Issued by City of York Council
City of York Council’s Cabinet is being asked to consider a number of investment proposals aimed at protecting vulnerable people and creating jobs and growing the economy, at a meeting on the 12 February 2013.
Members will consider investments worth £48.4million, which will see the extension of eight key existing schemes and 10 new schemes, mainly funded through a small number of high value asset disposals and by maximising external funding streams.
The proposals include provision for protecting vulnerable people, including discretionary assistance for disabled customers to continue living in their homes and maintain their independence, and the installation of sensors in vulnerable customers’ homes to deal with assessed risks.
Should the proposals be approved, the city’s infrastructure will continue to receive investment with the resurfacing and reconstruction of the city’s roads and footways; essential repairs and restoration to the city walls; keeping the city’s bridge structures in a serviceable and safe condition; and identified river bank repairs and highway drainage works.
Transport investments are highlighted in the proposals for the city’s cycle network, through the existing Reinvigorate York programme and in the council’s own fleet services which will allow for greater flexibility and efficiency.
Investments in council IT systems and the maintenance of council properties for tenants are proposed through the Housing Revenue Account business plan, including; the Modernisation of Local Authority Homes programme; the first building phase of 60 new council homes; and the launch of a programme of loft conversions and extensions to existing properties where households are currently overcrowded.
Community safety, engagement and involvement is a focus of the proposals with identified investment in; the installation of gates on alley ways to help reduce anti-social issues; the transfer of number of identified assets to community groups to manage and maintain for their own use; Little Knavesmire Pavilion as a new club house and pavilion for the Hamilton Panthers Football Club; and the refurbishment and extension of the York Theatre Royal.
Alongside these proposed capital investments, Members are being asked to approve funding of £500,000 towards the hosting fee of the Tour de France Grande Depart, Stage 2, in July 2014. York has been confirmed as the legacy lead for the region and will see a significant share of the £100million expected return on investment for the region, as a result of hosting what is the largest annual sporting event in the world.
Members will also be asked to consider a Discretionary Business Rate Discount Policy, to deal with new powers granted by Government to localise business rate discounts, and note the changes to take effect in discretionary and mandatory rate relief offfered to businesses, in April 2013.
Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing, Cabinet member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Services said: “These investments are key to maintaining and improving our services and ensuring offer to residents. They reflect the council’s priorities in supporting its work to protect vulnerable people and ensuring that the city’s infrastructure support the right environment for businesses to invest – creating jobs and growing the economy.”
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