York Council labelled “Rotten Borough” by Private Eye

as “internet only” Lendal Bridge refund process announced

The York Council has said that drivers can apply for a refund of unlawful Lendal Bridge fines from Monday.

Private Eye 5th Sept 2014 click

Private Eye 5th Sept 2014 click

However they will only be able to do so “on line” and a deadline of the 31st December has been set for applications.

The Council has become the subject of national derision following its decision to pay refunds ……….but not to tell driver that they were available.

Even the national satirical magazine Private Eye has labelled the Council as a “Rotten Borough” putting it in the same category as the likes of Rotherham and Doncaster

With Council elections scheduled for next May, it is highly likely that Labour will lose control and either an incoming LibDem or Tory administration will restart the refund process.

But in the meantime it seems that the only option for those not on the internet will be a trip to the local library or West Offices itself.

Clearly the Council are banking on the inconvenience putting many motorists off bothering.

Recently the Council decided by 5 votes to 4 not to tell drivers of their entitlement, so motorists in many in other parts of the country – and abroad – are unlikely to hear of the refund scheme.

The Council, statement reads:

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Most of York’s “Sure Start” children’s centres face closure threat

Council officials tight lipped about results of user survey

Six of York’s nine Children Centres could close under options put forward by the Labour Council.

Council consultation leaflet click to enlarge

Council consultation leaflet click to enlarge

Current users were surveyed during August on their preferred future for the centres.

The options on offer were

  1. Three centres (The Avenues, Clifton and Hob Moor) would remain open during the whole of the year while the other 6 centres would operate with reduced opening hours
  2. Six children’s centres would remain open with Clifton, The Avenues and Hob Moor closing permanently
  3. Three centres would remain open (The Avenues, Clifton and Hob Moor) with the others closing (or being taken over by “volunteers”)
  4. All the Children’s Centres would be ruin by volunteers or hived off to local schools or the private sector

The Consultation closed on 26th August but so far Council officials have declined to reveal the results of the consultation.

Sadly this process is all too familiar to York residents with decisions being taken behind closed doors and little opportunity for the community at large to express their views.

Hob Moor Children's Centre future unclear

Hob Moor Children’s Centre future unclear

No doubt the Councils panacea for all problems – ditch services and hope that “volunteers” will take on the burden – will emerge as the favoured option.

With millions of pounds having been invested in Sure Start (which originally enjoyed Labour Government support) it is little short of tragic that the programme  is now in jeopardy.

The York Childrens Centres gained a national award for excellence only last year.

The 9 Sure Start children’s centres are (click for details):