Please ask for: Nikki Stocks Telephone: 01482 613421 Fax: 01482 613110 Email: [email protected] Text phone: 01482 300349 Date: Wednesday, 17 September 2014
Dear Councillor,
Northern Area Committee
The next meeting of the Northern Area Committee will be held at 18:00 on Thursday, 25 September 2014 in The Orchard Centre, Orchard Park Road, Hull, HU6 9BX.
The Agenda for the meeting is attached and reports are enclosed where relevant.
Please Note: It is likely that the public, (including the Press) will be excluded from the meeting during discussions of exempt items since they involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as describe in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.
Yours faithfully,
Democratic Services Officer for the Chief Executive
Town Clerk Services, Hull City Council, The Guildhall, AlfredPage Gelder1 of 224 Street, Hull, HU1 2AA www.hullcc.gov.uk DX: 11934 HULL 1 Tel: 01482 300300
Northern Area Committee
To: Membership: Councillors S Bayes, J Conner, T Geraghty, J Korczak Fields, K Mathieson, D McCobb and S Wilson.
Officers: Jane Price, Assistant City Manager (Neighbourhoods) Ken Upshall, Community Manager for Northern & North Carr Nikki Stocks, Democratic Services Officer (x5)
Public Set: Reference Library
Alerts: Councillor J Hewitt, Portfolio Holder for Customer and Neighbourhood Services Chief Executives Office, Kingston upon Hull City Council Councillor A Bell, Leader of the Majority Opposition Guildhall Reception Press Office Group Secretariats Tom Clay, Political Assistant [email protected] Viking Radio – [email protected] Yorkshire Post – [email protected] & [email protected] & [email protected] Radio Humberside – [email protected] Hull Daily Mail – [email protected] & [email protected] KCFM Radio – [email protected]
Page 2 of 224
Northern Area Committee
18:00 on Thursday, 25 September 2014
The Orchard Centre, Orchard Park Road, Hull, HU6 9BX
A G E N D A PROCEDURAL ITEMS
1 Apologies
To receive apologies for those Members who are unable to attend the meeting.
2 Declarations of Interest To remind Members of the need to record the existence and nature of any Personal and Discloseable Pecuniary interest in items on the agenda, in accordance with the Member Code of Conduct.
Members Code of Conduct - Part D1 of the Constitution)
3 Minutes of the meeting held on 26th June 2014 7 - 16 To approve the minutes as a true and correct record.
4 Public Questions There will be a period of no more than 15 minutes during which written questions may be submitted by members of the public. Unwritten questions will be taken only at the discretion of the Chair. Questions will be answered at the meeting if possible, otherwise written replies will be sent. If required, decisions will be taken under the relevant agenda item below. As the agenda is to be considered in accordance with the Council's formal committee procedures rather than a public forum, the public present will not be able to participate in the Committee's discussions on the following items. Matters may be raised further at Forums.
NON-EXEMPT ITEMS
Page 3 of 224
5 Neighbourhood Policing Update To update Members on policing issues and activity in the Northern Area.
6 Fire and Rescue Update To update Members on issues and activity in the Northern Area.
7 Philip Larkin Close - Objection to the Introduction of waiting 17 - 26 Restrictions This report sets out the objections received to the advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order for waiting restrictions along Philip Larkin Close. It requests that the Committee considers the objection and determines the options for implementation in conjunction with this objection.
8 21st Avenue Parking Restrictions – Objections Report 27 - 34 This paper sets out the objections received to the recently advertised proposals to introduce double yellow no waiting at any time parking restrictions to parts of 21st Avenue, 23rd Avenue and Endike Lane.
9 Highways Quarterly Report 35 - 38 To provide Members with a quarterly update on highways schemes in the Northern Area.
10 Highways Request List 39 - 42 This paper indicates the requests received for highways works and the protocol for taking these forward.
11 Register of Unadopted Streets 43 - 44 To provide an update on the register of unadopted streets project.
12 Hull Parking Policy and Operational Arrangements 45 - 86 The purpose of this paper is to clarify the current operational arrangements and parking policy implemented across the city to ensure the consistency of approach, the scope excludes private car parks. The paper advises of a revised approach for parking charges which takes account of flexibility to compete with the private sector and better utilises existing Council owned car parks without compromising the aims of sustainable transport.
The paper also advises of a revised approach to charges for resident parking schemes and passes to ensure that the Council costs are recovered.
Page 4 of 224
13 Thomas Ferens Academy 87 - 90 To provide an update on the Thomas Ferens Academy.
14 Housing Lettings Policy Options 91 - 150 To seek the views of the Area Committee on options for the Housing Lettings Policy, in the light of national proposals and local considerations.
15 Hull City Council Library Service Strategy 151 - 182 To provide the Committee with the opportunity to comment on the draft Library Strategy and the proposed changes to the Library Service from April 2015.
16 Community Infrastructure Levy – Draft Charging Schedule – 183 - 188 List of Projects As part of this work, the Northern Area Committee, along with the other Area Committees, has been asked to review and update, through ward Member meetings, the list of infrastructure projects required to support the development of the area, and that it considers should be funded by Community Infrastructure Levy in its area.
17 Referral from Planning Committee 30.7.14 189 - 190 Members are asked to consider the referral from the Planning Committee in relation to a recent planning application for The Wheelhouse, 920 Beverley Road, and to determine whether any further action is required.
18 Northern Area Funds Update 191 - 194 To provide an update on the current budget position.
19 Ward Budget Decision Making 195 - 202 This report is in response to a request from the Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Communities to review the delegation decision making arrangements for Ward budgets with the aim of minimising delays in implementing local projects and initiatives following the reduction in frequesncy of Area Committee meetings.
20 Northern Area Neighbourhood Management Update 203 - 206 To update Members on key and current issues in the Northern Area.
Page 5 of 224
21 Resolution List 207 - 214 To review progress of actions identified at previous meetings of the Committee.
22 Northern Area Committee Work Programme 215 - 220 To update Members on the Committee Work Programme and to provide Members with the opportunity to suggest future items for the agenda.
23 Appointment of Authority Governors to the Governing Bodies 221 - 224 of Hull To update Members on applications received.
24 Exclusion of the Press and Public To consider the exclusion of the press and public for the items listed as exempt.
EXEMPT ITEMS
25 LEA Governor Appointments - Northern Area Committee
Information relating to any individual; Information which is likely to reveal the identify of an individual;
Page 6 of 224
Northern Area Committee
26th June 2014
PRESENT:- Councillor J. Conner (Chair), Councillor J. Korczak Fields (Deputy Chair), Councillor T. Geraghty, Councillor K.E. Mathieson, Councillor. S. Wilson.
IN ATTENDANCE:- .J. Price (Assistant City Manager – Neighbourhoods), K. Upshall (Community Manager – Northern and North Carr), L. Holmes (Landlord Services Manager), S. Rahman (Neighbourhood Coordinator), N. Stocks (Democratic Services Officer). J. Benson (Principal Enforcement Officer) – minute 5, P. Thomas (Sustainable Waste Development Manager), minute 6, K. Sainty (Assistant City Manager for Standards and Improvements) – minute 7.
APOLOGIES:- Councillor S. Bayes. Councillor D. McCobb
Minute Description/Decision Action No. By/Deadline PROCEDURAL ITEMS 1 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
No declarations of interest were made in respect of the items that follow below.
2 APPOINTMENT TO OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS 2014-15
The Democratic Services Officer submitted a list of outside organisations and nominations from the Committee.
Agreed: -
(a) That Councillor S. Bayes be appointed to Democratic the Fairshare Trust Panel for Orchard Park Services officer – for the forthcoming municipal year; and PR
(b) That Councillor S. Wilson be appointed to Members the Unity in Community Board for the Information forthcoming municipal year.
Page 7 of 224 3 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 24th APRIL 2014
Agreed - that the minutes of the meeting held on 24th April 2014 having been printed and circulated, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the Chair.
4 PUBLIC QUESTIONS
No questions were received from members of the public.
NON-EXEMPT ITEMS 5 REVIEW OF ARTICLE 4 DIRECTION RELATED TO HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION
J. Benson (Principal Enforcement Officer) submitted a report on behalf of the City Planning Manager, which updated Members on the number of planning applications received since the Direction came into force and reviewed the number of anti-social behaviour issues reported to the Council when the Direction was confirmed.
Members were informed that (i) the report had been submitted to the Planning Committee and Wyke Area Committee; (ii) both Committees had recommended that a further review be conducted in two years.
