North Yorkshire Council
Executive
Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 21 October 2025 commencing at 11.00 am.
Councillor Carl Les OBE in the Chair plus Councillors Mark Crane, Gareth Dadd, Richard Foster, Michael Harrison, Simon Myers, Heather Phillips, Janet Sanderson, Malcolm Taylor and Annabel Wilkinson.
In attendance: Councillors Eric Broadbent, Michelle Donohue-Moncrieff (remote), Kevin Foster, Paul Haslam (remote), and Peter Lacey.
Officers present: Karl Battersby, Jon Clubb (remote), Natasha Durham (remote), Gary Fielding, Richard Flinton, Nic Harne, St John Harris, Daniel Harry, Barry Khan, Michael Leah (remote), Kerry Metcalfe, Mike Rudd, Pete Thorpe and Richard Webb.
|
Copies of all documents considered are in the Minute Book
|
|
759 |
Apologies for Absence
No apologies.
|
|
760 |
Minutes of the Meeting held on 7 October 2025
Resolved
That the public Minutes of the meeting held on 7 October 2025, having been printed and circulated, be taken as read and confirmed by the Chair as a correct record.
|
|
761 |
Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
|
|
762 |
Exclusion of the Public
It was noted that the report relating to Minute item 770 – Supported Housing Programme of Procurements contained an exempt appendix. As the contents of the appendix were not discussed there was no requirement to exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of this item.
|
|
763 |
Public Questions and Statements
There were no public questions or statements.
|
|
764 |
Corporate Property Strategy
Considered a report of the Corporate Director Resources which sought approval of the North Yorkshire Council Corporate Property Strategy (CPS) 2025 to 2035.
The Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Finance and Resources, Councillor Gareth Dadd introduced the strategy which provided a framework to support Property Services in delivering the efficient and effective management of the Council’s extensive property portfolio and related activities. The strategy was underpinned by four principles – Corporate Landlord, Estate Optimisation, Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, and Supporting Communities - in alignment with the Council’s vision and ambitions. The Corporate Director Resources, Gary Fielding commented that the CPS incorporated both vision statements and clear actions which recognised the multiplicity of needs and opportunities facing the new unitary authority. Thanks were extended to the Property Team, Asset Rationalisation Members Working Group and Corporate and Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee for their contribution to the development of the new strategy. Members welcomed the new strategy and its clear statement of intent in meeting the challenges of managing the sheer scale and diversity of property inherited by the new authority.
Resolved (unanimously)
That Executive approves the North Yorkshire Council Corporate Property Strategy (CPS) 2025 to 2035.
Reasons for recommendation
By establishing the CPS, unifying and optimising our estate, we will deliver best value for residents, empower local decision-making, and support agile, digitally enabled ways of working. Through this approach we will ensure that every NYC asset contributes to the council’s corporate plan key themes.
|
|
765 |
Recommendation on Adoption of the New Settlement (Maltkiln) Development Plan Document
Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Community Development which sought approval of the Executive to take forward to Full Council the adoption of the New Settlement (Maltkiln) Development Plan Document (DPD) incorporating the Inspector’s recommended Main Modifications and the Council’s Additional Modifications.
The Executive Member for Open to Business, Councillor Mark Crane presented the report noting that the DPD provided a framework to deliver a new mixed-use settlement of some 3000 homes and 5ha of employment land where people had access to homes, a range of employment types, local services and facilities, public transport and open spaces. Councillor Crane referenced a letter received that morning in respect of a landowner’s continued opposition to releasing land required to deliver the proposed new settlement. Although disappointing, Councillor Crane added that this opposition did not prevent the continued progression of the DPD. The DPD had been subject to a rigorous examination in public by an independent Planning Inspector who had concluded that the DPD provided an appropriate basis for the planning of Maltkiln subject to some modifications outlined in the report. Councillor Crane and other Executive members commended the proposed new settlement which would be so important in helping the council to meet its ambitious annual housing target whilst noting that Maltkiln would take some years to develop.
