Member News Subjects

Council shares transport information as York Station Gateway Highway works set to complete

City of York Council has published travel information for residents and visitors to assist them to get to the city centre and station in advance of upcoming road closures around York Station. Work to finish the carriageway surfacing around York Station will start on 1 June and be carried out in four stages. Details for…

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GSAL named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 in the Big Organisation category, in the school’s first year of entering the national awards programme. Published in partnership with employee experience platform WorkL, founded by Lord Mark Price, the nationwide survey celebrates organisations leading…

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Saint Catherine’s and York Against Cancer team up to provide specialist lymphoedema care locally

Saint Catherine’s and York Against Cancer have teamed up to provide specialist lymphoedema care in York. Lymphoedema is a long term condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues, due to lymphatic fluid accumulating. Lymphoedema develops when the lymphatic system (a network of channels and glands throughout the body that helps fight infection and remove…

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Michael Crawford CBE marks groundbreaking of new Bradford ‘Home from Home’

Construction begins on new home for families with a baby in neonatal intensive care at Bradford Royal Infirmary, which will open in 2027 Stage and screen legend Michael Crawford CBE joined supporters, families, hospital staff and dignitaries as work officially began on a new ‘Home from Home’ for families with premature or ill baby at Bradford Royal Infirmary. The landmark moment marks the start of construction on the new home, which is being delivered…

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York welcomes new Lord Mayor for 26/27

City of York Council’s Annual Council and Mayor Making meeting has seen the appointment of a new Lord Mayor of York, with Councillor Margaret Wells officially appointed as the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of York. Councillor Wells is returning for her second tenure of the highly prestigious and historic office, which is second only…

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Archbishop Holgate’s School triumphs at York Young Citizen’s Public Speaking Competition

Archbishop Holgate’s School has won this year’s prestigious York Young Citizen’s Public Speaking Competition. Secondary school pupils from schools across the city battled it out for the top slot, going head-to-head to debate one of four topics: Smart phones make present day life much better for children. York is a city with a past but…

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Football’s coming home – new bar & huge new football venue announced for England fans this Summer

Trinity Kitchen will turn into one of the city’s biggest hotspots to watch the World Cup this summer, transforming into an evening fan zone with three super-sized 5m x 3m screens, a brand new bar, DJs, brass bands and space for up to 1,000 supporters. Free to attend and opening in time for the start…

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Kids’ Carnival comes back to White Rose due to popular demand

Families are in for a treat this half term as the ever-popular Kids’ Carnival returns to White Rose Shopping Centre with rides and games for all ages from 21st – 31st May. The free-to-enter carnival will run from 11am – 9pm during school holidays and weekends, and from 3pm–8pm on weekdays outside of school holidays. Guests can…

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100 Bradford businesses back local hospital charity

From takeaways to pharmacies, businesses unite behind families with babies on the neonatal intensive care unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary. More than 100 businesses and faith organisations across Bradford have committed to supporting Bradford Hospitals Charity, showing strong community backing for local healthcare. The money raised and donated will help build a ‘Home from Home’,…

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The Link Between Fuel and Food

When people talk about the cost of living, they talk about energy bills, mortgages and wage stagnation. Rarely does the conversation land on fuel. And almost never does it land on the cold chain that moves food from producer to plate. That invisibility is part of the problem. I want to make the connection explicit,…

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York and Lviv leaders meet to discuss resilience

The leaders of City of York Council and the Ukrainian city of Lviv, have met to discuss their cities’ and residents’ resilience. On Thursday 16 April, Cllr Claire Douglas met members of Lviv city for their third meeting in 12 months. They were joined by representatives of the UK Resilience Academy based near Easingwold, and…

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Rest day to be trialled at York’s Christmas market

A rest day will be trialled at York’s Christmas market this year to increase access to the city centre for all. The decision was made at the council’s Executive meeting on Tuesday 12 May. It means that on Tuesdays throughout the market, the stalls will be closed and the Goodramgate-King’s Square-Colliergate loop for Blue Badge…

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University Centre Leeds launches new FinTech degree

