York support for new Universal Credit claimants

The Government’s Universal Credit scheme is being introduced in York by the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) from today, 16 February 2015.

The scheme is being introduced incrementally. It will only affect single working-age job seekers making a new claim for benefits at the Job Centre and who will therefore be assessed for Universal Credit.

If they require support with their rent they will no longer claim Housing Benefit from the council, as the DWP will pay their housing costs as part of the single Universal Credit payment. However, it is important that they still make a claim for Council Tax support from the council if they are the Council Tax bill payer.

Universal Credit is a single payment that is made one monthly in arrears direct to the job seeker. In some circumstances payment of rent can be made directly to landlords, but this will be exceptional.

Residents such as those living in a refuge or living in accommodation where they receive care, support or supervision, such as a hostel, will continue to receive Housing Benefit. The scheme does not affect pensioners who are in receipt of Housing Benefit.

The council is working in partnership with organisations including the Citizens Advice Bureau and Explore York Libraries and Archives Mutual Ltd to provide support to local residents claiming Universal Credit, and to those who have problems with their personal budgets or making a claim on-line. The number to call for this help is 01904 551556.

From 16 February, single working age job seekers can claim Universal Credit on-line from the DWP at https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit 

Latest Planning applications Acomb and Westfield Wards

Below are the latest planning applications received by the York Council for the Acomb and Westfield wards.

Full details can be found by clicking the application reference

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Acomb

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Location:       5 Norman Drive York YO26 5QU

Proposal:       Single storey rear extension

Ref No: 15/00181/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Andy Sykes   Contact:        Mr Andy Sykes   Consultation Expiry Date:       6 March 2015 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level:        DEL

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Westfield

Location:       9 Branton Place York YO26 5BQ

Proposal:       Single storey side and rear extensions

Ref No: 15/00122/FUL

Applicant:      Mr & Mrs Burn   Contact Chris Lawson    Consultation Expiry Date        6 March 2015 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       193 Gale Lane York YO24 3AH

Proposal:       Dropped kerb to front

Ref No: 15/00208/FUL

Applicant:      Mr Roger Curry  Consultation Expiry Date        6 March 2015 Case Officer:   Carolyn Howarth Expected Decision Level DEL

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Location:       2 Meeting House Lane Acomb York YO26 5FD

Proposal:       Fell 7 Poplar Trees; crown prune Holly in a Conservation Area

Ref No: 15/00212/TCA

Applicant:      Mr J Reece   Contact Mr Malcolm Waller       Consultation Expiry Date        6 March 2015 Case Officer:   Esther Priestley        Expected Decision Level

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Representations can be made in favour of, or in objection to, any application via the Planning on line web site.  http://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications/

  1. The Council now no longer routinely consults neighbours by letter when an application is received.

York memories?

Roadshow EX

Date: Tue 17 Feb
Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm
Venue: Tang Hall Library

Date: Wed 25 Feb
Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm 2.00pm – 5.30pm
Venue: Clifton Library
Cost: Free

What should York remember? Help York Explore Libraries and Archives make history by telling them what’s most important to you about York’s history.

More

Community Stadium – last minute bid for all party support

With the planning application for the new Community Stadium held up as highways issues are reviewed, the York Council will today decide to set up an all party monitoring group for the project.

Community Stadium Nov 2014

Such a group was in place until 2011, after which the newly elected Labour Council decided to take project decisions behind closed doors.

The result was a two year delay in moving things forward with the complication of adding Citywide  swimming and indoor sport management responsibilities into the contract.

One consequence was the closure of Waterworld and an emerging threat to the future of the Yearsley swimming pool.

The war between the Councils Labour Leadership and the Knights Rugby Club continues with both sides now engaged in a “mentoring” process.

A “call in” of the planning application by the Highways Agency is adding to the delays with even the most optimistic supporter now doubting whether the stadium could open as promised in July 2016.

The establishment of the all party group is a welcome step forward and should help to sustain the project over the “all out” Council elections, due on May 7th. The make up of the monitoring group would be:

  • 1 x Labour
  • 1 x Conservative Group (Councillor Steward)
  • 1 x Liberal Democrat Group (Councillor Ayre)
  • 1 x Green Group (Councillor Taylor)
  • 1 x Labour Independent
  • 1 x Independent
  • 1 place for a Ward Councillor (Councillor Orrell – Huntington & New Earswick)