York Labour News

New PCSOs join Holgate team

TueAMGMTE_Rthth

Holgate councillors have given a warm welcome to two new police community support officers (PCSOs) in their ward. Sarah Dale and Suzanne Court started work recently and join their Safer Neighbourhood Team at a time with significant progress being made tackling crime in the ward.

Holgate councillor James Alexander said:

"I'm pleased to welcome the new officers to the ward and look forward to working constructively with them in the future to make Holgate a safer place. The presence of PCSOs in Holgate has come to be an essential part of the local policing strategy and I think makes people feel things are more like they used to be, which they welcome".

Coun. Sonja Crisp commented:

"We have been short of PCSOs for some time now and they are a real asset on the ground in Holgate. They are not only a crime deterrent as a visible police presence on the street but they get to know their beats and the residents very quickly. They are therefore often first to highlight problems areas and in many cases are best placed to suggest solutions".

Coun. Denise Bowgett added:

"I received an introductory email from the new PCSO in my area which I was delighted to receive. It demonstrates the proactive approach of PCSOs to get out into their communities and make themselves known. The establishing of good working relationships with local people is so important to providing a coordinated response to the problems we face".

All PCSOs across the city can be contacted via the central number of 0845 6060247.

Survey uncovers cracks in private housing stock

TueAMGMTE_Rthth

A leading councillor has expressed concerns about the condition of private sector housing in the city. Labour's housing spokesperson Coun. Tracey Simpson-Laing was speaking after receiving the findings of the ‘Private Sector House Condition Survey 2008', a survey commissioned by the council.

She said:

"Whilst it may be claimed that private housing in York is better than the national average, that glosses over the serious health concerns that arise from poor quality housing. Poor housing can lead to poor physical and mental health, while damp can cause respiratory problems. Poor housing can result in relationship problems, unemployment and low educational attainment. These are not conditions that York's residents should be experiencing in the early part of the 21st century".

The survey covered 1600 private sector dwellings that are representative of the city's private housing stock. And worryingly it found that almost 1 in 5 houses is
in non- decent condition, and almost 10% exhibit serious hazards.

Coun. Simpson-Laing has called on York residents to take up the help available to them from the government if they live in poor housing in the form of grants and benefits. She urged people to ask their families, friends and neighbours to help the city's older, sometimes vulnerable residents claim the help that is out there. "Often there is help available to people if their circumstances are such that they are at a disadvantage," she added.

She went on to say that she believed all properties should be moving towards double or secondary glazing where appropriate, and that standards should be improved at the planning stage for new builds and conversions, such as with better quality insulation, in order to gradually improve standards overall across the city's stock of housing.

"It is also the responsibility of owners of private rented sector (PRS) properties to ensure their properties are of a decent standard; they have a social responsibility to do so. The same is true for developers converting properties for rent in the PRS. It is those who have low incomes that end up in the non-decent homes in the city, because they cannot afford the step up but are ineligible for social housing".

Councillors welcome for new cold calling zone

TueAMGMTE_Rthth

A street in Acomb is set to become the next ‘Cold Calling Zone' in the city. Paddock Way, off Boroughbridge Road has been granted ‘Cold Calling Zone' status after strong support from residents responding to a local survey. Ward councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing said:

"I welcome this decision which will help residents being targeted in this area by cold callers. People elsewhere in the city should look at recent examples which have been successful, like Paddock Way, as many requests haven fallen through due to insufficient support. If residents on a street can garner enough support then this could become a reality for their street too, but the support has to be from all properties in the street".

Acomb councillor David Horton commented:

"Paddock Way cold calling zone will be launched on 24th November and residents have been contacted in writing to inform them of the decision. I think it will help the more vulnerable who can often feel intimidated by people coming to their door and being overly pushy with them. People are entitled to privacy in their own homes and should not be intimidated by people looking to take advantage of them in this inappropriate way".

When a street becomes a ‘Cold Calling Zone' houses receive a sticker for their window and are provided with a telephone number to report anyone cold calling in the area. The entrance to the street is also signed to show that the area does not accept cold calling. Councillor Simpson-Laing comments that if residents are interested in their street becoming part of this scheme that they should contact their local ward councillor.

Young People�s MyPlace venue bid in chaos

TueAMGMTE_Rthth

The opportunity to provide a world class youth facility in York for the city's young people looks to be in serious jeopardy after council officers yesterday said a bid for government cash might not now be made at all. After the first phase deadline was missed in September it was said that a bid would be made as part of the second final phase of funding for the government initiative. But even that looks unlikely following the latest bombshell from officers.

