheme visit www.york.gov.uk/recycling

Residents are also able to take additional garden waste to Hazel Court and Towthorpe Household Waste Recycling Centres free of charge in a car. Residents using larger vehicles or trailers will need to apply for permits to use the site.

Home composting is also a great way to manage waste at home and provide nutrient rich compost for gardens. Visit http://www.getcomposting.com/ for further information or to purchase a reduced price home compost bin to get started.

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