Residents invited to in-person workshops to make York city centre more accessible
To help make York city centre more accessible for all, residents are invited to sign up to a series of in-person, detailed workshops. Blue Badge holders’ access to the city centre reopened on 4 January 2024 and we’ve been gathering feedback on users’ experiences and suggestions for improvement as part of an accessible and inclusive…
More homes proposed for Council’s low-energy, 100% affordable Ordnance Lane site
A new planning application is proposing an extra 16 low-energy, 100% affordable homes at the Council’s Ordnance Lane site, to be set in even more green space. Following Executive’s decision in November 2023 to build 100% affordable homes off Fulford Road, these zero-carbon in use homes are proposed to increase in number from 85 to…
CSI York – Project to boost green construction skills
A new initiative which plans to create new jobs, boost green construction skills and in turn help tackle the climate emergency will be discussed at a meeting next week (20 February). The council, with partners on the Retrofit One Stop Shop York (ROSSY) project, has been awarded £3.37m from Innovate UK to support, promote and…
Council Executive to consider undertaking Front Street engagement
At a meeting next week (20 February), the Executive Member for Economy and Transport will be presented with the proposed approach and potential scope of works for Front Street in Acomb, one of York’s key secondary shopping areas. In October 2023, £570,000 of UKSPF funding was allocated to make improvements in Front Street. Since then,…
Bus network progress to be heard at Council Executive
Three important updates on York’s bus network will be presented to City of York Council’s Executive on Tuesday 20 February. The first follows a review of the city’s existing bus network, undertaken by independent consultants Momentum. The results of their report will be used for long-term planning but have also informed some more immediate proposals to…
York is better by bus this half term
City of York Council is encouraging everyone to travel by bus this half term, and is encouraging families to take up the new, lower and free fares. The new fares, which were first introduced in September 2023, have been extended and updated in time for half term. Each subsidy will run until December 2024, to…
York’s hospitality and retail sectors attend first industry forum
Key representatives from York’s retail and hospitality sectors gathered at City of York Council’s West Offices headquarters on Wednesday 7 February for a special industry forum. Attendees welcomed James Sawley, HSBC Corporate Banking’s head of retail and hospitality, who delivered a keynote speech on the challenges and opportunities facing these sectors in the months and…
Photo story: Free School Meals pilot extended to second school
An ambitious scheme to pilot free school meals for children in York has been rolled out to a second school, thanks to donations to the York Community Fund’s York Hungry Minds Appeal. A pilot providing free breakfasts to children at Burton Green Primary School, York, started last week [Monday 29 January] and is already proving…
Free School Meals pilot extended to second school
An ambitious scheme to pilot free school meals for children in York has been rolled out to a second school, thanks to donations to the York Community Fund’s York Hungry Minds Appeal. A pilot providing free breakfasts to children at Burton Green Primary School, York, started last week [Monday 29 January] and is already proving…
Executive Council Member speaks at York Tourism conference on benefits of tourism for York
City of York Council Executive member, Councillor Jo Coles, the Council’s lead for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care spoke at Thursday’s high-powered ‘York Tourism Conference’ in a challenge to the industry to make a bigger tourism contribution to the city, through stronger businesses and finding ways that tourists contribute more towards the upkeep costs…
Executive Council Member speaks at York Tourism conference on benefits of tourism for York
City of York Council Executive member, Councillor Jo Coles, the Council’s lead for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care spoke at Thursday’s high-powered ‘York Tourism Conference’ in a challenge to the industry to make a bigger tourism contribution to the city, through stronger businesses and finding ways that tourists contribute more towards the upkeep costs…
York Council set to launch budget challenge video series
City of York Council is to publish a series of videos which lay out the scale of its financial challenge. The Council’s Executive has already published budget proposals for 2024-25 – including what senior leaders describe as extremely challenging reductions – in order to deliver the council’s Medium-Term 4-year Financial Strategy. That will have serious…
York Council set to launch budget challenge video series
City of York Council is to publish a series of videos which lay out the scale of its financial challenge. The Council’s Executive has already published budget proposals for 2024-25 – including what senior leaders describe as extremely challenging reductions – in order to deliver the council’s Medium-Term 4-year Financial Strategy. That will have serious…
Survey of all York’s council homes begins ahead of developing investment plans
City of York Council is about to start looking at every single one of its council homes through a stock condition survey. This survey of council homes will gather the information needed to plan and fund an improvement programme which regularly invests £10 million per year in the modernisation of the council’s 7,400 homes. The…
Council’s Executive proposes tough reductions to balance budget
City of York Council publishes its 2024-25 budget proposals today, including what senior leaders have described as ‘deeply troubling but unavoidable cuts’ to deliver a balanced budget. A November 2023 report to the council’s Executive Committee said delivery of the council’s Medium-Term four-year Financial Strategy would be extremely challenging for residents and for the council,…
City of York Council backs Clean Air Night
As winter draws in and the nights get cold, the council is supporting Clean Air Night (24 January) to raise awareness of the dangers of burning wood and other solid fuels in the home. While it might appear more cost-effective to use a wood stove or fireplace with rising energy costs this winter, research shows…
Archbishop of York calls for ‘Hungry Minds’ support
