Freedom of the City for NHS York

Thanks to those who have supported the plan to offer the Freedom of the City to NHS York

To confirm, you can add your support at the following web site

https://www.change.org/FreedomofCityforNHSYork 

&/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.

Good news for key workers seeking a home

But media story on Council house sales was misleading

The York Council is offering first refusal to key workers on one of its housing development sites (see box).

They are right to do so.

The eight homes can be reserved by key workers who meet the Government criteria (the definition of which is drawn fairly wide) and who are eligible for the Help To Buy scheme.

The advertising blurb is misleading of course.

There will be no “abundant outside space” at Lowfields as the adjacent playing fields are also being built on. Such open space as is planned, is unlikely to be landscaped for several years as sections of the development, including public service buildings, elderly persons accommodation, communal housing, and playgrounds, have yet to leave the drawing board.

The development has however avoided some of the eccentricities seen elsewhere in the Council’s house building programme.

At Duncombe, and in Burnholme, car parking is restricted to fewer spaces than there are properties, with the Council urging people to use a “cargo bike” to get the weekly shop in!

The change in shopping habits, with more people now shopping on-line, hasn’t been recognised with no delivery lockers included in design specifications.

Similarly, at Lowfields ,the option for purchasers to have a living boundary hedge (rather than a close boarded fence) is still is not on offer.

Still success looks likely against the background of a very buoyant housing market in the city at present. Sales should provide the income necessary to cross subsidise the Council house building element of the programme.

What may irk the Council is misleading stories like the one that appeared in the commercial media on Friday which highlighted that “right to buy” (RTB) sales exceeded the provision of new Council houses last year.

That has been the position virtually every year for half a century with successive governments maintaining the RTB policy.

The only disagreement between the Tories and Labour has been on the level of discounts to be offered.

Against the background caused by the pandemic, there will in any event be some delays in building replacements.

It is only relatively recently, that central government even allowed local authorities to reinvest the sales income to provide replacement properties for rent. The Council started purchasing replacements on the open market as recently as 10 years ago, although even this was resisted by some York Councillors.

We don’t believe that local authorities should be restricted in how much of their RTB receipts they can use to provide replacement homes.

Within the last few days, the government has announced further changes. In future, 40% of right to buy income can be used to provide replacement homes while receipts must be spent within 5 years (rather than 3) .

 But the current Council deserves credit for getting the Council house building programme going again.

Providing good quality homes to rent with high insulation values, and hence lower running costs, is a significant step forward

Such progress should be recognised by the media, commentators, and pressure groups.

Coronavirus York updates; 13th January 2021

Deaths

FIVE (5) more Coronavirus deaths were announced by the York Hospital Trust today. One occurred yesterday, three on Monday and one on Sunday.

The death toll on 10th January, at eight, is the joint highest single day figure seen since the spring.

Test results

TWO HUNDRED (200) additional positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative figure up to 9593.

The rate /100k population has now peaked at 670.91. It is expected to trend back down to around 600 by the end of the week.

During the week ending 8th January case numbers increased at all levels. York remains above the national average.

However, the rate of increase in case numbers in the City has slowed over the last week.

There is a reasonable expectation that case numbers will now start to fall.

Neighbourhoods

The 1413 cases total (w/e 8th Jan) was the highest total recorded in the City

The western suburbs continued to be badly affected.

Vaccinations

As at 12th January 2,639,309 people in England had received first dose COVID vaccinations.

York figures have not yet been published (but understood to be over 10,000)

Test site to remain open

We understand that the mobile test site, currently occupying the Acorn Rugby Club Car Park on Thanet Road, will remain open for another week (except Friday) . Organisers say that over 1000 test have been carried out at teh site over the last week.

COVID testing site on Thanet Road

Details here https://www.facebook.com/FoxwoodResidentsAssociation/posts/4347088398651076

York Wheels Community Transport

York Wheels have written to local Councillors giving the following information

“Here at York wheel we run 2 services with the support of York City Council.

