North Yorkshire Council
Executive
Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 21 January 2025 commencing at 11.00 am at County Hall, Northallerton.
Committee Members present: Councillor Carl Les in the Chair; plus Councillors Mark Crane, Gareth Dadd, Keane Duncan, Simon Myers, Heather Phillips, Janet Sanderson, Greg White and Annabel Wilkinson,
In attendance: Councillors Loz Colling (remote), Bryn Griffiths, Paul Haslam (remote), George Jabbour, Peter Lacey (remote) and Malcolm Taylor.
Officers present: Richard Flinton, Karl Battersby, Stuart Carlton, Gary Fielding, Richard Webb, Nic Harne, Barry Khan, Daniel Harry, Elizabeth Jackson, Paul Jeeves, Lisa Herdman (remote) Jon Holden (remote), Will Boardman (remote) and Helen Jackson (remote).
Apologies: Councillor Michael Harrison
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Copies of all documents considered are in the Minute Book
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Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Michael Harrison.
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601 |
Minutes of the Meeting held on 7 January 2025
Resolved –
That the public Minutes of the meeting held on 7 January 2025, having been printed and circulated, be taken as read and confirmed by the Chairman as a correct record.
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602 |
Declarations of Interest
Councillor Gareth Dadd declared an interest in Minute 606 in relation to the second homes premium. He remained in the meeting for the item as he had previously been granted a dispensation
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603 |
Exclusion of the Public
It was noted that the report relating to Minute 608 – Whitby Maritime Hub, contained an exempt appendix A. As the contents of the Appendix were not discussed there was no requirement to exclude the public from the meeting.
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604 |
Public Participation
There were no public questions or statements.
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605 |
Review of Future Household Waste Collection Options
Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Environment seeking approval for adoption of an alternate fortnightly kerbside recycling scheme across North Yorkshire providing residents with two wheeled bins for recycling and one wheeled bin for fortnightly residual collections. For those areas that cannot adopt an alternate, fortnightly two bin recycling scheme a bespoke kerbside service was recommended. Executive were also asked to note that the capital and revenue funding requirement of the decision was built into the 2025/26 budget and medium-term financial strategy which was considered as a separate report at the meeting.
The Executive Member for Managing our Environment, Councillor Greg White, introduced the proposals, which would provide a consistent approach to waste and recycling across the county, and made the following points: · The proposals had been the subject of an all-party Member Working Group and public consultation had shown support for the proposals. · Households would have two recycling bins, one for paper and one for cans, glass and plastic, which would each be collected 4-weekly; residual waste would be collected fortnightly. · The new system would be introduced in the Malton area first, and then rolled out across the county over a number of years, enabling current plant and equipment to remain in use until it was due to be retired. · The government had issued a report in November 2024 advising its preferred solution for waste collection, which was the same as what was being proposed. · As well as bespoke arrangements there would also be an option for people to request bins of different sizes if they preferred
Members welcomed the proposals and it was noted that the system was already in operation in Selby where it was working well and was supported by the public. Over the long term the proposals would save money and lead to increased recycling rates
In response to a question from Councillor Bryn Griffiths on the 14.5 year payback the Executive Member stated that payback of 7.6% was good and provided a sound basis for progressing. There was an element of risk in the figures as the future value of recyclates was not known.
Resolved (unanimously) – that
1) adopt an alternate fortnightly kerbside recycling scheme be adopted across North Yorkshire providing residents with two wheeled bins for recycling and one wheeled bin for fortnightly residual collections.
2) a bespoke kerbside service be implemented in areas that cannot adopt an alternate fortnightly two recycling bin scheme.
3) it be noted that the capital and revenue funding requirement of the decision is built into the 25/26 budget and medium term financial strategy which is being considered as a separate report to this meeting.
Reasons for Recommendations
The alternate fortnightly approach using two recycling wheeled bins delivers the most efficient, effective, and resilient service to residents and businesses.
