Council Tax in York may rise by 3.9%

The government has today confirmed that Councils may, for the forthcoming financial year, increase Council Tax levels by up to 4% without the need for a local referendum.

2% of any rise will be used to improve care facilities for the elderly.

The government has also indicated that it will agree a 4 year budget with any local authorities who wish to implement long term financial planning.

The implications for York of the provisional local government finance settlement announced today are still being worked out.

NB. Councillors in York have tonight agreed to implement a significant increase in their pay levels

York to get £4.6 million “New Homes Bonus”

In figures released by the government today, York has been allocated a New Homes Bonus payment of £4.6 million.

The bonus reflects the number of new properties built in the City.

The government says that 646 homes were built in the City between October 2014 and October 2015, .

That is the largest number of houses built for several years and reflects the City’s climb out of the recession.

Additionally, 67 empty homes were brought into use.

134 “affordable” homes were built which attracted a “premium” on the bonus.

York is receiving a New Homes Bonus of £3.6 million in the current year.

Although intended to encourage house building, the York Council has tended to use the housing bonus payments to underpin its general capital and revenue programmes. (See also NHB 2013)

The recipe for a safe Christmas dinner

For residents planning to eat festive meals at home, City of York Council’s food hygiene experts are serving up a feast of tips.

While 43 per cent of people feel that buying presents is by far the biggest worry at Christmas, cooking Christmas dinner comes second along with family arguments! Yet nearly a third of people will be eating Christmas dinner with more than seven guests and 45 per cent will spend over five hours preparing and cooking the festive meal.

Sean Suckling, Public Protection Manager at City of York Council, said: “The Christmas period can provide challenges when it comes to avoiding food poisoning. Cooking for more people than usual can mean having to handle different storage, defrosting and cooking times for food, making sure that large amounts of food are stored safely, and ensuring that any leftovers are still safe to eat, all while reducing unnecessary food waste.”

Dr Kevin Hargin, Head of Foodborne Disease at the Food Standards Agency, said: “In that long list of things to consider at Christmas, it’s very important that food safety isn’t forgotten. Planning is key, so make sure you follow some straightforward steps to ensure Christmas this year isn’t remembered for all the wrong reasons.”

The Food Standards Agency has produced the following tips to ensure everyone has a happy and healthy Christmas.
(more…)

York Council consultations near closure date

“Improving public engagement” survey available but still not publicised

Improving Public Engagement

Engagement survey

Our Corporate and Scrutiny Management Committee is reviewing the potential for improving public engagement, the take up of services through digital means and our ability to respond. We welcome your views and experiences of engaging with us via our Improving Public Engagement survey.

Consultation closes 31 December 2015

Public Protection review

Our Public Protection service is under review. We would welcome views and comments from businesses about our proposals and how we can make best use of resources including a variety of environmental health, trading standards, licensing and regulatory functions. Have your say in our Public Protection survey.

Consultation closes 31 December 2015

Designer Outlet Park and Ride Bus Service

The Designer Outlet Park and Ride bus service currently calls at all stops along Fulford Main Street, Fulford Road and Fishergate. It is proposed that, from the start date of the new Park & Ride contract in 2017, the number of intermediate stops is reduced.

We would like to hear from Fulford and Fishergate residents and other users of the Designer Outlet P&R service to understand their views on the proposed changes.

Consultation closes 6 January 2016

Minerals and Waste Joint Plan

City of York Council is working with North Yorkshire County Council and the North York Moors National Park Authority to produce a Minerals and Waste Joint Plan covering all three planning authority areas. When finalised the new plan will help us take decisions on planning applications for minerals and waste developments over the next 15 years. Find out more about the latest draft and have your say in the preferred options consultation on North Yorkshire’s consultation website.

Consultation closes 15 January 2016

Budget Consultation 2016-17

City of York Council’s Executive is facing some tough decisions in 2016-17. To help shape the 2016-17 Budget proposals, the council is inviting residents to have their say:

Via our online Budget Consultation survey

By post to: FREEPOST RTEG-TYYU-KLTZ Budget consultation City of York Council West Offices Station Rise York YO1 6GA
By hand at West Offices or libraries/Explore Centres

Consultation closes 20 January 2016

Behind closed doors decision confirms York role in “Rail North Ltd”

Devolution of rail franchising on agenda

Papers published today reveal that York decided to join Rail North Ltd (RNL) and the Association of Rail North Partner Authorities on 30^th November.

Rail North is the name of an interim organisation that was established with the aim of promoting the devolution of rail franchising from Whitehall to the North of England. It is grouping of all 30 local transport authorities in the North of England.

Details of the terms that would apply to York’s continuing participation in the project have been revealed in a comprehensive report.

The decision was made by the Councils Chief Executive.

click to enlarge

The voting power that the City would have in the conglomerate (54 votes out of 1003) are revealed (see left).

The City would pick up the same proportion of the costs. No indications are given in the papers of the scale of any such liability.

In the short term they are described as “nominal”.

The new franchises for the Northern and TransPennine services were announced a couple of weeks ago.

The new Council seems to be doing little better than its predecessor on transparency issues.

There is really no reason why the relevant reports like these could not be published before meetings actually took place.

Other recent behind closed doors decisions include:

A full list of York Council decisions can be found by clicking here

What’s on: Victorian Christmas

Date: Fri 18 Dec
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Venue: York Castle Museum
Cost: £10

Suitable for adults

Step into Christmases past this festive season with a special evening on the museum’s decorated Victorian street, Kirkgate.

Meet the traditional shopkeepers and characters and join in with the carollers before enjoying a special performance of the Christmas Carol.

Take part in Christmas crafts, decoration making, visit the gift stalls, and learn about the traditions of the season with curators talks and the chance to handle authentic festive objects.

£10 per person. To book a place please call: 01904 697979

www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

Date: Sat 19 – Wed 23 Dec
Time: Tours between 4.00pm and 7.30pm
Venue: York Castle Museum
Cost: £8.50 per child, £6 per adult

Wander over the cobbles and under the garlands of our decorated Victorian street this Christmas, and meet the shopkeepers and characters who are gearing up for the festive season.

Help Eliza Mistletoe and Barnaby Jingle look for presents in the traditional shops and take part in festive activities along the way. Then join in with the wassailing under the Christmas Tree – if you sing loud enough Father Christmas will appear!

All Children taking part will have a special moment with Father Christmas and receive a traditional toy. Price includes coffee and a mince pie.

£8.50 per child, £6 per adult (Children must be accompanied by an adult and adults must be accompanied by children!)
Please book by calling 01904 697979