A new system for allocating grants for estate improvements in the city could be set to get the go ahead when councillors meet next week. Members of the Housing and Adult Social Services Advisory Panel will look at possible options for improving the current system, which local Residents' Associations (RAs) say is not working. And Labour's housing spokesperson, Coun. Tracey Simpson-Laing is backing their views. She said:

"The current system of allocating Estate Improvement Grants (EIGs) is not working well, and that is reflected in the comments of RAs and the York Federation who both say the awards do not have enough of strategic element in terms of what are the priorities for an area. The time given to see schemes implemented is insufficient".

RAs are calling on members to plump for option 4 of 5 possible options for changing the way grants are decided. This involves a much more prominent role for RAs in listing what they see as the priorities for their areas.
"I'm generally in support of option 4", said Coun. Simpson-Laing. "EIG money comes from the rents council tenants pay so I think it is right we empower them and give them more of a say in how estates are improved. They do, after all, know their estates better than anyone else".

"The first option to keep the system that currently exists is not a viable option, nor is the final option of connecting the EIG with other budgets such as York Pride and ward committee budgets as this would result in this money being used elsewhere, and not necessarily benefiting estate residents.

"I think the council could be doing more to get RAs up and running where they have folded in the past, and to engage residents of all ages to ensure they enjoy effective community representation at the estate level", she added.