Agenda and draft minutes

To move that the Minutes of the Quarterly Meeting held on 15 November 2023, having been printed and circulated, be taken as read and be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

It was moved and seconded that the Minutes of the Quarterly Meeting of the Council held on 15 November 2023 having been printed and circulated, are confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record. 

The vote was taken and the motion was declared carried. 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Phillip Barrett, Kevin Foster, Nigel Knapton, Pat Marsh, Kirsty Poskitt (apologies for the morning only, in attendance from 1.45 pm), Mike Schofield and Angus Thompson. 

Declarations of Interest were made as follows:   

Councillor Karl Arthur regardingMinute 69(i) 

Councillor Lindsay Burr regarding the second homes premium at Minute 64.  Councillor Burr advised that she would not speak or vote on the item. 

Councillor Gareth Dadd regarding the second homes premium at Minute 64. 

Councillor Stephanie Duckett regarding Social Housing at Minute 68. 

Councillor Michael Harrison regarding the Treasury Management report at Minute 62, for which he had been granted a dispensation by the Standards and Governance Committee. 

Councillor Cliff Lunnregarding Selby Local Plan at Minute 64 

Councillor Andy Solway regarding Minute 65 

Any correspondence, communication or other business brought forward by the direction of the Chairman of the Council.

The Chairman welcomed the Honorary Aldermen and members of the public and press who were present.  The Chairman also welcomed Councillor Dan Sladden to his first meeting of the Council following his election to the Sowerby and Topcliffe division on 30 November 2023.

The Chairman informed Members of the usual arrangements for the meeting.

The Chairman reminded Members that as per the email previously sent by Barry Khan, Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services, there was a legal requirement to ensure that Members were not in arrears for their Council Tax when voting on the budget.

The Chairman informed Members that there were two Notices of Motion on the agenda. The Chairman was required to give a ruling on whether to follow the normal procedure of referring these motions to the relevant committee or whether they should be debated at the meeting, and ruled as follows:

(1)  Local Government Funding – motion to be debated at the meeting.

(2)  Town Council for Harrogate – motion to be debated at the meeting.

The Chairman reminded Members that when considering Notices of Motion a Member can move that the motion can be put now and one Member can speak for five minutes for that Motion and one Member can speak for five minutes against. Motions referred to committee would be moved and seconded without comment.

The Chairman then drew Council’s attention to the King’s New Year’s Honours list and passed on congratulations to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Carl Les, who had been awarded an OBE.  Also, to Chrys Mellor, who retired earlier last year from the role of Head of Libraries, who was awarded a BEM for services to Public Libraries.  Also, to  Margaret Fisher, of the Lollipop Crossing Patrol at Darley and Summerbridge Community Primary School, who was awarded a BEM for services to Child Road Safety.

The death of former North Yorkshire Councillor Dave Whitfield in December was noted. Dave was elected to the County Council for the first time in May 2022 and served through to October 2023 in the new unitary authority when he resigned from his position following a prolonged period of ill-health.  

Members also noted the recent death of former North Yorkshire County Councillor, Harrogate Borough Councillor and Knaresborough Town Councillor Bill Hoult.  Bill was the leader of the Liberal Democrat group at North Yorkshire County Council, where he served for 20 years from 1997 to 2017.

The Chairman also informed Councillors of the recent passing of former County Councillor and Selby District Councillor Roy Wilson.  Roy served as a County Councillor from 1981 to 2002 when he was made an Honorary Alderman. He was also Chairman of the Council in 2000.

A minute’s silence was held in memory of former County Councillors Dave Whitfield, Bill Hoult and Roy Wilson.

Councillor Carl Les made a statement and answered questions under Council Procedure Rule 2.3 as Leader of the Council, a summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 31 and 32 of the agenda pack and in the Minute Book at pages 661 to 662.

Members of the public may ask questions or make statements at this meeting if they have given notice and provided the text to Barry Khan, Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services – email: barry.khan@northyorks.gov.uk or in writing to Barry Khan, Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services, County Hall, Northallerton DL7 8AD by midday on Friday, 16 February 2024.  Each speaker should limit themselves to 3 minutes on any item.

If you are exercising your right to speak at this meeting, but do not wish to be recorded, please inform the Chairman who will instruct anyone who may be taking a recording to cease while you speak.

