Apparently the York Council is going ahead with a plan to bid for nearly £2 million of public funding, despite being told that the area does not qualify for the “Community Renewal Fund”.
York wasn’t on the list of 100 towns and City’s given priority for use of the fund.
Nevertheless, the Council has gone ahead and drawn up a list of schemes that might have benefited. “Partners” were asked to put forward their proposals.
Nine projects were subsequently selected.
There has been no public consultation on the proposals. This has now been exacerbated by a failure (in the Council report to a meeting next week) to provide any explanation of what the projects are intended to achieve.
The single line descriptions are a totally opaque.
We’re pretty sure though, that the “Bosch startup harbour programme” has little to do with ships and water!
The number of COVID-19 patients being treated by the York Hospital Trust has increased to three. There have been no further deaths. The pandemic total remains at 592
Test results
Thirteen new positive test results announced today. Brings the cumulative total up to 12,484.
Case numbers in City rise to 59. That is the largest number seen since 28th March
Rate /100k increases to 28.0. Infection rate trend is still upwards
Neighbourhoods
Vaccinations
The Council has written to employers in the City in the following terms
Dear Employer,
Firstly we want to say thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to help your workforce stay safe during the pandemic and to help stop coronavirus from spreading.
COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on so many lives and livelihoods and we acknowledge how difficult this past year has been for businesses.
However we are asking you to do more to help control the spread of the virus and help ensure the safety of your workforce by supporting the roll-out of the COVID vaccination programme. As well as this being the right thing to do to support the safe re-opening of the City, there is good evidence to suggest that it makes good economic sense too. A vaccinated workforce will significantly reduce levels of sickness and improve productivity and is, therefore, good for business. A business case developed by Public Health England is attached with this letter.
The vaccines being used in the UK are safe and effective and are already having a significant impact in helping to stop the spread of the virus, reducing the number of infections and hospital admissions and saving lives.
Please do everything you can to support your workforce to be able to attend a vaccination appointment by giving them paid time off work for their appointment or by allowing them to work their hours flexibly so they can get their vaccination without loss of wages. We have been contacted by a number of residents who have explained that not being able to take paid time off work is a major barrier to them being vaccinated since they cannot afford to lose pay. We are aware that some employers are already going the extra mile to support their staff but for those employers who have not yet done so we respectfully urge you to review your policies and make any changes necessary to be able to support all of your staff to have easy access to vaccination without the risk of losing out financially.
Thank you for your support. If you require any further information or to discuss what additional support we may be able to give you please contact enquiries.publichealth@york.gov.uk addressing your query to the Director of Public Health.
Yours sincerely
Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, City of York Council
Dr Nigel Wells, Clinical Chair, Vale of York CCG
Dr James Taylor, Medical Director, York Hospital
Tests
4521 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 2nd June 2021
Of these, 1.2% were found to be positive. That is the same proportion as were found during the previous period
In addition, 3890 “lateral flow” tests were conducted on 6th June 2021
A Council meeting next week (14th June) will receive an update on plans to replace the Castle car park with an events space.
Contrary to expectations, most of the area would continue to be hard-surfaced. There is provision for a Pagoda style shelter. The useable space is rather less than can be found on the other side of the road in Tower Gardens.
More extensive changes are planned for the Eye of York – which would effectively become become “the rectangle of York” with space being made available for outdoor museum exhibitions.
The report recommends that “the new public realm at the Castle and Eye of York forms part of the council’s funding bid to central government’s Levelling Up Fund, applications for which close on 18 June 2021″.
The new apartments being built at Castle Mills can’t be occupied before the Castle car park is closed according to a (frankly perverse) planning condition. The Castle car park can’t close until replacement parking has been provided. The Planning Committee has so far refused to approve the provision of a replacement car park.
We expect central government to start reducing its capital spending and borrowing shortly. We doubt whether “nice to have” schemes will get priority over essential infrastructure investment..
No updated business plan is being presented to the meeting next week.
NB. The Council has made no progress on the £5.9 million scheme to redevelop the site currently occupied by “Spark”. They are under pressure to sell the site and use the receipt to avoid unnecessary borrowing which otherwise would be necessary to fund the Castle Mills/car park part of the project.