Labour's Children and Young People's Services spokesperson, Coun. Dave Merrett said:

"The Executive Member for Children and Young People's Services must take responsibility for the appalling mismanagement of this bid. 'My place' presents a huge opportunity for funding for an iconic young people's facility in the city and the council simply sits back and makes a successful bid almost impossible. All we hear are excuses as to why a bid cannot be submitted, not how we can make this happen.
"This opportunity must not be missed. The Lib Dem Executive Member and Deputy Leader of the Council needs to take personal responsibility to ensure we do get a bid in by March so as not to let the young people down who've been involved in looking for sites.

"Those young people have also been looking at what should be provided in the new space for all young people in the city with proposals for performance and sports facilities, chill out space, an IT and games suite, etc. York's young people do not deserve to be let down from this wonderful opportunity. It demonstrates to me how detached from the interests of young people the Lib Dems really are and I find that extremely sad".

"This must now be addressed as an urgent matter. The Lib Dems complain about a lack of government support but when it is presented on a plate they look set to turn it down through their own incompetence. This is not right at all".

Hungate gate scrutiny finally gets off the ground

TueAMGMTE_Rthth

An assessment of the planned move to a new headquarters at Hungate is to get underway as a new scrutiny topic for the council. After a long wait to agree a meeting schedule, councillors look set to sit down for the first time on 18th November to get underway with the evaluation.

Committee member Coun. Julie Gunnell said:

"After a long wait for the Lib Dems to select their councillor representatives to join the committee, I'm pleased we are finally going to get on with the job we were tasked to do. The delay has meant the whole process has slipped. Thankfully we can now look at whether the problems surrounding Hungate were out of the council's control or whether its own plans for such a major project were flawed from the start. I'm confident we can now address the objectives of the scrutiny topic".

The following remit has been agreed to direct councillors' investigation:

To clarify whether the correct strategy for the accommodation project was set and adhered to, in order to ensure any future council projects are delivered on time and on budget.

And Coun. Gunnell says the objectives of the study should provide a comprehensive picture of how the project was planned and managed. She said:

"The key objectives are especially important, including understanding the effectiveness of part of the council acting as client and its relationship with the planning process. I am confident the findings of this committee will provide the council with much to learn from and also determine whether or not the council ought to be acting as client for projects of this size".

"The key now is for the scrutiny committee to get on with its work and report as soon as possible. The city cannot afford any more delays and dithering".

Row breaks out over delay in service transfer

TueAMGMTE_Rthth

The transfer of services for highway maintenance from one council department to another has caused consternation amongst Labour councillors after agreement was delayed beyond the meeting where it was set to be agreed. A preliminary agreement was reached to transfer the service from the council's City Strategy directorate to Neighbourhood Services in May, but the move has now been blocked by Conservative and Lib Dem councillors.

Labour leader Coun. David Scott said the delay makes no sense:

"The reason seems to be because the Director of Neighbourhood Services is leaving and the council is worried whether his replacement can take on the responsibility. I'm concerned that Coun. Gillies and Coun. Waller have such little faith in the council's ability to appoint a Director that can deal with such responsibilities. The salary is not insignificant and I would expect any new Director to be able to take on the task."

"If we made the right strategic decision in May, as I believe we did then we should make those changes. There is three months before the Director leaves and he has assured the committee that his leaving will have no affect."

"However, I'm also concerned that this will affect staff morale while the uncertainty continues. This has been agreed and now because of a Director leaving, this council engineers itself yet another way to dither and delay. The savings that would have been realised are thrown into jeopardy while the Conservatives and Lib Dems delay once again, creating further waste".

"The trouble is it is always the council taxpayer that picks up the bill. Coun Waller recently said he wanted this to be a ‘can do' council. I cannot see any evidence of it since he became leader. Perhaps his council should be awarded special status for its ability to delay decision-making".

Young People get ready for takeover

TueAMGMTE_Rthth

Young people were preparing to takeover a meeting of the council's Shadow Executive when they met with organisers Coun. Julie Gunnell and Youth Volunteer Development Manager Natasha Almond today (see photo). The young people are set to take over the meeting as part of National Takeover Day, an annual event where 16-25 year olds are put in the hot seat and given the opportunity to say how services could be changed to better serve them in the future.