There were seven public questions, as follows: 

1.            The following public question was read out by Hazel Peacock, Oatlands Road Safety and Active Travel Campaign – Road Safety: 

I am Hazel Peacock, from Oatlands Road Safety & Active Travel Campaign.  

I would like to start off with expressing gratitude to Cllr Duncan and officers on their commitment to delivering the 20mph scheme for south and west Harrogate. In particular to the Area 6 team for all their work especially Melisa Burnham and Heather Yendall. We look forward to our continued working with them on the scheme.  

The issue and scheme is a cross party one and I would also like to thank all the members of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Committee who have supported it and express particular thanks to Cllr Pat Marsh, Cllr John Mann and Cllr Arnold Warneken for advocating and championing it.  

The scheme is a great step forward. Therefore, given the road safety concerns and speed exceedances we and NYC are aware of on the arterial routes in the zone “What can be done to improve the safety of the children, older people and wider community on those arterial roads where there are schools and urban destinations (shops, train stations, hospitals, football clubs and businesses) and limits of 20mph declined?”  

Harrogate Grammar School is situated on one, Willow Tree Primary School on another and a third has 5 schools and childcare settings on or just off of it; with Oatlands Infant School, Oatlands Junior School, Harrogate College, Busy Bees nursery, St John Fishers Catholic High School, Oatlands playing field, a business park, Hornbeam Park Train station (with 326,000 passengers pa/893 per day) and M&S Food Hall.  

On this road at 15:27hrs on 17 January 2024 a pedestrian suffered “severe head injuries” as the result of a collision whilst using the signalised crossing by Hornbeam Park Train station; a key crossing used by children and families travelling to and from Oatlands Junior School, Infant School, Harrogate College, Harrogate Business Park and rail passengers passing from the car park to the platform.  

With a density of schools on this road and schools situated on the others mentioned - safety is of paramount concern and the urban location and the characteristics of the roads are of key consideration.  

Can you advise how these characteristics are considered and if built as new today what changes would be necessary, particularly in the case of the road with Oatlands Infant School and Hornbeam Park train station where there is a descent of 39ft (1/25) between the train station and Crimple Beck bridge. As the only route for pupils arriving by train and attending St John Fishers Catholic High School and St Aidan’s CE School and families travelling to Oatlands Infant and Juniors using the narrow pavement of approx 1209mm is intimidating alongside HGVs and double-decker buses coming downhill at 30mph. 

Also, can NYC advise how the protected groups listed in the Equality Act 2010 have been considered in the equality  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

1.            Revenue Budget 2024/25, Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025/26 and Council Tax for 2024/25 

The recommendations at pages 81 to 83 of the agenda (pages 711 to 713 of the Minute Book) were moved by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Carl Les, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Councillor Gareth Dadd. 

              i.The following amendment was moved by Councillor Bryn Griffiths and seconded by Councillor Peter Lacey: 

“We note that in the recent additional £600m financial settlement to local councils made by Government the following points were made in the associated press release: 

1.    “£500m of this additional funding was added to the Social Care Grant to bolster social care budgets.” 

2.    “The Government’s manifesto commits to continuing to protect local taxpayers from excessive council tax increases.” 

3.    “The government is clear this funding is to be used to address the pressures facing councils and improve performance. It should not be put aside for later use or spent on areas that are not a priority.” 

Taking these points on board and also in light of the current financial predicament of many of our residents, we suggest that there is sufficient leeway to lower the proposed 4.99% increase in Council Tax for 2024/25, by using the additional allocated funding in 2024/25 and still remaining financially prudent. 

The medium-term goal of financial balance can be achieved by modifying the 2025/26 increase assumption from 2.99% to 3.99% and leaving the 2026/27 figure at 2.99%. This will smooth out the bump in tax rises and still match the 2026/27 Medium Term Financial projection given in Paragraph 2.7 on Page 42 of the Council report.   

