York to ensure Brexit contingencies are in place

City of York Council will soon be analysing contingency plans in the event of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit.

To date, nearly 30 councils have responded to a freedom of information request for their Brexit plans, with some expressing mounting concern at having to plan to deliver local public services post-Brexit.

With the release of the Government’s delayed ‘no deal’ Brexit contingency reports, there is a large amount of information which has been suddenly released into the public domain and this will take some time to analyse.

It is our objective to ensure that all residents, businesses and partner organisations are able to plan ahead, with confidence, and make sure day to day business continues.

Cllr Andrew Waller, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader of the Council, commented:

“There is a huge amount of uncertainty, both locally and nationally.  No matter which side of the argument you are on, it is vital that we are to plan ahead in order to minimise disruption and retain a successful York economy.”

“Looking forward, aspects of supply chains will be examined by the Council in order to make sure Council services, which residents rely on, are able to continue effectively.  For example, ensuring parts for our Council vehicles are received.”

“This is an incredibly large and complex piece of work, but it is important that residents, businesses and partners are able to access this information.”
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Ashbank sale set to net Council £1.35 million

Ashbank – scheduled to be converted into flats since 2013

The former Council offices at Ashbank on Shipton Road are set to be sold to Anchor Housing. They own the adjacent “Barleyfields” site.

The building has been empty for over 7 years.

The current offer is for £1.3 million.

Anchor hope to build 51 leasehold apartments on the site. The apartments are aimed at retired people.

New Water End bridge will cost £20 million

York Central

Councillors are set to invest £20 million in a new access bridge linking Water Lane to the new York Central development.

Part of the cost involves mitigation of the effect that the new road will have on the “Millennium Green”.  Ironically the green was previously owned by the Council.

The work has to be finished by March 2021 to satisfy criteria laid down by the Leeds based West Yorkshire Transport Fund. Work is expected to start in the spring of 2019

There is likely to be wide-scale disruption to traffic using Water End. With several other major schemes also set to start on the north and west of the City, including the northern by pass roundabout upgrades, the potential for major transport disruption exists.

If the York Central scheme fails to go ahead, – some financing bids are still outstanding – the liability for taxpayers already stands at £5.7 million.