City of York Council and The Archbishop of York have launched a joint appeal for support for the City’s Hungry Minds Free School Meals campaign. The City Council’s newly adopted Council Plan, ‘One City, for all’, contains a pledge to start the journey towards becoming an anti-poverty city, including supporting young people and families, reducing…
City of York Council moves to rebuild Equalities partnerships with City’s Human Rights and Equalities Board
City of York Council’s Executive committee is set to agree proposals to move forward with a refreshed structure for York’s Human Rights and Equalities Board, in agreement with York Human Rights City Network. A report to this evening’s Executive Committee meeting notes that this follows significant discussions to reset the relationship between the Council and…
Final stages of hostile vehicle measures starts in the new year
The final stages of work to protect the city centre will resume at Blake Street and Parliament Street from 8 January 2024. Blake Street will be closed to all traffic for up to eight weeks. Alternative access for vehicles will be via Goodramgate and Spurriergate (access is also available via High Petergate). Access to businesses and…
Invitation to drop-in workshops ahead of Blue Badge holder’s access reopening on 4 January
Ahead of Blue Badge holder access to the city centre reopening at Goodramgate from 4 January 2024 and at Blake Street from Easter, disabled residents planning to visit the city centre are reminded of their invitation to drop into two workshops being held in the city centre. On 12 October, senior councillors at City of…
Commitment to sustainability, biodiversity and protecting York’s native species helps York St John University shine at the ‘Oscars of Higher Education’
Campus sustainability and excellence recognised with Outstanding Estates Team THE award It was third time lucky for the York St John University Estates department this year as they were named the deserving winners of The Times HE award for Outstanding Estates Team 2023. The team have been repeatedly shortlisted in the hotly contested category after…
Pillar of community who embraced technology honoured
An innovative and dedicated former headteacher has seen his good work in the community recognised with a special honour from the University of Bradford. Peter Steele was headteacher at Princeville Primary School, Bradford, from 1982 to 2006, with embracing new technology and bringing everyone together at the heart of what he achieved during his time…
City of York increases support to rough sleepers with new emergency beds
City of York Council is offering up to 29 extra emergency beds to accommodate rough sleepers this winter. Emergency winter provision is put in place to ensure every rough sleeper has the option of a warm place to stay as the temperature drops and the health risks of sleeping rough increase. York’s emergency winter bed…
‘Stick to your mission and don’t be afraid to share it’ – Honorary graduate shares his advice
When Mark O’Herlihy started his career in radiography, X-rays were still printed out on film. Over 30 years in healthcare, he has seen vast changes – but his mission has never wavered. Mark, who has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Health at the University of Bradford, said: “My mission has always been to improve health…
New Government-funded programme to drive innovation and growth in West Yorkshire SMEs
Leeds Beckett University is partnering in a new Government-funded support programme, to drive innovation and boost the productivity and resilience of West Yorkshire businesses. Funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, West Yorkshire Business Boost will have its physical base at The Knowledge Exchange business hub at Leeds Beckett University’s…
York welcomes German Ambassador
York played host on Thursday 30 November to His Excellency Miguel Berger, the German Ambassador to the UK, for a visit which showcased the city’s history and architectural splendour, as well as its more recent role in pioneering Artificial Intelligence technologies. On arriving at York station, the Ambassador was met by the Lord Mayor Cllr…
Calling all ‘parent champions’ in York
City of York Council is looking for volunteer Parent Champions to help other parents and families in York, as part of the Raise York project. Raise York is the name for the city’s new network of Family Hubs, a project funded by the Department for Education to bring together organisations supporting children, young people and…
New institute to address key challenges facing health and social care in today’s society
York St John University launches new Institute for Health and Care Improvement. NHS representatives, civic leaders, health and social care providers and charities have joined staff and students for the official launch of York St John University’s innovative and ambitious new health and social care research institute. The Institute for Health and Care Improvement (IHCI)…
Further grants awarded to help more people afford and enjoy sport
Grants have been awarded to a further 11 clubs to help support more people enjoy and access the health and social benefits of sport. This year’s second round of the Sport and Active Leisure Grants focuses on supporting clubs and local people through the cost-of-living crisis, by helping those who may find it difficult to…
City’s Early Talk for York speech and language programme wins national award
York’s Early Talk for York children’s speech and language programme has won the coveted ‘Learning Award’ at the Children and Young People Now Awards. The national award recognises the programme’s contribution to improving educational outcomes. A partnership between City of York Council and York and Scarborough NHS Foundation Trust, the Early Talk for York programme…
Council delighted by ‘micro woods’ grant win
City of York Council has won a £39,000 grant to plant more trees in the city from the DEFRA / Forestry Commission ‘Coronation Living Heritage Fund’. This fund was set up to support local tree planting initiatives to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III. The grant will support CYC’s tree planting ambitions through 100%…
Bus operators join forces to launch The Best for West Yorkshire
As a public consultation opens on the future of bus services in West Yorkshire, bus operators from across the region have revealed a dynamic new plan for Bus Reform, which they are confident meets the ambitions of the Mayor, Tracy Brabin. ‘The Best for West Yorkshire’ campaign sets out the case for the ‘Enhanced Partnership…