Alternative Options Considered
A detailed options appraisal ranks the different approaches (Appendix C). Nine assessment criteria were applied to the options modelled to form a representative view of the merits of each approach. The assessment criteria were financial cost, recycling performance, carbon impact, resident acceptability, manual handling by crew, ease of implementation, contamination, compliance with legislation, and political acceptability. Each criterion was reviewed by officers from all 7 WCAs and WDA to ensure fairness and suitability across the North Yorkshire area, to calculate a weighted score and rank the options.
The alternate fortnightly option with two recycling wheeled bins (Selby model) scored the highest, followed by the multi-stream option with three containers, with the fully comingled option scoring the lowest.
The proposed alternate fortnightly kerbside service is not suited to every location, and a degree of flexibility will ensure the service is designed to meet local needs. Currently, approximately 1 in 13 properties have non-standard kerbside services which reflects both the property type and access arrangements. There will be a staged process to determine eligibility for a bespoke service and to decide on the most appropriate tailored collection method. An initial screening exercise will be completed locality by locality and then street by street to identify where bespoke arrangements are required. Further refinement through engagement with the waste operations and housing teams, followed up by site visits where necessary will help to determine the proposed bespoke collection service. Engagement with residents on the proposal will ensure that the service is tailored to resident’s needs. It is likely that a range of bespoke collection methods will be considered as part of this process, including smaller bins, bags, frequent collections of smaller containers and community recycling points. It is clear that ‘one size fits all’ is not appropriate, and the proposed approach combines a harmonised approach with flexibility to deliver a service aligned to property types and access arrangements.
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606 |
Revenue Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Strategy
Considered – A joint report of the Chief Executive and the Corporate Director Resources setting out the financial issues and risks for North Yorkshire Council and asking the Executive to make recommendation to the Council regarding the Revenue Budget for 2025/26, the Council Tax for 2025/26 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026/27 to 2027/28.
The Executive Member for Finance and Resources, Councillor Gareth Dadd, introduced the report and thanked the Corporate Director Resources and his team for their work on the budget. The financial settlement and longstanding issues over income and demand had made this one of the most difficult MTFS and budgets to put together for this council and its predecessors. He referred to the removal of the £14.3m Rural Services Delivery Grant, which had been introduced in recognition of the higher costs of service delivery in rural areas, whilst this had been partly offset by some additional grants and funding, the net effect of the grant loss would be in excess of £21m per annum, leading to a worsening position in funding terms of £6m per annum.
Councillor Dadd reported that when assessing the Council’s position the government had assumed that council tax would be put up by the maximum amount, which was considered to be unfair as average earnings were below that of other areas and average council tax was already higher. He went on to make the following key points:
· Efficiencies and savings of £34m for next year were being made, with a planned accumulated sum of £63m by 2027/28, but this would not be enough and in less than 2 years after the end of the MTFS the Council would run out of useable reserves. · A total of £90m of savings had been made as a result of Local Government Reorganisation, but the benefits of this would deplete over time. · There was no alternative to a proposed increase of 4.99% for Council Tax, an assumption of 2.99% increase had been made for future years. · The Council would continue to prioritise spend for the most vulnerable including the council tax reduction scheme and growth in social care for adults and children. · The proposed spending review by government ahead of next year’s settlement presented a risk for future years
The Corporate Director Resources, Gary Fielding, drew Members’ attention to the following key points:
· The table at paragraph 2.7 outlined a projected shortfall of £4.9m in 2025/26, increasing to £34.4m in 2027/28 at the end of the MTFS. This was predicated on an assumption that there were no changes to funding formulas, which was unlikely. The table also showed a significant amount of growth, but this was offset by increased demand for services, increasing costs, which included waste harmonisation and investment in council housing funded through the second homes premium. · Council approval was also required for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, attached as an Appendix to the Addendum report circulated the previous day, and there was an additional recommendation for Executive on this. · Paragraph 4.3.10 set out the proposed Council Tax increase of 4.99%, which consisted of 2.99% for Council Tax and 2% for the Adult Social Care precept. Paragraph 4.3.13 referred to the second homes premium, which was expected to raise £10.6m and a report would be taken to Executive in February on this. · Paragraph 4.5.3 provided details of opening balances as at 1 April 2025, useable reserves were anticipated to run out 2 years after the end of the MTFS if no corrective action was taken · Section 4.6 provided details of the financial outlook and detailed three areas which had been logged as threats: o combination of the Spending Review and Funding Reform by the government o the SEND system was unsustainable and details of how the government would address this were awaited o the demand for and high cost of specialist places for adults and children · Section 4.7 gave details of savings and where they were coming from. · Section 4.8 provided information on the two main areas where the Council was investing: £59.2m for HAS Care and Support Hubs and £5m for property maintenance to address legacy estates issues across all eight councils, including the rationalisation agenda. · Section 7 included information on equality implications and confirmed that the majority of savings would not impact on the frontline, but were linked to LGR back office and structural changes
The Corporate Director then drew specific attention to his Section 25 statement set out at paragraph 8.9 – 8.11 which confirmed confidence in the financial position as set out in the report.
