Agenda item

The Leader of the Council, and other members of the Executive, will report on their work since the last meeting of the Council and will respond to questions from Councillors on that work.

Councillor Mark Crane, Leader of the Council

 

The Leader of the Council presented his update on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report.

 

In response to queries regarding the potential creation of a combined authority of York and North Yorkshire, development of a post of a Mayor for the combined authority, and the subsequent relationship between the different tiers of local government, the Leader explained that many ideas had been discussed with other North Yorkshire Leaders and Chief Executives at a recent meeting he had attended.

 

Members noted that a potential structure was being drafted by North Yorkshire Chief Executives, but were sceptical as to whether a mayoral model would work in North Yorkshire. The Leader explained that he and other Leaders had agreed on the importance of suitable checks and balances on the powers of any future mayor.

 

Councillor Richard Musgrave, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Place Shaping

 

Councillor Musgrave provided an update on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report.

 

A question relating to the design and layout of public spaces within new housing developments was asked, and whether there was potential for involvement of local communities and residents in the design process. Councillor Musgrave agreed that good design was essential, but that it would be difficult to change the design of schemes that had already been approved. However, he explained that Officers had been working on design matters and emphasised the importance of this being fed into the issues and options consultation for the development of the new local plan.

 

A query was raised relating to the permeability of new driveways, due to the potential effects of this on groundwater flooding. Councillor Musgrave explained that with regards to new developments, matters such as driveways would be controlled by condition, but that if there were issues with the resurfacing of existing driveways these should be reported to the Planning Enforcement Team. Councillor Musgrave resolved to investigate the matter further.

 

In response to concerns expressed around tackling climate change, Councillor Musgrave agreed that more work needed to be done and at a faster pace, including the progress of the work of the Policy Review Committee’s Low Carbon Working Group.

 

In relation to public open spaces created as part of new developments, some Members expressed frustration on behalf of residents who had concerns around the responsibility for such spaces, where there was sometimes no consistency of approach or transparency of management. Councillor Musgrave acknowledged Members’ concerns and confirmed that he was happy to follow these up with local Councillors.

 

Lastly, Councillor Musgrave assured Members that he would ask Officers to provide a response to a question regarding tree planting on roundabouts in the district.

 

Councillor Cliff Lunn, Executive Member for Finance and Resources

 

Councillor Lunn provided an update on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report.

 

In response to a question relating to car parking in Tadcaster and the potential impact that not charging for parking was having on the Council’s income, Councillor Lunn explained that the financial impacts were negligible and that a report on car parking would be brought forward in the coming months.

 

Councillor David Buckle, Executive Member for Communities and Economic Development

 

Councillor Buckle provided an update on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report.

 

Members asked questions about the need for more investment and improved infrastructure in Eggborough and Kellington, and about the changes to the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in the area.

 

Councillor Buckle agreed it was important that jobs were being created in the Selby district, but that the infrastructure was also there to support them.

 

In relation to the LEP question, it was confirmed that from 1 April 2020 Selby would be part of the York and North Yorkshire LEP, and reassured Members that this change would not affect the existing Transforming Cities fund.

 

The Leader came in at this point and explained that central government had taken the decision that Selby would be part of the York and North Yorkshire LEP. It was acknowledged that the Leeds City Region LEP received more funding, but that as a percentage Selby would be a bigger part of the York and North Yorkshire LEP, and as such, would receive more funding per head of population. Members asked the Leader to request some financial implications information from the LEP.

 

Councillor Chris Pearson, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Culture

 

Councillor Pearson provided an update on the work he had recently undertaken, as outlined in his report.

 

Some Members expressed doubts regarding the results of the survey of Selby by Keep Britain Tidy, as some areas of the district were not very clean. It was explained by Councillor Pearson that the Council had no choice as to where in the district the survey had been undertaken.

 

A query was raised regarding collection points and associated costs; Councillor Pearson confirmed that he would look into this and send details to Members directly.

 

Some Members expressed concerns about a case of rough sleeping in Tadcaster and emphasised the importance of help and assistance being offered, as there were concerns the individual’s safety. Councillor Pearson reassured Members that help had been offered but not been accepted. Councillor Pearson assured Members that he would investigate further and let them know the outcome.

 

The availability for use of local businesses toilets to the public was also queried by Members, particularly around how people would know they could use them and if they were advertised. A list of such facilities was requested for circulation to Members. A number of Councillors expressed concern at the lack of public toilets in towns in the district, which could cause difficulty for people and vulnerable groups. Councillor Pearson explained that some public facilities had been closed for various reasons but agreed to investigate the matter further.

 

The Executive Member was also asked how two Members, himself included, had been chosen to feature on the Selby Treasures posters. Councillor Pearson explained that the project was advertised in the Selby Times for people to bring an artefact in and have their picture taken with it. The project had been a success and there had been some suggestions that a local museum for such artefacts would be welcome.

 

Two final questions were raised, the first on homelessness and utilising the local knowledge of town and parish councils, the second relating to where the 10 ‘Visitor Information Points’ mentioned in the Executive Member’s report would be sited. Councillor Pearson confirmed that parish and town councils would be consulted on the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, and that he would provide a written response to Members regarding the siting of the information points.

 

RESOLVED:

To receive and note the reports from the Executive.