We therefore propose that the following amendments are made to the Revenue Budget for 2024/25 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025/26 to 2026/27: 

a.            Council Tax is raised by 3.99% in 2024/25 at a cost of £4.328M, therefore using the additional Central Government money to protect local taxpayers from excessive council tax rises as intended. 

b.            The Medium Term Financial situation is achieved by assuming a 3.99% increase in Council tax for 2025/26 with a 2.99% increase for 2026/27. 

c.             That with respect to improving performance and supporting Social Care, the HAS Directorate are supported financially to undertake a review of integrated commissioning opportunities with Housing and with the Integrated Care Board that can significantly improve health outcomes and value for money over the medium to long term. 

d.            That other invest-to-save opportunities are identified and funded within the 2024/25 budget setting process, to improve performance in the medium to long term in areas such as sustainability and becoming net zero, given the high-risk status of this ambition highlighted in the Council’s risk assessment.” 

The amendment was then debated. 

A recorded vote was taken by roll call and the motion was declared defeated 13 for, 70 against and no abstentions. 

For:  Councillors Chris Aldred, Joy Andrews, Philip Broadbank, Barbara Brodigan, Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Hannah Gostlow, Bryn Griffiths, Peter Lacey, Steve Mason, Andrew  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

To approve the Council Plan 2024-2028.

The recommendation at page 269 of the agenda pack (page 916 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded. 

On a vote being taken the motion was declared carried, with 69 votes for, none against and 10 abstentions. 

Resolved - 

That the draft Council Plan be approved and that the Chief Executive be authorised 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. 

·                     Delivery of the New Settlement (Maltkiln) Development Plan Document

·                     To consider North Yorkshire Council’s Revenue Budget 2024/25 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) (this is scheduled for consideration earlier in the agenda)

·                     Council Plan 2024-2028 (this is scheduled for consideration earlier in the agenda)

·                     Allocations scheme for the provision of social housing – approval of the proposed North Yorkshire Council allocations policy for social housing following public consultation (this is scheduled for consideration later in the agenda)

·                     Admissions Arrangements 2025/26 (School) (full copy of the report included in papers)

·                     Selby District Local Plan – revised Regulation 19 (publication version) draft plan for public consultation

·                     Submission of the New Settlement (Maltkiln) Development Plan Document

·                     Second Homes Council Tax premiums

·                     North Yorkshire Council Pay Policy

Second Homes Council Tax Premium 

The recommendation at page 334 of the agenda pack (page 981 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded.  

A vote was and the motion was declared carried with 75 votes for the motion, 1 against and 3 abstentions. 

Resolved –  

That implementation of the following be approved: 

                        i.The application of the current premium of 100% for all dwellings which are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished (empty dwellings) from a period of one year with effect from 1st April 2024;  

                      ii.The application of a premium of 100% for all dwellings which are unoccupied but substantially furnished (second homes) with effect from 1st April 2025; and 

                     iii.That the Section 151 Officer is given delegated powers to implement the policy in line with the Council’s requirements and any guidance given by the Secretary of State or regulation 

Selby District Local Plan – Revised Regulation 19 (Publication version) Draft Plan for Public Consultation 

The recommendation at pages334 and 335 of the agenda pack (pages 981 and 982 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded.  

                        i.The following amendment was moved by Councillor John McCartney and secondedby Councillor Mike Jordan. 

“The reduction of the affordable housing targets in the emerging Selby Local Plan is unacceptable to this Full Council. 

NYC’s “Allocation Scheme for the provision of social housing” which is on today’s agenda, states at 1.2; “North Yorkshire is an area of high demand for social housing. There is a scarcity of affordable housing and a high number of people who wish to be housed. There is also a substantial level of homelessness across the authority, so even if an applicant is accepted onto the Housing Register this does not mean they will ever be made an offer of accommodation”  

Currently the Selby district has a 40% affordable housing target. 

The emerging plan has sites with 5%, 10% and 20% allocations. So, the overall affordable target would, be at most,13%. But the developers of the 20% sites will inevitably put in Viability Assessments to get that 20% lowered, thereby reducing, even further, the overall target in the emerging plan. 

Cllr Bastiman admitted at the Executive meeting of 6 February that there is a reduction in the new plan saying, “changed economic circumstances mean that the level of affordable housing that can now be justifiably requested is reduced from that set out in the adopted core strategy”. 

If this plan is allowed to go through with this reduced affordable housing target, then no doubt that will be replicated in the new North Yorkshire wide plan. 

“The Selby Local Plan should be delayed; the 40% target should be retained, and the Council should commit to robustly challenging the developers’ Viability Assessments so that we get as many affordable homes as possible on all the sites in the Selby district.” 

