TWO additional COVID related deaths reported at the York Hospital Trust, That makes 6 in the last week.
81 (EIGHTY ONE) new positive test results were announced today bringing the cumulative total to 2555.
The peak cases (per 100k population) reached a new high of 279.19 on Monday although there may be the first signs emerging that the rate of increase has stabilised since then. Too soon to be sure though.
Regrettably, for the second day in a row, the government has failed to publish case level numbers at neighbourhood (MSOA) level. Given that this is the first day of the new Tier 2 restrictions in the City, we think that the government should be publishing more – not less – background information.
Government warning on ill judged transport schemes
The government has issued a warning to councils about squandering the money made available from the Emergency Active Travel Fund. It will be reported to a meeting next week.
… a significant minority of instances where schemes were, frankly, nowhere near good enough
A notable number of councils used their funding poorly and were simply out of step with the needs of their local communities. I saw or heard from the public and parliamentary colleagues about far too many instances where temporary cycle lanes were unused due to their location and design, while their creation left motor traffic backed up alongside them; of wide pavements causing unnecessary congestion in town centres; and other issues that many have, rightly, reacted angrily too.Government Minister
Vitamin supplements
One aspect of the COVID pandemic which intrigued many people was the fall in infection rates during the summer period. While this might partly be the result of people not mixing so much indoors, some heath workers are pointing to the impact that vitamin D can have on resilience.
Sunshine is the principle source of vitamin D for many people. People get less exposure to sunlight between October and April.
The respected “Which” magazine concluded recently that, while there was little evidence that the consumption of vitamin supplements prevented coronavirus infections, generally balanced vitamin supplements did help the immune system.
We think that there is a case for the Council making vitamin supplements available free of charge to vulnerable groups including those making use of food banks.
The York Council is expecting to get an additional £600,000 in support payments from the government as a consequence of moving into Tier 2 restrictions
The York Council has confirmed that the new LNER Community Stadium will not now be completed until 2021. The latest problems, for the jinx hit project, apparently relate to drainage. Remedial works will take several weeks to complete.
At one level this makes little difference, as spectators are not allowed into sports events at present. It might, however, prevent York City switching their (behind closed doors) matches to the new stadium pitch which, in turn, could delay their leaving Bootham Crescent.
The start of the Rugby League season is also creeping closer while tickets for the Rugby World Cup games – now less than a year away – are already on sale.
A further threat to the project is now emerging.
The complex operator GLL – who also run the Council’s Energise sports centre in Cornlands Road – have said that the COVID restrictions have impacted on their finances. The suggestion is that this will mean job losses and possibly the permanent closure of some facilities. GLL are a social enterprise company with operations across most of the country.
The sports centre and pool at Monk Cross – although completed several weeks ago – have yet to open.
With the cinema also now closed, units like the NHS centre and library locked up and “no takers” for the restaurant units, the whole business plan for the complex now looks increasingly shaky.
We have made no secret on our distaste for the “mayoral” style of local government systems. They put enormous amounts of power in the hands of one person. That looked wrong even in at best of times.
Now the governments apparent determination to move ahead quickly with another reorganisation of Local Government in York and North Yorkshire, in the middle of a pandemic, looks to be at the extreme end of irresponsible.
Local government Leaders should be able to devote all of their energises and resources to addressing the health crisis.
Some already look exhausted by the pressures of the crisis.
Reorganisation is an unnecessary distraction which the government should shelve at least until the pandemic, and the outfall from BREXIT, are behind us.
Against that background the York Council and North Yorkshire County Council have prepared a policy proposal which would see the City’s boundaries left as they are. York would still have a – ceremonial – Lord Mayor and local electors would get what they voted for (rather than what their counterparts in Scarborough thought that they should have).
“Council confirms there is no functional, historical or logical reason for merging York
Devolution for York and North Yorkshire and Unitarisation for North Yorkshire
structures and so, unlock the devolution process, City of York Council today (16 October) proposed there is no functional, historical or logical reason to merge York with surrounding rural and coastal areas.
In a report to the Executive, it is proposed that York’s footprint should remain the same, to retain local decision making in York, focus on recovery efforts, avoid significant disruption and cost, and continue to deliver value for money services to residents, businesses and communities.
If agreed, Executive will refer to Full Council on 29 October to decide whether to provide a submission to government that demonstrates York should remain on the existing footprint by providing evidence that there is no functional, historical or logical reason to merge York with other local authorities.
To reduce the 2-tier county and district structures in North Yorkshire, there are only two options being put forward. The first, the council’s preferred option, would mean York remains on its existing footprint and North Yorkshire creates a new single council, serving the whole of North Yorkshire and based on its recognised geography and identity. This would bring together the eight councils currently providing public services there. The second, proposed by the district authorities, is an east/west split that would see York merge with Ryedale, Scarborough and Selby, covering a geography that would stretch 65 miles north/south, and 45 miles east/west.
