Drivetech launches driver training course to boost minibus safety
Drivetech, part of The AA, is on a mission to improve safety while traveling by minibus with the launch of its latest dedicated driver training course. Minibus Safe Drive has been specifically designed to support minibus drivers with the unique range of skills required, as well as improve driver and passenger wellbeing. With minibuses in…
Reminder: second Queen Street bridge closure to take place this weekend
City of York Council is reminding residents and visitors that a second road closure will take place this weekend as part of the Station Gateway project. This follows the first closure which took place last weekend and saw the creation of the new temporary diversion road. Queen Street Bridge, the new temporary road and the…
Statement: Queen Street Bridge closures
Following the weekend’s closure, Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Transport and Economy, said: “It is so far so good with Queen St works and big thanks go out to everyone involved in helping make this weekend go so smoothly. We are only half-way through this part of the…
City of York Council Executive approves new Equalities approach
City of York Council’s Executive has endorsed its new ‘Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2024-27’, pending the outcome of public consultation. Equality objectives are required as part of meeting the council’s Public Sector Equality Duty and are a core commitment in the approved Council Plan, ‘One City, for all.’ The Executive has also approved that…
£750,000 funding secured to extend and improve Acomb Explore Library
£250,000 has been secured to add to the Council’s committed £500,000 capital investment to extend and redevelop Acomb Explore Library. The additional £250k is the result of a successful application to the Arts Council’s Libraries Improvement Fund. It will support significant upgrades to the popular library learning centre in Acomb to ensure it continues to…
National Offer Day for primary schools: York children allocated their Reception school place for September
A total of 95.8% 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 (Tuesday 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…
Key York road to close for two weekends in April
City of York Council has published information to support residents and visitors with a key road in the city set to close for two weekends this month. As an essential part of works to transform the entrance to York Station, parts of Station Road and Queen Street Bridge will be closed from 8pm on Friday…
New advertising rules to support children’s health
City of York Council is proposing to introduce new advertising rules across York to support children and families with healthy eating. The new advertising policy will be taken to an Executive meeting next week, and aims to restrict high fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) adverts being displayed across the city. The council is following in…
Leeds Beckett research reveals how NHS health inequalities funding is used
A new report has been published – based on Leeds Beckett University research – showing how Integrated Care Systems (ICS) nationwide are making use of funding targeted to address health inequalities. The research was led by Professor Mark Gamsu and Professor Anne-Marie Bagnall at Leeds Beckett University, in collaboration with the NHS Confederation, Clarity and the Care…
One In A Million charity launches CHANGE campaign
One In A Million charity is delighted to have been chosen as Mark Cowgill Bradford Chamber of Commerce president’s chosen charity during his two year tenure. Mark invites you to support him with his ‘CHANGE’ campaign. As a local business, we are asking you to join us by signing up today to support our CHANGE…
Council commits additional £100k to York’s free school meals pilots
An ambitious scheme to run pilots providing free school meals in primary schools in York has received a £100k boost, thanks to a commitment from City of York Council. The authority agreed to allocate a further £100,000 towards the scheme in 2024/25, in addition to the £100,000 provided in 2023/24, at its recent budget meeting….
Key York road to close in April
York’s Queen Street Bridge is set to close in April. To help them plan ahead, the council is forewarning residents and commuters that – as part of work to transform the entrance to York Station – Queen Street Bridge is set to be closed from 8pm on Friday 19 April 2024 to 6am on Monday 22…
Over 900 responses to Front Street engagement
The council has thanked local businesses and residents after it received just over 900 responses to an engagement exercise on the future of Front Street in Acomb. Last month, the council sought the views of residents and businesses on new ideas for Front Street in Acomb, with an engagement exercise that ran from 26 February…
With video: RISE programme is transforming lives in York
A groundbreaking programme is proving to be life changing for adults who face barriers to employment. RISE (Reducing Inequalities, Supporting Employment) is a support programme that offers one-to-one advice and employability support, empowering those involved to overcome both personal and professional challenges. These include; unemployment, mental health issues, physical health challenges, autism and neurodivergence, financial…
All York Family bus ticket price reduced from Easter Holidays
Families planning a day trip in York this Easter will be able to travel on the city’s bus network all day for a reduced price of just £5.50 for five people – just £1.10 each – using an All York Family ticket. The offer was previously available for a trial period during summer 2023, with…
Statement: York outer ring road
In response to last night’s meeting Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Transport and the Economy said: “We welcome approval from the planning committee, which is a significant milestone and the latest step in the journey to dual York’s Outer Ring Road. “Our Council Plan lays out how it…
Extra pitches planned to meet community’s needs and to improve health
An Executive report being discussed by councillors today will consider how the Council can fulfil its responsibilities to the city’s Gypsy and Traveller Communities on various sites across the city. The Council is landlord for sites at James Street, Osbaldwick and Clifton on which it collects rent for 61 pitches. The draft Local Plan identifies…
Health Leaders back new vaccination campaign
Health leaders in York and North Yorkshire are backing a major new campaign to remind parents and carers of the risk of their children missing out on protection against serious diseases – with an urgent call to action to catch up on missed vaccinations. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) campaign has released a powerful…
TIER to end e-scooter and e-bike trial in York
City of York Council has been informed that TIER do not wish to extend their contract, thereby taking the decision to end its e-scooter and e-bike trial in York. The trial was part of the Department for Transport micro-mobility trial and has been operating since September 2020 in York. The TIER service in York will…
Free support for parents launches in York
Parents-to-be and new parents in York can now get support and advice in a handy booklet, thanks to a new initiative as part of the Raise York Family Hubs network. Supporting your parenting journey in York – a short booklet focussing on key parenting themes and signposting to further sources of information – is now…
Academic insights and funded research on offer for charities, social enterprise groups and community activists in Yorkshire and the Humber
Applications are now open for Community Research Grants at York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice (ISJ) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the third year of their successful Community Research Grants (CRG) programme. This initiative aims to empower individuals and groups…
93.6% York pupils get first choice of Secondary School
Secondary school admission figures for entry in September 2024 reveal that 93.6% per cent of York children have been allocated their first preference of school. Parents who applied online can find out where their child has been allocated a place by logging into their parent portal account today via www.york.gov.uk/SecondarySchoolAdmissions. Parents who made written applications…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…