Coun. Julie Gunnell said:

"National Takeover Day is a really important event and gives young people the opportunity to have their voices heard and to influence policies that affect them. It is not just about paying lip service to this initiative - we will be feeding their views into the decision-making process and seeking answers to their questions. We often ask why people are not engaged in local decision-making and politics - here is an opportunity to begin to change that".

Young people coming together to help organise the meeting said they were excited about the meeting and the chance to debate issues which directly affect them. And Coun. Gunnell said it was important that they had a say in what was on the agenda.

She added:

"There are a number of issues from concessionary bus travel to local leisure facilities to broader issues like compulsory education beyond 16 years of age which will all be of interest to young people. The Shadow Executive members are looking forward to the meeting and to facilitating a discussion around the agenda once it has been agreed".

Leader to speak on ID issue

TueAMGMTE_Rthth

The city council's Labour Group leader, Coun. David Scott is to address a regional seminar in York tomorrow (5th) as part of the No ID No Sale campaign. The campaign is one that has been embraced by trading standards in York and Coun. Scott will be speaking on what it means from a local authority perspective. He said:

"The No ID No Sale campaign is an eminently sensible campaign and one I fully endorse. It makes sense that for consistency there is a limited number of forms of valid ID, and that young people are asked to provide it if there is any doubt over their age.

"I would like to see this procedure normalised so that those wishing to buy tobacco, alcohol and other age restricted products expect to be asked for ID and know that if they don't have it with them, they will be unsuccessful. It ties in very well with the ‘Challenge 21' policy which retailers are encouraged to adopt so young people who look 21 or under are asked for ID. From the retailer's point of view it is better to be safe than sorry".

The seminar takes place at the Novotel and will involve trading standards officers, No ID No Sale campaign coordinators and retailer representatives. And Coun. Scott says he will be talking about the extent of the problem of underage sales in the city. He commented:

"If we are being realistic there will always be some underage sales where there are irresponsible retailers but our challenge is to engage them and make them aware of their responsibilities and potential consequences if they don't. The No ID No Sale campaign assists them by giving them the tools to act responsibly and I warmly welcome that".

"York retailers can go further, however, and sign up to the city's ‘Responsible Retailers Scheme' and demonstrate a visible commitment to protecting children and young people interests and I urge them to do so".

Labour announces Environment Spokesperson

TueAMGMTE_Rthth

The city council's Labour Group has announced it has created a new role within the party - that of Environment representative. Labour leader Coun. David Scott said he felt it was important to have the role so that a group member could take a view on each policy area with the environment in mind. He said:

"Whilst we have always sought to consider the environmental impact of our policy choices, I felt it would benefit our policy formation to have this as a stand alone role in which someone could consider the implications of our decision-making from another perspective. I'm delighted to announce that Coun. Ruth Potter has been successfully elected to this position and will bring plenty of experience and knowledge to the role".

Coun. Potter said:

"Labour as a party has always been concerned with protecting the environment as one aspect of fighting for a more just and equal society. The protection of the environment plays a major role in achieving that as the national policy agenda has demonstrated over recent years. Having successfully fought to get the council to extend recycling facilities to everyone in the city, ban plastic bags and to minimise waste, I feel I have the experience to show that this will be a very meaningful role I will play for Labour in York. ".

Councillors object to parking restriction schemes

TueAMGMTE_Rthth

Holgate councillors have objected to new proposals which will mean parking is limited in a number of streets in their ward. They are also concerned that if agreed, the schemes will result in parking problems in neighbouring streets around the Hollybank Road area. Holgate councillor James Alexander said:

"We have objected to the proposal to introduce parking restrictions in a number of streets including Hollybank Road and Collingwood Avenue. We believe the number 16 bus route can be reinstated without the severe parking restrictions that have been proposed. It is not a case of ‘if you want the bus, you can't park during the day' - this is inaccurate and unhelpful to residents.

"We want to see the bus returned without these severe restrictions. We are also asking for the bus company to give a guarantee of returning the bus to the original route before we enter negotiations over what restrictions are required. To put in place such severe restrictions without even a guarantee to the bus returning is foolhardy."

The issue of the number 16 bus and the Hollybank loop came to prominence a number of months ago when it was suggested that parked traffic was becoming a problem to the bus navigating the loop. Coun. Sonja Crisp said the issue needs to be resolved so that residents know where they stand with the bus service and the proposed parking restrictions. She said:

"We are concerned that with such restrictions in place many families will not be able to park close to their homes and the speed of traffic will increase making the road more dangerous for children and older people. I believe that residents would be more supportive of parking restrictions that are less draconian and allow people the opportunity to live a normal life. If you introduce no waiting between 7am and 7pm you might as well make it all day and this is not necessary.