  1. York Wheel – Volunteer car scheme community transport – for a small fee we take customers to hospital/dentist/podiatry appoints and are currently working with Nimbus (Askham Bar COVID centre) to assist in the transport of the elderly to the facility to enable ALL to have their COVID injection.   A small charge is made to cover the drivers fuel (approx. 50% less than a taxi)
  2. Dial & Ride – Mini bus service which takes customers to the main supermarkets – enabling them to keep their independence and to travel is groups of 6 safely to the supermarkets – the cost if £3.30 return of they hold a York City Bus Pass.

The customer must be eligible to travel on the above schemes and this entails been a York residence, been elderly, disabled or unable to travel on public transport for both schemes. The mini buses are also fitted to enable wheelchair users to access the vehicles whilst still in their wheelchairs.

Usually we are open for other appointments but during COVID times we are currently only carry out necessary journeys under government rules. Finally due to the current situation we are a cashless office and at the time of booking the car scheme customers pay in advance via card. On the mini bus service they are able to use card for payment of the journey as each bus carries their own card machine.

Please feel free to pass our details to your constituents and local GPs etc. and we will assist were possible.

  • For the car scheme York Wheels call 01904 630080
  • For Dial & Ride please call 01904 551441

The charity has been working to help the residents of York for over 35 years and all our drivers are DRS checked and carry out thorough PPE both during and after journeys”.

Support key workers by following the rules say authorities

This Thursday (14 January), many across the country will join in the ‘Clap for Heroes’ at 8pm to celebrate the hard work of those on the front line.

This week, council leaders are asking residents in York to show their continued support and respect of our key workers by following public health guidance and helping ease the pressure on the NHS.

Over the last month, coronavirus cases in York have increased significantly, and residents are being asked to stay local, stay at home as much as possible, and help stop the spread of the virus. The latest validated rate of new Covid cases at 7 January was 637.6 per 100,000, above the regional average of 322.8 and the national average of 629.9.

Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said:

We have all been incredibly grateful to key workers for their amazing efforts, not just this lockdown, but throughout much of 2020. With case numbers continuing to rise, it is now more important than ever that we all do everything we can to stop the spread and keep each other safe.

“I remain ever thankful for the hard work and sacrifices made by our key workers and I know that many residents will  agree that the best way to truly demonstrate our thanks is to make sure that we avoid making their jobs even harder at this difficult time.”

“We know lockdown has been incredibly difficult for many, and I would urge anyone that needs support to get in touch with the Council Covid support team by covid19help@york.gov.uk or calling 01904 551550.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health, said:

the best thing any of us can do to support our key workers is to follow the guidance and stay at home. Last year the ‘Clap for Carers’ campaign was a great demonstration of the gratitude we all feel for those working on the front line.

“People working in a huge range of sectors have worked hard to make sure we can all continue to stay home to stay safe and therefore, we must not make their jobs any more difficult at this point by not following the latest national guidance. So I would encourage everyone not to leave their homes, unless it’s essential and remember to wash our hands, wear a face mask and keep a safe distance from others.

Wendy Scott, Chief Operating Officer for York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said:

the number of Covid-positive patients being admitted, and the rapid rise in number of cases, means that our hospitals are under growing pressure. The number of Covid-positive patients in hospital is now significantly higher than the number we experienced in the first wave.

“Our staff are doing an outstanding job responding to the pandemic; however it is absolutely vital that we all play a part in reducing the spread of the virus by complying with the lockdown restrictions and by following the health guidance of Hands, Face, Space.

“The emergency departments in both of our hospitals are also extremely busy.  Please help us to help you by only using A&E for emergencies that are life or limb-threatening.  If you are unsure about what to do, please consult NHS 111 first (by phone or online) to help you get the right service.”

Covid marshalls continue supporting city to be safe in lockdown

To continue supporting covid safety measures during lockdown, the council’s covid support marshalls are working in outlying areas to advise businesses and residents in lockdown.

Following the Government’s announcement for England to go into lockdown, the marshalls are helping to encourage people not to mix but to stay in household or bubble groups while keeping 2 metres distance. They are now adding new areas of the city to their rounds to lend their support, such as at popular walking spots, supermarkets and testing sites.


