The new leaders of the York Council say they will publish a new “Council Plan” in the autumn.
This will be preceded by public consultation.
The Council’s Executive will hear on Thursday that they intend to concentrate resources on a list of challenges. These are:
a. Good Health and Wellbeing
b. Well-paid jobs and an inclusive economy
c. Getting around sustainably
d. A Better Start for Children and Young People
e. A Greener and Cleaner City
f. Building homes and World-class infrastructure g. Safe Communities and culture for all
h. An open and effective Council
So, in effect, everything will be a priority!
The electorate told Councillors in May that the top priority should to get basic street level services back up to decent standards.
That means that performance on key services needs to be monitored regularly and publicly published.
The Council needs to concentrate on its core responsibilities. Those that affect most residents are:
- Road repairs
- Footpath repairs
- Litter/Fly tipping prevention
- Weed control
- Poop scoop/ litter/ salt bins
- Hedge/tree maintenance
- Street cleaning
- Amenity & garage area maintenance
- Reducing Dog Fouling
- Improving Policing visibility
- Car parking
- Grass cutting (e.g. verges and open spaces)
- Recycling
- Street lighting
- Schools
- Refuse collection
- Bus service improvements
To this list should be a commitment to openness and a drive to devolve power to local communities
The Council should concentrate on getting these service right before being tempted to roll out “beer and skittles” prestige projects.