Highways repairs – Ward plans published

One of the positive actions taken by the present Council was its decision to delegate to local Ward Councillors a budget to be spent repairing local roads and footpaths.

The Councils main repairs budget – which is inadequate to maintain standards – is focused on the busiest highways.

Some sub-urban roads haven’t been resurfaced for over 60 years.

Against that background, local Councillors have found it increasingly difficult to justify to local residents the growing number of potholes and ruts often found on local roads.

In 2019, they were given a modest “pot” which could be used to address the worst of the complaints.

It has taken a long time for the programme to get going, but now a series of “decisions” on how the funding will be spent are finding their way on to the Councils web site.

It has to be said that the process is largely impenetrable with no central schemes list being updated (and viewable by residents).

The latest list of proposals covers several wards. The investment decisions are likely to be of more interest to local taxpayers than many more high profile issues which seem to exercise the Councils media relations team.

In Westfield, the local Councillors have opted to allocated £20,000 towards the repair of back lanes in the Beaconsfield Street, Milner Street and Gladstone Street area.

They are right to do so.

A resurfacing programme, which was started some 20 years ago, stalled leaving the lanes very uneven and with a patchwork appearance. The lanes are mostly paved with traditional setts. These are very hard wearing but hugely expensive to relay.

We suspect that the available budget will allow only the worst of the uneven stretches of lane to be resurfaced probably using a bitmac overlay.

One other consequence is likely to be that the poor condition of the main highways in the area will become more apparent. School Street has been a particular embarrassment for some years.

Back lanes and carriageways are in poor condition in parts of Acomb.

Hopefully more funding will be found for the resurfacing of minor roads in future years.

Recycling – public have their say

The Council says that it has received over 7,000 responses and 22,000 comments during the recent recycling consultation

It faces a major dilemma now as it tries to reconcile its wish to reduce the costs of the waste collection service with residents aspirations.

Waste collection has consistently rated as the top public service when residents have been asked to rank the services provided by the Council.

Councillors know that the existing refuse collection service gets good approval ratings in the surveys that they conduct.

The key question – so far unanswered – is “if it ain’t broke, why fix it”?

The Councils media release reads “City of York Council would like to thank all residents who provided their feedback during the recycling changes consultation

The consultation has seen one of the largest responses to-date, with over 7,000 submissions and over 22,000 comments.

The 6-week consultation ended Tuesday (11 May) and will now be taken to an Executive meeting on 20 June, after collating the responses.

In addition to the online survey, the council commissioned a series of independently run focus groups to ensure as many residents’ view could be reflected in the final findings.

The focus groups encompassed views from residents across the city, including residents living in terraced properties, and were staggered over a period of time to ensure key themes emerging from the online consultation were able to be explored further.

The proposals come at a time when the focus on improving our environment has never been more important. The council wants to explore how it can collect recycling in a way that minimises our impact on the environment, improves the service on offer for residents and maximises our opportunity to recycle.

Recycling waste is cheaper than collecting items in black bins (household waste) and therefore residents can help the council save money whilst protecting the environment. The proposals also include the order of new waste and recycling fleet”.

Make it York activities scaled back

Make It York’s economic development arm is set to merge its expertise with the council’s, “to maximise resources and strengthen York’s future, as arrangements for the city’s destination management organisation are set to be agreed by senior councillors”.

In February, the council’s Executive agreed arrangements for the next contract between City of York Council and Make It York (MIY) in order to secure an even stronger future for both organisations.

This includes both organisations merging their economic development and inward investment functions with the council taking the lead. This merger was approved by 87% of city stakeholders who took part in a consultation on proposals for MIY’s future earlier this year.

Under the proposals, Make It York would continue to support the city centre, its markets and tourism through activities that include culture and events. MIY’s revised role, performance measures and governance are also set to be clarified.

There may continue to be misgivings about how MIY manages City centre activities.

There was a recent controversy about the location of the traditional Carousel while some residents point to the lack of a Farmers Market in the forward programme.

Relationships between market stall holders and the organisation have not always been harmonious.

Even by York Council standards, Make it York has a largely impenetrable decision making and accountability structure.

York Council clarifies short term policy on face-to-face meetings

National guidance on council meetings updated

Pressure is growing on the York Council to make its position clear on when a return to public decision making using an all party committee system will be considered. A similar proposal in Sheffield received majority public support in a referendum last week.

The Liberal Democrat manifesto at the last local elections promised to introduce such a system and local Green Party Councillors – who form part of the ruling coalition in York – also say they favour a the modern committee system option.

