Agenda and draft minutes

An apology for absence had been received from Councillor Gareth Dadd. It was noted that Councillor Michael Harrison was attending the meeting remotely and would not be able to participate in the votes.

Resolved thatthe public Minutesof themeeting heldon 18 February 2025,having been printedand circulated,betakenas readand confirmedby theChairas acorrect record.

There were no declarations of interest.

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 reports relating to Minute item 648 – Acquisition of new build properties in Scarborough and Norton for use as affordable rented accommodation to take into the Housing Revenue Account and Minute item 649 - Management Options for Scarborough Museum and Galleries each contained an exempt Appendix A. As the contents of the appendices were not discussed there was no requirement to exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of these items.

Members of the public may ask questions or make statements at this meeting if they have given notice to St John Harris, Principal Democratic Services Officer, and supplied the text by midday on Thursday 13 March, 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.

The two public questions submitted were considered under Minute item 649 - Management Options for Scarborough Museum and Galleries.

Recommendation

That North Yorkshire Council Executive adopts the North Yorkshire Autism All-Age Strategy 2025-2030

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Health and Adult Services which sought approval of the North Yorkshire Autism All-Age Strategy 2025-2030.

The Executive Member for Health and Adult Services, Councillor Michael Harrison introduced the report commending the multi-agency approach and ambition behind the strategy. He noted that the strategy would be supported by a robust Annual Delivery Plan which would acknowledge the actions within local control as distinct from some challenges which required change at a national level.  Other Executive Members also commended the strategy, its vision and priorities.

Resolved (unanimously) that North Yorkshire Council Executive adopts the North Yorkshire Autism All-Age Strategy 2025-2030.

Reasons for recommendations

The strategy is recommended for approval to ensure that the council meets its statutory obligations and supports autistic individuals in achieving full, happy, and healthy lives.

Recommendations

1. That the Executive approve that the updated LDS (attached at Appendix 1) shall take effect on 18 March 2025 and be published on the Council’s website.

2. That the Corporate Director Community Development in consultation with the Executive Member for Open to Business, be authorised to make minor amendments and graphical improvements to the LDS prior to publication on the council’s website

3. That the Corporate Director Community Development in consultation with the Executive Member for Open to Business be authorised to review and amend the timescales of local plan preparation in the LDS or equivalent when the requirements of the LURA 2023 plan-making reforms are known.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Community Development which sought approval of the council’s revised Local Development Scheme.

The Executive Member for Open to Business, Councillor Mark Crane introduced the report noting that preparation of a Local Development Scheme (LDS) was a requirement of national planning legislation and set out the timescales for preparing development plan documents including Local Plans. The current LDS had been approved in February 2024; however in light of changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in December 2024, all local planning authorities were required to produce an updated LDS.  In the ensuing discussion Councillor Crane recognised the challenges presented by the revised NPPF, not least the new housing need figure of 4077, and referenced further challenges in the near future occasioned by further legislative changes, but with his confidence in officers, he remained hopeful that the council would rise to these challenges.

Resolved (unanimously) that:

1. That the Executive approve that the updated LDS (attached at Appendix 1) shall take effect on 18 March 2025 and be published on the Council’s website.

2. That the Corporate Director Community Development in consultation with the Executive Member for Open to Business, be authorised to make minor amendments and graphical improvements to the LDS prior to publication on the council’s website

3. That the Corporate Director Community Development in consultation with the Executive Member for Open to Business be authorised to review and amend the timescales of local plan preparation in the LDS or equivalent when the requirements of the LURA 2023 plan-making reforms are known.

Reasons for recommendations

The preparation of a LDS is a statutory requirement as set out in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

Recommendations

i)      To agree the proposed amendment to the CIL spending process.

ii)     To agree no spend of the strategic CIL pots until the above changes have been implemented.

iii)    To reconfirm the allocations previously agreed.

iv)    To approve the 2023/24 North Yorkshire Infrastructure Funding Statement (Appendix B) and publish it on the Council website.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Community Development which proposed amendments to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) spending process and sought approval of the 2023/24 North Yorkshire Infrastructure Funding Statement.