"There has been something of an over-reaction to a problem the number 16 bus encountered some time ago and I think the retention of the loop is essential for those residents who have mobility problems".

The decision on the parking restriction schemes will go before a City Strategy meeting taking place at the Guildhall on 8th December. Holgate councillors are encouraging those interested in the discussions to come along to register to speak at the meeting.

Residents expecting to finally Whin battle over odours

ThuAMGMTE_Rthth

Acomb ward councillors have been told by the Environment Agency that foul smells coming from Harewood Whin could be about to end. The odours that have been tormenting residents for years should end by 3rd November when remedial works on a gas transmission pipe on the site are finally completed.

Coun. Tracey Simpson-Laing said:

"I sincerely hope that this is the end of the problems residents have been suffering over the last 2 years. On some days the smell can be enough to make people physically ill. I am concerned that this has taken so long to get sorted out but my main concern now is the future. Harewood Whin is a large site and the issues concerning methane will be with us for a long time. Residents have been told on a number of occasions that the issue was been sorted and yet the smell has continued. The breach of environmental laws must stop".

Coun. David Horton notes:

"This has been the number one complaint of residents and the fact that YorWaste has taken so long to sort out the problem gives me great concern over the effective management of the site, both now and in the future when it has been decommissioned".

An audit of the site's permit conditions is expected to be undertaken by 10th November by which time the Environment Agency expects the site's operator, YorWaste, to be in compliance. Acomb Ward Councillors will, along with residents, monitor the situation and are expecting immediate action if the smell returns, including full use of environmental fines where appropriate.

Looking to the future of the Barbican

ThuAMGMTE_Rthth

The council's Labour Shadow Executive has requested a report be produced for its consideration to examine how public events will be accommodated by Absolute Leisure at the Barbican site.

Calling for the report, Leader of the Labour Group, Coun. David Scott said:

"Previous reports concerning the Barbican have focused on what has gone wrong in the past. What we want to do now is ensure those problems become a thing of the past rather than an example to follow. We will do this by focusing on the future of the Barbican and the arrangements that have been put in place.

"We want the Barbican to have a successful re-opening and for it to be a venue that York can be proud of again. We want to avoid further disappointments that residents have felt by losing the UK Snooker Championships, and the absences of the Annual Community Carol Concert and the Festival of Remembrance.

"There have been promises made before and we need to ensure that the latest set of promises from the council will be honoured. We have therefore called for a report that sets out the terms of this agreement with Absolute Leisure so we know what action needs to be taken and when, in the event the company cannot meets its obligations".

"The report will be presented at a public meeting of the Shadow Executive on 12th November. All interested in the future of this venue are invited to come along".

Potted road driving residents mad

ThuAMGMTE_Rthth

Acomb Ward councillors are calling on the council to undertake work on Woodlea Bank, off Carr Lane, as a matter of urgency as they believe it to be the worst maintained road in York.

Coun. Tracey Simpson-Laing comments:

"The road really has to be seen and traveled on to be believed. Over the last five years I have reported the road's condition on a number of occasions, as it has become what I would describe a multi-coloured, multi surfaced, tarmac patchwork.

"Officers have said previously that it is not a major road and so does not get very high up the rankings. However, this is a well used road for drivers going to Beech and Woodlea Avenues and beyond. On a cycle its a complete 'bone shaker', I know from experience. I have real concerns that a pedestrian or cyclist is going to have an accident as result".

Coun. David Horton notes:

"You can clearly see 3 different layers of road in places, as well as all the patches from service trenches. It is quiet shocking that some areas get resurfaced after a short period of time and others are left to rack and ruin. It makes no sense why this road and others like it were not prioritised at the last round of highway improvements. Of course level of usage is relevant but that doesn't mean we exclude all residential streets".

The Acomb Ward Councillors are requesting that Council Officers undertake a survey of the road as a matter or urgency.

Support for housing policy call

ThuAMGMTE_Rthth

Labour's housing spokesperson is calling upon her Liberal Democrat counterpart Coun. Sue Galloway to support her in a commitment to the provision of affordable housing in the city. Coun. Tracey Simpson-Laing says since taking over the housing portfolio, Coun. Galloway has been strangely silent on the issue. She said:

"Over the last six months I have on a number of occasions in the media supported the council's 50% affordable housing policy and defended the principle of affordable housing in York. Developers have been particularly strong in defending their own interests and yet I have not heard or seen in print any defence of the policy from the person now responsible for it".