Members discussed: (i) their support for the Article 4 Direction; (ii) the timescale for review; (iii) the need to ensure properties in multiple occupation were monitored closely. Members gave examples of a three bedroom house in Beresford Avenue which was currently occupied by 12 people.
Agreed:
(a) That Members support Option Two as (a-b) City detailed within section 6 of the report; and Planning Manager (b) That the Committee has concerns that two years is too long to leave before a formal review and that the impact for long term residents should be monitored closely. As such the Committee recommends that an interim review be conducted after 12 Page 8 of 224 months and a further comprehensive review at the end of the two year period.
6 FORTNIGHTLY REFUSE COLLECTION AND BLUE BIN CONTAMINATION UPDATE
P. Thomas (Sustainable Waste Development Manager) submitted a briefing paper on behalf of the City Streetscene Services Manager which updated Members on the progress of the fortnightly refuse collection, following its introduction in May 2013.
Members were informed that: (i) updated information was scheduled for circulation in September 2014 and included a revised booklet on the appropriate waste for blue bin recycling.
Agreed:
(a) That the update be noted;
(b) That Members be provided with copies of (b-c) Sustainable the update marketing booklets and blue bin Waste stickers; and Development Manager (c) That officers investigate the lack of blue bin stickers within the University Ward and blue bin stickers be reissued to residents, as appropriate.
7 THOMAS FERENS ACADEMY UPDATE
K. Sainty (Assistant City Manager for Standards and Improvements) submitted a briefing paper on behalf of the City Learning and Skills Manager
Members were informed that: (i) section 2.1 of the report contained discrepancies. The Assistant City Manager for Standards and Improvements the Ofsted clarified that the Ofsted inspection had commenced; (ii) a number of key actions had been completed by the school; (iii) the focus upon attendance had shown considerable improvements upon the predecessor school; (iv) pupils had indicated that they were content that their views had been considered; (v) the school was scheduled to take in approximately 40 pupils from
Page 9 of 224 Endeavour High School; (vi) the Local Authority had maintained a strong working relationship with the school.
Agreed
(a) That the update be noted;
(b) That Members be informed of the number of (b-c) Assistant attendees and the remaining capacity within City Manager for school, by email; and Standards and Improvements (c) That the Committee received a further report in September 2014 to outline (i) the progress made by the school; (ii) the outcome of the recent Ofsted assessment and summer GCSE results.
8 DIBSDANE FLAT CONVERSIONS – NAMING
L. Holmes (Landlord Services Manager) submitted a briefing paper on behalf of the City Neighbourhoods and Housing Manager which updated Members on the current position with regard to the potential re-naming of the converted flats on Dibsdane, Orchard Park.
Members were advised that specific addresses were required in order to connect the relevant utilities Team Manager - Agreed: that Dane View be submitted as the Business & preferred name of this Committee, in respect of the Information Dibsdane Flat conversions. Systems Operations
9 HIGHCOURT DEMOLITION PROGRAMME
L. Holmes (Landlord Services Manager) submitted a briefing paper on behalf of the City Neighbourhoods and Housing Manager, which updated Members on the progression of the demolition programme for Highcourt multi storey flats.
Members were informed that: (i) two residents remained in the block at this time. Alternative accommodation had been identified and residents were scheduled to move once the properties were
Page 10 of 224 ready; (ii) security was currently provided by Facilities Operatives Team; however with effect from 4th July 2014 this would be provided by a security company which operated from 8pm to 6am.
Members sought further clarification as to the cause of the delays. In response Members were advised that the alternative properties were undergoing works as part of the void process and not ready for occupation. There had also been an issue with the aerials on Highcourt. The Landlord Services Manager reiterated that the matter had been closely monitored by the Regeneration Team.
Members queried whether tenanted repairs had been considered in order to facilitate the move. In response, Members were advised that repairs on re-let have proved difficult as tenants were reluctant to move into sub-standard properties.
Agreed: That Members receive further information off agenda to clarify: (i) what void repair works are Assistant Head of currently outstanding in relation to the properties Service - Housing identified for the remaining residents at Highcourt; Strategy & (ii) whether KWL have been approached in order Renewal to prioritise these works; (iii) whether consideration had been given to tenanted repairs; and (iv) at what point the Regeneration Team seek tenders for the contracts.
10 HOUSING ACTION TRUST CAPITAL RECEIPTS
L. Holmes (Landlord Services Manager) submitted a briefing paper on behalf of the City Neighbourhoods and Housing Manager, which updated Members on the current position in relation to Housing Action Trust (HAT) capital receipts.
Members were advised that: (i) the total capital receipts was £753,410; (ii) the ring fencing arrangement ended in 2009 and therefore it could not be assumed that the capital receipts were for the sole use of the Northern Area
Members raised concerns with regard to ring fencing and the possibility that the monies could
Page 11 of 224 be used for priority investment across the city, rather than solely in the Northern Area. Members stated that the Committee had received prior Landlord Services assurances from Councillor Black that monies Manager/ were guaranteed for expenditure within the HAT Community locality. Manager – Northern and Agreed: that the matter be referred to Ward North Carr meetings in order to determine a way forward. 11 NORTHERN AREA HOUSING FORTH QUARTER PERFORMANCE
L. Holmes (Landlord Services Manager) submitted a briefing paper on behalf of the City Neighbourhoods and Housing Manager, which updated Members on Housing performance for the period ending 31st March 2014.
Members were advised that: (i) the statistics for re- lets had been the second highest in the city and had exceeded the citywide average; (ii) performance had improved upon the 2012-13 figures for this period, which had been exceptional, given the introduction of the welfare reforms during 2013-14.
Members discussed concerns that a number of gas safety inspections had been escalated to the Area Housing Team for action. Members were advised that a robust approach had been taken to ensure that access was gained to properties. There were currently two above 50 days and action would be taken to cap off the supply as a last resort.
Agreed:
(a) that a letter signed by the Chair be (a-c) Landlord forwarded to staff in recognition of their Services Manager performance;
(b) That consideration be given to amending (b)Neighbourhood the criteria used for Neighbourhood Nuisance Nuisance tables to ensure that the statistics Manager provide a clear indication of performance in relation to definitive action taken rather than initial responses to services requests; and
(c) That future reports indicate the number of (c) Customer
Page 12 of 224 customer satisfaction questionnaires issued Feedback Team to provide Members with a true reflection of their performance.
12 NORTHERN AREA NEIGHBOURHOOD MANAGEMENT UPDATE
J. Price, Assistant City Manager -Neighbourhoods, submitted a briefing note which updated the Committee on ward activity across the area.
Members were advised that Grantfinder generated a list of potential funders. A search had been conducted and as a result some funding had been secured for the new Endike Lane bungalows Residents Association TELBRA.
Agreed:
(a) That the briefing paper be noted; and
(b) That Councillor Korczak Fields be kept Assistant City informed of any progress on grant fund Manager - applications by TELBRA. Neighbourhoods
13 URGENT ITEM
Agreed – That the Committee agreed to accept the following matter, at minute as an urgent item, so as to allow Members to comment on the proposals prior to the end of the consultation period.
14 HULL LOCAL PLAN 2030: ISSUES AND OPTIONS CONSULTATION
J. Price, Assistant City Manager (Neighbourhoods) presented a report on behalf of the City Planning Manager, which sought the views of Members on the Hull Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation Document which comprised a booklet, evidence map and response form. The consultation also allowed for comments to be made on the sustainability appraisal, evidence base and other documents supporting the Local Plan. Members were advised that: (i) a public consultation event was held on 26th June 2014; (ii) the document provided an early draft of the Local Page 13 of 224 Plan and it was anticipated that a further report would be provided to the Area Committees as the plan developed.
Agreed: That Members forward any further All Members comments directly to the Planning Policy Manager.
15 RESOLUTION LIST
The Democratic Services Officer submitted a list of actions agreed at previous meetings of the Committee.
Members were informed that: (i) a site visit had been conducted at Cranbrook Avenue (minute 136 refers). No evidence of grass verge parking had been noted and there were some bollards in place. Additional bollards cost £275 each with an additional service charge of £66; (ii) S. Henley (Highways Asset Management Development &Design Manager) had been appointed and had begun to compile the list of schemes. On completion the lists would be forwarded to Ward Councillors and Neighbourhood Coordinators to enable further discussion on priorities; (iii) the order had been received to fund the Traffic Regulation Order at Philip Larkin Close; however no start date had been confirmed at this time.