The amendment was then debated. 

On a vote being taken the amendment fell with 14 votes for, 60  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

The recommendations at page 341 of the agenda pack (page988 of the Minute Book) were moved and seconded. 

A vote was , and the motion was declared carried unanimously. 

Resolved – 

That the proposed Admission Arrangements for 2025/2026 be approved and include:  

                       i.the proposed co-ordinated admission arrangements (appendix 1) 

                      ii.the proposed co-ordinated in year admission arrangements (appendix 1a) 

                     iii.the proposed admission policy for community and voluntary controlled schools (appendix 2) 

                     iv.the proposed admission policy for nursery schools, schools with nursery classes and pre-reception classes (appendix 3) 

                      v.the proposed published admission numbers (PAN’s) for community and voluntary controlled schools as shown in appendices 6 (Primary) and 7 (Secondary) 

                     vi.Proposed changes to school catchment area – Thirsk School and Sixth Form College (appendix 8) 

The recommendations at page 397 of the agenda pack (page 1043 of the Minute Book) were moved and seconded. 

A vote was and the motion was declared carried unanimously. 

Resolved – 

1.    York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority 

Substitute Members for the Leader and Deputy Leader: 

Councillors Michael Harrison, Simon Myers, Janet Sanderson and Annabel Wilkinson. 

2.    Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Audit and Governance Committee 

Authority be delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services in consultation with Group Leaders to confirm appointments to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Audit and Governance Committee from the nominations circulated at the meeting. 

3.    Skills and Employability Working Group 

Councillors Derek Bastiman and Annabel Wilkinson to be appointed. 

4.    Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Planning Committee

Councillor Pat Marsh to come off 

Councillor Mike Schofield to be appointed 

Councillor John Mann to be appointed Chair of the Committee 

Councillor Chris Aldred to be appointed Vice Chair of the Committee in place of Councillor Paul Haslam 

5.    Scrutiny of Health Committee 

Councillor Nathan Hull to be replaced by Councillor Andy Paraskos  

6.    Pension Board 

David Portlock re-appointed as the Independent Chair and Gordon Gresty re-appointed as a Scheme Member representative; both for a period of 4 years.

The recommendations at page 400 of the agenda pack (page1047 of the Minute Book) were moved and seconded. 

A vote was and the motion was declared carried unanimously. 

Resolved – 

That the revised arrangements for the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel as provided at Appendix be approved. 

The recommendations at page 415 of the agenda pack (page 1062 of the Minute Book) were moved and seconded. 

Resolved – 

That the draft Housing Allocations Policy be approved. 

Statements of Executive Members, in the order set out below, followed by the Statements of the Chairmen of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

Councillor Janet Sanderson, Executive Member for Children and Families, made a statement and answered questions.  A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 463 – 466 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 1109 to 1113).

Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Managing our Environment, made a statement and answered questions.  A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 467 - 470 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 1114 to 1117).

Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, Executive Member for Education, Learning and Skills, made a statement and answered questions. A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 471 – 474 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 1118 to 1121).

Councillor Gareth Dadd, Executive Member for Finance and Resources, made a statement and answered questions.  A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 475 - 476 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 1122 to 1123).

Councillor Derek Bastiman, Executive Member for Open to Business, made a statement and answered questions. A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 477 - 482 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 1124 to 1128). 

Councillor David Chance, Executive Member for Corporate Services, made a statement and answered questions.  A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 483 – 486 of the agenda pack and in the Minute Book (pages 1130 to 1133).

Councillor Keane Duncan, Executive Member for Highways and Transportation, made a statement and answered questions.  A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 487 – 488 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 1134 to 1135). 

Councillor Michael Harrison, Executive Member for Health and Adult Services, made a statement and answered questions.  A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 489 - 492 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 1136 to 1138). 

Councillor Simon Myers, Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, made a statement and answered questions.  A summary of the key points of which had previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 493 - 496 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 1140 to 1143). 

The written statement of Councillor Karin Sedgwick having previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 497 – 498 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 1144 to 1145), was noted.  The Scrutiny Board Chair then answered questions. 

The written statement of Councillor Karin Sedgwick having previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 499 - 502 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 1146 to 1148), was noted. 

The written statement of Councillor Andrew Williams having previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 503 - 504 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (page 1150), was noted.   