To achieve greater efficiencies between City of York Council and North Yorkshire County Council, a Strategic Partnership agreement has been created, which describes how seizing opportunities to share resources or lead different aspects of service delivery, whilst respecting the differences between the two places, will better support the region.
There are several benefits of York remaining as a unitary on its existing footprint:
The speed at which devolution maybe achieved
The continuity of services at a time critical for Covid recovery
The continued identify of the City
However, should any change be made to City of York’s existing footprint, there will be a series of detrimental impacts, including
an anticipated £117 increase for Band D taxpayers in York (representing an 8% increase).
disruption to services across York and the districts during this crucial recovery period
end of the 800 year connection between the city and the council, impacting on the very identity of the city.
Over the past few months, consultation has taken place with local residents, businesses and communities regarding devolution and unitarisation, which has been used to feed into the analysis of proposals included in the report. As part of Our Big Conversation, residents have been sending their views on the topic, with 65% of residents believing council services won’t be improved by covering a larger area. As part of the consultation, the Council has also held two devolution focused Facebook Live Q&A’s, and has set up numerous briefing sessions with local businesses, charitable and voluntary groups, and local civic organisations.
The council has not been consulted on the east/west proposal and therefore does not know the detail. As a result it is not possible to accurately assess the impact.
York has a strong case for remaining the same:
t is a median-sized unitary authority with the 7th lowest level of council tax of any unitary.
It’s geography (compact urban and sub-urban) is distinctly different to it’s surrounding area (rural and coastal)
It has maintained financial stability since it was formed in 1996.
It supports a successful, sustainable city, recognised as one of the best places to live in the UK, with world renowned universities and an education system amongst the best in the country.
York responds to the criteria set by central government
To support Executive make an informed decision, the council has summarised evidence for its case to continue on its existing footprint against the criteria provided by government”.
City of York Council will be carrying out essential roadworks on key roads in York including, Cornlands Road, Bad Bargain Lane and Gale Lane, throughout October and November.
The council has worked with trade unions and its supply chain to enable the authority to develop new ways of working during the pandemic. This has ensured works on the highway can happen in a safe way for front line operatives and the public.
The contractor has permission from the local authority to undertake this essential work at this time.
The Council says that the following works are being undertaken:
Gale Lane
We will be carrying out road maintenance works at Gale Lane from 2 November for 5 days, weather permitting. Work will be carried out between 9am – 5pm working Monday to Friday only.
It is only a few months since Gale Lane was last closed for road works
In order to carry out the work safely, the use of a full road closure from, but not including, the mini roundabout at Thanet Road up to the junction of St Stephens Road will be necessary whilst works are taking place.
We will also be carrying out kerbing and drainage works on 29th October for a period of 2 days working 9am – 4pm. These works will be carried out under local traffic management, will not affect access and the road will be open as normal. Parking will be suspended in sections to enable us to carry out the works.
All on-street parking will be suspended during the hours of the works for the full duration, but specific access requirements can be arranged by speaking to the site Traffic Management Operatives, who will coordinate with residents (and business requirements) around the ongoing work operations.
Cornlands Road
We will be carrying out road maintenance works at Cornlands Road from 26 October 2020 for a period of 3 days (weather permitting). The works will be carried out between 9am – 5pm.
In order to carry out the work safely, the use of a full road closure from, but not including, the mini roundabout at Gale Lane up to the junction of St Stephen’s Road will be necessary whilst works are taking place.
All on-street parking will be suspended during the hours of the works for the full duration, but specific access requirements can be arranged by speaking to the site Traffic Management Operatives, who will coordinate with residents (and business requirements) around the ongoing work operations.
Bad Bargain Lane
We will be carrying out road maintenance works at Bad Bargain Lane from 26 October. Work is expected to take 5 days, weather permitting. Work will be carried out between 9am – 5pm working Monday to Friday only. In order to carry out the work safely, the use of a full road closure from, but not including, the junction of Meadlands up to, and including, the junction of Burnholme Grove will be necessary whilst works are taking place.
All on-street parking will be suspended during the hours of the works for the full duration, but specific access requirements can be arranged by speaking to the site traffic management operatives, who will coordinate with residents and business requirements around the ongoing work operations.
Bus Service 11 will be diverted via East Parade straight on to Heworth Village, Hempland Lane, Stockton Lane, Algarth Rd and Ashley Park Rd.
We will also be carrying out kerbing and drainage works on 19 October for a period of 5 days working 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday only. These works will be carried out under local traffic management, will not affect access and the road will be open as normal. Parking will be suspended in sections to enable us to carry out the works.