A brand new degree, designed to equip learners with the future-ready skills needed to thrive in FinTech, one of the fastest-growing global sectors, is starting in September 2026 at University Centre Leeds. Open for applications, BSc (Hons) Financial Technology is a dynamic three-year programme which blends core principles of finance and accounting with cutting-edge training…

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Foster Care Fortnight: York children and young people need local foster carers now

City of York Council’s fostering team is urging local people like you to help change children and young people’s lives through fostering. The council always needs local people to provide safe, loving homes to children and young people who can’t live with their birth families. And there are lots of benefits to fostering with your…

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Over £1 million awarded to boost young people’s mental health through creative writing and ethical AI 

York St John University partners with Goldsmiths and University of Leeds for Creative Writing Together project  A major new research project led by York St John University has secured over £1 million in funding to support young people’s mental health, strengthen family relationships and promote inclusion through creative writing. The three-year project, Creative Writing Together, is…

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Leeds Beckett Innovation projects earn top ‘Outstanding’ rating from Innovate UK

Two research-led Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects between Leeds Beckett University (LBU) and Yorkshire-based companies Sniffers Pet Care and Ardent have achieved the highest possible grading of Outstanding from Innovate UK. The recognition highlights the significant commercial impact, innovation, and long‑term growth and sustainability delivered through the university’s research expertise and close collaboration with its industry partners…

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Azets warns Yorkshire charities of HMRC clampdown

Warning to Yorkshire charities over increased HMRC activity in sector Charities and not-for-profit organisations in Yorkshire are being warned to ensure all their procedures and records are watertight in the light of new and enhanced compliance activity by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). HMRC has recently initiated a programme of Structured Risk Reviews (SRRs) across…

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36 new council-built homes in Walmgate given go-ahead

Planning permission for 36 new homes for social rent and shared ownership was granted last night (Thursday 8 May). The energy-efficient flats and family homes will be built on the site of Willow House in Walmgate, York. To help meet the need for affordable homes in the city, 60% will be for social rent and…

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Green plaque honours global impact of Bradford Sling

A World Origin Site green plaque has been unveiled at the University of Bradford to commemorate the global impact of the Bradford Sling and the world‑leading Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU), where the innovation was developed. The internationally recognised Bradford Sling, created at the University following the 1985 Bradford City fire, is a simple but highly…

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National warning that England is raising an inactive nation

University of Bradford‑led research may provide the solution England is facing a growing crisis in children’s physical activity, health and wellbeing – and research led by the University of Bradford is now helping to shape what could be a national response.  A major new report from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), Inactive Nation, warns that more than…

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Final push on York Station Gateway highway works

Contractors John Sisk & Son have confirmed the programme for their final works on the highways part of the York Station Gateway project. Once they are finished the new permanent road layout will be in place along with continuous safe cycle lanes and footways, plus the new bus stops and fresh new public space for…

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Greater protection for private tenants and new responsibilities for landlords

Across England, changes to private tenancies and landlords’ responsibilities came into effect through the Renters’ Rights Act at the start of May. Among the key changes are that tenancies will automatically roll on, month by month, with no end date. The tenancy can continue until: the tenant and landlord decide together to end the tenancy…

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Making tax digital for landlords and sole traders

What You Need to Know (and How to Prepare) If you’re a sole trader or landlord running a small property business, you’ve probably heard about Making Tax Digital (MTD)—but many are still unclear on what it actually means in practice. MTD for Income Tax is a significant change being introduced by HMRC that will affect…

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Details of York City FC National League Civic Celebration Parade

York is gearing up for a momentous celebration on Thursday 7 May, as York City Football Club marks its return to the English Football League (EFL) with a victory parade. Hundreds of fans are expected to line the streets of York on Thursday as the city comes together to celebrate York City FC’s victory parade….

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From refugee child to scholar – Andrews’ remarkable journey over last 30 years

A University of Bradford student has recalled being a child refugee sleeping next to dead bodies on board a ship while fleeing a war 30 years ago. Andrews Adjei became a refugee in his native Ghana aged six in 1996 after leaving Liberia during the First Liberian Civil War, which ran between 1989 and 1997….

