Agenda item

To receive and answer questions submitted by councillors in accordance with rule 11.2 of the Constitution.

The following questions have been submitted by Councillor Mike Jordan:

1.    The government have announced that councils will only be able to be members of a single LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership). Could I ask the Executive if they have decided which to remain a member of and, if so, the reason for their decision. I am referring to the Leeds LEP and the North Yorkshire, York and East Riding LEP.

2.    Earlier this year, in Full Council, it was decided that at some point we would be providing free parking for the first hour in Selby. Can I ask when that is likely to occur?

The following questions have been submitted for the Leader by Councillor Mary McCartney:

1.    Could you please give an update on the progress being made to introduce a Public Space Protection Order to stop all vehicles, including motor cycles, quad bikes, cars, vans and caravans from going on and parking on our parks, playing fields, sports fields and other public green spaces? The reaction from Parish Councils and residents show that they are supportive of the proposal.

2.    Could you also say whether you are confident that North Yorkshire Police will get behind such a scheme and will be prepared to, along with SDC officers, enforce any such order?

Four questions from Councillors had been received; two from Councillor Mike Jordan, and two from Councillor Mary McCartney.

Councillor Jordan asked his first question:

1.         ‘The government have announced that councils will only be able to be members of a single LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership). Could I ask the Executive if they have decided which to remain a member of and, if so, the reason for their decision. I am referring to the Leeds LEP and the North Yorkshire, York and East Riding LEP.’

Councillor Mackman responded on behalf of the Leader as the Deputy Leader of the Council, and explained that the Executive had not yet made a decision. A Special Executive meeting had been arranged for Thursday 27 September to consider the matter. Councillor Mackman also explained that in addition a Member briefing had been arranged for the same day at 6.00pm to discuss the topic. Members noted that the Executive would take account of comments made at the briefing for inclusion in the response to the LEP; an information paper would also be circulated on the options.

Councillor Jordan asked his second question:

2.         ‘Earlier this year, in Full Council, it was decided that at some point we would be providing free parking for the first hour in Selby. Can I ask when that is likely to occur?’

Councillor Mackman responded on behalf of Councillor Metcalfe and explained to Members that at some point the Council would be providing free car parking for the first hour in Selby. However, Councillor Mackman went on to clarify that the free parking would be factored into the introduction of car parking charges at Tadcaster as a pre requisite. Members noted that the Leader regarded the issue as an important but sensitive matter, which he wished to address as a written response to Members. The Leader was not present at the Council meeting and as such felt that a written response would be appropriate.’

Councillor McCartney asked her first question:

1.         ‘Could you please give an update on the progress being made to introduce a Public Space Protection Order to stop all vehicles, including motor cycles, quad bikes, cars, vans and caravans from going on and parking on our parks, playing fields, sports fields and other public green spaces? The reaction from Parish Councils and residents show that they are supportive of the proposal.’

Councillor Mackman responded on behalf of Councillor Metcalfe and explained that officers of the Council had recently set up a process for making a Public Space Protection Orders, including a web application process. Members noted that this was to ensure that submitted requests contained sufficient information to show that an order was needed; this was because there could be an appeal against the making of an order where there wasn’t the evidence to justify one.

Councillor Mackman clarified that as part of the process there was consultation with parish councils and the police to ensure that the Council knew, before an order was made, that there was support for it locally.

Members acknowledged that the 2014 Act required local authorities to formally consult with the police and the police and crime commissioner before making a PSPO to ensure police support would be in place.

Councillor Mackman went on to explain that the suggestion of a PSPO to protect public green spaces was being considered, as was another request from Cridling Stubbs Parish Council; however, it had not yet been determined whether there was the evidence to justify an order.

Members were aware that the Council had recently updated its byelaws for Selby Park, Leeds Road Recreation Ground, Portholme Road Recreation Ground and Denison Road Recreation Ground. The updated byelaws already prohibited overnight camping, caravans and motor vehicles, which meant that the Council could already prosecute for breach of the byelaws.

Councillor Mackman emphasised to Members that in making a PSPO the Council needed to have regard to national guidance, which stated that PSPOs would not be suitable or effective in all circumstances, and it was important to consider carefully the right approach for identifying and addressing the problem behaviour. Members noted that other options should be actively considered before a PSPO was pursued, and where a PSPO was used, it should be employed alongside other approaches as part of a broad and balanced strategy. It should be clear how any orders would be enforced.

Councillor McCartney emphasised her support for PSPOs and the need for them across a number of villages. Councillor McCartney asked that a copy of the full response be sent to her by email following the meeting; Councillor Mackman confirmed that this would be done.

Councillor McCartney asked her second question:

2.         ‘Could you also say whether you are confident that North Yorkshire Police will get behind such a scheme and will be prepared to, along with SDC officers, enforce any such order?’

Councillor Mackman explained that part of the process of making a PSPO was consultation with the local Police and parish councils, so they would automatically be involved and their views sought on the matter.

Councillor Mackman emphasised the importance of PSPOs being fair and non-discriminatory; there were proper legal procedures and processes that had to be followed in order to introduce a PSPO and these had to be adhered to.