Resolved (unanimously)
That the Executive
i. Approve to take forward to Full Council that the New Settlement (Maltkiln) DPD and accompanying Policy Map, incorporating the Inspector’s recommended Main Modifications and Council’s Additional Modifications, are adopted.
ii. Approve to take forward to Full Council that the Corporate Director of Community Development in consultation with the Executive Member for Open to Business, be authorised to make further additional modifications to the DPD. Those modifications may relate exclusively to factual updates, grammatical and formatting corrections.
iii. Approve to take forward to Full Council that the Corporate Director of Community Development, in consultation with the Executive Member for Open to Business, be authorised to publicise the adoption of the DPD and to prepare and publicise a post adoption Sustainability Appraisal Statement in accordance with the relevant Regulations.
Reasons for recommendations
The New Settlement (Maltkiln) DPD is a key driver in meeting the Council’s Priorities and ensuring a sustainable and plan-led approach to development in the area. Furthermore, it contributes to the implementation of Policy DM4 of the HDLP.
As outlined throughout this report, the DPD is considered sound and legally compliant, has been positively prepared, and has been subject to extensive community involvement, public consultation and subject to an examination in public. The independent Inspector appointed by the MHCLG has concluded that subject to recommended main modifications, the DPD satisfies the requirements of Section 20(5) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, and meets the criteria for soundness in the National Planning Policy Framework (2012).
As outlined throughout this report, the following matters have been considered – Financial Implications; Legal Implications; Climate Change Implications; Equality and Diversity (the Public Sector Equality Duty and impact upon people with protected characteristics). If applicable, the outcomes of any consultations, assessments, considerations and implications considered necessary during preparation of this report are detailed within the main body of the report.
The recommendation to provide a mechanism to correct any factual or typographical errors is important to ensure that the final document reflects the findings of the Examination in Public and provides a clear unambiguous framework for decision making.
|
|
766 |
Future of Scarborough Model Agreement
Considered a report of the Director of Environment and Assistant Chief Executive – Localities which sought approval of proposed changes to the Scarborough Model Agreement for town, parish and village councils in the Scarborough area.
The Executive Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Heather Phillips introduced the report noting that the proposed cessation of the Scarborough Model Agreement and harmonisation of service delivery had been the subject of dialogue for some time between North Yorkshire Council and local councils in the area. This had given time for the local councils affected to adjust their precepts should they wish to make up for the loss of funding. The Chair noted that he had received emails from Councillor Rich Maw and Councillor Michelle Donohue-Moncrieff in respect of this matter which had been circulated to the Executive. Hunmanby and Sherburn division member, Councillor Donohue-Moncrieff then addressed the meeting commending Hunmanby Parish Council for engaging proactively with NYC on this issue. She welcomed the proposal to continue the current payment for parks, playing fields and open spaces whilst an assessment was carried out of the estimated NYC maintenance costs for a wide range of sites with differing maintenance standards, and requested that this work be undertaken as quickly as possible to enable local councils to make a considered decision on the matter. In reply, Councillor Phillips confirmed NYC’s pragmatic approach to resolving this and hoped that the new Scarborough Town Council would also engage with NYC to help harmonise the delivery of services.
Resolved (unanimously)
i) To agree that the SMA funding is replaced with the revised schedule of payments that will form individual agreements between services with individual parishes as summarised in paragraph 4.1 of this report and set out in detail in Appendix A.
ii) To note the overall opportunity to deliver savings of up to £102,347.26 as part of the Environment transformation programme.
iii) That NYC convene an in-person engagement event in the Scarborough area for parishes at the earliest opportunity after the Executive’s decision, to support and assist stakeholders.
Reasons for recommendations
The proposals will ensure a harmonised approach to how environmental services for open space management, verge cutting, public seats, and public clocks are funded in the county. This will help deliver against the agreed transformation programme whilst ensuring Parishes are informed to set precepts in their localities.
|
|
767 |
Devolution of Knaresborough Market to Knaresborough Town Council
Considered a report of the Corporate Director Environment which provided an update on progress of a devolution pilot project for Knaresborough Town Council to take on management and responsibility for operating the weekly charter market in Knaresborough and which sought in principle approval that the project be progressed at pace, on the basis of recommendations to secure the transfer of the market operation to Knaresborough Town Council at the earliest possible opportunity this calendar year.
