Blue Badge holders’ second route into footstreets opens one month early
One month ahead of time, Blue Badge holders’ access into the city centre has been fully restored. Holders of valid Blue Badges and their drivers will once again be able to drive into the city centre at any time via Blake Street from 1 March. Access through Goodramgate opened on 4 January 2024. By making…
Help shape Front Street improvements
City of York Council is seeking the views of residents and businesses on new ideas for Front Street in Acomb. In October 2023, £570,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money was approved by the council’s Executive for phase 2 improvements to Front Street. The council is now inviting residents, visitors, businesses and other stakeholders…
Make a difference this Great British Spring Clean
City of York Council is appealing to residents, schools, businesses and community groups to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean 2024. This year the ninth annual Great British Spring Clean will take place from 15 -31 March 2024. During the Great British Spring Clean, the council will lend a hand to support anyone…
C-Kore Sales Team expanding in 2024
C-Kore Systems, a UK based company specializing in subsea testing tools, has rounded off an excellent 2023. With a healthy order book for 2024, C-Kore is looking to expand their Sales Team, basing the new staff in Aberdeen, UK. C-Kore Systems has a range of subsea testing tools used globally by operators and contractors on…
Is it time to introduce the right to disconnect?
By Gillian Reid, Head of Employment, Hethertons Solicitors Disconnecting from work is vital for employee wellbeing and to achieving a healthy, sustainable work-life balance. The Covid-19 pandemic gave rise to a quantum shift in the working practices of millions of workers, blurring the lines between work and home. Working from home on a hybrid or…
Resident feedback brings changes to cashless parking plans
The Executive Member for Economy and Transport has agreed to allow cash payments to continue in two council car parks following strong resident feedback. The decision was made at a public meeting this week (20 February). In July 2023 it was agreed that the council would go out to consultation on plans to move all…
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…
Documentary premiere and panel discussion to explore mental health and gaps in the benefits system
The Royal College of Psychiatrists, healthcare professionals, York Mind, and Rachael Maskell MP join filmmaker and bereaved families for York St John University event York St John University is proud to announce the first public screening of the acclaimed documentary Pip, Pop and a Pandemic. Recently shown in Parliament and submitted as evidence to the…
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…
National innovation award for AI powered help to cut household food waste
Data scientist from York St John University is on a mission to help us to keep track of what’s in our fridge and cupboards An artificial intelligence expert has won a national innovation award worth £50,000 to further develop a sustainability app that is helping to cut global food waste. Dr Somdip Dey, a Lecturer…
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…
Top marks to York Learning for renewing national quality award
National assessors have given full marks to City of York Council’s learning and training organisation by renewing its nationally-recognised quality mark. The award recognises that support is given to individuals to make learning and work more accessible. It was made following a rigorous inspection involving evaluation by and discussions with learners, employers, partners and staff….
Two new self-build plots available on Dane Avenue
In response to the need for more homes in the city and following the success of Lowfield Green’s six self-build plots which featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs, City of York Council is offering two new opportunities for self-builders. These plots are to support people to get on the housing ladder by building their own…
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…
Digital love letters remind us to cherish the beauty of nature and not have a toxic relationship with the environment
York St John University and the Yorkshire and North East Film Archives mark Valentine’s Day with the online release of their film “Nature Matters” This Valentine’s Day, as the world celebrates love in its many forms, York St John University’s Cinema and Social Justice project, York Business School and the Yorkshire and North East Film…
York gets set to celebrate female business leaders
For the third year running, York’s businesses are being invited to celebrate the achievements of women in business at an event aimed at supporting female entrepreneurship in the city. Empowering and Inspiring Women in Business in York will take place on Tuesday 5 March from 9:30am-2:15pm at the Priory Street Centre, 15 Priory Street, York…
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…
York promotes ‘Skills For Life’ during National Apprenticeship Week
City of York Council is celebrating the value, benefits and opportunities apprenticeships bring to individuals and businesses during National Apprenticeship Week next week [5-11 February]. The continued theme for the 17th annual National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Skills for Life’, encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeship training can help individuals of all ages, abilities, and stage…
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 Bridge…
Andrew Jackson boosts contentious probate team with senior appointment
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to announce the appointment of Mandy Anfield who joins the firm’s contentious probate team as a consultant. With many years’ experience, Mandy has helped many clients across a range of property disputes and contested probate claims throughout her career, with particular expertise in handling disputed wills and inheritance act…
C-Kore’s UK developed testing tools easing decommissioning in Australia
C-Kore is helping Australian Oil & Gas operators simplify testing during decommissioning campaigns using subsea test tools originally developed for the UK Oil & Gas market. On a recent mobilization, C-Kore’s Sensor Monitor allowed the operator to quickly prove barriers in the subsea trees for regulatory sign-off allowing the campaign to be completed swiftly and…
York’s fostering team joins York Residents’ Festival
City of York Council’s Fostering Team will be on hand at York Residents’ Festival on Saturday to chat to residents about becoming foster carers. Organised by Make It York, York Residents’ Festival 2024 offers a variety of exclusive deals for York residents. The council has launched a new campaign this new year to recruit foster carers…
Quality and sustainability award for campus food at York St John University
Food for Life certification marks dedication to high standards and traceability of produce York St John University is pleased to announce that the University’s onsite catering has achieved prestigious Food for Life accreditation. The official award from the Soil Association recognises that YSJ Kitchen serves food that is considered good for our climate, nature and…
Local partnerships help York students build their future in construction
Students in York have been learning about careers in the construction industry this month, gaining valuable real-world experience of a wide range of different roles. Year 11 students were given an opportunity to experience life as an apprentice at a range of local businesses across the city last week [18 January]. The construction sector is…
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…
Looking for a new challenge this year?