The Council says that refined drawings may be presented to the meeting next week
It looks like a controversy may be brewing over the York Council’s membership of a LGBT organisation called “Stonewall”. The Council has been a subscriber for about 10 years. In return for a £2500 annual membership fee, it is described by Stonewall as a “diversity champion” on its literature.
Having flown largely under most peoples radar for some years, the organisation has become more controversial recently. It is telling people how to style themselves and those that they interact with. A current Freedom of Information request is seeking more information from the Council.
The issue has been highlighted by the decision of various government departments and organisations like Channel 4 to withdraw support from Stonewall. This is turn appears to have been prompted by some – borderline eccentric – missives from the organisation which included a plea to re-label “mothers” as “a parent who has given birth”.
The genesis of the controversy though appears to have been differing views on Trans-gender policies.
We think that people should be able to label themselves as they chose. If “product of incubation tube 5” suits, then so be it.
But organisations which accept taxpayer funding must also be sensitive to the views of others. There is sometimes a fine line between educational and political activities. Stonewall is a registered charity.
It is not just national organisations that need to be sensitive to the views of their members and supporters. For a couple of years now York Civic Trust (also a charity) has been edging towards a more extreme approach to transport policies. Its latest attempt to influence the emerging Local Transport Pan can be found be clicking here.
“For the city centre, we propose that removal of what the Council refers to as non-essential car use should be achieved by restricting through movement*, increasing parking charges and selective reduction of parking space. Expansion of the Clean Air Zone to include cars would help achieve our low emission targets. It may also be appropriate to consider a permit system for access, enforced as Coppergate is currently“.
“reduce the mode share for travel by car to 49% in 2027 and 40% in 2037“.
*NB. the only significant volume of City centre “through movement” vehicle journeys currently takes place via Lendal Bridge
The statements are made without any attempt to model the impacts that such policies would have on the rest of the City, much less the consequences for the economy.
The members of the Civic Trust, and citizens more generally, will expect a measured and evidenced approach from the Council as it reviews its transport plans.
Fourteen addition positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total up to 12,463. Thirteen positive test results were found last Thursday (3rd June). That is the highest single day number recorded since 25th March
The number of cases has reduced by one to 55 today
The rate /100k population figures is now 26.1. It is expected to rise to over 28.5 during the next few days
Neighbourhoods
Vaccinations
The current priority continues to be on administering second jabs. It is likely that the recommended interval between first and second vaccinations will be reduced from 12 to 8 weeks.
Nationally, the media are saying that the availability of first jabs may be extended to over 25’s sometime this week.
Tests
4410 PCR tests were completed during the week ending 31st May 2021
Of these, 1.3% were positive. That is more than the 1.2% positive found during the previous period.
The “positivity rate” has risen from a low of 0.4% recorded on 19th May, to more than three times that figure today
1575 “lateral flow” tests conducted on 4th May.
The York Council is being asked to provide more information on the nature of the positive test results being found. In particular, the age groups of those infected, whether they are displaying any symptoms, whether any have had one of two doses of vaccine and – in the light of the increased numbers of children who have been found to be infected this week – what special arrangements have been made to ensure that the return to school next week is conducted safely.
With a further easing of restrictions still likely later in the month, the meeting below may review in some detail what “track and trace” responses tell us about where cross infections are most likely to be occurring,
It seems that, despite all the delays, the position for those wanting to park at the new Community Stadium car park remains confused
Although “Better Leisure” tell drivers on their web site to buy a match day ticket in advance from either the Knights or (later in the summer) York City FC, there appears to be no on-line purchase option currently available. This could lead to unnecessary parking in nearby residential areas although many will no doubt restrict their stay to the 2 hour maximum currently enforced across the site.
Any issues need to be sorted out quickly now. Not everyone is yet comfortable with using public transport while car parking income from the 400 allocated match day spaces, is needed to help balance the books on the hugely expensive project.
We’re appealing for information as part of a rape investigation in York.It happened on Hob Moor at around 4am to 4.30am on Sunday (30 May).
A number of lines of enquiry have been carried out which lead us to believe this was an isolated incident.
A young woman was walking across Hob Moor in a south-eastern direct from the west when she was approached by a man and assaulted.