The Executive Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Heather Phillips introduced the report advising that the report’s proposals would enable the council to adopt a strategic approach to CIL spending to respond better to changing infrastructure needs and priorities and to ensure any future funding agreed would align with the corporate priorities of the council and objectives and the emerging North Yorkshire Local Plan.  This required a pause in spending the strategic CIL pot at this time, while further work was undertaken, and member engagement was actioned.  The report also acknowledged several outstanding historic allocations which it was recommended should be reconfirmed and progressed.  These included two education capital schemes in the Ryedale area – Welburn Hall School and Norton Lodge, a new primary school at Norton – which were commended by Executive Member and local Division Councillor Keane Duncan.  He and other members voiced support for the recommended approach.

Resolved (unanimously) that the Executive:

i)      agree the proposed amendment to the CIL spending process.

ii)     agree no spend of the strategic CIL pots until the above changes have been implemented.

iii)    reconfirm the allocations previously agreed.

iv)    approve the 2023/24 North Yorkshire Infrastructure Funding Statement (Appendix B) and publish it on the Council website.

Reasons for recommendations

The recommendations within the report will: 

·       provide clarity, transparency and consistency in the allocation and spending of CIL receipts.

·       ensure CIL receipts are spent on infrastructure required to support development, in accordance with the CIL Regulations 2010 specifically as amended in September 2019 (‘the CIL Regulations’).

·       ensure CIL serves its purpose of supporting the delivery of the infrastructure necessary to support the development in North Yorkshire. 

·       meet regulations with regard to the approval and publication of the IFS. 

Recommendations

       i.         To approve the establishment of an Affordable Housing Delivery Fund and a Rural Housing Delivery Fund.

     ii.         To delegate the development of the Affordable Housing Delivery and the Rural Housing Delivery funds (including eligibility and assessment criteria and subject to appropriate subsidy control advice) and entering into the associated grant agreements to the Corporate Director Community Development in consultation with the Corporate Director of Resources and the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services.

    iii.         To extend the Community Led Housing Fund by 1 year and to increase the fund by a further £1m.

    iv.         To approve the delivery of a “Place of Change” on the coast and the associated cost of £4M subject to a detailed business case to be approved by the Executive.

     v.         To approve the development of a Commissioning Framework for Supported Housing and the associated cost of £12M.

    vi.         To approve the expenditure of £100k per annum to support the implementation of the Renter’s Rights Reform Bill.

   vii.         To approve a capital fund of £4M to deliver bespoke housing solutions and supported housing schemes that address specific needs subject to a detailed business case being developed.

 viii.         To approve a capital fund of £2M to deliver flexible area-based housing that is not eligible for Homes England funding support subject to detailed business cases.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Community Development which sought approval of a programme of housing initiatives that would be funded through the revenue generated by the premium on Second Homes Council Tax.

The Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, Councillor Simon Myers introduced the report, commending its proposals which sought to use this additional revenue to address in an intelligent and nuanced way the need for additional affordable homes in the county which remained a key priority for the council and a core objective of the Council’s Housing Strategy.  He noted too the breadth and complexity of the proposals which in addition to an Affordable Housing Delivery Fund and Rural Housing Delivery Fund, included housing for those with high support needs, area based regeneration schemes for key workers, a much-needed supported housing facility to help meet the needs of individuals with multiple and complex needs who have a history of rough sleeping, and continued support for community led housing.  Other Executive members welcomed the report noting the emphasis on supported housing and the inclusion of shared ownership schemes.

Resolved (unanimously) that the Executive:

1. approve the establishment of an Affordable Housing Delivery Fund and a Rural Housing Delivery Fund.

2. delegate the development of the Affordable Housing Delivery and the Rural Housing Delivery funds (including eligibility and assessment criteria and subject to appropriate subsidy control advice) and entering into the associated grant agreements to the Corporate Director Community Development in consultation with the Corporate Director of Resources and the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services.

3. extend the Community Led Housing Fund by 1 year and to increase the fund by a further £1m.

4. approve the delivery of a “Place of Change” on the coast and the associated cost of £4M subject to a detailed business case to be approved by the Executive.

5. approve the development of a Commissioning Framework for Supported Housing and the associated cost of £12M.

6. approve the expenditure of £100k per annum to support the implementation of the Renter’s Rights Reform Bill.

7. approve a capital fund of £4M to deliver bespoke housing solutions and supported housing schemes that address specific needs subject to a detailed business case being developed.