The written statement of Councillor Andrew Lee having previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 505 - 508 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 1152 to 1154), was noted.

The written statement of Councillor David Staveley having previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 509 – 510 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 1156 to 1157), was noted.   

The written statement of Councillor Barbara Brodigan having previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 511 - 512 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 1158 to 1159), was noted.

The written statement of Councillor Malcolm Taylor having previously been circulated and which appeared at pages 513 - 516 of the agenda pack and which appears in the Minute Book (pages 1160 to 1162), was noted.   

(1)        Local Government Funding

This council continues to make cuts to the services it provides to its residents, to avoid what would become a catastrophic financial deficit. Proposals for budget savings this year include reductions in home-to-school transport provision and support to local communities. Additionally, the council's reserves are being used to support underfunded mandatory services e.g. Social Care. The proposed economies result from long-term inadequate funding from central government to this local authority.

With this in mind, the council requests that the leader, Councillor Carl Les, writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Right Honourable Jeremy Hunt, requesting that he does not reduce taxes in his March 2024 budget and instead undertakes to provide long-term government funding to the meet mandatory provision of council services.

Proposer - Cllr Andrew Murday

Seconder - Cllr Barbara Brodigan

(2)        Town Council for Harrogate

Proposed Motion for Debate at North Yorkshire Council Meeting 21^st February 2024

In accordance with Rule 14 regarding Previous Decisions and motions, the mover & seconder of this motion along with 14 other members signed below, wish to have this motion debated and note that it seeks to rescind, in part, a resolution passed at Full Council on 19th July 2023.

Council sees no need to delay it's stated purpose in creating a Town Council for Harrogate, by continuing to link this process to the evolving process in Scarborough, which by necessity involves the creation of new Wards. Council therefore instructs that Council Officers immediately undertake the necessary public consultation on the 19 single member wards, based on the ward boundaries previously used by Harrogate Borough Council, as agreed on 19th July 2023, in the most cost effective way possible and mindful of the results of the two previous consultations undertaken on this matter since the 2022 Council Elections, reporting back the results of this consultation to the Standards & Governance Committee at it's 15th March meeting, with a view to a report being presented to Council on 15 May.

Proposed – Cllr Chris Aldred, High Harrogate & Kingsley

Seconded – Cllr Philip Broadbank, Fairfax & Starbeck

and supported by – Cllr Peter Lacey, Cllr Monika Slater, Cllr Dan Sladden, Cllr Matt Walker, Cllr Bryn Griffiths, Cllr Steve Mason, Cllr Joy Andrews, Cllr Hannah Gostlow, Cllr Pat Marsh, Cllr Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Cllr Barbara Brodigan, Cllr Kevin Foster, Cllr Arnold Warneken, Cllr Stuart Parsons.

The Chair, Councillor David Ireton, advised that three Notices of Motion had been submitted.  The Chair confirmed that he had ruled as follows on each of the submitted motions: 

1.             Increase electricity grid generation and import capacity across North Yorkshire – motion to be debated at the meeting.

2.             Delays to 2030 climate change target – motion to be debated at the meeting. 

3.             United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – motion to be referred to the Transport, Economy, Environment and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Audit Committee.

This council continues to make cuts to the services it provides to its residents, to avoid what would become a catastrophic financial deficit. Proposals for budget savings this year include reductions in home-to-school transport provision and support to local communities. Additionally, the council's reserves are being used to support underfunded mandatory services e.g. Social Care. The proposed economies result from long-term inadequate funding from central government to this local authority. 

With this in mind, the council requests that the leader, Councillor Carl Les, writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Right Honourable Jeremy Hunt, requesting that he does not reduce taxes in his March 2024 budget and instead undertakes to provide long-term government funding to the meet mandatory provision of council services.

Proposer - Cllr Andrew Murday

Seconder - Cllr Barbara Brodigan

The notice of motion was moved by Councillor Andrew Murday and seconded by Councillor Barbara Brodigan.  

The motion was then debated.

On a vote being taken 23 Members voted for the motion, 42 against and there were no abstentions.  The motion therefore fell.

In accordance with Rule 14 regarding Previous Decisions and motions, the mover & seconder of this motion along with 14 other members signed below, wish to have this motion debated and note that it seeks to rescind, in part, a resolution passed at Full Council on 19 July 2023.  

Council sees no need to delay stated purpose in creating a Town Council for Harrogate, by continuing to link this process to the evolving process in Scarborough, which by necessity involves the creation of new Wards. Council therefore instructs that Council Officers immediately undertake the necessary public consultation on the 19 single member wards, based on the ward boundaries previously used by Harrogate Borough Council, as agreed on 19 July 2023, in the most cost effective way possible and mindful of the results of the two previous consultations undertaken on this matter since the 2022 Council Elections, reporting back the results of this consultation to the Standards & Governance Committee at 15 March meeting, with a view to a report being presented to Council on 15 May. 

Proposed – Cllr Chris Aldred, High Harrogate & Kingsley  

Seconded – Cllr Philip Broadbank, Fairfax & Starbeck  

and supported by – Cllr Peter Lacey, Cllr Monika Slater, Cllr Dan Sladden, Cllr Matt Walker, Cllr Bryn Griffiths, Cllr Steve Mason, Cllr Joy Andrews, Cllr Hannah Gostlow, Cllr Pat Marsh, Cllr Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Cllr Barbara Brodigan, Cllr Kevin Foster, Cllr Arnold Warneken, Cllr Stuart Parsons. 

The notice of motion was moved by Councillor Chris Aldred and seconded by Councillor Philip Broadbank. 

The motion was then debated. 

On a vote being taken 26 Members voted for the motion, 39 voted against and there were no abstentions.The motion therefore fell. 

Council requested to consider the recommendation of the Audit Committee and the Transport, Economy, Environment and EnterpriseOverview and Scrutiny Committee following consideration of a Notice of Motion which had been referred to them by Council at its meeting held on 15 November 2023.   

The recommendations of those Committees were set out at page 521 of the agenda.   

The original motion that was to be debated is as detailed below: 

Background - United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a set of 17 goals that aim to address global challenges and foster sustainable development worldwide. These goals cover a range of issues, including strong economic growth, strong institutions, poverty eradication, equality, clean energy, climate action, and nature protections, among others.  

Motion to Council - A more equitable, sustainable, and resilient North Yorkshire  

This Council notes with concern the recent Special Report from the United Nations Secretary General – “Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals: towards a rescue plan for people and planet“ in July 2023 to mark the midpoint between 2015 and the delivery date of 2030. 

The Secretary General finds that “… many of the Goals are moderately to severely off track and puts forward five major recommendations to rescue the Goals and accelerate implementation between now and 2030.” 

This Council notes the third of those recommendations, calling upon Governments to “… strengthen national and subnational capacity, accountability and public institutions to deliver accelerated progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”  Furthermore, this council recognises the main reasons of the Local Government Association as to why councils should investigate and implement the UNSDGs: 

·                     Making progress towards these comprehensive and universal global goals by 2030 will depend on action at the local level, and councils are key actors at that level. 

·                     The SDGs can help focus efforts on the health and wellbeing of people that are the furthest behind. 

·                     Engagement with the SDGs supports and complements the declaration of a climate emergency. 

·                     The SDGs can provide councils with a framework for strategic planning, policy review and action for sustainable development – for economic progress, social justice and inclusion, protection of the climate, environment and biodiversity, and ensuring no one is left behind. 

·                     The SDGs can help councils to foster strategic partnerships, framing joint actions and shared priorities in terms of the goals.  

·                     The resource burden for initial engagement with the SDGs is low. 

To that end, North Yorkshire Council resolves to adopt the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as a framework for informing our local authority's policies, work programs, functions, and initiatives.  By doing so, we commit to aligning our strategies with the national and global agenda for sustainable development and working towards achieving these goals within our sphere of influence; recognising the significance of the UN SDGs as a comprehensive framework for sustainable development at the global level. We shall seek to apply the UN SDGs at the local level for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

The report on the Use of Special Urgency Procedures since the last meeting of the Council on 15 November 2023 was considered and the recommendation at page 523 - 528 of the agenda pack (page 526 of the Minute Book) was moved and seconded. 

Resolved – 

That the report on the Use of Special Urgency Procedures since the last meeting of the Council in November 2023, be noted. 

There were no Council Procedure Rule 10 questions. 

The meeting ended at 6.13pm.