The marshalls will visit outlying shopping areas to add to the 525 city centre businesses they’ve already helped to implement and maintain covid-safe measures. This work builds on action begun by the council’s Environmental Health and Licensing teams. It includes helping shops and takeaways to manage queues, to display Trace and Test QR codes and to maintain hand sanitation stations.


The team has already advised 410 groups of people in the city centre. This included asking them to keep two metres apart and if they’re from the same household, to giving out 105 items of PPE including hand sanitiser, masks and information.

The marshalls have also been picking up dropped face masks which can present a health hazard. So far they’ve picked up and safely disposed of 510 face masks.


Councillor Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said:

“The marshalls’ work continues to be invaluable in ensuring that social distancing and face-coverings continue to be observed within businesses currently allowed to open.

“It is vital that people feel confident that others around them are following the necessary steps to reduce the spread of Covid-19.”


Councillor Denise Craghill, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods, said:

“It is crucial now that we all do everything we can to minimise our contact with others, in order to save lives and protect the NHS, and our marshalls are supporting the city do just that.

Coronavirus York updates; 9th January 2021

Deaths and test results

ONE additional death announced by York Hospital Trust today. The death occurred on Thursday

ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SIX (176) new positive test results announced today. Brings cumulative total to 8901.

The latest validated rate /100k population was 626.28 (4th Jan).

The subsequent trend is slightly downwards supporting hopes that the rate of increase in infection numbers in the City has stabilised.

The following table, which shows the 7 day rolling average number of cases in the City, also demonstrates that numbers may now have peaked. It may, however, be some days before there is a notable reduction in infection rates.

The figures for 8th and 9th will increase as more results are tabulated

The neighbourhood figures reflect the distribution of cases at the peak on 4th January. They should show modest improvements over the next few days.

Symptom free testing expanded with University of York

More testing slots are now available for those who are eligible after an agreement was reached between City of York Council and the University of York for a new symptom-free testing site.

The new site is now open and will offer more tests and increased hours to make it more convenient for people to get tested.

This means that York residents have more slots and a choice for when and where to get a symptom-free test. Since offering symptom-free testing in December 2020, thousands of tests have been done which have identified a number of positive tests, which has stopped the spread of Coronavirus.

The testing centre will be based at University of York Sport Centre sports hall, and working alongside the existing testing site based at York St John University, it will offer even more residents the chance to get tested.
Free testing is now available for anyone (living or working in York) who is unable to work from home and is still going to work.

This includes staff working in education and early years, those in factories and construction and other essential sectors.

Testing continues to be offered to those who support the most vulnerable in the city, to school pupils who are eligible to attend school and to teachers who will be working in schools.

If you are eligible and need to book a test, please visit the council website.

Testing is voluntary, it will help you make informed decisions to help keep you, your family and friends as safe as possible, and help protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19. Testing is only another method to prevent the spread of COVID 19, the best ways to prevent the spread are to continue to comply with the public health messages of hands, face, space.

It is estimated that 1 in 3 people with coronavirus do not display symptoms and therefore, some individuals will be spreading the virus without realising. We advise that tests are booked regularly (every week), and that people get tested twice, 3 days apart.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council:

We are really grateful to the thousands of residents who have booked a test and are continuing to get tested regularly. It does make a difference and will help to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.

“Throughout this pandemic we have been working incredibly closely with our partners. Our thanks go to the University of York, who along with York St John University, are offering their testing site to residents. This is yet another example of how the city can come together to fight Coronavirus.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director for Public Health at City of York Council said:

This new site means we can offer more symptom-free tests to York residents. The early identification of symptom-free cases and subsequent self-isolation will help to stop the spread of the virus.

“That so many residents are taking symptom-free tests regularly is testament to how we are looking out for each other as a city. If you are eligible please book regular tests to help the city fight Coronavirus and keep the people you love safe.”

Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice Chancellor of the University of York, said:

Throughout this pandemic we have been working with our key partners across the city and region to support the wider community and this is another example of that close collaboration.