Much-needed 100% affordable housing announced
Much-needed 100% affordable, energy-efficient homes are to be delivered across the city by the Council and social housing partners. Affordable housing is to be increased to 100% on the council’s Ordnance Lane Passivhaus site in Fishergate which the number of affordable homes can be doubled from around 50 to 100. 100% affordable homes have also…
Work installing permanent protective barriers pauses for busy festive season
Work installing permanent protection measures in the city centre will be paused for the busy Christmas period, as just three sets of temporary safety measures are put in place this week to protect residents and visitors enjoying York’s busy festive period. Temporary hostile vehicle measures have been installed this week where work to install the…
York named as A-List Global Climate Action Leader
York is amongst only 119 cities across the world to be awarded a top score for climate action leadership by the non-profit CDP. The city has been recognised by CDP as one of 119 cities across the globe that is taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency, despite the pressures of a challenging global economic situation. It is the second year in…
Align Announces Exciting Opportunities for Highways and Infrastructure Professionals
Align, the award winning, multi-discipline building design consultancy, is gearing up for an expansive and growth-driven year in 2024. As the year promises to be the busiest in our history, and with a host of new projects in the pipeline, we are thrilled to announce opportunities for passionate individuals to join our Highways and Infrastructure…
Have your say on the South Bradford Park & Ride proposals
Bradford Council, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, has launched a public consultation about the South Bradford Park and Ride Scheme. The proposals include a series of walking, cycling and public transport improvements for people travelling from south of the Bradford district into the city centre. The new measures would reduce bus journey…
Restaurant fined for food hygiene failures
A food premises where safety failings were identified has been ordered to pay a total £7,702.67 by York Magistrates Court on 27 October 2023. City of York Council Environmental Health Officers visited Athithi, of 26 Fishergate, York, four times between August 2022 and August 2023, during which breaches of food safety and hygiene regulations were…
Photo story: York families can access information and support 24/7 thanks to the launch of two new websites
York families will be able to get information and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, thanks to the launch of two new websites. www.raiseyork.co.uk and www.yorksend.org (York’s Local Offer) have been created with children and young people, parents, carers and professionals to make it quicker and easier for local families to get the information they…
York shortlisted in $9 million global challenge to drive innovation in city mobility
York has been announced as one of only 10 cities on the shortlist for the $9-million Toyota Mobility Foundation Sustainable Cities Challenge, one of only two in Europe and the only UK city. The Toyota Mobility Foundation, in partnership with Challenge Works and World Resources Institute, launched the Challenge in June 2023. The global mobility challenge helps…
York celebrates Living Wage Week 2023
During Living Wage Week (6-11 November), City of York Council is celebrating the number of York businesses that pay staff the Real Living Wage, which is among the highest in the region. The council has encouraged all businesses to consider this step as a means of boosting employee morale and productivity, fighting the cost-of-living crisis,…
Community Woodland recognised in new award
York Community Woodland has won the prestigious silver Community Woodland Award for Excellence in Forestry 2023 from the Royal Forestry Society (RFS). The RFS award celebrates woodland projects that benefit communities. Highlighting projects that establish and manage woodlands in a way that is sustainable and beneficial to the landscape, the local people, biodiversity and the economy in…
The Firework-Makers Daughter set to spark half-term joy
This October half-term, families in York are being invited to take part in an interactive storytelling adventure featuring magic, Makaton, talking elephants and the timeless message that we all have the power to become the person we dream of being. The Firework-Maker’s Daughter is set to be staged in Explore venues across the city, throughout the…
Council Education chief to start Free School Meals conversation
City of York Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education is to meet with parents and the wider school community at Westfield Primary in York to discuss the possible piloting of Free School Meals at the school. The City Council’s new Four-Year Plan – ‘One City, for All’ – makes a commitment to…
Older residents invited to the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Receptions
The Lord Mayor and Sheriff are inviting 400 of York’s senior residents to join them at the city’s spectacular Assembly Rooms to celebrate at the Christmas Cheer Receptions. The annual receptions will take place on Tuesday 5 December 2023 for residents aged 65 and over. Eligible residents can choose to attend either the morning event…
VAT Registration Goes Paperless
In order to improve customer service and provide a quicker turnaround on Value Added Tax (VAT) registrations, from 13 November 2023, anyone applying to register for VAT should use HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) online VAT Registration Service (VRS). More than 95 per cent of our customers already use the online service as it is the…
York Partners’ Event to Support Care Careers
York Health and Care Partnership will hold a Health and Care Recruitment, Careers and Volunteering Event next month (Saturday 4 November) to showcase the opportunities available across the city. The drop-in event will be held from 10am to 2pm at City of York Council’s West Offices, Station Rise, York, and will provide an opportunity for individuals to…
Children in care groups shortlisted for a national award
York’s Children in Care council and the Care Leavers Forum have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award recognising work to help children in care in the city. They have been shortlisted in the participation category in the A National Voice Awards, for their work with the council. There are a wide range of initiatives…