Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Michael Harrison.

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.

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.

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 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.

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, and supplied the text by midday on Thursday 16 January 2025, 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.

There were no public questions or statements.

Recommendations

Executive is recommended to:

1)       adopt 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.

2)       implement a bespoke kerbside service in areas that cannot adopt an alternate fortnightly two recycling bin scheme.

3)      to note 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.

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 605.

Purpose of Report

To seek approval for, and make recommendations to the Council regarding:

·        Revenue Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Strategy to 2027/28

·        Capital Five Year Spending Plan

·        Treasury Management and Capital Strategy

·        Housing Revenue Account Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Plan

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 Field, 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 606.

Recommendations

1)       That the Executive approves the draft Council Plan and recommends it 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.

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.

Recommendations

1)       To seek approval from the Executive 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.

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 608.

Recommendations

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

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.

Recommendations

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. 

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. 

Recommendations

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.

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.

Recommendation

That North Yorkshire Council Executive adopts the all-age 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

Considered – the Forward Plan for the period 10 January 2025 to 28 February 2026 was presented.

Resolved -  

That the Forward Plan be noted.