"I am sure that when talking to Westfield ward residents she must know how much they worry over the provision of affordable housing for their children and grandchildren. I know this is the case in Acomb and across the city. She must also hear from residents about the high rents being paid in the private rented sector (PRS) and the financial difficulties this is causing her residents.

Also for Counc. Galloway to both consider and use in any defence of the Councils affordable housing policy is the ‘Housing Needs Survey. I know she attended its presentation and has been at planning meetings when its importance has been highlighted, and yet she has not used this knowledge'".

Coun. Simpson-Laing is asking that Coun. Sue Galloway publicly defends the affordable housing policy in York as a means to address York's affordable housing crisis and works to ensure that this policy is maintained so that residents see the benefits following the current economic slump.

Councillor sets environmental challenge

ThuAMGMTE_Rthth

A councillor in Clifton has set a challenge to a carbon reduction expert - transferring his good practice from the country to the city. Coun. Helen Douglas met the North York Moors National Park officer at a recent climate change conference in Harrogate and challenged him to demonstrate how his successful work in Esk Valley could be replicated in the estates of Clifton. She said:

"The officer spoke to me at length about a community project he undertook in the Esk Valley to help local people reduce carbon emissions and reduce fuel costs. He spoke about alternative sources of power as well as energy efficiency measures people could employ.

"I'm pleased to say he took me up on the challenge of coming to York and spending two hours walking through the estates of Clifton with me. We have agreed to work with the various Residents Associations in Clifton to promote the use of insulation, as well as to work on making sure those that are eligible are successful in receiving government funded grants through the Warm Front grant scheme".

"The Residents Associations will have a number of environment days where residents can learn more about what we plan to do and how we will achieve it".

Coun. Douglas says that there are a number of ways in which people can improve their energy efficiency, with insulation being the easiest and cheapest. "Many people are entitled to discounts on insulation, while some get it entirely free so it is worth contacting the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on York 554406 to get further information" she added.

James Street link road extension backed

ThuAMGMTE_Rthth

Councillors are to give their backing to a proposal to press ahead with further improvements to the traffic system in and around the Foss Basin in Heworth. Phase 1 saw a link road open between Lawrence Street and Layerthorpe, in order to provide access to Morrisons and create a more free flowing traffic system around Foss Islands Road.

But traffic consultants Jacobs have said in an earlier report that further work needs to be done to relieve smaller streets of heavy traffic, including Mill Lane and Hawthorne Grove.

Labour's City Strategy spokesperson, Coun. Ruth Potter said:

"The traffic modelling shows that if things stay as they are, a number of road junctions would ‘approach or exceed their operating capacity'. So the extension of the link road to Heworth Green is essential, and will help to take heavy goods vehicles off small residential streets like Mill Lane.'

Young people�s sports fun for Heworth event

ThuAMGMTE_Rthth

This Thursday (23rd Oct) will see a young people's event take place in Heworth prior to the ward's quarterly ward committee at Tang Hall Primary School. A series of games and sporting activities will be open for young people to take part in, as well as the opportunity to fill up on hot dogs, burgers, salads and fresh fruit afterwards.

Ward councillor Ruth Potter said:

"We've got a great line up in store for residents this Thursday, with the young people's event starting at 3.10pm, and including sports events, an opportunity to get on board a real fire engine and also the chance to feed into the Children and Young People's Plan for York".

Coun. Tina Funnell said:

"The Children's Trust in York is writing a ‘Children and Young People's Plan'. This will describe how to make York a better place for children and young people. It's really important young people have their say about what it's like to live in the city and what they think could be improved".

The young people's event will be followed by a surgery at 4.45pm with ward councillors, the safer neighbourhood team and street environment officer, after which the formal ward committee meeting will take place at 5.30pm

Heworth councillor Paul Blanchard said:

"Residents will be able to find out more at the ward committee about local improvement schemes for the ward, and have the opportunity to vote for their preferred proposals. There will also be an update on the local NHS's plans for local services and also details on a review of local fire services. These are all issues that will affect residents and I urge people to come along and find out more".