He then drew attention to a typographical error in Appendix C – 6,111 should be amended to read 3,687, all other figures were correct. An additional recommendation (e) had been omitted, as detailed in the recommendations below, to enable a transfer of up to £10m if required following the final local government finance settlement.
Councillor Bryn Griffiths requested details of projected savings as a result of changes to the Home to School Transport policy, including information on the drivers for changes to the policy and it was agreed that a written response would be provided. Councillor Griffiths also requested details on what cost benefit analysis had been done in relation to the proposal to reduce locality grants. In response Councillor Gareth Dadd advised it was for local members to do their own evaluation of the best way to spend the money and it would not be possible to undertake an analysis of the thousands of schemes which had bene supported.
The Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, Councillor Simon Myers, then introduced the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) stating that the Council had inherited 8,300 council homes as part of LGR, and the Council had committed to develop 500 new council homes. Funding was being obtained to bring 2,700 homes up to modern standards of energy efficiency. Whilst the HRA would go into a slight deficit until 2030 due to the requirement to build more homes and upgrade existing homes, it was expected to go into surplus again after that. It was proposed that rents be increased by 2.7% to enable investment in the necessary upgrading and energy efficiency works. Gary Fielding confirmed the financial arrangements in relation to the Warm Homes Social Fund bid for energy efficiency improvements.
Councillor Gareth Dadd then introduced the Capital Plan report, which detailed £940m of possible investments, and the Treasury Management and Capital Strategy report.
Resolved (unanimously) –
That Executive recommends to Council
i) That Executive notes and agrees the delegation arrangements referred to in Section 11 of the Revenue Budget and MTFS report that authorise the Corporate Directors to implement the Budget proposals contained in this report for their respective service areas and for the Chief Executive in those areas where there are cross-Council proposals, be noted and agreed.
ii) That Executive have regard to the Public Sector Equality Duty (identified in Section 7 and Appendix I) in approving the Budget proposals contained in the Revenue Budget and MTFS report.
iii) That in regard to the Revenue Budget and MTFS report, the following be recommended to Council:
a) That the Section 25 assurance statement provided by the Corporate Director, Resources regarding the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of the reserves (paragraph 8.11) and the risk assessment of the MTFS detailed in Section 9 are noted;
b) An increase in Council Tax of 4.99% (basic 2.99% and Adult Social Care 2%) resulting in a Band D charge of £1,939.54 – an increase of £92.18 (paragraph 4.3.7 and Appendix D);
c) That, in accordance with Section 31A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (as amended by Section 74 of The Localism Act 2011), a Council Tax requirement for 2025/26 of £494,205,207.33 is approved (paragraph 4.3.10);
d) That a Net Revenue Budget for 2025/26 of £640,918k (Appendix G) is approved
e) That in the event that the level of external funding (including the Local Government Finance Settlement) results in a variance of less than £10m in 2025/26 then the difference is to be addressed by a transfer to / from the Strategic Capacity Reserve with such changes being reflected elsewhere in the report
f) That the Corporate Director – Children and Young People’s Service is authorised, in consultation with the Corporate Director, Resources and the Executive Members for Schools and Finance, to take the final decision on the allocation of the Schools Budget including High Needs, Early Years and the Central Schools Services Block (paragraph 3.1.15).