Members discussed the request for a pedestrian crossing to be considered from Downfield Avenue to the east side of Beverley Road (minute 142 refers). Members stated that that although an additional pedestrian crossing had been considered for Hall Road, the resident who had raised the original question was blind and it was unreasonable to expect her to travel further out of her way. Members reiterated that a high proportion of residents in the area were over 65 and a crossing would provide a vital service to the area and its residents. Members requested that the matter continued to be monitored.
Agreed:-
(a) That minutes 142 (3), 146b, 148b, 120, 77, (a) Democratic 43, be deleted from the Resolutions List; Services Officer - NS (b) That Councillor Wilson and Councillor (b) Councillor
Page 14 of 224 Korczak Fields hold further discussion at Wilson and ward level with regard to the requirement for Councillor installation of bollards to prevent parking on Korczak Fields grass verges at 193 Cranbrook Avenue. (Minute 136 refers);
(c) That Graham Hall (Assistant City Manager, (c) Assistant City Highways, Safety and Transport) attends Manager, the next meeting of this Committee to Highways, Safety update Members on the completion of the and Transport register of un-adopted streets in the Northern Area (minute 127 refers); and
(d) That the Allotments briefing paper be (d) Democratic circulated to Members, off agenda. Services Officer – NS
16 NORTHERN FORWARD PLAN
The Democratic Services Officer presented the Northern Area Committee Forward Plan and Index of Key Decisions from the Executive Forward Plan to update Members on future agenda items and to enable them to identify future items for discussion.
Members discussed the venues and timing of future meetings. Consideration was given to the rotation of meetings, however it was determined that external venues had previously proved too costly.
Agreed:
(a) That the Forward Plan be noted, and
(b) That the start time of all future meetings of (b) Democratic the Northern Area Committee be amended Services Officer - to 6pm in order to facilitate greater NS opportunity for public and officer attendance
17 AUTHORITYGOVERNORS APPOINTMENTS REPORT
Agreed: that the report be noted.
18 EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
Agreed – that in accordance with the provision of Page 15 of 224 Section 100 (A) (4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public (including the press) be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, minute 17 , on grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 Schedule 12A of the Act.
EXEMPT ITEMS 19 NORTHERN LOCAL AUTHORITY GOVERNOR APPOINTMENTS
The City Learning and Skills Manager, on behalf of the Corporate Director – Children and Family Services, submitted a report; which provided Members with details of applications received for the position of Local Authority Governor at various locations across the locality.
Agreed:
(a) That E. Bower be appointed as a Local (a-c) City Authority Governor to Newland St John Learning and Primary School; Skills Manager.
(b) That B. Mitchell be appointed as a Local Authority Governor to Parkstone Primary School;
(c) That Mr S Ralph and Mr T. Johnson be appointed as Local Authority Governors to Thorpepark Primary School
6pm – 7.35pm
Published on 5th September 2014
Page 16 of 224
Report to the Northern Area Committee Wards University 25 September 2014
Philip Larkin Close Objection to the Introduction of Waiting Restrictions
Report of the City Streetscene Manager
1. Purpose of the Report and Summary
1.1. This report sets out the objection received to the advertising of the Traffic Regulation Order for waiting restrictions along Philip Larkin Close. It requests that the committee considers the objection and determines the option for implementation in conjunction with this objection.
2. Recommendations
2.1. That the Area Committee approves option 2 to install no waiting at any time restrictions in accordance with drawing no TDT/644/6 and that the objector is informed of the Committee’s decision.
3. Area Committee Impact
3.1. There is a possibility that whichever option the Committee decides to progress, further correspondence could be received from the residents of the Philip Larkin Close which may have to be brought to future Area Committees.
This is a non-key decision. TDT/644 10 September 2014
Page 17 of 224 1 4. Background
4.1. In January 2013 a request was received from the Northern Area to consult residents on the streets surrounding Inglemire Avenue (Catherine McAuley Close, Philip Larkin Close and St Anthony’s Close) to establish whether they supported time limited parking restrictions being installed to cover school pick up and drop off times. This was due to reported access and visibility issues when entering Philip Larkin Close from Inglemire Lane for Ambulances from local residents in the area.
4.2. Funding from Northern Area University Ward budget was allocated and a consultation document was completed and then delivered to residents of Catherine McAuley Close, St Anthony’s Close and Philip Larkin Close on 26 April 2013. The consultation asked residents whether they did or did not support the proposal to install no waiting at some time of the day (8.15am – 9.15am / 3.00pm – 4.15pm Monday to Friday except on public holidays and between 1 - 31 August).The closing date for responses was the 17 May 2013.
4.3. During the consultation period a petition was received from Endsleigh Holy Child Primary School against proposed waiting restrictions which included 155 signatures from staff at the school and parents of pupils attending the school. The petition was presented at the June 2013 Northern Area Committee for consideration.
4.4. In July 2013 the results of the consultation were presented to the Northern Area Committee on the 25th July 2013 in the Catherine McAuley Close, Philip Larkin Close and St Anthony’s Close Consultation Results Report.
4.5. From the consultation results and the petition received in May 2013 it was agreed by the Northern Area Committee that a Public meeting would take place at the Endsleigh Centre, 481 Beverley Road on the 1 October 2013. At this meeting residents, school representatives, the police and Streetscene Services passed on views and comments regarding the scheme for further consideration. From the information gathered it was decided by the Northern Area Committee to proceed with a traffic regulation order on Philip Larkin Close only.
4.6. A further consultation followed to residents of Philip Larkin Close, St Anthony’s Close and Catherine McAuley Close to inform them of the decision made by the Northern Area Committee following the initial consultation and subsequent public meeting. This consultation document gave all residents a last opportunity to comment on the decision to only progress with a traffic regulation order on Philip Larkin Close.
Page 18 of 224 2 4.7. Out of 113 delivered consultation documents only 19 residents replied with comments. The comments received were passed onto the Ward members and Northern Area Team for consideration.
4.8. From the comments and previous information received during the scheme the Northern Area Team issued an order to Streetscene Services in June 2014 for the implementation of the Traffic Regulation Order on Philip Larkin Close. This is to be funded from the Northern Area Teams, University Wards Allocation of the CIB (Capital) Budget.
5. Issues for Consideration
5.1. Visibility – On entering Philip Larkin Close there is slight bend which can cause problems for vehicles entering and leaving the street due to parked cars. This causes drivers of vehicles to have to travel on the wrong side of the road to clear obstructions.
5.2. Vehicle Access – Parked vehicles on Philip Larkin Close, are causing access problems for moving vehicles in and out of the street.
5.3. Overspill Parking – Due to Endsleigh Holy Name Primary School’s car park being unable to accommodate all staff vehicles this causes an overspill of parking onto Philip Larkin Close. These vehicles at times cause problems for moving vehicles entering or leaving Philip Larkin Close.
6. Options and Risk Assessment
6.1. Option 1 – Do Nothing - This option would not resolve the access and visibility issues at the junction of Philip Larkin Close and Inglemire Avenue which could lead to problems for motorists. There would be no further costs associated with this option.
6.2. Option 2 – Implement Restrictions as Advertised (as shown on Drawing TDT/644/6 – Appendix B) –This option would address the visibility and access issues on Philip Larkin Close at its junction with Inglemire Lane. It would however not address the objectors’ concerns. This would be funded by the University Wards CIB (Capital) Budget and there would be no further costs associated with this option. .
6.3. Option 3 - Other options – Suggestions for other measures are welcomed for this meeting to enable a revised scheme to be advertised. This would entail additional cost.
Page 19 of 224 3
7. Consultation
7.1. Residents of Philip Larkin Close have been consulted twice with regards to possible restrictions. Once in April 2014 and again in March 2014. They were also invited to the public meeting held on 1 October 2013.
7.2. Statutory consultation was conducted between 23 July 2014 and 15 August 2014 in accordance with the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996. Notices were erected on site and published in the local press advertising that the Council intended to make the proposed Order, and inviting written representations.
7.3. One formal objection was received to the statutory notice. This objection is included, along with officers’ comments, in Appendix C.
8. Monitoring Officer Assurance Statement
8.1. The Council may make an order to introduce the proposed restrictions by the powers contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. There is no statutory duty to make a traffic regulation order however the Council has a duty under s 16 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 to secure the expeditious movement of traffic on its road network. Making an appropriate order may assist in fulfilling this duty. (JG)
9. Section 151 Officer Assurance Statement
9.1. The Section 151 Officer notes the content of the report but has no specific comments to make. (AB)
10. Comments of Head of Human Resources
10.1. There are no staffing or wider human resources implications identified in this report relating to objections raised in regard to parking restrictions on Philip Larkin Close. (JB)
11. Comments of Overview and Scrutiny
11.1. This report has not been subject to scrutiny. (Ref. Sc 4243)
Page 20 of 224 4
12. Conclusions
12.1. In order to address the parking issues on Philip Larkin Close, it is proposed to implement new no waiting at anytime restrictions in the area.