Although the Labour and Tory groups apparently favour retaining the “winner takes all” Executive system, they are currently in a minority on the York Council.

So what is stopping the leadership from getting moving on the issue?

Separately the Council has announced which meetings will be “in person” over the coming couple of months. All party “scrutiny” meetings will still be held virtually (via zoom) which is a shame given that they are the only real debating forums for many issues.

Some of the more obscure Executive decision meetings attract little public interest though so perhaps the Council is right to try to conduct them “on-line”. Such meetings often last for less than 10 minutes.

City of York Council say that they are putting in place plans to accommodate the national ruling on the future of council meetings.

Following the ruling of the high court, from Friday 7 May, all council decision making meetings will be held in person, with some non-decision making meetings continuing virtually.  Whilst the guidance means meetings will need to be held in person, the council will be putting in place measures to ensure meetings are conducted in a covid safe environment, including allowing for appropriate social distancing.

Over May and June, the following meetings will be take place in person:
•    Annual Council: 27 May, 11am
•    Executive: 20 May, 5.30pm
•    Planning Committee: 17 June (provisional), 4.30pm
•    Area Planning Sub-Committee: 13 May, 4.30pm; 26 May, 4.30pm; 10 June, 4.30pm
•    Licensing Committee: 8 June (provisional), 5.30pm

The below meetings will continue virtually to consider making recommendations before any decision is made.

Executive Member Decision Sessions:
•    Finance and Performance – 14 June, 10am
•    Health and Adult Social Care – 16 June, 10am
•    Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods – 17 June (provisional), 10am 

Scrutiny:
•    Economy and Place – 25 May, 7pm
•    Customer and Corporate – 14 June, 5.30pm

This format will be in place for May and June, and will be reviewed from July onwards, following further guidance on the roadmap after 21st June.

Public participation in relevant meetings will be allowed in person, and by phone for those wishing to dial-in. In addition to the relevant councillors and officers, meetings will have a space for public speakers to attend, and a cleaner will be present to wipe down any surfaces they come into contact with between each speaker. The safety of members of the public, along with officers and councillors, is of paramount importance.

Those wishing to speak at public meetings will need to register their interest a minimum of 2 working days in advance, this can be done online here. If you would like to attend a meeting in person, along with registering to speak, it is recommended that you should take a symptom-free covid test in the 24 hours before the meeting. If your result is positive you should immediately self-isolate and follow the process for confirming your results.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of the Council, said:

With national guidance changing, council meetings will continue to be delivered in a safe way, as to provide local residents, businesses and organisations the opportunity to engage in the Council’s decision making process.

“We would still encourage anyone looking to share their thoughts at public meetings to follow the usual procedure to register and have their say.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said:

As we move through the steps of the roadmap to recovery more elements of life will ‘return to normal’. It is still essential that we all remember that covid is still very much a part of our lives, and we must continue to follow hands, face, space and fresh air to help stop the spread. I would strongly encourage everyone to regularly take part in symptom-free testing, especially as more people will be leaving their household much more often.

The council will share further information about the plans for future meetings, including the planned Full Council meeting taking place in May, soon.

York Council plans for “Back to the Bus” recovery

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Following publication of a National Bus Strategy on 15th March, a report will be taken to City of York Council’s next Executive on 20th May.

The report will set out how the council will support a flourishing network of bus services as York recovers from the pandemic.

The new guidance from the Department for Transport asks local authorities to set up an enhanced partnership with operators to improve services and ensure we build back better.  If the report taken to Executive on 20 May 2021 is endorsed, the council will begin to develop a plan to improve the network in conjunction with operators and stakeholders. An early focus is likely to be on how new types of ticketing can be introduced to make it easier and cheaper to travel on any bus in the city.  Other work will include improving the information available to passengers, improving passenger representation within the bus partnership and how measures to make bus services faster and more punctual can be introduced in York.

Bus services have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. In spring 2020 the number of people travelling by bus fell to around 10% of pre-covid levels.  However, passenger volumes in York are now approaching 50% of the level they were in 2019, and there is an expectation of further recovery as restrictions change later this month.

The National Bus Strategy requires councils and operators across England to form an enhanced partnership with operators by July 2021 or risk losing the covid relief funding which is being paid to keep bus services running whilst passenger numbers are suppressed during the pandemic.  Councils must then develop and publish a plan to improve services by October 2021. The Bus Service Improvement Plan will form part of York’s fourth Local Transport Plan and could potentially be used to bid for additional funds from central government – for example to continue the process of electrifying York’s bus network or support lower fares.