The Executive Member for Highways and Transportation, Councillor Malcolm Taylor presented the proposals in the report which if approved, would constitute the first instance of double devolution completed by the new unitary authority. He commended the efforts of Knaresborough Town Council and NYC officers in bringing what was a complex pilot project to this stage and looked forward to the delivery of the market service at local level, citing the good example of Easingwold market. The Chair extended his congratulations to Knaresborough Town Council, and Chair of Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Committee, Councillor Peter Lacey confirmed the town’s wholehearted support for the proposal.
Resolved (unanimously)
i) That the operation of the weekly charter market in Knaresborough be devolved to KTC using section 50(1)(a) of the Food Act 1984, with the Council retaining its charter market right and using its policing powers inherent in that right to control any rival markets for the benefit of KTC.
ii) Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Resources, in consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive for Legal & Democratic Services to agree the transfer of market operations as detailed in this report to KTC on appropriate terms as soon as practically possible.
iii) That NYC Officers continue to work in close partnership with representatives of KTC to ensure a smooth and successful transition of market operations, which should be completed within four weeks of the Executive’s decision date.
Reasons for recommendations
The proposed transfer of operations for Knaresborough Market to KTC is supported by a business case as per the terms of the programme of double devolution pilots and would deliver on the Council’s ambition support town and parish Councils to manage services. Additionally, KTC’s proposal includes the continuation of stall-set up which is well supported locally.
|
|
768 |
Report and Recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Member Allowances for 2026/2027
Considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services which presented the latest report of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Member Allowances for consideration.
The Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services, Barry Khan introduced the report of the IRP which in summary for 2026-27 was recommending an increase of 3.6% for councillors’ Basic Allowance and all Special Responsibility Allowances. Members of the Executive then discussed the report and expressed concern that in previous years this independent report had been exploited by certain councillors for political gain. Rather than ask the IRP to undertake an annual review of the Members’ Allowances Scheme, they suggested instead that the level of allowances be index linked in successive years to either the CPI, RPI, or to officer pay increases. Mr Khan explained that the IRP had previously rejected this approach for the newly established local authority because of the lack of evidence at that time about the new and emerging roles and responsibilities and what level of Special Responsibility Allowances they merited; however, this was a recommendation which the Executive could make to the IRP.
Resolved (unanimously) that the Executive: i. support the proposals of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Member Allowances regarding the recommended Basic Allowance and Special Responsibility Allowances for 2026-27 for recommendation to the meeting of Council on 12 November 2025, namely: · The Basic Allowance paid to each councillor should increase by 3.6% (June 2025 CPI) from the existing £17,340 to £17,964 for 2026/27.
· The Special Responsibility Allowances paid to those councillors who take on additional duties and responsibilities should increase by 3.6% (June 2025 CPI) for 2026/27.
· The SRA paid to the Chair and members of the Licensing Sub-Committees should be amended so that the maximum amount payable for meeting attendance is increased from £750 to £1000 per person per annum.
· For the sake of clarity, the eligibility threshold for payments to leaders and secretaries of the third largest political group should be increased from 7 to 9 members (in line with the 10% threshold).
· The mileage rates paid to councillors should continue to be aligned with the rates paid to officers.
· The subsistence rates paid to councillors should be amended so that they are aligned with those paid to officers.
ii. Recommend that for 2027/28 the IRP consider a Members’ Allowances Scheme which can be index linked for successive years instead of subject to annual review
Reasons for recommendations
a) Councillors are not remunerated as employees - they are elected to fulfil important roles on behalf of the public. Nevertheless, the proposed Basic Allowance reflects the considerable time commitment required for the proper and conscientious fulfilment of duties.
b) The reconfiguration of local government in North Yorkshire and the effect that the overall reduction in Councillors, from 319 to 90, has had on the workload of those elected to the new North Yorkshire Council.
c) The need to attract and retain high-quality candidates from a variety of backgrounds - the Panel considered that the Basic Allowance should not be a financial disincentive to those who might otherwise wish to serve as an elected Member.
d) The general economic climate, including inflation rates.
e) The level of the Basic Allowance paid by comparable local authorities.
f) Budgetary constraints on North Yorkshire Council.
|
|
769 |
Proposed Changes to the Constitution
Considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services in respect of proposed changes to the Council’s Constitution.
The Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services, Barry Khan introduced the report and summarised the changes proposed.
Resolved (unanimously) that
(b) The proposed amendments to the petitions scheme set out at Appendix 2 be approved by the Executive;
(c) The Leader delegates to the Executive Member for Highways and Transportation in consultation with the local Member, the power to make decisions on the Council’s response to petitions under the Council’s Parking Petitions Scheme and the consequential amendments to the Executive Members’ Delegation Scheme as set out at Appendix 3A be recommended to full Council for inclusion in the Constitution;
(d) The proposed amendments to the parking restrictions petitions scheme set out at Appendix 3 be approved by the Executive;
(e) The proposed amendments to Council Procedure Rule 11 as set out in Appendix 4 be recommended to full Council for approval;
(f) The schedule of proposed amendments to the Constitution to clarify notice requirements as set out in Appendix 4A be recommended to full Council for approval;
(g) The proposed amendments to the Council Procedure Rules as set out in Appendix 5 be recommended to full Council for approval;
(h) The draft Protocol re calling an extraordinary meeting attached at Appendix 6 be recommended to full Council for approval (not to form part of the Constitution);
(i) The proposed amendments to the Protocol on Audio/Visual Recording and Photography at Meetings attached at Appendix 7 be recommended to full Council for approval;
(j) The proposed amendments to Article 14 and the Officers’ Delegation Scheme as set out in Appendix 9 be recommended to full Council for approval;
(k) The proposed amendments to the Procurement and Contract Procedure Rules set out at Appendix 10 be recommended to full Council for approval.
Reasons for recommendations
For the reasons set out in the body of this report and in the Appendices, it is recommended that, subject to any comments Members may have, the matters raised in this report be considered and the recommendations and proposed changes to the Constitution set out below be agreed and/or recommended to full Council for information and/or approval as indicated.
|
|
770 |
Supported Housing Programme of Procurements
Considered a report of the Corporate Director Health and Adult Services which proposed a new approach to the procurement of Extra Care and Supported Housing solutions.
The Head of Supported Housing, Mike Rudd introduced the report which outlined plans to deliver Extra Care and Supported Housing over the next twenty years through a new bespoke procurement model which would enable the council and its partners to deliver the concept of Extra Care in different ways for changing needs and more diverse communities. This would enable the delivery of supported accommodation at scale for working age adults as well as older people and through a range of scheme types. The Executive Member for Health and Adult Services, Councillor Michael Harrison and other Executive members commended the proposals which built on the excellent work undertaken over the last twenty years in delivering Extra Care through a framework with six providers that had brought significant benefits both in terms of cashable savings and market development
Resolved (unanimously)
i) To approve the approach to the procurement of Extra Care and Supported Housing Solutions ii) To delegate decisions to proceed with individual procurements for Extra Care and Supported Housing Solutions to the Corporate Director for Health and Adult Services in consultation with the Corporate Director for Resources, and the Executive Members for HAS and Resources. Any decisions to award contracts and any associated grants following procurement shall be brought back to Executive for approval prior to award.
Reasons for recommendations
Over the past 20 years North Yorkshire has become nationally recognised as a leader in the development of Extra Care Housing. In order to maintain this position it is necessary that the Council adapts and ensures that delivery remains at the forefront of innovation to ensure the best outcomes for the people we support and best value.
The proposed model will allow the experience gathered through the development of Extra Care to be rolled out to a wider group of people, allowing more residents of North Yorkshire to benefit from high quality supported housing solutions.
|
|
771 |
Review of Access and Use of Household Waste Recycling Centres
Considered a report of the Corporate Director Environment which sought approval to update access arrangements and limit use of Household Waste Recycling Centres.