12.2. The proposed restrictions include the extension of double yellow lines at the junction of Philip Larkin Close and Inglemire Lane.
12.3. The Traffic Regulation Order necessary to implement the waiting restrictions was advertised between 23 July 2014 and 15 August 2014. One written objection was received to the proposals.
12.4. In response to the objection received officers suggest that Option 2 is installed as it is the most appropriate solution to address the visibility and access problems at the junction of Philip Larkin Close and Inglemire Lane.
Andy Burton, City Streetscene Manager
Contact Officer: Rhurie Lees Telephone No. : 616557
Officer Interests: None
Appendices: Appendix A – Implications Matrix Appendix B – Option 2 (Advertised Restrictions) Appendix C – Objections received and officer comments
Background Documents:
Catherine McAuley Close, Philip Larkin Close and St Anthony’s Close Consultation Results Report – July 2013
Catherine McAuley Close, Philip Larkin Close, St Anthony’s Close Consultation – Received Petition from Endsleigh Holy Child Primary School Briefing Note – June 2013
TDT/644 10 September 2014
Page 21 of 224 5
Appendix A Implications Matrix
I have informed and sought advice from Yes HR, Legal, Finance, Overview and Scrutiny and the Climate Change Advisor and any other key stakeholders i.e. Portfolio Holder, Area Committee etc prior to submitting this report for official comments Is this report proposing an amendment to N/A the budget or policy framework?
Value for money considerations have been N/A accounted for within the report
The report is approved by the relevant Yes Corporate Director
I have included any N/A procurement/commercial issues/implications within the report I have liaised with Communications and N/A Marketing on any communications issues
I have completed and Equalities Impact N/A Assessment and the outcomes are included within the report I have included any equalities and diversity N/A implications within the report
Any Health and Safety implications are N/A included within the report Any human rights implications are included N/A within the report I have included any community safety N/A implications and paid regard to Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act within the report I have liaised with the Climate Change N/A Advisor and any environmental and climate change issues/sustainability implications are included within the report I have included information about how this N/A report contributes to City/Council/ Area priorities within the report
Page 22 of 224 6 Page 23 of 224
Page 24 of 224 Appendix C - Received responses and Officers’ comments Ref Respondent Response Officer comments 1 A residents To Legal Services at Hull City Council, of Philip Larkin Close I am writing to object to your proposals to restrict parking on parts of Philip Larkin Close at all times. The proposal to restrict all parking at all times is disproportionate to the issue of excessive parking of cars causing the obstructions only during school drop-off and pick-up times on weekdays, and unfairly penalizes residents that require the Parking is tolerated on the Public Highway when it does not parking availability. cause problems for other road users or cause problems to traffic flow. In this instance parked vehicles cause problems to visibility The issue is undeniably caused by parents using Philip Larkin Close and access when entering or leaving Philip Larkin Close. as temporary parking for school drop-off and pick-ups and teachers using the close as overflow when their seemingly inadequate car It is impossible for a permit for No Waiting at any time restrictions park is full. Neither of these issues are the responsibility nor fault of due to these restrictions prohibiting all parking. Only permit residents of Philip Larkin Close and so to impose restrictions in a parking zones allow the use of residents permits however these carte blanche manor such as this is unacceptable. zones include parking bays (limited waiting restrictions) or double yellow lines (no waiting at any time restrictions). This would stop These are a number of single drive households in the affected area all day parking for non permit holders however would still allow of the street, mine included that rely on responsible on-street parents to drop off and pick up children in the marked out bays. parking. I also believe the proposed changes will negatively affect Therefore the no waiting at anytime restrictions as advertised property values of those houses affected, again, affecting residents would still need to be installed for access and visibility when rather that the perpetrators of the parking issue. entering or leaving Philip Larkin Close onto Inglemire Lane.
I strongly request residents are given parking permits to exempt All properties on Philip Larkin Close have at least a garage and them from any parking restrictions. As can be seen from the recent single driveway which can accommodate off street parking for 2 weeks of the school holidays, there are only a handful of residents’ vehicles. cars on the street causing no obstructions. If this suggestion is not accepted by the council I would like to hear a valid reason why.
Page 25 of 224
Page 26 of 224
Report to the Northern Area Committee Wards University
25th September, 2014
21st Avenue Parking Restrictions – Objections Report
Report of the City Streescene Manager
1. Purpose of the Report and Summary
1.1 A number of objections have been received in response to the recently advertised proposal to introduce double yellow line no waiting at any time parking restrictions on parts of 21st Avenue, 23rd Avenue and Endike Lane.
2. Recommendations
2.1 That the Northern Area Committee decide on which of the four options listed in section 6 that they wish to proceed with.
3. Area Committee Impact
3.1 There is a possibility that whichever option the Committee decides to progress further correspondence could be received from the residents of 21st Avenue and 23rd Avenue which may have to be brought to future Area Committees.
4. Background
4.1 In February 2014 the Northern Area commissioned Streetscene Services to investigate the possible introduction of parking restrictions on 21st Avenue and 23rd Avenue to address residents’ concerns about vehicular access problems to private driveways and also along the street caused by indiscriminate parking associated with visitors to the adjacent school, children’s centre and family resource centre. Consequently proposals were formulated as per drawing No. TDT/757/01 (Appendix B) and subsequently advertised.
5. Issues for Consideration
5.1 Both 21st and 23rd Avenues have a carriageway width of 18ft/5.5m which means it is only possible to accommodate parking on one side of the road.
Author: Page 27 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 1 of 6 5.2 All twenty eight of the properties on 21st Avenue directly affected by the proposals (as per Appendix B) are on the south side of the road and have a dropped kerb to facilitate vehicular access to the front or side garden, however, at least nine of these properties do not currently use this facility and have a fence or hedge which prevents such access.
5.3 It would appear that the nearly all of those residents who do park their vehicles off the highway on private driveways choose to park with the front of the vehicle facing the house thus entailing a reversing manoeuvre when leaving. This is contrary to Rule 201 of the Highway Code which states ’when using a driveway reverse in and drive out if you can’
5.4 The proposals as per Appendix B sought to maintain as much on street parking as possible whilst at the same time improving the free flow of traffic and ensuring vehicular access to private driveways by providing double yellow lines directly in front of the properties.
5.5 The objectors to the proposals all consider that allowing parking on the opposite side of the road to their properties will effectively prevent them using their driveways although from a traffic engineering point of view parking opposite a vehicular access on an 18ft/5.5m wide road is not normally considered to constitute an obstruction.
6. Options and Risk Assessment
6.1 Option 1 - do nothing. This option would have no additional financial implications but would not address any of the problems associated with the current indiscriminate parking however it would satisfy, at least partially, the objectors.
6.2 Option 2 - advertise a revised scheme which proposes double yellow lines on the north side of 21st Avenue i.e. on the opposite side of the road to the properties. This option would incur additional cost but may partially satisfy the objectors. It would, however, result in a massive reduction in the amount of on street parking from approximately forty spaces to twelve as parking could then only be accommodated on the south side between the existing vehicular accesses. This could also lead to increased complaints of obstruction problems due to vehicles parking tight up to or partially across the driveway accesses.
6.3 Option 3 - implement the scheme as originally advertised. This option would incur no additional cost and technically would fulfil the original objectives of the scheme, however, it would not satisfy the objectors.
6.4 Option 4 - other measures. Streetscene Services would be happy to incorporate where possible any other suggested measures that the local members may have to enable the progression of a revised scheme although this will entail additional cost.
7. Consultation
7.1 The proposed Traffic Regulation Order as per Appendix B was advertised in the press on 30th April 2014 and on street from 30th April to 23rd May, 2014.
Author: Page 28 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 2 of 6 7.2 In total the City Council received three objections from local residents and these are reproduced in the table below along with officer comments:-
Objectors comments Officer comments
Objector A is a resident of 21st Avenue and feels The proposals are designed to ensure that the proposals will cause more problems than access to private driveways whilst still residents are currently experiencing and that by maintaining plenty of on street parking. allowing parking opposite their property will Parking opposite a driveway on an obstruct their access. 18ft/5.5m wide road should not create This objector also considers that the Council a problem if a vehicle is reversed in should remove the one-way traffic system on and driven out. 11th and 15th Avenues so that parents are more It would certainly be possible to likely to use the school car park instead of consider returning 11th and 15th parking on 21st Avenue. Avenues to two-way traffic however this would require a new TRO and traffic signing works. In addition such a move may be met by objections from the residents of those two streets and could also bring about a return of the issues which resulted in the streets becoming one-way in the first place.