g) That the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2026/27 to 2027/28, and its caveats, as laid out in Section 3.0 and Appendix G is approved in line with the proposed council tax option.
h) That the Corporate Director – Environment is authorised, in consultation with the Executive Members for Highways & Transportation, Managing our Environment and Open to Business, to carry out all necessary actions, including consultation where considered appropriate, to implement the range of savings as set out in Appendix B (ENV 1 to 34).
i) That the Corporate Director – Community Development is authorised, in consultation with the Executive Members for Open to Business and Culture, Arts and Housing, to carry out all necessary actions, including consultation where considered appropriate, to implement the range of savings as set out in Appendix B (CD 1 to 13).
j) That the Corporate Director – Health and Adult Services is authorised, in consultation with the Executive Members for HAS, to carry out all necessary actions, including consultation where he considers it appropriate, to implement the range of savings as set out in Appendix B (HAS 1 to 10).
k) That the Corporate Director – Children and Young People’s Services are authorised, in consultation with the Executive Members for CYPS, to carry out all necessary actions, including consultation where he considers it appropriate, to implement the range of savings as set out in Appendix B (CYPS 1 to 6).
l) That the Corporate Director – Resources, in consultation with the Executive Members for Finance & Resources and Corporate Services, to carry out all the necessary actions, including consultation where he consider it appropriate, to implement the range of savings as set out in Appendix B (RD 1 to 8 and CM 1 to 2).
m) That the Chief Executive is authorised, in consultation with the Executive Members for Central Services, to carry out all necessary actions, including consultation where he considers it appropriate, to implement the range of savings as set out in Appendix B (CS 1-10).
n) That any outcomes requiring changes following Recommendations g), h), i), j), k) and l) above be brought back to the Executive to consider and, where changes are recommended to the existing major policy framework, then such matters to be considered by full Council.
o) That £5,000k be added to the Corporate Property Maintenance budget in 2025/26 on a one-off basis as set out in paragraph 4.8.5 to address urgent needs and that a scheme is produced to aid decision making on allocation of this sum with the design of the scheme being delegated to the Corporate Director in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and Property.
p) That the proposed policy target for the minimum level of the General Working Balance is £32m in line with Appendix F and paragraph 4.5.3.
iv) The Executive also agreed to recommend the following to Council:
a) Approval of the refreshed Capital Plan summarised at paragraph 3.3
b) The Treasury Management Strategy Statement Annex 1, consisting of the Annual Treasury Management Strategy (Section 1), Capital Prudential Indicators (Section 2), Borrowing Strategy (Section 3) and Annual Investment Strategy 2025/26 (Section 4), including in particular:
i. an authorised limit for external debt of £643.7m in 2025/26; ii. an operational boundary for external debt of £623.7m in 2025/26; iii. the Prudential and Treasury Indicators based on the Council’s current and indicative spending plans for 2025/26 to 2027/28; iv. a limit of £60m of the total cash sums available for investment (both in house and externally managed) to be invested in Non-Specified Investments over 365 days; v. a Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy for debt repayment to be charged to Revenue in 2025/26; vi. the Corporate Director – Resources to report to the Council if and when necessary during the year on any changes to this Strategy arising from the use of operational leasing, PFI or other innovative methods of funding not previously approved by the Council;
c) The Capital Strategy as shown at Annex 2 of the Treasury Management and Capital Strategy Report;
d) That the Audit Committee be invited to review Annex 1 and 2 and submit any proposals to the Executive for consideration at the earliest opportunity
e) Recommends to Council the approval of the HRA budget for 2025/26 as set out in paragraph 6.3, being a net deficit of £3.901m which will be drawn from the HRA working balance;
f) Recommends to Council the approval of the HRA Medium term financial plan for 2026/27 and 2027/28 and the 30-year HRA Business Plan, as set out in paragraph 6.3 and Appendix B respectively;
g) Agrees an increase of 2.7% be applied to social, affordable and hostel rents from 1 April 2025 and recommends this to the Council for approval;
h) Agrees an increase of 2% be applied to shared ownership rents from 1 April 2025 and recommends this to the Council for approval.
i) Recommends to Council the approval of matched funding to support the Warm Homes Social Fund Wave 3 up to a maximum of £28.9m with a report back to Executive to approve a revised spending plan in the event of a lesser grant award.
j) That the Executive recommends to Council that the Council Tax Reduction Scheme at Annex A is approved for 2025/26.