The man is described as a slim build and wearing black trousers, a black hooded jacket and black gloves.
A full investigation is currently under way, and there has been an increased police presence in the area.
Anyone with information about the incident, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously, is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and select option 1, quoting reference 12210128446.
Patients numbers are stable and there have been no further hospital deaths
Test results
Ten more positive test results today. Brings cumulative total up to 12,449
The number of cases in the City has increased from 52 yesterday to 56 today. It is expected to edge up to over 60 cases early next week
Rate /100k population increases to 26.6. That is the highest rate seen since 28th March.
Case numbers continue to rise slowly at national, regional and local levels. York still below the national infection rate
Neighbourhoods
There are now 11 neighbourhoods with three or more cases in each
Vaccinations
Tests
4887 PCR tests were conducted during the week ending 30th May 2021
Of these, 1.2% were found to be positive. That is higher than the 1.1% found during the previous period
2008 “lateral flow” tests were also conducted on 3rd June
According to the Council, there are 6 York University students currently isolating following a positive test. That is the same number as the previous week.
There are also 19 school children isolating. That is more than double the 8 found to have tested positive during the previous week
The data is accurate as at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 04.06.21. Some narrative for the data covering the latest period is provided here below:
People with Covid Symptoms
• NHS Pathways/111 triages – as at 31.5.21 there had been 65 total covid triages in the CYC area in the last 7 days. The peak number of triages was 653 in the 7 day period to 20.9.20.
• As at 3.6.21, the Covid Symptom App estimates 14 per 100,000 in York with symptomatic covid (responses from a sample of 3,821 people). The peak rate was 1,283 on 7.1.21.
Diagnosed cases
• As at 3.6.21 York has had 12,439 cases since the start of the pandemic, a rate of 5,906 per 100,000 of population. The cumulative rate in York is below the national (6,975) and regional (7,334) averages. Cases identified through Lateral Flow Tests will be removed if they have a negative follow up PCR test within 72 hours so the cumulative total of cases can, on occasions, go down.
• The PHE ‘Exceedance’ rating compares the no. of new cases over a 14 day period with the previous 6 weeks and provides a RAG rating to indicate if the previously observed trend in the number of new cases is worsening. The latest rating for York (31.5.21) is Amber. In recent weeks the number of cases have been low in York which has an effect on the thresholds used to determine the RAG rating – a small change can mean the difference between a red, amber and green rating.
• The provisional rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 26.5.21 to 1.6.21 in York is 25.2 (53 cases). (Using data published on Gov.uk on 3.6.21).
• The latest official “validated” rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 23.5.21 to 29.5.21 in York was 24.7 (52 cases). The national and regional averages at this date were 32.4 and 38.5 respectively (using data published on Gov.uk on 3.6.21).
• York is currently ranked 85th out of 149 Upper Tier Local Authorities (UTLAs) in England with a rank of 1 indicating the lowest 7 day rate.
• For the 7 day period 22.5.21.to 28.5.21 the number of cases in each ward varied from 0 to 7 and rates varied from 0 to 57.1 per 100,000. 6 wards had zero cases.
• The rate of new Covid cases per 100,000 of population for the period 23.5.21 to 29.5.21 for people aged 60+ in York was 12.1 (6 cases). The national and regional averages were 7.6 and 7.3 respectively.
• As at 1.6.21, the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 PCR tests only) was 1.73%. The national and regional averages are 2.1% and 2.6% respectively.
• As at 1.6.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 2 Lateral Flow Tests only) was 0.12%. The national and regional averages are 0.2% and 0.2% respectively.
• As at 1.6.21 the latest 7 day positivity rate in York (Pillar 1 tests only) was 0.5%. The national average is 0.3%.
• As at 21.5.21 York University reported 6 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 331 on the 19.10.20.
• As at 17.5.21 York St. John reported 0 individuals within the University community who were currently self-isolating because they have had a positive COVID-19 test. The peak number was 82 on the 8.10.20.
Contact Tracing
• Local Contact Tracing. Between 10.3.21 and 28.5.21, 252 referrals had been actioned by the local contact tracing service. Of the referrals actioned, 235 (93.3%) were successful and 17 (6.7%) were unable to be reached via phone or home visit, but guidance leaflets were posted where possible. (NB on the 10.3.21 the local CYC team became responsible for contacting all cases rather than just those that the national team could not contact).