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Bradford students ‘over the moon’ after stellar USA trip

A group of 30 lucky Bradford College students returned to Earth with a bump after a trip of a lifetime to study science and engineering in the USA. The Level 2 and 3 Science and Computing students spent 13 days working at prestigious organisations, including NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and The Kennedy Space Centre…

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York takes major step towards becoming an Inclusive Recovery City

Over 150 businesses, public, voluntary and community sectors gathered at the LNER Community Stadium today for a landmark briefing on York’s ambition to become an Inclusive Recovery City (IRC). The event marked a significant milestone in York’s commitment to tackling stigma around substance use and recovery, and to creating a city where people in recovery…

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One in three stroke survivors may be missing life‑saving medication, new research suggests

Action on Stroke Month (May): why medication could prevent a second stroke and why many don’t get it New research undertaken at University of Bradford is investigating why as many as one in three stroke survivors are missing out on life‑saving medication.  Stroke survivors who miss out on essential preventative medication increase their risk of suffering a second – often more disabling – stroke.  Stroke survivors are up to 15 times…

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First rating from Housing Regulator welcomed as Council reaffirms commitment to tenants

City of York Council has welcomed its first report from the Regulator of Social Housing following an inspection held earlier this year. This is the first time the Council has been inspected by the Regulator which is assessing how social landlords deliver national standards. As a unitary authority, York was inspected in February 2026 against…

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Millions invested in Bradford Communities amid growing need

Independent grant maker GiveBradford has helped more than 16,000 people in communities across Bradford since 2023, as it continues its work alongside hundreds of community organisations in a collective mission to tackle poverty and inequality. Working with business partners in Bradford, such as JCT600, The Bartlett Group and Schofield Sweeney, has helped generate vital funds…

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Are locally led initiatives more effective than top-down Government schemes?

A new national compendium published by the Key Cities Innovation Network (KCIN) highlights how cities and universities across the UK are rethinking innovation ecosystems to support more inclusive and sustainable regional growth.  The University of Bradford is among ten contributors to Innovation Ecosystems, the first i‑PLACE Compendium, which brings together peer‑reviewed research and real‑world case studies exploring how…

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LCB to receive over £919k in Government funding for renovations

Leeds College of Building (LCB) is one of 18 colleges in Yorkshire and the Humber set to benefit from government funding for essential estates and building improvements. In a recent announcement, it was confirmed that LCB will receive £919,871 from the FE College Condition Allocation (FECCA) fund. This latest £30 million package from the Government…

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First look at Bradford College’s new £19.3m Motor Vehicle & Engineering building

Scaffolding has come down on the new Bradford College Junction Mills building on Thornton Road, set to open in September this year. Junction Mills will offer students skills in new technologies, such as modern automotive and digital engineering, electric/hybrid vehicles, and advanced manufacturing. The building will be vital in supporting the growth of technology and…

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Higher labour costs dominate business impact concerns in latest Azets Barometer

Smaller businesses are struggling more than larger companies amid relentless economic challenges and higher labour costs, according to Yorkshire accountants Azets. A business sentiment survey by Azets, the top 10 UK accountancy and business advisory firm with offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, laid bare the issues facing SMEs, which make up the vast majority…

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National Offer Day for primary schools- York children allocated their Reception school place for September

A total of 94.3% of children who applied for a Reception place at a primary school in York this September were allocated their first choice on National Offer Day [Thursday 16 April]. All the children who applied for a Year 3 place in a junior school were allocated their first choice. Parents who applied online…

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York parents and carers to receive support to help get their child school-ready

York parents and carers with children starting school in September will receive specialist information to help them get their child school-ready this month. Around 1,700 households will receive two information booklets – one focussing on how parents can get children toilet trained before starting school – and another with helpful tips to make sure children…

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Understanding property opportunities across West and North Yorkshire

West and North Yorkshire continue to attract interest from property buyers, developers, and business owners, supported by strong regional demand, ongoing regeneration, and a diverse mix of city centres, suburbs and surrounding towns. While Leeds is often seen as the focal point, the wider region, including Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Harrogate and York, presents a range…

