Help us make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring
To help us achieve our aim of making homelessness and rough sleeping rare, brief and non-recurring, we’re asking everyone interested to comment on our new draft strategy. Our five-year Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy aims to build on the work of our highly-effective Housing Navigators and our partners. Through it, we plan to offer people…
Vital new monitor part of ‘revolutionary MRI process’ for newborn babies
£45,000 has been donated to Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) as part of the J9 Advisory £100,000 Charity Challenge to enable the purchase of life-saving MRI monitoring equipment. The monitor is part of a revolutionary MRI process at the Leeds Children’s Hospital, unique to Europe, which is transforming the care of newborn babies with heart…
‘People-powered archaeology’ boosts residents’ wellbeing
A partnership between City of York Council and York Archaeology is helping the city’s residents uncover the hidden history of Walmgate, while improving their health and wellbeing, making social connections and gaining new skills and interests. The award-winning Archaeology on Prescription project is one of the first in the world to apply the social prescribing model to…
Renovated campus facilities officially open after major refurb
An impressive £750k refurbishment project has transformed Leeds College of Building’s North Street Campus following an eight-week renovation programme. Award-winning fit-out specialists Lodestone Projects managed the extensive summer works that rejuvenated the site and created contemporary and accessible facilities for construction students. Building work took place over four floors, incorporating the transformation of the former…
York Opportunities Event for young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities
Approximately 30 employers, education providers and support services from across the region will be exhibiting at the SEND Opportunities Event at Askham Bryan College on Wednesday (16 October) from 3.30-6.30pm. The event is for young people in Year 9 or above, with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities who live in York, Leeds and North Yorkshire, as…
Over £1million extra support secured for York residents
Financial support to help residents cope with the cost of living crisis is being extended until the end of end of March 2025. The Council has been allocated £1,037,906 for the next six months and residents are urged to make sure they claim all benefits that they are eligible for. This Household Support Funding (HSF)…
Major milestone achieved in £5m H2Boost project with opening of biohydrogen production facility
The Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) and its consortium partners have successfully launched a demonstration-scale biohydrogen production and carbon capture facility at The Maltings, a food waste processing facility near Selby, North Yorkshire. This facility is part of the H2Boost project, which secured £5 million in Phase 2 funding last year through the Department for Energy…
Machines to be removed as most of council parking goes cashless
In the coming weeks a number of parking machines will be removed as the council moves to cashless parking. In February it was agreed at a decision session that the majority of the council’s car parking would go cashless as the council looked to save money by removing the costs of maintaining machines and also…
Night-time road closures planned as Station Gateway project progresses
As work on the Station Gateway project progresses to the next stage, the council is providing an update on upcoming works in the area in October and November. To help them plan ahead, the council is forewarning residents, businesses and commuters that – as part of work to transform the entrance to York Station – contractors…
New energy efficiency grants for homes not heated by mains gas
Eligible households not heated by mains gas in York are being given free energy-efficiency boosts by the Council for greater comfort, lower bills and less carbon output. During this month of environmental action in York (14 September-12 October), residents are being urged to check their eligibility and grab a grant for measures suitable for their…
Blue Badge holders notified of arrangements for York’s Christmas Market
Blue Badge holders are being notified that the two routes into York city centre will temporarily close from 10:30am-7pm daily during the Christmas market period of 14 November to 22 December. This will be the first such closure since the routes reopened, and access will remain open 7pm-10:30am daily. It was agreed when these routes…
Free courses to support parents and carers in York
Parents and carers in York are being reminded that there is a wide range of free courses to help support them and their children, many of which are available online. The courses are run by both national and local providers and cover a wide range of topics from pregnancy and newborns, to teenagers or children…
York walls in bloom
Residents and visitors will be able to experience areas of the city walls from a fresh perspective next spring, as this unique and historic space blooms into life. Volunteers and businesses from across the city are coming together this week to help transform the City Walls embankments, for the first phase of the York Walls in…
Be Bright, Be Seen, Be Safe
Be Bright, Be Seen, Be Safe is the key message from City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council during Cycle to School Week [23-27 September]. Getting to school safely, especially as the nights are now getting darker is one of the most important things taught in schools, through the Bikeability and pedestrian training sessions, which…
Night works to make improvements to A1079 Hull Road, B1228 Elvington Lane and York Road, Dunnington
City of York Council is carrying out road maintenance works on the A1079 Hull Road and B1228 Elvington Lane, and York Road, Dunnington starting next week. From Monday 23 September the council will be resurfacing the A1079 Hull Road and B1228 Elvington Lane. This is expected to be completed by the morning of Thursday 10…
Residents supported to apply for all benefits they’re eligible for
A report indicating financial pressures among York residents reveals the level of need facing the council’s welfare benefit resources and how it plans to support those households. In July 2024, 2,700 households, including 1,844 children were shown to be in relative poverty. A range of local welfare support for residents includes the York Financial Assistance…
Front Street improvements shaped by local community go for approval
Exciting plans to make a number of improvements to Front Street will be taken to a meeting next week (24 September). In October 2023, the council’s Executive approved £570,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money for phase 2 improvements to Front Street in Acomb. Earlier this year, residents, visitors, businesses and other stakeholders were invited to share…
Scrutiny discussion to set a new direction of travel for York
York’s long term Local Transport Strategy will take another step forward next week (24 September) as a draft Implementation Plan is discussed at City of York Council’s Economy, Place, Access and Transport Scrutiny Committee. The Local Transport Strategy, which was adopted in July 2024, has been shaped by residents, businesses and commuters following extensive engagement….