Objector B is a resident of 21st Avenue and The proposals are designed to address feels that a proper consultation of residents the problems originally highlighted by has not been undertaken and that the local residents and were only proposals are a knee jerk reaction to the advertised after consulting with the problems faced by the residents. This local councillors. As the roads objector considers that other options should concerned are only wide enough to have been considered like single yellow line allow parking on one side then a single parking restrictions, a residents parking yellow line restriction would not really scheme, review of the one-way system and be appropriate. A residents parking discussion with the school and children’s scheme, review of the one-way system centres to maximise their parking and discussion with school and arrangements. children’s centres were not considered Objector B states that they will be unable to as they fall outside the remit of this use their driveway if cars are parked directly scheme. opposite as they will not have space to Parking opposite a driveway on an reverse out or swing in past their fence post. 18ft/5.5m wide road should not create a problem if a vehicle is reversed in and driven out.
Objector C is a resident of 21st Avenue and is Parking opposite a driveway on an objecting on the grounds that the proposals 18ft/5.5m wide road should not create will create a problem when getting on or off a problem if a vehicle is reversed in their drieway and driven out.
Author: Page 29 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 3 of 6 8. Monitoring Officer Assurance Statement
8.1 The Council may make an order to introduce the proposed restrictions by the powers contained in the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. There is no statutory duty to make a traffic regulation order however the Council has a duty under s 16 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 to secure the expeditious movement of traffic on its road network. Making an appropriate order may assist in fulfilling this duty.
9. Section 151 Officer Assurance Statement
9.1 The Section 151 Officer notes the content of the report but has not specific comments on the content of the report (AB).
10. Comments of Head of Human Resources
10.1 There are no staffing or wider human resources implications identified in this report relating to objections raised in regard to parking restrictions on 21st Avenue.
11. Comments of Overview and Scrutiny
11.1 This report has not been subject to pre-decision scrutiny. (Ref. Sc4241)
12. Conclusions
12.1 As any of the options put forward are unlikely to both satisfy the objectors and at the same time address the original concerns of the residents then it is felt appropriate for the Northern Area Committee to decide on how this scheme should be progressed.
Andy Burton – City Streetscene Manager
Contact Officer : Tim Binnington Telephone No. : 616544
Officer Interests: None
Background Documents: - Original objection letters held on departmental files.
Author: Page 30 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 4 of 6 Implications Matrix
This matrix provides a simple check list for the things you need to have considered within your report
If there are no implications please state
I have informed and sought advice from HR, Legal, Yes Finance, Overview and Scrutiny and the Climate Change Advisor and any other key stakeholders i.e. Portfolio Holder, Area Committee etc prior to submitting this report for official comments Is this report proposing an amendment to the budget No or policy framework?
Value for money considerations have been accounted Yes for within the report
The report is approved by the relevant Corporate N/A Director
I have included any procurement/commercial N/A issues/implications within the report
I have liaised with Communications and Marketing on N/A any communications issues
I have completed and Equalities Impact Assessment N/A and the outcomes are included within the report
I have included any equalities and diversity N/A implications within the report
Any Health and Safety implications are included within N/A the report Any human rights implications are included within the N/A report I have included any community safety implications and N/A paid regard to Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act within the report I have liaised with the Climate Change Advisor and N/A any environmental and climate change issues/sustainability implications are included within the report I have included information about how this report N/A contributes to City/Council/ Area priorities within the report
Author: Page 31 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 5 of 6
Author: Page 32 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 6 of 6 Page 33 of 224
Page 34 of 224
Briefing Paper to the Northern Area Committee Wards: Beverley, Orchard Park and Greenwood 25 September 2014 University
Streetscene Service Highways Report
Briefing Paper of the of Head of Service City Streetscene Manager on behalf of Corporate Director for City Services
1. Purpose of the Paper and Summary
1.1 This paper informs Members of the progress of highway related projects and schemes together with anticipated dates for completion and costs.
2. Background
2.1 The table attached to this paper provides an update on progress of highway projects and schemes. It forms part of a series summarising activities underway, usually issued on a quarterly basis.
3. Issues for Consideration
3.1 Progress and Exceptions - Carriageway works are progressing, but the microsurfacing contract was badly affected by parked vehicles. Other schemes are progressing well. Completed schemes will be removed from the schedule once notified.
3.2 IT system upgrades – As part of public realm initiatives various databases are being dawn together to provide a more comprehensive reporting options to include other works taken place in the highways, such as those relating to publicly reported defects and utility services.
4. Next steps
4.1 This paper provides the Area Committee with a report on progress of highway related projects. It is intended that this will continue and be expanded to cover all works in the public realm in the near future following an upgrade to systems.
Author: Sheila Henley Page 35 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 1 of 2
Andy Burton City Streetscene Manager
Contact Officer : Sheila Henley Telephone No. : 01482 616552
Officer Interests: None
Background Documents: - None
Author: Sheila Henley Page 36 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 2 of 2 Kingston upon Hull City Council Streetscene Services – Transport and Asset Management Quarterly Performance Report – September 2014
Northern Area
Capital Programme Schemes Carriageways Scheme Ward Scheme Details Entered Target Date Estimated Value Current Position No. Programme 805 University & Hall Rd / Endyke Lane roundabout Mar-14 Nov-14 £64,336 Prices returned and awaiting start date on site Beverley resurfacing (awaiting legal decision regarding timing of works) 809 Orchard Park Beverley Road / Sutton Road / Mar-14 Dec-14 £112,188 Prices returned and awaiting start date on site & Greenwood / Greenwood Av junction (awaiting legal decision regarding timing of works) Beverley resurfacing 837 University & Beverley Rd / Clough Rd / Mar-14 Nov-14 £49,000 Sent off for pricing return date suspended due to Beverley Cottingham Rd junction alteration to working times 847 Orchard Park Hall Road - Beverley Road to Mar-14 Jan-14 £125,100 Brief and preliminary design stage & Greenwood / Thorpepark Road resurfacing Beverley Beverley Keel Road Resurfacing Mar-14 Mar-15 £75,000 Brief and preliminary design stage
University Inglemire Lane - Newland School - Mar-14 Mar-15 £150,000 Brief and preliminary design stage Weighton Grove Reconstruction
Carriageways Micro Surfacing / Surface Dressing Scheme Ward Scheme Details Entered Target Date Estimated Value Current Position No. Programme 660 University Bentley Grove / Tickton Grove / Mar-13 Jan-14 £23,500 Scheme Complete Marton Grove 660 University Ferens Avenue / Salmon Grove Mar-13 Oct-13 £18,800 Scheme Complete
836 University Inglemire Lane patching and Mar-14 Jul-14 £3,600 Scheme Complete Surface Dressing 836 Beverley Riversdale Road Surface Dressing Mar-14 Jul-14 £9,800 Scheme Complete
836 University Cottingham Rd patching and Mar-14 Jul-14 £10,300 Scheme Complete Surface dDressing 836 Beverley Clough Rd joint sealing and Mar-14 Jul-14 £41,600 Scheme Complete Surface Dressing 840 University Weighton Grove micro surfacing Oct-13 Sep-14 £7,614 Complete except iron works to uncover and lift overlay 840 University Welton Grove micro surfacing Oct-13 Sep-14 £2,532 Complete except iron works to uncover and lift overlay 840 Beverley Norrison Avenue joint sealing and Oct-13 Sep-14 £2,842 Complete except iron works to uncover and lift micro surfacing overlay 840 Beverley Starboard Avenue joint sealing and Oct-13 Sep-14 £3,026 Complete except iron works to uncover and lift micro surfacing overlay
Footways Scheme Ward Scheme Details Entered Target Date Estimated Value Current Position No. Programme 714 Orchard Park Greenwood Avenue (Endike Lane - Oct-13 Jan-14 £25,700 Scheme Complete & Greenwood Inglemire Lane) West Side 729 Beverley Steeton Avenue - Footpath Dec-13 Mar-14 £6,200 Scheme Complete Recycle 802 Beverley Compass rd, Robson Av, Tarran Mar-14 Mar-15 £102,000 Scheme Complete Av, Knowles Av 803 Beverley Beresford Avenue Mar-14 Mar-15 £36,000 Designed and due to start on site January 15