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607 |
Council Plan 2025-2029
Considered – A report of the Assistant Chief Executive Local Engagement seeking the agreement of the Executive to submit the Council Plan 2025-2029 to the Council for adoption.
The Executive Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Heather Phillips, introduced the report and thanked the Corporate and Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee for their contribution to development of the Plan. Councillor Phillips outlined the Council’s ambitions, which were: · thriving places and empowered communities · sustainable and connected places · safe, healthy and living well · maximise the potential of North Yorkshires people and communities
Resolved (unanimously) –
1) That the draft Council Plan be approved and recommended to the Council for approval at its meeting on 18 February 2025.
2) That the Executive recommends that the Council authorises the Chief Executive to make any necessary changes to the text, including reflecting decisions made by the Council on the budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy, and updated performance data and key performance indicators.
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608 |
Whitby Maritime Hub
Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Community Development seeking approval to enter into a construction contract, including any associated project manager and supervisor appointments, to carry out the Whitby Maritime Hub Regeneration Project on the terms principally contained in this report. Approval was also sought to delegate to the Corporate Director of Resources in consultation with the Corporate Director of Community Development and Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services to agree the final terms of the construction contract with the contractor within the established budget.
The Leader referred to two emails which had been received making representation on the item and which had been circulated to members of Executive prior to the meeting.
The Executive Member for Open to Business, Councillor Mark Crane, reported that the project had received strong local support including from the Whitby Town Board and local Members and had secured £10m from the Town Fund in 2020. Planning permission had been obtained in August 2024 and the project was ready to move to construction. There was strong interest from local companies to use the building once completed and the Council’s own Harbour Master would also be based there. Once the building was at 60% use it would break even and additional use would provide a profit.
Councillor Crane referred to objections received and advised that the building was designed to flood with the ground floor being dedicated to maritime uses. Concern had been raised in relation to the loss of parking spaces during construction, which would be alleviated through the increased use of park and ride.
Councillor Liz Collings spoke in support of the project on behalf of the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee.
Resolved (unanimously) –
1) That approval be given to enter into the construction contract, including any associated project manager and supervisor appointments, to carry out the Whitby Maritime Hub Project on the terms principally contained in this report; and delegate to the Corporate Director of Resources in consultation with the Corporate Director of Community Development and Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services to agree the final terms of the contracts, within the established budget.
2) To note the risks highlighted in the report and the potential need for additional funding from the Council as set out in the financial implications section of the report. At this stage it is not possible to identify the value of any potential gap in funding but if Executive approval is given, there is a cost to the Council which represents the regeneration value of the scheme which will need to be met from Corporate resources.
Reasons for Recommendations
It will deliver the obligations to the Towns Fund programme for Whitby, whilst also ensuring that the community in Whitby is at the forefront of the opportunities have in the sector.
The recommendations will produce the best benefit for the Marine and Renewable sector for Whitby and North Yorkshire.
The recommendations will also achieve the Council’s corporate aims and the Economic Growth Strategy.
Alternative Options Considered
Alternative options have been explored by officers to try to ensure that the funding is not lost if the decision is made not to proceed into construction of the Whitby Maritime Hub.
If the project does not proceed to the construction phase, then MHCLG guidance must be considered:
It is encouraged that, in the first instance, that Town Deals strive to achieve the outcomes as stated in the Heads of Terms.
If a project fails, then it is possible to move the money to another existing Towns Fund Project. MHCLG would expect a similar level of replacement outputs and outcomes.
The Town Deal accountable body would need to publicly consult about the change via the Town Deal Board. The change would be subject to a Project Adjustment Request, signed off by the Section 151 officer and endorsed by the Town Deal Board. This would be subject to MHCLG approval.