8. approve a capital fund of £2M to deliver flexible area-based housing that is not eligible for Homes England funding support subject to detailed business cases.

Reasons for recommendations

To enable the delivery of a housing initiative that support the priorities as set out in the Council’s Housing Strategy.

Recommendations

       i.         That the proposed HRA Policy Framework is agreed.

     ii.         That authority to approve the HRA policies within the framework is delegated to the Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing

    iii.         That where policy decisions have already been taken by the Executive (para 4.7) future review of those policies will be delegated to the Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Community Development in respect of a proposed HRA policy framework which set out the policies, procedures and standards required to deliver a harmonised landlord service to council tenants.

The Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, Councillor Simon Myers presented the report advising that the policy framework had been designed to harmonise policy across the HRA functions, to align with new consumer standards and to promote transparency, influence and accountability, that is, to document the council’s relationship with tenants and to outline clearly to tenants what service they could expect from North Yorkshire Council.  Delegations were also recommended to ensure that harmonisation was achieved as quickly as possible, whilst not detracting from the quality of the policy development.

Resolved (unanimously) that:

1. That the proposed HRA Policy Framework is agreed.

2. That authority to approve the HRA policies within the framework is delegated to the Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing

3. That where policy decisions have already been taken by the Executive (para 4.7) future review of those policies will be delegated to the Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing.

Reasons for recommendations

In order to promote transparency, to expedite decision making and to ensure that a harmonised HRA Policy Framework is agreed, in place and communicated to tenants as soon as possible.

Recommendations

       i.         To approve the Repairs Standard at Appendix A, having had regard to the Equality Impact Assessment at Appendix C. Launch of the Standard to be no later than 1 May 2025, in line with the roll out of the new asset management system.

     ii.         To delegate to the Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing) any future changes to this Standard required by changes to legal or regulatory requirements arising in the three year period before the policy is due for review.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Community Development which sought approval of a new Housing Repairs Standard, setting out the obligations and commitments of the council in respect of responsive repairs and maintenance to properties let by the council.

The Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, Councillor Simon Myers introduced the report which proposed the harmonisation of the council’s Repairs Standard in order to provide an agreed, transparent and consistent service to all tenants and leaseholders based on legislative requirements.  In the ensuing discussion, it was noted that the Local Government Ombudsman was a necessary backstop in the event of service failure; however the new standard provided a clear framework of accountability for the delivery of council repairs.

Resolved (unanimously) that the Executive:

1. approve the Repairs Standard at Appendix A, having had regard to the Equality Impact Assessment at Appendix C. Launch of the Standard to be no later than 1 May 2025, in line with the roll out of the new asset management system.

2. delegate to the Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing any future changes to this Standard required by changes to legal or regulatory requirements arising in the three year period before the policy is due for review.

Reasons for recommendations

The new Repairs Standard will set a new direction that is informed by best practice to underpin an improved repairs services for council tenants and leaseholders and for their wider households. Instilling higher standards through the policy will also help to avert complaints and disrepair cases from emerging.

The new standard will help the council to deliver the Social Housing Regulator’s consumer standards, specifically the Safety and Quality Standard and the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard.

Delegating amendments to the standard required by changes to legislation and regulation to the Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing would allow for quicker changes to be made if needed to meet any new legal or regulatory requirements introduced during the 3 year period between reviews.

Recommendations

That the Executive 

       i.         Approves the acquisition of 19 new build properties in Scarborough and Norton

     ii.         Delegates authority to the Corporate Director Resources to finalise the funding strategy.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Community Development which sought approval to acquire new build properties at two separate locations in Scarborough and Norton to be taken into the Housing Revenue Account.

The Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, Councillor Simon Myers introduced the report commending the council’s initiative in progressing the development of these new council homes in much needed locations despite the unavailability of Homes England funding.  Councillor Tony Randerson then addressed the meeting.  Councillor Myers echoed Councillor Randerson’s particular support for social rented homes, whilst welcoming the overall mix of shared ownership properties, general needs social rented housing and homes for move on accommodation for homeless households. 

Resolved (unanimously) that the Executive: 

       i.         approves the acquisition of 19 new build properties in Scarborough and Norton

     ii.         delegates authority to the Corporate Director Resources to finalise the funding strategy.

