Residents anger over todays Library closures

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The York Council is being heavily criticised by residents for not notifying local media about today’s library closures.

Although the closure – which is allowing staff to have a conference about the pending privatisation of the service – is mentioned on the Councils web site, many users have not noticed it.

Some are obviously seething after wasted journeys.

They are venting their disappointment by writing advice about good communications on the closure notice that has been posted on the library door today.

The privatisation move – which we believe does not enjoy widespread support either from staff or customers – is the brainchild of Cllr Crisp. Her report to tomorrows Council meeting also pointedly omits to mentions todays closures.

NB. User numbers at 14 of York’s 15 libraries has reduced since Cllr Crisp took responsibility for them.

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The Council is also saying that its electronic “report it” system may not be working this week.

“Bed blocking” criticism grows in York

Bed blocking

NHS England list York as one of the worst communities for speedy hospital discharges

NHS England have today published data click here showing that in October 2013, the City was one of the worst communities in England for delayed transfer of care.

Of the 28 patients awaiting a move from York hospitals at the end of October, 11 were awaiting care or nursing home placements while 7 were waiting for a care in the community support package.

Both are the responsibility of the York Council to provide

Although the Council Leadership is now promising to fix the problem “within 6 months”, they have failed to explain why the developing crisis has not been mentioned in any of the reports published by members of the Labour Cabinet over the last 6 months.

The Leaders own report, being considered by the Council tomorrow (Thursday), makes no mention of the problems.
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Separately, a resident has submitted a Freedom of Information request seeking an explanation for the apparent attempt to cover up the delayed discharges scandal. The wording of the request can be read by clicking here.

Hob Moor development latest – 19th December decision

A further report on the planned housing development on Windsor Garth has now been published for the Planning meeting which is taking place on 19th December 2013.

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The application has been updated to reduce the number of properties by one, incorporate a small play area and retain the existing railings around part of the site.

These changes were notified to interested parties (previous objectors) on 4th December.

The changes will be welcomed by many residents.

The Council is also reducing its S106 payment requirements to reflect the on site “open space” provision but – without explanation – also scraps the payment of a commuted sum in lieu of the provision of school places.

Local residents comments

York energy “bulk buy” plan announced

York residents are being offered a FREE service which could lead to big savings on their gas and electricity bills.

electricity-meter

City of York Council has partnered with energy switching expert’s iChoosr to make it easy and simple for residents to consider switching their energy tariffs.

Supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York’s Citizens Advice Bureaux and Age UK York – the Save Money by Switching Energy campaign launches on 10 December and will enable York residents to register to assisted scheme with just four easy steps and help reduce their energy bills by switching their providers.

Step 1) Anyone who pays a household energy bill and who is interested in saving money by switching energy suppliers can register for FREE from the 10 December. Registration is easy but they will need a copy of their recent energy bill to complete the process.

Step 2) Registration closes on the 17 February 2014 and then the council’s switching partner iChoosr will gather everyone who has registered together and invite energy companies to offer their best prices for energy to everyone in the scheme.

Step3) Residents will receive tailored details on the new tariff offer secured by the scheme from 28 February 2014. They will also see exactly how much money they could potentially save by switching if they accept the offer.

Step 4) At this stage residents can choose to accept the offer or not. There is no obligation to accept and there are no fees or charges if they don’t switch. They simply get a new offer that could potentially save them money on their energy bills.

Similar switching schemes run by other councils have seen yearly savings of between £60 – £200 per household. The council also piloted a similar scheme earlier in the year and this helped over 300 people consider switching. On average those that did switch were set to save £140 from the scheme.

The council’s switching partner iChoosr will gather registered users together and invite energy companies to offer their best prices for energy to everyone in the scheme. This is all done independently by iChoosr.

Those who sign up can receive a personalised offer with details on the new tariff secured by the scheme and will see exactly how much money they could potentially save by switching if you accept the offer

To find out more or to register click here . If residents do not have access online please visit City of York Council’s customer service centre at West Offices or call us on 01904 551550.

Battle to save York pubs

York Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to save local pubs from the threat of closure.

Turf Tavern

The drive follows research from CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale) which shows 26 pubs across the country are closing every week. The Lib Dems say York currently has a thriving pub and beer scene, but it is not immune from economic and policy pressures.

The Lib Dems will move a motion at this week’s full council meeting asking City of York Council to back the campaign. The motion calls on the council to help give pubs better protection under planning legislation and to encourage residents to register their local pub as an ‘Asset of Community Value’ – to ensure they have more chance to buy it if it goes up for sale. The motion also calls on the Chancellor to freeze beer duty in next year’s Budget.

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Latest Planning application Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Ward

Dry cleaning “pod” planned for Tesco site

Below are the latest planning applications received by the York Council for the Dringhouses and Woodthorpe ward.

Full details can be found by clicking the application reference
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Location: May Gurney Limited 312 Tadcaster Road York YO24 1HF

Proposal: Change of use from financial and professional service (Use class A2) to private day nursery (use class D1)

Ref No: 13/03660/FUL

Applicant: Mrs Vanessa Warn Contact Mr Andrew Neal Consultation Expiry Date 30 December 2013 Case Officer: Heather Fairy (Mon – Wed) Expected Decision Level DEL
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Location: Tesco Supermarket Askham Bar Tadcaster Road Dringhouses York

Proposal: Installation of pod

Ref No: 13/03661/FUL

Applicant: Tesco Stores Ltd Contact Mr Laurence Piper Consultation Expiry Date 30 December 2013Case Officer: Heather Fairy (Mon – Wed) Expected Decision Level DEL
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Location: Tesco Supermarket Askham Bar Tadcaster Road Dringhouses York

Proposal: Display of 3no. illuminated and 3o. non-illuminated fascia signs

Ref No: 13/03662/ADV

Applicant: Tesco Stores Ltd Contact Mr Laurence Piper Consultation Expiry Date 30 December 2013Case Officer: Heather Fairy (Mon – Wed) Expected Decision Level DEL
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Representations can be made in favour of, or in objection to, any application via the Planning on line web site. http://planningaccess.york.gov.uk/online-applications/

NB. The Council now no longer routinely consults neighbours by letter when an application is received.

Broadband boost for small firms in York

Broadband

A broadband connection voucher scheme is being launched in York early next year to provide Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs up to 250 employees) better quality, high speed broadband.

 

Funded through Government’s ‘Super Connected Cities’ programme and City of York Council, the vouchers will provide assistance of up to £3,000 per business for SMEs seeking faster and better broadband (of at least 30 Mbits) to support them in growing their business.

The York voucher scheme is just one element in York’s strategy to become the best connected digital city of its size in the UK. The city launched the world’s first city tour application which uses ‘hologram tourist guides’ for visitors and proposals are well advanced to provide wi-fi in the city centre during the first half of 2014.
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