York supports LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week

City of York Council’s fostering team and One Adoption North and Humber, the regional adoption agency for York, North Yorkshire and Humber, are showing their support for LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week (4-10 March). This year’s campaign, #DifferentTogether, reinforces the message that people from all backgrounds and sexualities make excellent adopters and foster carers, who…

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Bradford College cements ambitious plans for transformational campus buildings

Work will begin on several large capital investment projects at Bradford College shortly. Over the last two years, Bradford College has successfully secured nearly £29 million in funding. The considerable investment will enhance, refurbish, and build new aspirational facilities in the heart of Bradford. The projects form part of Bradford College’s ambitious estates strategy. The capital masterplan…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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Walker Sime to showcase commitment to healthy cities at leading real estate event

Walker Sime, the Leeds based construction consultancy, has confirmed its involvement with The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) which takes place between 21-23 May 2024, in Leeds. As a renowned construction, regeneration and infrastructure consultancy, Walker Sime has long been committed to creating lasting legacies of regeneration that positively impact society and…

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PM’s electrifying visit to Harrogate’s leading bus operator

Sunak hails progress on multi-million pound switch to zero emission bus fleet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has today (12 February 2024) welcomed progress towards a multi-million pound switch to zero emission electric buses during a visit to Harrogate’s leading bus operator. The Harrogate Bus Company, a subsidiary of Transdev, placed orders in Autumn 2023 worth…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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More buses, more often on key commuter route into Leeds after bus boost hailed a success

The Keighley Bus Company unveils plans for extra trips to and from Leeds on popular Aireline route thanks to double-digit rise in passenger numbers West Yorkshire bus operator The Keighley Bus Company today reveals more improvements are on the way to one of the region’s most popular bus services, after boosted timetables and lower fares…

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More buses, more often on key commuter route into Leeds after bus boost hailed a success

The Keighley Bus Company unveils plans for extra trips to and from Leeds on popular Aireline route thanks to double-digit rise in passenger numbers West Yorkshire bus operator The Keighley Bus Company today reveals more improvements are on the way to one of the region’s most popular bus services, after boosted timetables and lower fares…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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‘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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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)…

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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…

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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…

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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%…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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