YorHome’s fees for landlords found to be the city’s lowest!
Research by City of York Council reveals its not-for-profit letting agency YorHome charges between 6-7% less than eight other local agents. YorHome’s letting fee of 9% for homes in York is the city’s lowest management fee with no extra charges. Market research carried out this summer shows it could save landlords between about £700-£1,930 a…
York celebrates environment weeks with free bus travel from BetterPoints
Residents of York are being invited to celebrate Environment Weeks by walking or taking the bus around town – and be in with the chance to win free bus travel. If you haven’t already signed up to BetterPoints, there’s no better time to join thousands of York residents who are being rewarded for walking, cycling,…
New housing for disabled people agreed
To meet the increasing need for specialist housing for disabled adults or adults with learning disabilities in the community, senior Councillors have agreed to build approximately 14 new homes in Acomb. The one-bedroomed apartments with communal areas and support facilities will be built on one of the two undeveloped plots on the popular Lowfield Green…
Plans to create a dedicated hub for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in York get the go ahead
Proposals to create a specialist hub for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families have been approved by City of York Council’s Executive [Thursday 12 September]. Reflecting the ethos of the city’s other Raise York Family Hubs, the plans will bring services to support children and young people…
Recycle your coffee pods at York’s Household Waste Recycling Centres
Coffee lovers can now dispose of their used pods in an environmentally friendly way as part of a new service aimed at reducing waste. City of York Council is working with Podback, a coffee pod recycling service, to offer the containers at our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). Used coffee pods, as well as tea,…
City of York Council launches search for new Director of City Development
City of York Council has announced an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader to join its team as the new Director of City Development. This pivotal role comes at a crucial time as the city embarks on an ambitious journey of growth and development, aiming to reinforce York’s position as one of the leading economies…
Event returns to help businesses recruit and retain staff
With nationwide job vacancies at their highest for 25 years, local businesses are being invited to a free and interactive session to explore how they can attract new employees and reduce their staff turnover. Organised by City of York Council’s Economic Growth team in partnership with Start and Grow York, Recruitment and Retention: Resilience will take place…
Quarter of a million young people’s tickets sold as York’s bus improvement project brings far-reaching benefits
York’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) has reached an important milestone with over 250,000 reduced price bus tickets sold to families and young people. The fare reductions, first introduced in September 2023 and extended to older teenagers in February 2024, are part of an on-going series of investments being made across the city’s network. Funded…
Proposals to improve Front Street to be scrutinised
Plans to improve Front St will be discussed at a scrutiny meeting next week (9 September) with design ideas shaped by the community being presented. In October 2023, the council’s Executive approved £570,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money for phase 2 improvements to Front Street. Earlier this year, residents, visitors, businesses and other stakeholders were invited…
York initiative to plug construction skills gaps and boost employment in the city
City of York Council is investing in a new construction skills initiative, with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Construction York aims to reduce inequality, address the construction skills gap and enable inclusive economic growth. With the city about to embark on several key housing developments, plus retrofitting work needed to hit carbon reduction targets, there…
Temporary bridge to fully reopen popular path early
A much-used bridleway linking a village to the city of York is due to reopen along its full length earlier than expected, when a temporary bridge is installed. A permanent bridge is planned to be built later in the year. The new temporary bridge will be installed across Foss Dike to reconnect the Rufforth to…
City centre hostile vehicle measures to be completed
The last set of hostile vehicle measures (HVM) to complete the protective ring around the city centre will be installed at the junction of High Ousegate and Piccadilly from Tuesday 27 August, with support being offered to any affected businesses. The new, high-security sliding bollards will sit across the junction of High Ousegate and Parliament…
York celebrates Key stage 4 (GCSE) students’ success
City of York Council education leaders have congratulated students across the city on their GCSE results today (Thursday 22 August). Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young people and Education, said: “Huge congratulations to all the students who have received their GCSE and Key Stage 4 results today, and to the school staff,…
New bus service contracts see updates to York routes and two new services for the Germany Beck development
Residents along several bus routes in York will see new operators in September, following a competitive tender process to ensure the future running of key services. The changes are part of City of York Council’s implementation of the local bus services review, which was agreed at Executive in February. They include ensuring the continuation of…
Support available for exam students
With Key Stage 5 results and Key Stage 4 results due over the next few days [15 August and 22 August, respectively], City of York Council is reminding young people about the support available at this important time. Support is available for school leavers who are seeking an apprenticeship or employment opportunity, wanting to move…
Council invites feedback on revised ideas for My Castle Gateway spaces
