It looks like the voluntary sector is struggling to cope with increases in the volumes of second hand goods on offer. Several second hand stores have declared a moratorium on new gifts.
That seems to be true of clothes as well with piles developing at the Acomb car park collection point
Latest air quality monitoring information published on the Council dedicated web site confirms that pollution levels remain at low levels in the City. Even historic hot spots like Gillygate are recording the lowest recordable level of NO2 pollution.
The Council provides a weekly commentary on air quality
The Council has not published traffic level information recently but a national study by the Travel Technology Forum suggests that vehicle use is at about 80% of pre lockdown levels. HGV movements have returned to February levels. Bus services are running but with reduced usage.
Cycling activity has fluctuated. Figures suggest that use is sensitive to weather conditions. Relatively few choose to cycle in wet weather and this may result in a further decline as winter approaches.
The latest COVID restrictions may also further reduce the number of journeys being made in the City.
The introduction of street closures in places like the Groves has had little impact on journey times. Alternative routes remain lightly trafficked.
Around 20% of the workforce remains economically inactive. This may change when the governments furlough scheme comes to an end.
In turn any general return to work, and the reopening of city centre offices, may further test the transport system in City.
The Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care at the York Council has quit.
Now Councillors are scrambling around trying to make interim appointments to fill key vacancies just as the “second wave” of Covid 19 gains strength in the City.
They will discuss the issue at a meeting taking place next week
It seems likely responsibilities in the department will be carved up as interim Directors are appointed from within the existing office ranks.
The situation has been exacerbated by the actions of a Hull based official who had been offered the job of Assistant Director Housing and Community Safety.
The previous post holder left the Authority in February 2020.
The appointee had been due to join the York Council on 7th September but has backed out.
Now an interim appointment is to be made from within the Councils existing staff pool. The post will report to a new (delightfully opaquely styled) Director of “Place”.
The role is principally concerned with Council house management.
The department has been criticised for its ponderous reaction to several issues including the increasing length of time taken to let empty homes.
Several housing reports – due to be presented for decision over the last 6 months – have been mysteriously shelved. There has been no explanation and the original decision dates (long passed) have not been updated on the Councils forward plan. .
Partners across York have joined forces to launch a campaign to reassure residents that safety measures have been put in place across the city.
The campaign encourages wider use of face coverings, hand washing and social distancing, in order to stop the spread of coronavirus.
With children returning to school, businesses opening their doors and the city preparing to welcome students, the city is showing how people are coming together to look after one another.
Over the coming weeks, the ‘we’ve got it covered campaign’ will show how organisations have put in place measures to make it easier for people to follow public health advice, in order to protect themselves and each other.
Those who can wear a face covering are being asked to wear one in any space they can’t socially distance from people outside their household, both indoors and outdoors.
The campaign is part of the Let’s Be York initiative encouraging people to be safe, welcoming and considerate in our fantastic city and to protect each other. The campaign will also remind people that, for very good reason, some individuals may not be able to wear a face covering and to support them as they move around the city safely. It will also recognise the importance of handwashing, social distancing and staying at home and getting tested if you have symptoms.
A range of partners have come together to support the campaign, which shows how “we’ve got it covered” with the simple steps we can all take to protect each other.
Partners involved in the campaign are: City of York Council, NHS Vale of York CCG, York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, York BID, University of York, York St John University, York College, Askham Bryan College, First York, York CVS and St Leonard’s Hospice.
People can find out more details about the campaign and how they can get involved at: https://www.valeofyorkccg.nhs.uk/campaigns/weve-got-it-covered
City of York Council has announced a year-long e-scooter trial and selected Europe’s leading operator TIER to run the game-changing technology on its streets.
The first e-scooters will be deployed at the University of York in a few weeks, offering residents a new, green and Covid-safe mode of transport for getting around the city. Discussions are taking place as to whether York Hospital will also be able to host the scheme
The Department for Transport-approved scheme, will initially see up to 100 e-scooters deployed, with more e-scooters and TIER e-bikes to come. Renting an e-scooter in York will cost riders £1 to unlock the vehicle and 15p per minute travelled.
After a highly competitive tender process involving over 15 other applicants, City of York Council selected TIER as sole operator because of the company’s pioneering approach to safety, ability to ensure orderly parking and its unrivalled sustainability credentials.
TIER scooters come with industry-leading safety features including an integrated helmet, the largest front wheel in the market, a wider foot plate, dual suspension, a double kick-stand and dual drum brakes for stable riding on uneven surfaces and conditions.