Footways Slurry Sealing Scheme Ward Scheme Details Entered Target Date Estimated Value Current Position No. Programme University Cranbrook Ave west side Inglemire Sep-14 Mar-15 £1,700 Preliminary design Lane to Marist rugby club University Oldstead Avenue Sep-14 Mar-15 £4,500 Preliminary design
Street Lighting Scheme Ward Scheme Details Entered Target Date Estimated Value Current Position No. Programme 814 Orchard Park Ashton Close - Column and Apr-14 Mar-15 £6,000 In Contractors Programme of Works (KWL) & Greenwood Lantern Replacement 821 Orchard Park Ellerburn Avenue (Part) - Column Apr-14 Mar-15 £7,000 In Contractors Programme of Works (KWL) & Greenwood and Lantern Replacement University Cottingham Road - Column and Apr-14 Mar-15 £15,000 At Tender Stage Lantern Replacement
Page 37 of 224 Kingston upon Hull City Council Streetscene Services – Transport and Asset Management Quarterly Performance Report – September 2014
Northern Area
Integrated Transport Schemes Scheme Ward Scheme Details Consultatio TRO Req. Entered Target for Estimate Current Position No. n Required Programme completion of value scheme Date 176 Beverley Trafalgar Estate / Compass Road Yes Yes Jun-11 Jan-14 £9,000 Scheme Complete – TRO 179 Beverley Welwyn Park Area – TRO Yes Yes Jun-11 Nov-13 £6,000 Please see Scheme No. 731 570 Beverley Tudor Drive / The Queensway - Yes Yes Jun-12 Mar-14 £4,000 TRO made permanent TRO 644 University Inglemire Avenue - Parking Yes Yes Jan-13 Mar-14 £1,000 Objection Received. Scheme Consultation Report to be presented to Sept Area Committee 645 University Cottingham Road - Parking Yes Yes Jan-13 Jan-14 £1,000 Scheme Complete Scheme Consultation 725 Beverley Clough Road (nr. Pearson Way) - No No Nov-13 Mar-14 £1,500 Scheme Complete Bus Stop Hardstanding 731 Beverley Welwyn Park Area - Waiting Yes Yes Nov-13 Mar-14 £10,000 Potential 20mph Zone Restrictions and 20mph Zone being investigated, speed surveys compete 741 Beverley Haworth Park - Signing Scheme No No Jan-14 - - Awaiting order for works from Area 757 University 21st & 23rd Avenue - Parking Yes Yes Feb-14 Jun-14 £4,000 Objection Received. Restrictions Report to be presented to Sept Area Committee
Area Schemes Scheme Ward Scheme Details Consultatio TRO Req. Entered Target for Estimate Current Position No. n Required Programme completion of value
Potential Schemes Being Investigated Prior to Entering the Capital Programme Carriageways Scheme Ward Scheme Details Estimated Current Position No. Value
Footways Scheme Ward Scheme Details Estimated Current Position No. Value
Street Lighting Scheme Ward Scheme Details Estimated Current Position No. Value
Integrated Transport Schemes Scheme Ward Scheme Details Estimated Current Position No. Value
Area Schemes Scheme Ward Scheme Details Consultatio TRO Estimated Value Current Position No. n Required Required
15th September 2014
Page 38 of 224
Briefing Paper to the Northern Area Committee Wards: Beverley, Orchard Park and Greenwood, 25 September 2014 University
Highways Request List
Briefing Paper of the of Head of Service City Streetscene Manager on behalf of Corporate Director for City Services
1. Purpose of the Paper and Summary
1.1 This paper indicates the requests received for highway works and the protocol for taking these forward.
2. Background
2.1 In July 2014, Streetscene (Highways, Safety and Transport) provided a consolidated list of highway requests to the Assistant City Manager (Neighbourhoods) to enable it to be checked and amended, and for Members to prioritise the schemes to be taken forward in their ward, and those prioritised schemes be submitted to the next meeting of this Committee. The list is based on requests received from Members and public in the last two years. A consolidation process was initiated to produce a comprehensive list of requests, overcoming actual and perceived backlogs, removing duplicates and errors with the aims of providing greater clarity and consistency in planning and delivery, leading to a greater emphasis on the commissioning in working arrangements.
2.2 Officers consider that improvements could be made in this organisational arrangement on liaison with Areas and Wards through the introduction and use of a protocol for processing requests and this is discussed within this paper too. Reductions in capital budgets allocations have occurred too necessitating prioritisation, resulting in the highway capital programme being primarily available for highway maintenance.
3. Issues for Consideration
3.1 Requests – The table below identifies the requests in the Northern Area up until July 2014. These are predominately related to the introduction or modification of Traffic Regulation Orders. As none of these requests qualify for highway capital funding, the remaining requests require confirmation as to whether these are be Author: Sheila Henley Page 39 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 1 of 3
taken forward as part of Area funded initiatives with the funding allocated before being progressed. The setting of a priority would be of assistance too.
Scheme Name Work Description Ward
Greenfield Garth TRO Greyless Avenue Beverley Beverley Larard Avenue Installation of double yellow lines Danepark Road near Holy Orchard Request for more parking restrictions and Name Primary School Park and enforcement near school Greenwood Orchard Install double yellow lines or other marking to 28th Avenue Park and front of no. 3 to allow space for access Greenwood Orchard TRO Amendment - request for more parking Park and Greenwood / Ellerburn Ave restrictions and enforcement near schoo Greenwood Installation of a zebra crossing around no. Cottingham Road 304 University Cranbrook Ave south of Bus flow problems - TRO University Inglemire Lane
Alterations to double yellow lines to assist Lawsons Close with traffic flow and prevent overrunning University Install double yellow lines Oldstead Avenue Woodcroft Avenue to improve sight lines University
3.2 Protocol – It is intended to introduce a protocol for all schemes across the Council. The Authority is moving towards undertaking tasks based on a commissioning business model and this needs clearer management arrangements for the handling of requests and projects to ensure their cost effective and timely completion. To further embed commissioning practices, aid advance planning and improve the design and construction process a protocol is thought appropriate. This will outline the manner in which Streetscene (Development and Design Team (The Team)) will undertake projects from initiation to completion. To this end, The Team will respond to briefs or requests for feasibility studies, designs, consultations and works within five days unless a cost estimate is required when the date of return will be included in the acknowledgement of receipt with an indication whether or not The Team is able to make a commitment to progress the project or scheme. Should The Team be able to make such a commitment and an Area wish to proceed, then a project scope will be produced in conjunction with The Team. This should include details of the project, including its purpose and estimate of costs, identification of funding streams along with project management and timeframes for reporting, delivery and payment. When a project has been thus approved active delivery of the project will begin to the agreed programme. The Members / Area Team will be regularly updated on progress.
Author: Sheila Henley Page 40 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 2 of 3
4. Next steps
4.1 It is suggested that members determine the appropriateness of the requests received to date, advise Streetscene of any missing items and prioritise, and then for the scope of the projects to be agreed in accordance with the protocol.
Andy Burton City Streetscene Manager
Contact Officer : Sheila Henley Telephone No. : 01482 616552
Officer Interests: None
Background Documents: - None
Author: Sheila Henley Page 41 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 3 of 3
Page 42 of 224
Briefing Paper to the NorthernArea Committee Wards: Beverley, Orchard Park and Greenwood, 25 September 2014 University
Register of Unadopted Streets
Briefing Paper of the Head of Service City Streetscene Manager on behalf of Corporate Director for City Services
1. Purpose of the Paper and Summary
1.1 This paper provides an update on the Register of Unadopted Streets project.
2. Background
2.1 The Northern Area Committee on October 2013 resolution no. 14; minute no. 127, agreed to take forward a city-wide project to complete the register of unadopted streets on approval of the Transport Asset Management Plan in November 2013. This register is intended to identify streets suitable for adoption and prepare estimates for transferring these streets to the Authority and for these to be maintained at public expense and electronically mapped. This paper reports on progress of that project.
3. Issues for Consideration
3.1 Progress – A list of streets across the city has been collated for verification. However work on this project has been delayed since May 2014 following the need to focus on the adopted highway on changes in personnel. It is intended to progress the project once additional resources become available in the near future.
4. Next steps
A register of private streets has begun and it is intended to complete the project when resources permit.