City of York Council is sharing revised ideas for new public space in one of York’s most historic and important areas – and wants to hear from residents and businesses. Updated concept designs from landscape architects BDP imagine how the Castle and Eye of York area could meet residents’ ambitions for the public space to…
York St John University offers accommodation guarantee to ease the stress on A level Results Day
University shares Clearing support for 2024 applicants. Thursday 15 August is a huge day for thousands of teenagers across the country as they find out if their A level results have secured them a place at university. For those who don’t get the grades they need, want to swap courses, or just make a last-minute…
West Yorkshire housebuilder calls for applications for community fund scheme
Local housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West is encouraging charities to get in contact and apply for its Community Fund scheme which is worth £1,500. The Community Fund scheme sees the developer support a different charity every month with a donation of up to £1,500 to aid the incredible work being done at…
Creating better crossings in York: trial at key junction aims to reduce pedestrian wait times
City of York Council have announced a trial project to reduce pedestrian wait times at one of the city centre’s key junctions, where Blossom Street, Queen Street, Nunnery Lane and Micklegate meet. Changes to the timing of traffic lights will significantly reduce the amount of time pedestrians wait to cross at this junction. This project…
Final phase of construction project brings rooftop reading space to The Leeds Library
The final phase of capital works project The Next Chapter is underway at The Leeds Library. In the biggest expansion in its 255-year-history, completion of the project will make the library accessible for the first time, unite its collection and archive, and create a new event space and a rooftop reading terrace. The library acquired…
Bradford mill demolition paves way for £17m cutting-edge future technologies centre
Newly appointed contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has commenced demolition of a derelict mill on Thornton Road, making way for Bradford College’s purpose-built Future Technologies Centre. The demolition of Junction Mills marks the start of construction on the state-of-the-art four-storey building, which will become the home of modern automotive and digital engineering training at Bradford College. Once opened, the…
York supports infant feeding choices during World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August)
York’s health and childcare leads are reminding parents and carers that there is a wealth of advice and support available in York around infant feeding. The reminder coincides with World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August), which this year has the theme ‘breastfeeding support for all’. The international campaign, organised by the World Health Organisation, will celebrate…
York to showcase ‘EACH’ core commitments at Yorkshire Day event
City of York Council is planning a unique approach to Yorkshire Day, as it prepares to host the annual event on 1st August 2024. The itinerary for the day, while meeting the now traditional format for Yorkshire Day, will include key activities to highlight the city’s current Council Plan – the plan setting out what…
LGSCO releases annual figures for City of York Council
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) has published their annual review report alongside their performance data for all local authorities. The performance data relating to City of York Council, shows a year-on-year reduction in cases they have received about the council. This shows that of 9 cases investigated, 78% (7) were upheld, comparing against…
Summer holidays begin with the launch of ‘Shared City Manifesto’ to keep York residents and tourists in harmony
York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice partners with Good Organisation on project to amplify residents’ voices As Europe sees a wave of anti–tourism protests, academics and community groups have teamed up to safeguard York against becoming such a flashpoint. York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice and Business School have partnered with…
Three York parks recognised as some of the country’s best green spaces
West Bank Park, Clarence Gardens and Glen Gardens have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the very best in the UK. The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces and is assessed by independent judges. It is a sign to the public that the…
Millennium Bridge paths re-opened after flood defence work
City of York Council has completed works on the approach paths to Millennium Bridge, ensuring the route will be usable in all but the worst flooding. Work began on Monday 17 June and was completed on Sunday 21 July. It included raising the path at the eastern end to remove a dip which suffered from…
York businesses gain competitive edge with Google’s AI programme
For the second year running, York hosted a meeting of medieval architecture and cutting edge technology as local businesses boosted their digital skills and learned how to use AI to grow their enterprises. Over 80 businesses from York and North Yorkshire gathered on Tuesday 16 July for a day of free digital skills training delivered…
York families to get £300,000 funding support boost
Children and young people in York will benefit from work to explore how to best help families facing challenges, thanks to a £300,000 funding boost. City of York Council is one of only four local authorities chosen to partner with Foundations, the national What Works Centre for Children and Families, – and the Youth Endowment…
Housing association CEO calls for political unity after King’s Speech building reforms
The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has urged politicians from all parties to support more housebuilding following the announcement in today’s King’s Speech of proposed changes to planning laws and the introduction of housing targets to boost the delivery of new homes. In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “The country has endured a…