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York supply specialists secure seven-figure public sector contract with Bolton Council

Following a competitive tendering process, York-based supply specialist, PPS, has been awarded a seven-figure contract with Bolton Council for the supply and delivery of chemicals and consumable goods for services across schools. The three-year agreement will see PPS responsible for supplying a comprehensive range of cleaning and hygiene products to approximately 90 schools across the…

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Castle Howard Estate plants over 60,000 trees to create more woodland, as part of wider strategy to sequester carbon and increase biodiversity

Castle Howard has planted 60,978 trees in winter 2025/6 on the Castle Howard Estate, as part of a five-year plan to plant 100 hectares of new woodland, supported by the Forestry Commission England Woodland Creation Offer. Trees have been planted between the Stray (the six-kilometre public road that stretches through the Estate) and the village…

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Notre Dame signs up to Leeds City Council’s Future Talent Plan

Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College has formally pledged its support to Leeds City Council’s Future Talent Plan, a city-wide initiative to ensure Leeds becomes a place where no one is left behind in an increasingly competitive labour market. The pledge, submitted by Principal Justine Barlow, reflects Notre Dame’s commitment to supporting young people across…

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New ‘Ready for Parenthood’ campaign launches across York and North Yorkshire to support healthier, happier pregnancies

City of York Council, North Yorkshire Council, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and YorSexualHealth have joined forces to launch ‘Ready for Parenthood’ – a new regional campaign designed to help women feel informed, supported, and confident from pre-conception through to birth and beyond. The campaign focuses on three simple themes that make…

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Fuel duty regulations

The Cost of War on Transport As a small business, we pride ourselves on flexibility and stability of service. We know that things can be unpredictable for our customers, and that is exactly why we work hard to be a dependable partner for their transport needs. That reliability, however, is deeply compromised when the government…

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Free energy improvements keep residents warm and worry-free – and others are urged to apply

Homeowners and private tenants can apply for free energy efficiency improvements to make their home more comfortable and affordable to run. “We feel like we’ve won the Lottery!” say a retired couple in Heworth after their bungalow was made more energy efficient. Solar panels generating free electricity, loft insulation, and air source heat pump and…

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Azets’ five cashflow management tips for SMEs: Monitor and manage Work in Progress

Businesses in Yorkshire are being urged to meticulously track the heartbeat of work in progress throughout its lifecycle. Monitoring, managing and making changes to reduce mission creep, improve efficiencies and maximise cashflow are critical steps which can improve a business’ health and growth prospects, according to a senior finance professional. The advice comes from Matthew…

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Harrogate Homeless Project Announces New Charity Partnership with Swinton Estate

Harrogate Homeless Project (HHP) is delighted to announce the launch of a new year‑long charity partnership with Swinton Estate, beginning 1st April 2026. This collaboration will raise vital funds and awareness to support people experiencing homelessness across the Harrogate District. Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Proprietor and Countess of Swinton, said: “The Harrogate Homeless Project provides vital, compassionate…

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Former smokers from York voice their support for regional quit smoking campaign

Peter Milner and Shaun Bettison from York are lending their support to Yorkshire and Humber’s first quit smoking campaign developed and filmed in the region. Pete, from the Stockton Lane area of York, smoked for more than 50 years before a diagnosis of COPD finally prompted him to quit. Just six weeks after giving up…

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New strategy and delivery partner will deliver much-needed homes and facilities

City of York Council will consider creating a new strategy, and securing a new strategic delivery partner to deliver high quality Council buildings including homes for social rent or housing for older people. This new Delivery Strategy has been developed to support the Council’s Housing Delivery Programme (HDP) of building homes for shared ownership and…

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New Carers Strategy sets out York’s shared commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers in the city

A new citywide strategy, setting out a shared vision for improving the lives of unpaid carers, will be considered by City of York Council’s executive later this month (14 April). The draft strategy has been developed through extensive engagement with local carers, carers’ groups and partner organisations. It focuses on four key areas of work:…

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