Andy Burton City Streetscene Manager
Contact Officer : Sheila Henley Telephone No. : 01482 616552
Officer Interests: None Author: Sheila Henley Page 43 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 1 of 2
Background Documents: -
Author: Sheila Henley Page 44 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 2 of 2
Briefing Paper to the Northern Area Committee Wards: All
25th September 2014
Hull Parking Policy and Operational Arrangements
Briefing Paper of the of Head of Service City Streetscene on behalf of Corporate Director for City Services
1. Purpose of the Paper and Summary
1.1 The purpose of the paper is to clarify the current operational arrangements and parking policy implemented across the city to ensure consistency of approach. The scope excludes private car parks
1.2 The paper advises of a revised approach to parking charges which takes account of the need for flexibility to compete with the private sector and better utilises existing Council owned car parks without compromising the aims of sustainable transport.
1.3. The paper also advises of a revised approach to charging for resident parking schemes and passes to ensure that the Council’s costs are recovered.
2. Background
2.1 The Council does not have a formal parking strategy; instead matters relating to parking and how it is managed and enforced are governed by a number of cabinet and area committee decisions and good practice guidance issued by DfT. The proposed policy and operational arrangements appended to this report formalises these arrangements and where appropriate sets out suggestions which will simplify current arrangements.
2.2 The City Council as the Local Transport Authority is responsible for the provision and management of parking both on street and off street in its surface and multi story car parks. This includes the enforcement of parking and adjudication of appeals against any penalty charge notices issued. The enforcement and appeals adjudication was previously undertaken by the police, however this responsibility was transferred to the City Council in May 2006.
2.3 The Traffic Management Act 2004 sets out the enforcement of parking within a local authority and dictates that such enforcement that covers both on and off street parking should be self financing from the issue and payment of Penalty Charge Notices and that any surplus funding from the on street charges and issue of Penalty Charge Notices be ring
Author: Page 45 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 1 of 7 fenced to pay for the service and provision of such parking, with any surplus being used to help fund transport improvements, such as new bus lanes or traffic signal improvements.
2.4 The level of charges that are applicable to on street residents parking schemes have also recently been subject to court action, this determined that the charges set should not be used as a significant income generator but should cover the cost of establishing and running such schemes.
2.5 In addition to the Traffic Management Act, parking within the city is governed by Planning, a Car Parking Policy and Parking Standards report was Approved by the Planning Committee in April 2013 which sets standards for developments throughout the city, establishes a distinction between parking within the city centre and elsewhere in the city whilst allowing for flexibility to be applied to specific circumstances of a proposed development.
2.6 Car Parking Standards for developments outside the City Centre are also set in the Hull Local Plan, this states that ‘Developments outside the City Centre will be allowed if it provides off-street motor vehicle parking and servicing space. The Standards established have been based on those of the former Humberside County Council which have been further revised to take account of disabled parking and cycle parking, however flexibility on the standards is allowed where strong reasons exist such as the change of use of older properties where parking provision is constrained and where planning applications relate to houses in multiple occupation
2.7 Within the City Centre parking standards are further set out in the Hull Local Plan (2000) This seeks to restrict Long-stay off street parking to 4000 spaces, encourages short-stay parking in shopping centres and supports the development and use of park and ride.
2.8 The National Planning Policy Framework that came into affect in March 2012 replacing previous Planning Policy Guidance Notes and Planning Policy Statement also directs that in setting local parking standards for residential and non residential developments local authorities should take account of accessibility of a development, its type, mix and use, availability of public transport, car ownership levels and the need to reduce the use of high- emission vehicles
2.9 Government strategy continues to encourage a modal shift in transport from private vehicles to more sustainable methods of transport such as public transport and cycling, this in turn also supports the aim of carbon reduction. In order to promote this, policies have been detailed in the city councils 2011 – 2026 Local Transport Plan (LTP). This links the city centre car parking tariffs to the cost of bus travel and has established the price for a days parking, which is based on a return journey from the city boundary for two adults plus an overage. Furthermore the council currently operates a park and ride service from its Priory Park site and continues to progress the development of further park and ride sites to the East of the city which would support current strategy included the current LTP. The development of a Northern Park and Ride site will be progressed at a future date when resources are available.
3. Issues for Consideration
3.1 Car ownership within the city based on the data gathered in the 2011 census remains lower than the national average, however ownership continues to grow placing a further
Author: Page 46 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 2 of 7 strain on the available parking spaces, this is of particular concern in many residential areas where on street parking spaces are at a premium, places a further strain on the available city centre parking provision and is contrary to the desire to support alternative more sustainable modes of transport.
3.2 As a result of the increase in car ownership and conflicting demands between residents, businesses and shoppers, requests for new controlled parking zones (CPZ) continue to be seen as the most appropriate way to manage local parking issues and dissuade long term parking in residential areas by non residents, however a CPZ should not be established as a matter of course and appropriate consultation should first be undertaken in order to establish that such a zone would be beneficial and required by the majority of residents as the management and cost of operating a CPZ is not insignificant and currently the existing established CPZs are not self funding.
3.3 The cost of a residents parking permit outside of the city centre has been charged at £7.50 for a number of years but does not reflect the cost of administering the number of zones currently in existence or the cost of their enforcement. Research on the cost of a CPZ has identified the rates that different local and comparator authorities make is detailed in Table 2.
Table 2 Council/ City Cost of Resident Parking Permits per annum (£)
City Centre Outside the city centre City of York Council First permit: £46.50- First permit: £46.50- £125.00* £125.00* Second permit: £157.50 Second permit: £157.50 Preston City Council First permit: £29 First permit: £29 Second permit: £45 Second permit: £45 Stoke-on-Trent City First permit: £18 First permit: £18 Council Second permit: £18 Second permit: £18 Newcastle City Council First permit: £500 First permit: £25 Second permit: N/A Second permit: £75 Wirral Borough Council First permit: £0-10** First permit: £0-10** Second permit: N/A Second permit: N/A North East Lincolnshire First permit: £80 First permit: £80 Council Second permit: £100 Second permit: £100 East Riding of Yorkshire First permit: £25-35** First permit: £25-£35** Council Second permit: £25-105** Second permit: £25-105** North Lincolnshire Council First permit: £50 First permit: £50 Second permit: N/A Second permit: N/A Plymouth City Council First permit: £30 First permit: £30 Second permit: £30 Second permit: £30 Southampton City Council First permit: £30 First permit: £30 Second permit: £30 Second permit: £30 Sandwell Metropolitan First permit: £20 First permit: £20 Borough Council Second permit: N/A Second permit: N/A Bournemouth Borough First permit: £50-100** First permit: £50-100** Council Second permit: £50-100** Second permit: £50-100**
*Price of permit is dependent on the type of vehicle a resident owns.
Author: Page 47 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 3 of 7 **Price of permits varies within authority depending on the site of the Residential Parking Scheme.
3.4 The average price for the first permit issued in a CPZ area, based on the cheapest option available in each case being £73.20 within a city centre and £33.62 outside the city centre. Currently charges in the city are £75 within the city centre and £7.50 outside the city centre with the exception of the stadium zones where no charge is made as these zones were only created as a result of the KC stadium being built in 2002.
3.5 Zone L is a good example of a Controlled Parking Zone in the city and ideal to be used as an example to identify the cost of administering any zone. It covers three streets off Holderness Road; Sherburn Street, Morrill Street and Holland Street. Like a number of the city’s housing stock the houses on these streets were built at a time when widespread vehicle ownership was never foreseen. Terraces on these streets that do not front onto the road add additional stress to already overburden carriageways. As a consequence parking is at a premium.
3.6 The purpose of this zone is to deter long term parking by shoppers and those who work in the shops along Holderness Road. The zone carries parking controls running from Monday to Friday and covering the hours 8.30am to 5.0pm. During this time non permit holders may park for a maximum of 2 hours but must then move on and not return within 3 hours.
3.7 The process of setting up a controlled parking zone involves consultation with all residents of the zone on two occasions and advertisements require to be placed within a local newspaper. The total cost of the work involved is often in excess of £5,000 and this does not include the cost of road markings or signs.
3.8 This Zone covers a total of 243 households and has 149 permits currently on issue at a total cost of £1,117.50p. It has a total street length of 887 metres. Parking places on both sides of the road cover a total of 1370 metres providing parking for approximately 210 vehicles. Double yellow lines are marked on the remaining 404 metres of carriageway. Maintenance of these road markings will cost £2,500 over a five year period.
3.9 Signs at the entrance to a CPZ and also for each parking place are an absolute requirement in this case as all three roads are one way the number of signs required is reduced. A total of 58 signs are needed for this parking zone. The cost of purchasing and fitting these signs is £3,200.