TIER, founded in 2018 and already in 70 cities across Europe, was the first e-scooter operator in the world to become climate-neutral and is rolling out swappable batteries across its fleet, removing the need to collect and transport the vehicles to a warehouse for charging. York will benefit from this leading model. The company is also demonstrating its financial sustainability, becoming profitable in only its second year.
The York Council has emailed residents telling them;
“22 local charities will be receiving grants of up to £15,000, each from Two Ridings Community Foundation. This is to support their essential running costs over the next six months as they respond to the continuing double whammy of increased demand, and decreased fundraising caused by the Coronavirus crisis and lockdown. This funding is part of the £750 million pot announced by the Chancellor for frontline charities across the UK during the coronavirus outbreak.
These 22 awards, totalling £328,307 brings the amount distributed by Two Ridings in the last six months to £1,541,399!”
A full list can be read by clicking here
Unfortunately, only one York organisation is benefiting from a grant in this round.
Move the Masses will get £14,950 in funding to “improve communication/marketing re: services/projects via website & social media updates. A new part of time member of staff is required for this”.
Move the Masses have promised to start a series of “Acomb Ambles” this month.
This would be welcomed by some. The York Council sponsored “York Health Walks” were suspended 6 months ago and show no signs of restarting. That is a shame as exercise and conversation can be an important antidote to feelings of isolation and depression.
Obviously the background to the health crisis has prompted new government restrictions as part of their reaction to the “second wave”. These come into force on Monday so there will be limits on what voluntary groups will actually be permitted to do..
Nevertheless, there are other organisations which need support not least those managing community centres which are a key part of life in parts of the City.
The Council is considering making further help available to Council tenants who find themselves in financial difficulty as a result of the heath crisis.
A report to a meeting next week says, “Along with a sympathetic and supportive approach to rent and arrears collecting the hardship fund will enable substantial (up to £500 in most cases) help to individuals and families that most need it.
The cumulative impact of reduced public spending and welfare reform including the roll out of Universal Credit has seen an increase in rent arrears in York over the last few years.
The impact of the CV19 pandemic has exacerbated this with arrears rising at £20k per week.
As lockdown restrictions are lifted it is expected that many will return to work and obtain financial stability. There has been an increase in Universal Credit claims and delays of up to 8 weeks in processing these.
The hardship fund – which will be paid for out of the housing revenue account – will cost £80,000.
The council has already refunded the first 13 weeks of the annual rent increase for 2020 / 2021 to anyone who did not have this covered by increases in welfare benefit.
Details of the fund can be found by clicking here
Building work on the new Centre for the Disabled on Ascot Way seems to be progressing more quickly now. Cladding has been added to the building frontage. The adjacent Lincoln Court sheltered accommodation also now sports a new entrance lobby.
Work can’t be completed sooner enough for the neighbours. As well as disruptions cause by deliveries the bus shelter has been out of action while the nearby public noticeboard was damaged during building works. Both need to be renewed when the project is completed.
Elsewhere inevitable problems with bushes obstructing paths have been exacerbated by recent weather conditions
Deaths and test results
The total number of Coronavirus cases in York has now reached 999 following the announcement today of 4 more positive test results.
An updated geographic analysis of the cases has identified, in addition to Woodthorpe/Acomb Park/Foxwood, three other neighbourhoods with an above average number of new cases.
They are Heslington/Wheldrake, Strensall and Clifton Without/Skelton.
Overall levels remain below the national average.
There have been no additional hospital deaths
Council COVID 19 meeting papers published
The Council has published its agenda and background papers for its Outbreak Management Board which is due to take place on 9th September (tomorrow!)
The papers can be read by clicking here
A late report submitted to a Council scrutiny meeting yesterday admitted that a proposal restaurant at a remodelled Guildhall is unlikely to find an occupant at least in the short term.
The rental from the restaurant formed a key part of the financial package for he project which has been criticised for being over ambitious and risky.
It now seems that the income will be significantly less than forecast with building delays and cost over runs still to be added into the equation.
Taxpayers were already facing an annual subsidy cost of around £600,000.
The new complex is now not expected to be competed before the summer of 2021.
Details of the project can be found by clicking here
The report also reviews the future of the Castle Gateway and York Central projects. The former is currently “paused”. Given the parlous state of the councils finances the authority would be wise to freeze expenditure on this plan leaving things as they are for a while at least.
Opportunities may arise over the next few years to sell the Castle Mills and 17/21 Piccadilly sites as the economy improves
The key is to remain flexible if taxpayers interests are to be protected.
In the meantime parking revenue remains vital for the Councils budget while accessible car parking at Castle and (potentially) Castle Mills (surface level) and 17/21 Piccadilly could be an important part of the attempt to revive the City economy.
