The new Council seems to be struggling to introduce more open procedures as quickly as many had hoped.

Understandably procedural change has to find its way through the formal processes of the Council – and might even involve amendments to the Constitution – but the lack of an early statement of intent is likely to become an increasing irritant to some residents.

Several relatively minor decisions have been taken over the last week. In each case the agenda and background  papers were published after the decision had been taken.

It takes very little effort to ensure that agendas appear on the Council web site in advance of meetings taking place. Whether those decisions – which involve only Council officials – need for some reason  to be insulated from the comments of taxpayers may be a matter of opinion.

This week the following decisions have been recorded (click to access what background information the Council has chosen to publish)

1.  Award of 4 Year Term Contract to Redhill Analysts Ltd to undertake Asbestos Surveys, Air Monitoring to the social housing portfolio; Director of Communities & Neighbourhoods
2.  Award of 4 Year Term Contract to Gentoo Construction Ltd to undertake Asbestos Removals to the social housing portfolio; Director of Communities & Neighbourhoods
3.  Heslington Lane, Broadway – Hull Road Ward and Fulford and Heslington Ward; Director of City & Environmental Services This decision concerned a plan to advertise parking restrictions on Heslington Lane
4. Burdyke Avenue Improvement Scheme – Follow Up; Director of City & Environmental Services This decision concerned the length of a parking lay-by which is being constructed on Burdyke Avenue