If you’re looking to develop your career with leadership experience outside of work, City of York Council has a number of volunteering opportunities available that will also enable you to support your local community. Schools across York and the surrounding area are looking for governors from a broad range of professional and personal backgrounds to…
York marks Holocaust Memorial Day with programme of events
Residents and visitors are invited to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2024 with a programme of commemorative events. Holocaust Memorial Day occurs on 27 January every year to commemorate the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945. It is an opportunity for people across the world to come together and reflect the horrific events of…
Interview opportunity: York Free School Meals
Working together with the schools currently involved in the Free School Meals pilot would like to offer media contacts the opportunity to express an interest in visiting one of the schools to film, record or report on the implementation of the programmes. At the moment we have multiple slots available to visit Westfield Primary School…
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,…
New year, new job? Come to the latest Jobs Fair!
Anyone looking for work across the city or some support with training or getting new qualifications is welcome at the latest Acomb Jobs Fair on 24 January. This regular recruitment event features dozens of employers and employment agencies, and takes place on Wednesday 24 January, 11am – 2pm at Acomb Parish Church Hall, Front Street,…
This new year, swap smoking for more money and better mental health!
Stopping smoking is often referred to as ‘giving up’, but this new year, City of York Council’s Health Trainer team is focusing on the gains. By swapping cigarettes to safer forms of nicotine, such as patches, gum or a vape you can save hundreds of pounds, whilst improving your mental and physical health significantly when…
Over 90% of two year olds take up childcare places in York
Over 90% of two-year-olds eligible for government-funded childcare took up their place at a nursery or childminder in York last term, the highest percentage across the region. Regularly attending a childcare setting, such as a playgroup, nursery or childminder, can help children learn to play with others, develop new skills and get ready for school….
New fund to help lift inequalities from York’s most deprived communities
A new, city-wide pot of £100,000 aims to deliver projects which support those communities in York which are most in need of better health, greater fulfilment and prosperity. Applications are being invited from organisations across the city’s wards, and can be for a maximum £10,000 share of the funding. Reflecting the vision of the Council…
York St John University report reveals vital role of mental health and wellbeing hubs for health, care and emergency service staff
The value of Resilience Hubs, a specialist service offering mental health and wellbeing support to all emergency, health and care staff, is highlighted in a report commissioned by the NHS. A new report has highlighted that specialist wellbeing support offered by the Humber and North Yorkshire Resilience Hub played an important part in hundreds of…
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…
City of York Council launches appeal for foster carers for York children and young people
City of York Council is launching a new campaign this new year to recruit foster carers to support children and young people who can’t live with their own families. The council cares for around 200 children and young people in York and urgently needs local foster carers to provide them with safe, loving homes. It’s…
Temporary closure of Low Petergate
City of York Council has closed Low Petergate outside Poundland this afternoon. It is likely to remain closed until Monday morning at the earliest. Work to permanently repair a void which was plated before Christmas, has revealed a hole which extends halfway across the road. A diversion is in place around Swinegate. Work to repair the…
To win more sales in 2024 you must do these 3 things
How To Win More Sales in 2024 Now that you’ve finished the minced pies, perhaps made some new year resolutions (I don’t), it’s time to dust off the tech and get straight back into it. As if the world wasn’t changing quickly enough, there are a number of key issues to urgently address (before Feb,…
Further growth for Andrew Jackson’s real estate and property team
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that Kirsty Barsby has joined its real estate and property team as a partner, further strengthening the firm’s client services offering across the region and beyond. With over 18 years’ experience across a broad range of property matters, Kirsty’s clients operate across several sectors including hotel and leisure, residential and…
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…