Cases in Residential Care Settings
• As at 28.5.21 there were 0 care homes in the CYC area with confirmed Covid-19 infection (at least 1 case of either a staff member or resident).
• The latest ‘outbreak’ (2+ cases) in a residential care setting in York were reported by PHE on 25.2.21 (1 home).
Cases amongst School Aged Children
• In the 7 days up to 31.5.21 there were 19 children of primary or secondary school age who tested positive (across 8 different schools).
COVID Bed Occupancy in York Hospital
• As at 1.6.21 there was 1 confirmed Covid-19 patient in a General or Acute bed. The peak number was 157 on 19.1.21.
• As at 1.6.21 there were 0 confirmed Covid-19 patients and 0 suspected Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Treatment Unit. The peak number for people in ITU was 19 on 10.5.20.
R Number
• The ‘R’ value (the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average) for the North East and Yorkshire area on 28.5.21 was estimated to be in the range 0.8 to 1.0. The previous estimate was (0.8 to 1.0) on 21.5.21.
Variant of Concern
• Data from Public Health England shows that in York, up to 2.6.21, there have been less than five confirmed cases of the Delta Variant of Concern (VOC-21APR-02) which was first identified in India.
Total Vaccinations
• As at 2.6.21 a total of 119,722 CYC residents have had the first dose of the vaccine. This represents 56.8% of the estimated total population of York and 68.8% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
• As at 2.6.21 a total of 79,477 CYC residents have had both doses of the vaccine. This represents 37.7% of the estimated total population of York and 45.7% of the estimated adult (18+) population of York.
Deaths
The two sources about deaths from Covid-19 at LA level are ONS data and local registrar data. They are derived from the same source (civil registration data). ONS data is more comprehensive as it includes deaths of York residents which have occurred and been registered outside York. Local registrar data provides a breakdown by age and gender. The most recently available data is summarised below:
• ONS Weekly data: In the most recent period (Week 20: 15.5.21 to 21.5.21) 0 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents. In weeks 17, 18 and 19 there had been 1, 0 and 0 deaths respectively.
• ONS Cumulative data: Since the start of the pandemic, for deaths occurring up to 8th May 2021 and registered up to 29th May 2021, 396 Covid-19 deaths were recorded as having occurred for CYC residents (228 in hospital, 135 in care homes, 25 at home/elsewhere and 8 in a hospice). The number of deaths per 100,000 of population in York is 188.02 which is lower than the national average of 232.28
• Age / Gender breakdown (using registrar data): The average age of the CYC residents who died was 82.1, with an age range of 44-104. The age profile of the CYC residents who have died is older than the national average (79.5% were aged 75+ compared with 73% nationally). 47.9% of the CYC residents who died were male. The national average is 54.4%.
&/or you can forward an email of support to the Lord Mayor at civic@york.gov.uk
Background
In recognition of the work undertaken by professionals, key workers, and volunteers during the Coronavirus pandemic in York, the City Council is asked to offer the Freedom of the City to NHS York.
This is a simple way for the City of York to say “thank you” to the many people who have “gone the extra mile” during the very challenging circumstances of the last year. It is suggested that recognition of key NHS staff is one way of highlighting the work of all key sector workers in the City.
The granting of the Freedom of the City is an ancient privilege most often exercised when recognising military units. The last award was made in 2015 to the Queens Gurka Signals.
We hope that you will feel able to support the petition which asks for the Freedom of the City to be offered to NHS York on behalf of all those key workers and volunteers who have contributed towards getting us through the COVID-19 pandemic.
It looks like a controversy may be brewing over the York Council’s membership of a LGBT organisation called “Stonewall”. The Council has been a subscriber for about 10 years. In return for a £2500 annual membership fee, it is described by Stonewall as a “diversity champion” on its literature.
It is not just national organisations that need to be sensitive to the views of their members and supporters. For a couple of years now York Civic Trust (also a charity) has been edging towards a more extreme approach to transport policies. Its latest attempt to influence the emerging Local Transport Pan can be found be 