“Asymptomatic testing is vital in reducing transmission rates and helping to protect the public, and ultimately the NHS, and I am pleased that we can play our part in broadening testing across the City to identify those showing no symptoms.”

Health Minister Lord Bethell said:

We’ve already come so far since first setting up a national testing programme at an unprecedented pace to help counter COVID-19, but we continue to strive to go further, faster.

“Innovations such as lateral flow tests hold the key to the next phase of our ambition to see mass, rapid testing available to people across the country.”

Attending school during lockdown

The Government has published details about children who can continue to attend school during the current lockdown.

A list of which job roles are defined as ‘critical workers’ for parents of school children, and those children who are defined as vulnerable, has been published by the Department for Education.

A number of different arrangement have been put in place so schools can provide IT equipment and internet access for children learning at home.

Children of critical workers can attend school during lockdown, along with vulnerable children, and children with Education and Health Care Plans.

Parents in York who are critical workers should contact their school to make arrangements for their children, should their children need to be in school full time.

Cllr Keith Orrell, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

We want to support the citywide and nationwide effort to bring infection rates down and the national guidance is to limit contacts between households as much as possible.

“We are working with York Schools and Academies Board to provide education on site and online for all children in the city, especially for the more vulnerable pupils.  However, with the alarming increase in the number of confirmed cases in the city, we must continue to be cautious and follow the national guidance where possible.

“We appreciate that this is a difficult time for families and that this is a complex situation that schools are managing.  With the recent change in national guidance and amount of working taking place, schools will respond to parents/carers as soon as they are able.”

Meanwhile the Government has put in place arrangements to provide children who need them with devices and internet access at home. This will be managed directly with schools.

All schools will provide information about their remote learning provision with families and there will be details on their websites by 25 January.

Useful resources for parents to support home learning can be found on the council website.

The guidance on children of critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools or educational settings can be found on the gov.uk website.

Government guidance is that schools should speak to parents and carers to identify who needs to go to school. If it proves necessary, schools can ask for simple evidence that a parent is a critical worker, such as their work ID badge or pay slip. Parents and carers who are critical workers should keep their children at home if they can.

Children who are receiving support from social workers and those who have an Education and Health Care plan should all attend school during lockdown.

City leaders’ open letter to residents

Dear Resident

As you will have seen from the Prime Minister’s recent announcement, England has now entered another period of lockdown, which is anticipated to last until at least mid-February.  We know how difficult this will be for so many of you and would like to thank you for all you have already done in such difficult circumstances.  In the face of adversity, you have demonstrated the very best of our city.

Throughout last year, local residents and businesses worked hard to keep cases the lowest in the region and together, we reduced the spread of the virus.  However, the beginning of 2021 has created a new challenge with the spread of the new variant of Coronavirus, and once again we must adapt.

This is not the start to the new year any of us wanted, but many of us may have anticipated.  In recent weeks, across the country and including here in York, there has been an alarming increase in the number of positive cases.  We all need to follow the new national guidance to save lives and protect the NHS.  Time and time again, the people and businesses of York have demonstrated our community spirit and we must now do so again to keep those we love safe.

We fully recognise that this third lockdown will be difficult for everyone.  We will continue to do everything we can to support residents and businesses through this difficult time by adapting our services, providing support and information, or lobbying the government for additional help for lower income families or businesses who are not covered by the grants available. 

Anyone who has been affected by coronavirus and who needs support can contact us on 01904 551550 or covid19help@york.gov.uk

Support is available for businesses who have had to close, including hospitality, retail and leisure businesses.  There is also support available for residents including those who have to self-isolate.  Details about our support is available at www.york.gov.uk/coronavirus.

This is a tough period for us all, however, with the vaccine roll out underway there is hope on the horizon. For now, we need to look after ourselves and each other. 

We know we can get through this.  We did it before and we can do it again. 

We are incredibly grateful for all you have done already and on behalf of the city, thank you for all you are doing to reduce the spread of the virus.

Stay safe and best wishes,

Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of the Council
Cllr Andy D’Agorne, Deputy Leader
Ian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer