Agenda and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

Resolved

That the public Minutes of the meeting held on 31 March 2026, having been printed and circulated, be taken as read and confirmed by the Chair as a correct record.

Councillor Carl Les declared a non-pecuniary interest in Minute 891 on the basis that he was a trustee of North Yorkshire Citizens advice and Law Centre.

Members are recommended to exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of each of the items of business listed in Column 1 of the following table on the grounds that they each involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraph(s) specified in column 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Access to information)(Variation) Order 2006:

It was noted that there were exempt appendices relating to Minutes 889 – North Yorkshire Council (NYC)/NY Highways (NYH) – Highway Officer Integration and Transfer of 7.5t Mechanical Sweeping Responsibility to NY Highways, and 892 – Bidding for Homes England funding from the Social and Affordable Homes Programme for specific schemes.  As the contents of the appendices were not discussed the public was not excluded from the meeting.

Members of the public may ask questions or make statements at this meeting if they have given notice to Elizabeth Jackson, Principal Democratic Services Officer democraticservices.central@northyorks.gov.uk  and supplied the text by midday on Thursday 16 April, three working days before the day of the meeting.  Each speaker should limit themselves to 3 minutes on any item.  Members of the public who have given notice will be invited to speak:

·         at this point in the meeting if their questions/statements relate to matters which are not otherwise on the Agenda (subject to an overall time limit of 30 minutes);

·         when the relevant Agenda item is being considered if they wish to speak on a matter which is on the Agenda for this meeting.

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

A public statement was read out by Caroline Garrod on behalf of service users at Cauwood Day Centre in relation to Minute 893.

Forthcoming closure of Cauwood Day Centre, Malton, North Yorkshire.

I am speaking to you today with regards to the planned closure of Cauwood Day Centre in Malton.  This centre specialises in offering essential activities to disabled adults to enable them to access the community in a safe and secure environment.

The centre cares for adults of which most have severe disabilities some of which have attended since it opened in 1991, others over 20 years. They cannot and should not be moved to another service which does not meet their needs.  They, all visit regulary, and are supported by an outstanding team of carers. This centre is a lifeline for them as it is the only one of its kind within the area of Ryedale.  Activities include a dedicated art room, kitchen, sensory room, separate break out rooms, a large communal room for when users want to mix with their peers.  There are also dedicated changing facilities and the only fully acceptable facilities in Malton.  The centre also has National Autism Accreditation Status. The garden complete with raised beds so that the users can access this during the warmer summer months.  I as a parent feel safe in the knowledge that my daughter is safe and cared for when she is there and I am sure I speak for all of the service users when I say this.

We were told at a recent meeting that other arrangements would be made, ideally in the community for those who attend Cauwood should the centre be closed.  The primary reason the service users go to Cauwood is that they are not able to access activities in the community due to the severity of their disabilities and needs. 

There are currently 5 Day Centres operating in North Yorkshire, will these be closed as well as you say that ‘community based provision’ is the way forward, it is not as others do not meet need.

I am therefore asking you to all think very carefully about this decision as it could prove catastrophic, at the end of the day its not down to money its about the long term care and future of its attendees.  There may only be a small amount of them but with the right thought process Cauwood could be a thriving asset to North Yorkshire's portfolio especially if they are planning to build a new elderly peoples residence on the land.  Incorporate Cauwood into that, I am sure it will get used.  

Conclusion:

·       Cauwood is paramount to the community and all of its Service Users, and this provision needs to be retained and not just terminated or replaced with lesser community-based services. 

·       Current Service Users will not be suited to community-based services as proposed and will not meet the needs of any of the existing service users at Cauwood.

·       The rationale behind this closure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 886.

Recommendation

That the Executive approve in principle the transfer of the site at undervalue to Ripon City Council on terms to be agreed with the Corporate Director of Resources in consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive of Legal and Democratic Services and Executive Member for Finance and Propoerty if appropriate conditions are met.

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Resources seeking approval in principle for the transfer of Ripon Town Hall to Ripon City Council and seeking to delegate the final decision to the Corporate Director Resources in consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services and Executive Member for Resources if conditions were met.

The Executive Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Heather Phillips, introduced the report and emphasised the cultural, historic and community value of Ripon Town Hall. While the proposal represented a financial undervalue, this was justified by the wider community benefit, heritage protection and opportunities for regeneration of the Grade II listed building.

Councillor Andrew Williams, who was also Mayor elect of Ripon City Council, welcomed the proposal and thanked officers for their work in bringing the project forward. He referred to the historic significance of the building and the City Council’s ambition to restore it, including reuse of the Council Chamber and wider public access.

Members welcomed the proposal which was in line with the Council’s approach to double devolution and transfer of community assets.  Other town and parish councils were encouraged to come forward with similar projects.

Resolved (unanimously)

That the Executive approve in principle the transfer of the site at undervalue to Ripon City Council on terms to be agreed with the Corporate Director Resources in consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services and Executive Member for Finance and Resources if appropriate conditions are met.

Reasons for recommendations

To utilise a prominent Grade II listed building to provide the community benefits as described in the report.

Alternative options considered

No other options are currently being pursued in relation to this property at this stage. Should the transfer to RCC not proceed then NYC will continue to hold the asset.

Recommendations

1.     That Executive note each of the ‘findings’ put forward by TEEE O&S committee.

2.     For each finding, and paying particular regard to the Risk & Implications (section 6) and Financial Implications (section 7) sections of this report, Executive is asked to:

·       Agree the finding as written.

·       Agree the finding with amendments as requested by Executive; or

·       Reject the finding.

3.     A capital allocation of £177,000 is set aside, funded from the Strategic Capacity Reserve, to deliver the findings should they be approved.

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Environment in relation to the findings of a Task and Finish Group of the Transport, Economy, Environment and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which met to review the challenges facing the public convenience service.  The Group had developed a set of guiding principles and associated ‘findings’ for future service delivery, which were now presented for consideration by Executive.

The Executive Member for Managing Our Environment, Councillor Richard Foster, introduced the report and thanked Councillor David Staveley and members of the Task and Finish Group for their detailed work. The service inherited inconsistencies following local government reorganisation and faced an ongoing financial challenge. Councillor Foster highlighted that while public conveniences were a valued and important service, they were non-statutory and must operate within available resources. He proposed amending the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group to remove point 7 relating to integrating toilet costs into car parking tariffs and point 9 relating to ringfencing disposal receipts.  In relation to point 2 the Executive Member suggested adopting a 40p entry fee as an initial, proportionate approach.

Councillor David Staveley, as Chair of the Task and Finish Group, emphasised the significant variation in condition and operation across the estate and urged that officers retain flexibility to explore all options set out in the report.  In a county with a large rural geography and visitor economy public toilets were important for public health, accessibility and tourism.

Councillor Melanie Davis raised concerns about provision in Selby and supported the proposals contained in the report.  Councillor Paul Haslam suggested exploring alternative funding opportunities.  Councillor Keane Duncan referred to the free to pee campaign in Malton and supported the view that public conveniences should be free to access, with charging only as a last resort.

Executive Members supported the proposals and welcomed the ambition to bring all public conveniences to a decent standard by 2030.  The proposals represented a fairer way of funding the service and ensuring that decent facilities were available for residents and visitors.

The Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic advised that in relation to point 8 certain decisions could not be delegated directly to an Executive Member and would instead require delegation to the Corporate Director in consultation with the Executive Member.

Resolved (unanimously)

1)    That Executive note each of the ‘findings’ put forward by the Transport, Economy, Environment and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee

2)    Executive accept each finding as set out below, with the exception of 7 and 9, which were rejected.  Findings 2 and 8 were amended as detailed above.

1.     As a priority collaborate with others, including the Combined Authority, to identify opportunities for financial support in operating tourist infrastructure and to actively pursue external funding to enhance and sustain the service.

2.     To set a consistent entry fee, the Group recommends the entry fee for 2026-27 to be set at 40p per user, with the final value decided by Executive.

3.     To endorse a capital allocation to expand the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 888.

Recommendations

1.     The Executive approves the transfer of staff and functions from NYC to NY Highways with effect by the 01 July 2026 for street sweeping and Highway Operations

2.     The Executive approves the Council disposing of the street sweeper vehicles and highway maintenance vehicles as detailed in the report and delegate negotiation and agreement of the final price of the vehicles and terms of the asset transfer agreement to the Assistant Director, Environment and Transport.

3.     The Executive delegate any other necessary steps to implement this decision including but not limited to entering contracts detailed in this report (excluding the asset transfer) to the Assistant Director – Highways & Infrastructure, Environment Directorate.

4.     To amend the Environment Directorate organisational structure and move the responsibility for those functions outlined earlier, to sit within NY Highways. This will include some Business Support functions yet to be confirmed.

5.     Subject to Member approval of the above, Executive are asked to approve the following on behalf of NYC in its capacity as Shareholder of NY Highways:

                   i.           The acquisition by NY Highways of all the vehicles detailed in this report from NYC.

                  ii.           To open the LGPS pension scheme via a variation to the Deed of Accession for NY Highways to allow pension continuation for all transferring NYC staff to NY Highways.

                iii.           To agree the matters referred by the Board of Directors as detailed in confidential Appendix A; and 

                iv.           To delegate any other shareholder decisions necessary to facilitate the transfer from NYC to NY Highways to the Chief Executive as Shareholder Representative.

Considered – A report of the Assistant Director Highways and Infrastructure providing an update on work relating to the future operating model for mechanical sweeping and the proposed alternative operating model for duties currently undertaken by Highway Officers, Assistant Highway Officers and certain Maintenance Managers in NYC’s Highways Operation Area teams.  It was proposed that these officers, along with responsibility for mechanical street sweeping, move to North Yorkshire Highways in order to improve efficiency, consistency and value for money. 

North Yorkshire Highways formed part of the Council’s Brierley Group of companies and Executive were also asked to approve a number of matters on behalf of NYC in its capacity as Shareholder of NY Highways.  These included recommendations relating to the TUPE transfer of staff which were set out in exempt Appendix A.

The Executive Member for Highways and Transportation, Councillor Malcolm Taylor, explained that the proposals would provide for more effective and efficient service delivery following reorganisation.  The proposals would bring about significant revenue savings, while maintaining engagement with local communities and performance standards.  Members acknowledged the human resources implications for the staff involved.

Resolved (unanimously)

1)    The Executive approves the transfer of staff and functions from NYC to NY Highways with effect from the 1 July 2026 for street sweeping and Highway Operations

2)    The Executive approves the Council disposing of the street sweeper vehicles and highway maintenance vehicles as detailed in the report and delegate negotiation and agreement of the final price of the vehicles and terms of the asset transfer agreement to the Assistant Director Environment and Transport.

3)    The Executive delegate any other necessary steps to implement this decision including but not limited to entering contracts detailed in this report (excluding the asset transfer) to the Assistant Director Highways and Infrastructure, Environment Directorate.

4)    To amend the Environment Directorate organisational structure and move the responsibility for those functions outlined earlier, to sit within NY Highways. This will include some Business Support functions yet to be confirmed.

5)    Subject to Member approval of the above, Executive are asked to approve the following on behalf of NYC in its capacity as Shareholder of NY Highways:

i.        The acquisition by NY Highways of all the vehicles detailed in this report from NYC.

ii.       To open the LGPS pension scheme via a variation to the Deed of Accession for NY Highways to allow pension continuation for all transferring NYC staff to NY Highways.

iii.      To agree the matters referred by the Board of Directors as detailed in confidential Appendix A; and 

iv.      To delegate any other shareholder decisions necessary to facilitate the transfer from NYC to NY Highways to the Chief Executive as Shareholder Representative.

Reasons for recommendations

The recommendations contained in this report are to enable this proposed change in service delivery model to be advanced and realise savings under the revised delivery model.

Alternative options considered

A number of options have been considered:

Do nothing – retaining the status quo would not make use of the opportunities for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 889.

Recommendations

That the Executive approves the Council Plan and recommends it to the Council for approval.

Considered – A report of the Assistant Chief Executive Local Engagement seeking the agreement of the Executive to submit the Council Plan 2026-30 to the Council for adoption.  The Executive Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Heather Phillips, introduced the report which set out the Council’s ambitions and how they would be delivered.

Resolved

That the Executive approves the Council Plan and recommends it to the Council for approval.

Recommendations

i.                That Executive notes the Crisis & Resilience Fund (CRF) allocation confirmed by Government for North Yorkshire Council for the 2026/27 financial year of £6,644,811.48, and the national transition from existing discretionary support arrangements to the new CRF framework.

ii.              That Executive notes and approves the inclusion, within the overall CRF allocation, of targeted discretionary fuel related support to assist low income households experiencing financial hardship and rising living costs, including those living in off gas properties reliant on LPG, heating oil or other alternative fuels. This includes additional one off Government funding of £1,061,623 for 2026/27, to be delivered through the Crisis & Resilience Fund in line with national guidance.

iii.             That Executive approves North Yorkshire Council’s approach to implementing the Crisis & Resilience Fund (CRF) from 1 April 2026, including the use of interim delivery arrangements to ensure continuity of crisis and housing support for residents while a longer term No Wrong Door / One Front Door operating model is finalised, in line with CRF guidance which anticipates a phased implementation approach and requires the Council’s CRF Delivery Plan to be submitted to the Department for Work and Pensions by 1 July 2026.

iv.             That Executive approves the Housing Payments (Crisis & Resilience Fund) Policy (Appendix A), which formally replaces the Council’s Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) policy with effect from 1 April 2026, consistent with national arrangements and CRF grant conditions.

v.              That Executive approves and delegates authority to the Corporate Director – Resources (Section 151 Officer), in consultation with the relevant Executive Member, to operate and apply the approved CRF framework and Housing Payments Policy, including:

a)   administering individual CRF awards (including Housing Payments and fuel related support);

b)   managing and monitoring expenditure across CRF strands to ensure compliance with grant conditions and value for money; and

c)   making minor operational amendments required during the interim period, reporting back to Members as appropriate.

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Resources setting out the proposed approach to implementing the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), including fuel support and replacement of discretionary housing payments.  The Council’s allocation confirmed by the Government was £6,644,811.48 for 2026/27.  Within the overall allocation was £1,061,623 to support low-income households reliant on heating oil which were experiencing financial hardship through rising costs.  Approval was sought for a CRF Delivery Plan to be submitted to the Department for Work and Pensions.  Approval was also sought for the Housing Payments (Crisis and Resilience Fund) Policy which would formally replace the Council’s Discretionary Housing Payments Policy from 1 April 2026.

The Executive Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Heather Phillips, introduced the report and explained that the CRF replaced the Household Support Fund and reflected new Government priorities, including recognition of rurality and off-gas households reliant on LPG and heating oil.  A number of people had been helped already through partnership with Citizens Advice and the Council’s “no wrong door” and “one front door” approach.

The Director of Resources confirmed measures to raise awareness of the fund to ensure eligible residents could access support, which included working with the Citizens Advice Bureau and information on the website.  The funding was only for those experiencing financial hardship, the council held data on those who may be eligible and proactive communication was taking place. 

Resolved (unanimously)

1)             That Executive notes the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) allocation confirmed by Government for North Yorkshire Council for the 2026/27 financial year of £6,644,811.48, and the national transition from existing discretionary support arrangements to the new CRF framework.

2)             That Executive notes and approves the inclusion, within the overall CRF allocation, of targeted discretionary fuel related support to assist low income households experiencing financial hardship and rising living costs, including those living in off gas properties reliant on LPG, heating oil or other alternative fuels. This includes additional one off Government funding of £1,061,623 for 2026/27, to be delivered through the Crisis and Resilience Fund in line with national guidance.

3)             That Executive approves North Yorkshire Council’s approach to implementing the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) from 1 April 2026, including the use of interim delivery arrangements to ensure continuity of crisis and housing support for residents while a longer term No Wrong Door / One Front Door operating model is finalised, in line with CRF guidance which anticipates a phased implementation approach and requires the Council’s CRF Delivery Plan to be submitted to the Department for Work and Pensions by 1 July 2026.

4)             That Executive approves the Housing Payments (Crisis and Resilience Fund) Policy (Appendix A), which formally replaces the Council’s Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) policy with effect from 1 April 2026, consistent with national arrangements and CRF grant conditions.

5)             That Executive approves and delegates authority to the Corporate Director – Resources (Section 151 Officer), in consultation with the relevant Executive Member, to operate and apply the approved CRF framework and Housing Payments  ...  view the full minutes text for item 891.

Recommendations

i)         To approve the principle of an acquisition programme of up to 30 affordable homes to take into the Housing Revenue Account subject to individual business cases and approvals in line with the Council’s constitution

ii)        To approve the submission of an application for grant funding to Homes England as set out in the confidential Appendix A to support the acquisition of these homes.

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Community Development seeking approval in principle to submit a bid to Homes England to support acquisition of 30 homes to use as affordable housing for the Housing Revenue Account.  The 30 properties were still to be identified and would be subject to further approvals.

The Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, Councillor Simon Myers,  introduced the report and explained that grant funding was essential to enable delivery of council housing in high house price areas such as Harrogate and Richmondshire.  Acquisitions would be in the form of buybacks of previously owned council properties.  Each acquisition would still be subject to a business case requiring payback in 40 years.

Resolved

1)    That Executive approve the principle of an acquisition programme of up to 30 affordable homes to take into the Housing Revenue Account subject to individual business cases and approvals in line with the Council’s constitution

2)    That Executive approve the submission of an application for grant funding to Homes England as set out in the confidential Appendix A to support the acquisition of these homes.

Reasons for recommendations

Acquiring these homes and claiming Homes England grant will allow the council to deliver up to an additional 30 affordable homes, which will be for social rent and will be a mix of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom homes. These will support the Council in meeting our target for delivering a minimum of 500 new affordable homes and will support the replacement of properties lost through RTB sales.

Alternative options considered

Not applying for Homes England grant would see the council miss out on the opportunity to deliver up to additional 30 affordable homes.

The Council can continue to acquire “buyback” properties without grant. However, this would mean being restricted to only acquiring properties, which would be viable without grant, which would be very difficult to achieve in higher value areas where there is high need. It would also mean that we could acquire sufficient properties to replace the ones lost through Right to Buy.

Recommendations

i)               That Executive notes the opportunities for a new extra care scheme to be developed in Malton.

ii)              That Executive notes the strategic market development plans for community-based care and support for adults to meet emerging and changing needs of people. 

iii)             That Executive notes the sustainability issues at Cauwood Day Service in Malton impacting on the ability of the service to support the care and support needs of the local community.

iv)             That Executive approves the intention to close Cauwood Day Service in Malton in order to re-provide in local alternative community-based solutions for people in Ryedale and surrounding areas, and free up the site for a potential Extra Care Scheme.

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Health and Adult Services providing an update on development of an Extra Care Housing scheme in the Malton and Ryedale area and sustainability issues at Cauwood Day service in Malton.  The report outlined strategic proposals for adult care provision in Ryedale, including the future of Cauwood Day Service.

The Leader, Councillor Carl Les, referred to an email letter he had received from Mrs Caroline Garrod, which he had circulated to all Members.

The Executive Member for Health and Adult Services, Councillor Michael Harrison, introduced the report and acknowledged significant concern among service users, families and staff, particularly regarding the proposed closure of Cauwood Day Service. He stated that having reflected on representations received, he would not support a decision at this stage and proposed instead that a full consultation be undertaken.

Caroline Garrod made a public statement on behalf of service users at Cauwood Day Service as detailed at Minute 886.  Councillors Keane Duncan and Lindsay Burr, local division members, made representations at the meeting in support of retention of Cauwood emphasising the importance of the service to the community and requesting further consultation with families and staff before any decisions were taken.

Resolved (unanimously)

That, whilst noting the contents of the report, the Executive supports making a decision on the Cauwood Day Service only after consultation with the adults who use the service, their families and the colleagues who provide the care.

Recommendations

       i.         To progress the Mid Term Review of the Library Strategy to Full Council for publication on the North Yorkshire Council website

     ii.         To agree the wording for the National Year of Reading Pledge.

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Community Development presenting the Mid-Term Review of the Library Strategy and seeking approval to progress it to Council for publication on the Council’s website.  Approval was also sought for actions to support the National Year of Reading.

The Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, Councillor Simon Myers, referred to the mid-term review of the Library strategy and highlighted improved performance, increased usage and successful integration of libraries with wider council services. He proposed that the Council formally endorse the National Year of Reading pledge.

Members welcomed the positive progress of the Library Service when faced with funding and investment challenges.  The work of volunteers and mobile library services was welcomed, and the importance of literacy across all ages was emphasised.

Resolved

1)    That the Mid Term Review of the Library Strategy be progressed to Full Council for publication on the North Yorkshire Council website

2)    That the National Year of Reading Pledge be agreed as follows:

“That this Council declares its formal support for the National Year of Reading 2026 by:

a.      promoting the National Year of Reading activities and events through Council communications, both internally and externally.

b.     working with the Library Service, Children and Young People Services, the Adult Learning and Skills Service, local schools and partners, including the National Literacy Trust, the Reading Agency and Booktrust to increase engagement with target audiences.”

Reasons for recommendations

To ensure that there is an up-to-date version of the Library Strategy available on the Council website to share with internal and external partners and residents.

Alternative options considered

One option considered was to leave the current Library Strategy to run in its current form until the end of its term (2020-2030). However, this would mean the public document and wording on the website is out of date and does not reflect the current service.

Recommended

That the Executive appoints Parish Councillor Catherine Leng to the vacant seat on the Ouse and Derwent Internal Drainage Board.

Considered – A report of the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services in relation to a vacancy on the Ouse and Derwent Internal Drainage Board.

Resolved

That the Executive appoints Parish Councillor Catherine Leng to the vacant seat on the Ouse and Derwent Internal Drainage Board.

Considered – The  Forward Plan for the period 10 April 2026 to 30 April 2027 was presented.

Resolved

That the Forward Plan be noted.