Alternative options should ideally seek to support the maritime industry in Whitby and deliver some of the outputs that were stipulated in the business case for the project. There are no existing projects within the Towns Deal programme that would be able to deliver additional benefits for the Maritime Industry. In addition, funding can only be reallocated to other existing projects in the Whitby Towns Fund programme if they can demonstrate need and will deliver additional benefits. MHCLG have advised that the funding must remain in Whitby and they’re unlikely to approve any reallocation to Town Deal projects in Scarborough. Additionally, any change needs to be endorsed by the Whitby Town Deal Board. Existing Towns Fund Projects are:
· Harbourside Public Realm Improvement · Old Town Hall · Broomfield's Farm Housing Development
Some of the funding may be used to enhance the Harbourside Public Realm Improvement project through variable messaging signs or extending the existing public realm scheme down New Quay Road.
The Old Town Hall is a key heritage building in Whitby, due to budget constraints the project has been value engineered throughout its development to ensure that the main project objectives could be achieved. Currently, the project does not have a budget allocation to provide equipment associated with its use as a heritage facility and will be subject to a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Therefore, if additional funding was allocated to the project from the towns fund, these costs would be covered, and additional services originally considered within the Market Place could be added back into its scope.
Providing grant funding to Broomfield’s Farm is subject to satisfying Subsidy Control principles which requires the council to demonstrate it is providing the minimum required grant to achieve the project objectives. It would be unlikely if extra funding was granted to the project that the council could demonstrate further need as any extra interventions would be seen as above and beyond the minimum required to deliver the project.
None of the existing Towns Fund projects would be able to utilise the full £10million and the level of outputs and benefits to the Maritime Industry make them unfavourable.
Two possible options were considered, which are currently outside the Town Deal programme, but could further support the maritime industry. These were improvements to Eskside Wharf and the Fish Quay. Both projects are at different stages of development and further work would need to be carried out to assess how this funding would benefit the projects.
All of the above options would be subject to further development work, require public consultation via the Town Deal Board, endorsement by the Board and NYC and be approved by MHCLG through the Project Adjustment Request procedure. Not only does this carry the risk of not gaining the required consents, but it would also take a considerable time, therefore increasing the risk that the funding would not be spent during the Towns Fund programme.
If it cannot be utilised, the £10m Towns Deal funding would have to be returned to Central Government which would carry a reputational risk to North Yorkshire Council both with Government and the local community.
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609 |
Admission Arrangements 2026/2027
Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Children and Young People’s Service providing a summary of responses received to the consultation on the proposed admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled schools for the school year 2026/2027 and seeking approval for recommendation to the Council for determination.
The Executive Member for Education, Learning and Skills, Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, introduced the report and advised that as the admission authority the Council must consult annually on admission arrangements, which must be agreed by 28 February each year for the following school year. A six-week consultation had taken place and included admission policies and admission numbers for individual schools. The aim of the policy was to ensure that during the normal admissions round every child could be offered a single place on the same day, that parental preferences were considered equally and places were received in accordance with highest rank preferences. It was noted that the proposals related solely to school admission, not Home to School transport, which was a separate policy.
Resolved (unanimously) –
1) That the proposed Admission Arrangements for 2026/2027 be recommended to the Council for approval on 26 February, including:
· The proposed co-ordinated admission arrangements · The proposed co-ordinated in-year admission arrangements · The proposed admission policy for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools · The proposed admission policy for Ripon Grammar Boarding School · The proposed admission policy for Community and Voluntary Controlled Nursery Schools, Schools with Nursery Classes and Pre-Reception Classes · The proposed published admission numbers (PAN’s) for community and voluntary controlled schools
2) That the relevant areas for consultation on the School Admission Arrangements remain unchanged
Reasons for recommendations
North Yorkshire Council as an admission authority for maintained schools must have determined admission arrangements for 2026/2027. The arrangements decide the allocation of school places which will apply for admission applications for entry in the academic year 2026/2027. The approved arrangements are to be determined by February 2025, this is to comply with the regulations and legislation set out in the Admission Code 2021.