Council fails to respond to Green Paper

ThuAMGMTE_Rthth

The council has decided to take a back seat on the issue of the Policing Green Paper by not engaging with the issue of participatory budgeting, a leading opposition councillor has said. Labour's local representative on North Yorkshire Police Authority, Coun. Ruth Potter said she was both surprised and disappointed that the council did not wish to take part in what would hand more of a say back to residents. She said:

"This demonstrates a lack of foresight by the council, and also a degree of arrogance. It is effectively saying that because ward funding has been operating for some time, we do not need to properly examine the merits of participatory budgeting. This is something our Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) have been calling for, calls which seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

"SNTs could've match-funded work with ward committees to improve local communities through community safety schemes, such as with alleygating which the council is failing to fund. And spending would have been led by local crime statistics and targeted at the areas that need it most.

"It is also worth mentioning that is was the Lib Dems that cut back on ward funding, so perhaps it shouldn't be a surprise that they don't want money being targeted in wards and which residents have more of a say on spending".

Blossom Street options considered

ThuAMGMTE_Rthth

Councillors met yesterday to consider a number of options to improve the traffic system close to the historic Micklegate entrance to the city centre. The ‘Blossom Street Multi-Modal Study' seeks to improve the Blossom Street/Queen Street/Micklegate and Nunnery Lane junctions together with the enhancement of the streetscape of Blossom Street between the bar and Holgate Road.

Ward councillors have expressed some concerns about the officer report, saying further investigation is needed to properly consider the options available. Micklegate councillor Dave Merrett said:

"I am very worried about the potential impact of any proposed closure on businesses & traders in Micklegate, particularly in the current economic climate. I think great caution needs to be exercised here with a very careful look at the potential effect on businesses, and other options to a full closure of Micklegate Bar should be examined in discussion with the local businesses. There needs to be a focus on regeneration for Micklegate, and perhaps some measures such as build outs and café areas on Micklegate could be part of that. All of these issues need to be considered in the next report on the study."

The gateway has suffered a number of accidents in recent years, as well as serious congestion with buses such as the ftr requiring two lanes in order to make the left turn from Blossom Street into Queen Street. The council commissioned Halcrow earlier this year to undertake a study of what improvements were possible, culminating in the options to be considered at Monday's City Strategy EMAP meeting.

Holgate councillor Sonja Crisp explained some of the dangers for motor and pedal cyclists:

"There are many inherent dangers where Blossom Street, Nunnery Lane and Queen Street meet, and in some ways it is a miracle there haven't been more serious accidents there. Cyclists exiting Queen Street to turn right have a torrid time of it with buses cutting them up, vehicles immediately overtaking bikes only to cut them up trying to turn into Nunnery Lane, and cyclists sometimes riding at each side as well as in the middle of the two lanes on Blossom Street. The whole thing is very unclear for all concerned at present".

"As far as Holgate ward is concerned, the Holgate Road Gyratory Study concluded 3 years ago that a scheme to form a gyratory system incorporating The Mount, Holgate Road and Dalton Terrace in order to improve facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, air quality and bus journey reliability would be a positive step. I would like to see this recommendation revisited now".

Labour spokesperson for City Strategy, Coun. Ruth Potter added:

"There is an incredibly long list of issues related to this area, from cycle safety to pedestrian safety on traffic islands, to congestion and traffic management.

"The traffic management system must be the top priority in terms of reducing accidents and improving safety in this area. The Micklegate issue is a complex one and we must see further work done on the implications for changing the way the street operates at present before deciding what is the best action to take. But we're pleased to see this important and much needed piece of work get underway".

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) boost for tenants

ThuAMGMTE_Rthth

New legislation introduced at the beginning of the month will prove of great benefit to existing and would be-tenants, according to Labour housing spokesperson Coun. Tracey Simpson-Laing. From 1st October all private and socially rented homes will require an EPC, something particularly important for those residing in the private rented sector (PRS), says Coun. Simpson-Laing:

"I welcome this latest step towards improving the energy efficiency of homes in these two sectors. But it will be invaluable I think for those in York looking to move into accommodation in the PRS as not only will these certificates give the current efficiency position, importantly they will detail what improvements can be made and level attained. With high energy costs and a scenario with two properties to choose from, York residents may just find this swings it for them in choosing for their next home".

A report to go before councillors at next week's Housing and Adult Social Services EMAP meeting says the energy efficiency of local authority housing is generally better than PRS housing in the city, achieving on average a ‘C' while PRS properties rate on average a ‘D'.

Coun. Simpson-Laing says the energy efficiency of a home is important to those who are faced with higher than the regional average in rent levels, and that with energy costs rising, everything possible needs to be done to improve the energy efficiency of local PRS stock. "This information will give York landlords the information they need to improve the efficiency of their properties, and illustrates the benefits to be gained from making a relatively small investment in such things as insulation", she said.