Options for the provision of bus services in York include developing the existing quality bus partnership – which is voluntary – into an enhanced partnership (which would be contractual) or franchising bus services.  These options will be carefully considered as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

The work being undertaken is funded initially by a one-off grant of £100,000 which the Department for Transport has paid to all local transport authorities in England.  It is proposed that a further report is bought to Executive in September 2021, setting out the detail and contents of York’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Police issue warning over counterfeit bank notes

North Yorkshire Police has had several reports of counterfeit cash being used in the last few weeks to pay for a range of items including secondhand goods and takeaways.

Most reports have been from the York area but we believe the currency maybe used elsewhere in the county too. The fake notes have been used to pay for second hand items bought through Facebook Marketplace and Ebay, as well as for food items and takeaways.

The currency is very crudely created, the notes tend to be opaque and much thicker material than authentic notes. Many of the notes have also been printed ‘Poonds’ instead of ‘Pounds’ and some even feature the small print: ‘This money is play money for video movie use only’.

We’re urging the public to be extremely careful when accepting cash payments and to check that notes are genuine. The Bank of England have the following advice around checking for genuine notes:

  • Tilt the note from side to side. Check the images change between a ‘£’ symbol and the number ’20’.
  • Hold the note up to the light. Check there is a bright ‘£20’ at the top of the Queen’s portrait.
  • There are alternating images of Adam Smith along the foil strip. The position of foil patches can vary on notes. To the right of the Chief Cashier’s signature, the number ’20’ is embossed over the foil strip.
  • The note is printed on special paper that gives it a unique feel. On the front of the note, you can feel raised print. For example, on the words ‘Bank of England’ and in the bottom right corner, around the number ’20’.
  • Under a good quality ultra-violet light, the number ’20’ appears in bright red and green on the front of the note, against a duller background. You can see bright red and green flecks on both the front and back of the note.
  • A metallic thread is embedded in the note and appears as silver dashes on the back. When the note is held up to the light, the thread appears as a continuous dark line.

An investigation into these counterfeit notes is currently ongoing and if you think you have been paid using counterfeit currency, please call 101 to report this. Ref: 12210103581

Are incentives to come to York needed?

A quiet day today in York City centre with locals enjoying the fine weather.

More seating is now available in Parliament Street and this is proving to be popular.

A £60,000 campaign to bring “staycation” visitors to York has also been announced, while the Council has launched a range of transport incentives (see below).

The further easing of restrictions scheduled for Monday may, however, brings its own challenges, with pent up demand likely to test compacity at a time when coronavirus is still prevalent, particularly among younger age groups.

York will attract a lot of visitors this summer

New travel incentives announced

City of York Council have announced a range of parking and travel incentives to encourage residents and visitors back to the city centre to support the city’s ongoing economic recovery.

New offers include a discounted resident’s Minster Badge for city centre parking, as well as a 50% off All York Family Ticket to launch as step three of the government’s Road Map is rolled out next week, from17 May 2021.

Half Price All York Family Ticket

The announcement includes a 50% discount for residents and visitors off the All York Family Ticket. The All York Family Ticket allows unlimited travel for the day, on all bus operators in York, including Park & Ride (excluding tourist and event services such as City Sightseeing and race day shuttles) for 2 adults and up to 3 children.  It normally costs £11, but will be discounted to £5.50 under the offer.

Tickets can be bought at the discounted price from 17 May 2021.

With well-established hygiene practices on-board and the maintenance of low COVID-19 cases numbers across York, now is a great time to enjoy the convenience and sustainability of York public transport network. Please follow the on-board guidance and remember hands, face, space when travelling.

Find out more on the iTravel website at https://www.itravelyork.info/allyork

Minster Badge Discount

Residents will be able to apply for a £10 Minster Badge up until  the end of March 2022 that lasts for 2 years. The badge gives residents discounts on parking in council car parks and on-street parking bays. The badge also entitles holders to park for free after 5pm in most council car parks – perfect for evening shopping or to enjoy the many excellent hospitality businesses across the city.

Minster Badges can be bought at the discounted price from 17 May 2021.

The discount will come into play as part of the next stage of lockdown restriction easing, at step three of the government’s Road Map.

To find out more visit: https://www.york.gov.uk/MinsterBadge

TIER E-Scooter and E-Bikes

With an expanded range of electric vehicles to hire across the city, residents and visitors can enjoy TIER’s e-scooters and now e-bikes from almost 40 parking bays across the city.