The Executive Member for Managing our Environment, Councillor Richard Foster introduced the report which sought to ensure that the free use of North Yorkshire Household Waste Recycling Centres was restricted to residents and to limit the number of visits made free of charge by commercial-like vehicles. Members of the Executive welcomed the proposals, noting that a similar policy had been adopted by neighbouring authorities. It was also confirmed that support would be given to charities and non-digital customers as set out in the report.
Resolved (unanimously) i) To implement a registration scheme which will maintain free use of North Yorkshire Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) to North Yorkshire residents, and ii) To allow owners of commercial-like vehicles to access the HWRC sites, but with a limit of 12 visits per annum free of charge.
Reasons for recommendations
The proposals aim to improve services for residents by ensuring that individuals who are eligible can access Household Waste Recycling Centres free of charge, reducing the potential for commercial waste or waste brought by non-residents to be deposited free of charge.
|
|
772 |
Response to Residents Parking Petition for Back Dragon Avenue, Harrogate
Considered a report of the Corporate Director Environment in respect of a Residents Parking Petition for Back Dragon Avenue, Harrogate.
The Corporate Director Environment, Karl Battersby introduced the report noting that the petition did not meet the 50% threshold for a residents parking scheme and highlighted concerns around the activities of a commercial garage which could be addressed using different legislation. Chair of Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Committee, Councillor Peter Lacey addressed the meeting noting the length of time it had taken the petition to reach this decision stage and welcoming the review of the decision-making process as outlined under the earlier agenda item, Proposed Changes to the Constitution.
Resolved (unanimously) that the Executive does not support the petition for new residents parking in Harrogate.
Reasons for recommendation
Given the impact on both historical parking arrangements and the operational management of the network, designating these areas as residential parking would cause issues on the surrounding network. At the moment, these streets can be used as additional parking for multiple surrounding streets which may be oversubscribed during peak times and could detrimentally impact the commercial area directly adjacent the street in question. The petition has also not identified a source of funding for the scheme or reached 50% support so in line with the existing residents policy and has therefore not met the criteria for Stage 1. Officers do not recommend taking this petition forward for implementation in line with current policy.
|
|
773 |
Response to Residents Parking Petition for Brewster Terrace and Christian Terrace, Ripon
Considered a report of the Corporate Director Environment in respect of a Residents Parking Petition for Brewster Terrace and Christian Terrace, Ripon.
The Corporate Director Environment, Karl Battersby introduced the report noting that the petition did not meet the 50% threshold for a residents parking scheme and highlighted concerns around inappropriate parking which would be better addressed through parking enforcement.
Resolved (unanimously) that the Executive does not support the petition for new residents parking in Ripon.
Reasons for recommendations
Given the existing on street features in place with the parking and waiting restrictions, existing powers can be utilised for enforcement of these areas through civil parking enforcement and the issuing of a Penalty Charge Notice. This would improve the compliance of restrictions at the highway junction. At the moment, these streets can be used as additional parking for the surrounding streets and businesses which may be oversubscribed during peak times. The petition has also not identified a source of funding for the scheme and current policy is any new request must be fully funded by a third party. The petition has not reached 50% support from affected properties, so in line with the existing residents policy the petition has not met the criteria for Stage 1 assessment. Officers do not recommend taking this petition forward for implementation in line with current policy, but improvements will be made to existing lining and signage on street to ensure the current parking and waiting restrictions are enforceable.
|
|
774 |
Forward Plan
Considered the Forward Plan for the period 10 October 2025 to 31 October 2026.
In respect of the decision on the future of Whitby Cliff Lift, the Executive Member for Open to Business, Councillor Mark Crane advised that this had been deferred to 17 March 2026 to allow Anglo American the opportunity to carry out a further independent assessment of the shaft during the upcoming winter season when water ingress may be more of an issue. The additional time would allow Officers and Anglo American to ensure that the Council's assessment was robust and reflected the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
Resolved that the Forward Plan be noted.
|
|
775 |
Date of Next Meeting - 4 November 2025
|
The meeting concluded at 12.09 pm.