NOTICE OF URGENT ITEM AND CALL-IN EXEMPTION
Access to Information Procedure Rule 15 – General Exception
Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 16 – Call-in Exemption
Slipper Socials – Arts Council grant funding application
To the Chair of the Housing and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee and
the Chairman of North Yorkshire Council
The Council’s Constitution provides that if a matter which is likely to be a key decision has not been included on the Council’s Forward Plan for the requisite period, the decision may still be taken if an urgency procedure is followed.
Under Access to Information Procedure Rule 15:
15.1 If the publication of the intention to make a key decision is impracticable and a matter which is likely to be a key decision has not been included in the forward plan for the requisite period as set out in Rule 13.2, then subject to Rule 16 (special urgency), the decision may still be taken if:
(a) the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services) has informed the Chairman of a relevant overview and scrutiny committee, or if there is no such person, each member of that committee by notice in writing, of the matter about which the decision is to be made;
(b) the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services) has made copies of that notice available to the public at the offices of the Council and on the Council’s website; and
(c) at least five clear days have elapsed following the day on which the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services) complied with (a) and (b).
15.2 As soon as reasonably practicable after the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services) has complied with (a) to (c) above, s/he must make available at the Council’s offices a notice setting out the reasons why compliance with Rule 13.2 is impracticable and publish that notice on the Council’s website.
The Council’s Constitution further provides that where the call-in procedure would otherwise apply to an executive decision, it shall not apply where the decision being taken is urgent ifan urgency procedure is followed.
Under Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 16:
(h) The call-in procedure set out above shall not apply where the decision being taken by the Executive is urgent. A decision will be urgent if any delay likely to be caused by the call in process would seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public interest. The Chairman of the council must agree both that the decision proposed is reasonable in all the circumstances and to it being treated as a matter of urgency. In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman’s consent shall be required. In the absence of both, the Head of Paid Service or his/her nominee’s consent shall be required. Decisions taken as a matter of urgency must be reported to the next available meeting of the Council, together with the reasons for urgency.
It is anticipated
that on 24 Jul 2024, the
Corporate Director of Community
Development will consider a report in relation to the North
Yorkshire Library Service which would like to bid for funding to
deliver a series of ten ‘Slipper Socials’ aimed at
supporting older people to live in their own homes for longer. For
many older people, who may be mentally fit but physically frail,
having a fall may result in a loss of independence. Research has
shown that one of the most common causes of falls by older people
are loose, worn, or backless slippers.
As well as being fitted for, and gifted, anti-slip slippers, local
library staff and volunteers will promote regular library
activities, and clubs and societies in the area, to help combat
loneliness and isolation. Events will be delivered in partnership
with a number of organisations that provide support and advice to
older residents.
This project will deliver against the national Health and Wellbeing
Universal Offer for libraries, promoting healthy living by
providing self-management support and engagement opportunities.
The intention to make the key decision has been published on the Forward Plan but not for the full, requisite 28 clear day period.
This matter requires a decision by the Corporate Director of Community Development on 24 July 2024 and cannot reasonably be deferred, to enable the timely consideration and progress of this matter. We need an urgent decision on this as the Arts Council have indicated that the application process takes approx. 8 weeks. At the request of partners, we are aiming to launch the programme of events to coincide with the International Day of Older people (October 1st 2024) so, ideally, we would require a decision by July 24th..
To the Chair of the Housing and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee
In accordance with the General Exception provisions in Access to Information Procedure Rule 15, I am, therefore, informing you as the Chairman of the Housing and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee that it is intended that this matter be considered by Corporate Director of Community Developmenton 24 July 2024.
To the Chairman of North Yorkshire Council:
In accordance with the provisions in Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 16(h), I am seeking your agreement that the decision proposed is reasonable in all the circumstances and to it being treated as a matter of urgency (where any delay likely to be caused by the call in process would seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public interest) and that the call-in procedure should therefore not apply to the decision. If you agree that this item should be considered 24 July 2024, will you please confirm by email as soon as possible.
BARRY KHAN
Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services)
Dated: 15 July 2024
I agree, for the reasons stated in this notice, that the decision proposed is reasonable in all the circumstances, to it being treated as a matter of urgency and exempt from call-in and that this item should be considered on 23 October 2023.
Signed Councillor Roberta Swiers Date 15 July 2024
Chairman of North Yorkshire Council