Reasons for recommendations

The reason for the recommendation is to provide 19 properties of new affordable housing in Scarborough and Norton, which will meet both the requirements of the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan and the Temporary Accommodation business case for the development of 90 new units of temporary accommodation across North Yorkshire.

Recommendations

i)               To progress termination of SMCCT’s Service Level Agreement and bring the museum and gallery service back into direct Council management within the Culture & Archives Service, as set out in Option One.

ii)              To delegate authority to agree the final terms of and the authority to enter into these agreements with SMCCT to the Corporate Director – Resources in consultation with the Corporate Director – Community and Development and the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic.

iii)             To approve a transition budget of £56k to support the delivery of a safe and legal transfer of services, funded from Corporate Reserves.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Community Development which outlined options for the future management of the collections and gallery/museums buildings currently managed by Scarborough Museum, Creative & Cultural Trust (SMCCT).

Before the Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, Councillor Simon Myers presented the report, it was noted that correspondence in relation to the report had been received since publication of the agenda from the Rotunda Geology Group, the Principal of Scarborough Sixth Form College, and Dr Jane Mee. Councillor Myers advised that the report proposed that the Executive accepted the request by the Trustees of SMCCT for the council to progress termination of SMCCT’s Service Level Agreement and bring the museum and gallery service back into direct council management.  By virtue of his Executive portfolio, Councillor Myers commented that he represented North Yorkshire Council on the SMCCT Board of Trustees but had recused himself from involvement in the Board’s decision to make this formal request to the council.  He commended the dedication and talent of the Board who had done their best to deliver the museum and gallery service in Scarborough, and had thought very carefully about the future delivery of the service.

Two public statements were then presented to the Executive as follows:

Marie Woods, Chief Executive, Land of Iron Mining Museum

I am Marie Woods BA (Hons) MA, a heritage professional with over 15 years’ experience of working within the heritage sector. I have worked in local authority museums and national museums. I am the Director of Heritage Adventures Ltd, and am currently employed as CEO and Mine Manager at Land of Iron, an independent industrial museum in the North East.

I am here today in an independent capacity, but with the full disclosure of having been a Trustee of Scarborough Museum and Galleries.

I wish to express my reasoned opposition to the proposal of handing over the management and governance of Scarborough Museum and Galleries to North Yorkshire Council.

1. Financial and Operational Concerns

According to the charity’s only available financial statements, Scarborough Museum and Galleries had managed its resources responsibly, with clear accountability through the Charity Commission’s annual reports.

The 2022/23 Report and audited accounts for SMCCT, where I am a named Trustee, and the then Secretary, Andrew Clay, states:

 “Financial performance in the year was satisfactory, resulting in a deficit of £49,933 and total reserves at the year-end standing at £384,136.” (Page 6)

 In the 2022/23 SMCCT Report the Auditor states:

 “we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue” (page 8)

In 2022/23 the SLA was £426,660 which is noted under Charitable Activities within the accounts. The SLA for 2023/24 was raised in a Board meeting and a figure of £490,000 was mentioned as the income for the next financial year. The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 649.

Recommendations

       i.         That the adoption of a harmonised household recycling and waste collection guidance document to support the provision of frontline services is approved.

     ii.         Authority be given to the Corporate Directorate Environment in consultation with the Executive Member to make appropriate changes to the approved guidance document to reflect the progression of the waste harmonisation project.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Environment which sought approval of adoption of a harmonised household recycling and waste collection guidance document to support the provision of frontline services.

The Executive Member for Managing Our Environment, Councillor Greg White presented the report which following full Council’s recent decision to harmonise the council’s approach to waste collection, recommended a common set of service standards for the council’s waste teams.

Resolved (unanimously) that:

1. that the adoption of a harmonised household recycling and waste collection guidance document to support the provision of frontline services is approved.

2. authority be given to the Corporate Directorate of Environment in consultation with the Executive Member to make appropriate changes to the approved guidance document to reflect the progression of the waste harmonisation project.

Reasons for recommendations

The production of a harmonisation collection guidance document is one of five key stages in the full harmonisation of the waste service alongside agreement of a future service model, procurement of a single waste system, route optimisation and the roll out of the new collection model. The harmonisation process is going to continue for a number of years and as such there may be a need to update the guidance to reflect the changes occurring.

Considered the Forward Plan for the period 7 March 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Resolved that the Forward Plan be noted.