Alternative options considered
No alternative options were considered as it is a statutory requirement to determine Admission Arrangements on an annual basis by 28 February.
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610 |
Wensleydale School and Sixth Form, Leyburn – Proposal to Cease Sixth Form Provision
Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Children and Young People’s Service presenting the outcome of the public consultation carried out by the Council on the proposal to change the age range at the Wensleydale School and Sixth Form, by ceasing the Sixth Form Provision effective from 31 August 2025. The Executive were requested to authorise the publication of proposals and statutory notices, and to schedule taking a final decision on the proposal on 18 March 2025.
The Executive Member for Education, Learning and Skills, Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, introduced the report and advised that the governing body had asked the Council to consult on the permanent closure of the Sixth Form, which had been temporarily suspended since September 2023. Whilst the overall numbers in the school had stabilised and the school was at a good standard student numbers for the Sixth Form were not projected to be large enough to provide high quality post 16 provision in terms of curriculum or experience. Government advice was that sixth forms should have at least 200 places and offer at least 50 subjects and these proposals followed the closure of other smaller sixth forms.
Resolved – that
1) Statutory proposals and notices be published on 31 January 2025 proposing to change the age range of The Wensleydale School and Sixth Form, by ceasing sixth form provision, with effect from 31 August 2025.
2) The Executive (or the Executive Member for Education, Learning and Skills if there are no objections during the representation period) schedule taking a final decision on these proposals on 18 March 2025.
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611 |
Proposal to close Hackforth and Hornby, Church of England, VC Primary School, Hackforth – School Closure Proposal
Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Children and Young People’s Service presenting the outcome of the public consultation carried out by the Council on the proposal to close Hackforth and Hornby Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School. The Executive were requested to authorise the publication of proposals and statutory notices, and to schedule taking a final decision on the proposal on 18 March 2025.
The Executive Member for Education, Learning and Skills, Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, introduced the report and advised that the governing body had asked the Council to consult on the closure of the school due to falling numbers and questions over the viability of the school. The school was expected to have an in-year deficit of £358,500 and a cumulative deficit of £81,600 in 2025/26. There were currently only 8 children on the school roll and no viable alternative had been identified.
The Corporate Director, Stuart Carlton, referred to proposals to close Kirby Fleetham CE Primary School, which was mentioned in the report as contributing to overall capacity.in the area and confirmed that should Kirkby Fleetham school also close there would still be excess capacity in the area.
Resolved (unanimously) – that
1) Statutory proposals and notices be published on 31 January 2025 proposing to cease to maintain Hackforth and Hornby Church of England VC Primary School with effect from 31 August 2025.
2) The proposals include that, in the event of closure, the catchment area currently served by Hackforth and Hornby Church of England VC School will be shared between Crakehall Church of England Primary School, Michael Syddall Church of England Aided Primary School, Aiskew Leeming Bar Church of England Primary School, Kirkby Fleetham Church of England Primary School, and Hunton and Arrathorne Community Primary School.
3) The Executive schedule taking a final decision on these proposals on 18 March 2025.
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612 |
North Yorkshire Substance Use Strategy 2024-2028
Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Health and Adult Services presenting the final all-age North Yorkshire Substance Abuse Strategy 2024-2028 for approval. The strategy represented a commitment by partners across the county to work to reduce harms associated with substance use, had been the subject of public consultation and endorsed by the Drug and Alcohol Partnership Board.
The Corporate Director, Richard Webb, introduced the Strategy, which had been produced on a multi-agency basis with the police, NHS, voluntary sector and people who had experience of recovering from drug and alcohol issues. Priorities were set out including around enforcement and disrupting supply; there were ambitious targets around the number of people in treatment, recovery and moving people into employment and housing.
Resolved
That North Yorkshire Council Executive adopts the all-age North Yorkshire Substance Use Strategy 2024-2028
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613 |
Forward Plan
Considered – the Forward Plan for the period 10 January 2025 to 28 February 2026 was presented.
Resolved -
That the Forward Plan be noted.
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614 |
Date of Next Meeting - 4 February 2025
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The meeting concluded at 12.36 pm.