TIER currently have an active code that enables 5 free unlocks for users of the app: TIERXYORK

Find out more on the iTravel website at https://www.itravelyork.info/e-scooter-trial

Download the app to ride today at www.tier.app

Any questions? Feel free to reach out to the TIER team on  +44 151 3174276 or yorksupport@tier.app.

Consultation on future provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in York

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Young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in York, and their families, are being asked to help shape future provision by taking part in a citywide consultation.

City of York Council wants to hear residents’ views on a series of broad proposals to ensure that the right provision is available to help all children and young people with SEND fulfil their individual potential.

The review follows a sustained increase in the number of children and young people with SEND, particularly those with Speech Language and Communication Needs associated with Autism.

Maxine Squire, City of York Council’s Assistant Director of Education and Skills, explained: “It’s important that we continually review our provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to make sure that we’re able to meet their very diverse needs.

“With the numbers of children and young people with SEND expected to continue to increase over the next couple of years, it’s essential that we take stock of what’s working well, how we might want to deliver provision differently or what we need to improve. It’s about making sure we have the right range of provision, which best meets the varied and complex needs of all the young people in York within the budget available.”

Families will be asked for their views on proposed changes to five key areas of provision:

  • early years provision;
  • Provision for children and young people with SEND in mainstream schools;
  • support for children and young people with Communication and Interaction Difficulties, including Autism;
  • support for children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs;
  • Provision at Applefields School (a Secondary Special School for young people aged 11-19 with a wide range of special educational needs and/or disabilities.)

The consultation is available online at www.york.gov.uk/SENDInclusionReview. Paper copies of the consultation are also available at Explore Library and Gateway Centres. The closing date is Wednesday 30 June.

Cllr Keith Orrell, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

This is a great opportunity for young people with special educational needs, their families, and health and childcare professionals, to help shape future provision and I’d urge people to get involved.

“Proposals for change can cause some uncertainty for children, young people and their families. I want to reassure everyone that no changes will take place until a full evaluation of the consultation responses has been carried out and the proposals reviewed in light of the feedback.”

People can also ask questions on the Inclusion Review consultation as part of the council’s next Facebook live Q&A session at 5.30pm on Thursday 13 May.

Residents can interact with the session by either submitting questions in advance by emailing them to YourQuestions@york.gov.uk or commenting on the live video on the council’s Facebook page (CityofYork) from 5.30pm -6.30pm.

Council inundated with responses to recycling consultation

Refuse collection changes are a concern in York

It seems, for once, that the York Council has had a large response to its consultation on plans to introduce 3 weekly recycling collections.

A decision on the plan, due this month, is being deferred into June.

A report, contained in the forward decision making programme, says,

“Given the incredible engagement with the consultation and the large volume of responses, this report will be deferred until the 24 June 2021 allow the responses to be fully considered before Executive are asked to determine next steps”.

We are not surprised.

Bin emptying is one of the few public services provided by the Council that virtually everyone uses. There are unresolved issues for many residents with the proposals. Lack of storage space for 3 bins and 2 boxes was something that troubles many.

The Council has (not for the first time) boxed itself into a corner with a delay in ordering replacement refuse collection vehicles. Such vehicles have long lead in times.

A decision on bin design is needed before any vehicle orders can be placed.

In the meantime, more of the existing refuse collection fleet will reach the end of its service life, with possible implications for vehicle reliability.

On 1st April 2021 the Council  placed an order worth £400,000 for the purchase of new wheeled bins. 

Woodland wanderings

The York Council concludes its consultation, on the layout of the new forest planned for agricultural land near Knapton, on 19th May.

The plans continue to be semi detached from economic realities with the options being presented to residents lacking proper costings or identified sources of funding.

A report published in December 2020 (click) promised that funding streams would be identified before commitments were made. Such information as is available is apparently being presented only to “behind closed doors” project board meetings.

Added to the initial failure to produce a food production vs afforestation environmental appraisal, this is an unsatisfactory situation

Residents are still waiting to hear an updates on a promised second – urban – wood that the Council announced 18 months ago.

It was said to be located near to the inner ring road. Such a site would be hugely expensive although the Council has, very recently, agreed to purchase land between the railway line and the river in the Leeman Road area.

Hopes that community woodland would be provided on land located between the built up area and the ring road/A1237, seem to be fading.

This would have provided genuinely accessible local green space – the lack of which in some areas became very apparent during the recent lockdown.

Some tree planting, as part of the dualling of part of the A1237, has been promised.