3.10 These signs can last for many years but are often subjected to vandalism. Approximately £250 is spent each year on replacing signs within this zone.
3.11 Enforcement of the regulations within this zone requires that a Civil Enforcement Officer walks the length of each street and records the details of any vehicle not displaying a resident’s permit. A return visit is made after two hours when any vehicle not displaying a permit that has remained in place is issued with a penalty charge notice.
3.12 Income derived from issuing permits in this zone is £1,117.50 pa. A total of 172 penalty charge notices have been issued in the last 12 months and they (on average) provide £30 to defray expenses. This gives a total of £5160 by which this zone contributes to the cost of permits being issued and enforcement activities.
Author: Page 48 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 4 of 7
3.13 Staff and equipment necessary to issue permits costs £500.The cost of providing enforcement staff for this zone is £8950. this is based upon one working day or 7.5 hours per week operating within this zone. The cost of administering the process of a penalty charge notice is £1,615. Maintenance of road markings and signs is £750pa.
3.14 The zone costs £11815 to administer and provides and income of £6277. The zone is run at a net loss of £5538 per year.
3.15 A recent High Court ruling has highlighted the fact that charges for on street permit parking should not be operated by a Local Authority to make a profit. Charges for permits should however cover operating costs. In order to do so permit charges should be reviewed and set at a rate that would cover current operating costs.
The following table indicates the number of Controlled Parking Zones within the city excluding the city centre zone and the number of permits currently on issue.
CPZ name Number of permits in use 14/11/13 Barrington Avenue 118 Chanterlands Avenue 12 Cranbrook Avenue 34 Hurley Close 4 Inglemire Avenue 47 Jesmond Gardens 21 Queens Road 8 Reservoir Road 2 South Bridge Road 7 Stadium Zone 1 2,545 Stadium Zone 2 1,268 Stadium Zone 3 1,779 Stadium Zone 4 744 Stadium Zone 5 1,018 Stadium Zone 6 715 Zone A 139 Zone A1 16 Zone B 82 Zone D 38 Zone E 66 Zone G 54 Zone H 149 Zone J 68 Zone K 71 Zone L 149 Zone M 7 Zone N 104 Zone Q 180 Zone S 210
Author: Page 49 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 5 of 7 Total 9,655
3.16 The cost of establishing and operating a CPZ should be covered by the charges made for permits along with the revenue generated from the issue of Penalty Charge Notices, in order to determine the average cost a review of a typical CPZ in the city has been undertaken and this identifies that a permit charge of circa £33 based on the current average take up of permits will allow for all costs to be covered, this ties in favourably with the average price determined from the research undertaken with other regional and comparator local authorities
3.17 In order to maximise the usage of the council owned car parks including the three multi story car parks the council has a scheme of discounts in place for bulk purchases by businesses who require in excess of 50 passes, however due to the number of commercial car parks operating in the city centre competition for these customers has increased. To ensure the City Council can continue to attract its share of the customer base it is essential it can attract customers who have the choice of other car park operators who are able to amend prices from one week to another and be able to offer similar discounts to businesses who only require a small number of passes. It is essential that there is an ability to react to market forces. This can be achieved through the Streetscene City Manager in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder being authorised to apply the current discounts to all businesses where it is deemed appropriate.
3.18 Payment for parking has also developed over recent years and although most transactions continue to be undertaken by a cash payment at a Pay and Display machine alternative pay by phone options are now available and increasing in use, within the City Centre this is available through the MiPermit pay by phone system, which allows parking to be purchased on a daily basis on street or within any council run car park, this system also gives customer additional benefits such as the ability to receive text alerts to advise when the parking provision purchased will expire and ability to extend the parking if required. The pay by phone service can be further developed to allow pre purchase of car parking and could in suitable location negate the need for Pay and Display machines.
3.19 The charges for parking in the stadium zone has remained at a zero charge since it was established, however no guarantee has been given to residents in this area that the charge would remain at zero, this was last reviewed as a part of a report to Cabinet on the 24th November, 2008, at which time it was agree that the charge would again remain at zero.
3.20 Within the Northern Area there is a general mix of Double Yellow lines, Single Yellow line, Shopper time restricted free parking, Time restricted resident permit parking, Loading Bays, University time restricted permit parking, Schools, Pedestrian Crossings and Bus Stops all of which require frequent enforcement. Currently this is undertaken through a mixture of mobile and walked patrols and undertaken by one officer on a daily basis. The cost of a dedicated CEO for an area based on a 37 hour week would be circa £44k
4. Next steps
4.1 A report recommending that the Policy and Operational Arrangements be approved and authority be given to the City Streetscene Manager, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Energy City to apply an amended charging regime be taken to Energy & Infrastructure
Author: Page 50 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 6 of 7 Overview and Scrutiny Commission and Cabinet in October.
Insert name(s) and title(s) of Head of Service on behalf of Corporate Director
Contact Officer : Richard Townend Telephone No. : 331122
Officer Interests: None
Background Documents: - Draft Parking Strategy
Author: Page 51 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 7 of 7
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Hull City Council
Parking Policy & Operating Arrangements
June 2014
Highways Safety and Transport Festival House 93 Jameson Street Hull HU1 3JJ
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Contents
1. Introduction……………………………………………………………….. 4 2. Background……………………………………………………………….. 5 3. Issues and Challenges…………………………………………………… 7 4. Parking in the City Centre……………………………………………….. 9 4.1.On Street parking……………………………………………….. 9 4.2. Car Parks……………………………………………………...... 10 4.3. Tower Street car park………………………………………….. 11 4.4. Car park accessibility, design ………………………………… 11 4.5. Baseline for future parking provision given loss of car park on redevelopment………………………………………………………………… 11 4.6. Publicity…………………………………………………………… 12 4.7. Coach and Large Vehicle Parking…………………………….. 13 4.8. Event Parking……………………………………………………. 13 4.9. Business User Parking…………………………………………. 13 4.10. Electric Vehicle Parking……………………………………….. 13 5. Parking in All Areas Outside of the City Centre………………………… 14 5.1 Controlled Parking Zones……………………………………….. 14 5.2 Business permits…………………………………………………. 15 5.3 Waivers……………………………………………………………. 15 5.4 Requests for New Zones, Parking Surveys and Consultation. 16 6. Assistance to those with Restricted Mobility……………………………. 16 7. Parking and Development………………………………………………… 17 8. Parking in Bus Lanes……………………………………………………… 18 9. School Run Parking……………………………………………………….. 18 10. Fees and Charges……………………………………………………….. 19 11. Management and Enforcement…………………………………………. 21 11.1. Overview………………………………………………………… 21 11.2. Parking Enforcement…………………………………………… 21 11.3. Grace Periods…………………………………………………… 22 11.4. Beats……………………………………………………………… 22 11.5. Foot Patrols……………………………………………………… 22 11.6. Mobile Patrols………………………………………………….... 22 11.7. Rapid Response………………………………………………… 23 11.8. Match Days and Special Events………………………………. 23 11.9. Other Specific Areas and Sites………………………………… 23 11.10. Beat Review……………………………………………………. 23 11.11. Adjudication and Discretion…………………………………… 23 11.12. Cancellations…………………………………………………… 24 12. Income v Expenditure…………………………………………………….. 24 Appendix 1 PCN Timetable…………………………………………………… 25 Appendix 2 Parking Enforcement……………………………………………. 26
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Overview
This policy and operating arrangements set out how the Council will manage parking in the city for the next five years. As the city develops during this busy period when visitor numbers rise during the UK City of Culture in 2017 and work commences on the A63 Castle Street upgrade spanning the life of this document; how parking is managed is critical.
The policy recognises a number of principles and sets out a number of key points which underpin planning for the future as the city pulls out of the recession and the local economy grows through the UK City of Culture events. It recognises the need that for businesses to thrive they must be accessible but also recognises there has to be a balance whereby parking in the city centre is controlled so that parking spaces are not taken up by commuters. The most effective means of doing is through the use of a transparent charging policy which recognises the cost of alternative, more sustainable transport as a benchmark for calculating the tariff.
The car is of ever increasing significance to residents within the city, its visitors and commuters, certain streets and strategic routes suffer from congestion, which is an issue that can be influenced by parking provision and regulation. Consequently the management of residential and city centre parking is an important function of the City Council.
The Council’s role with regard to on-street car parking remains one of managing and enforcing of all on-street parking restrictions and operating a number of off street car parks. However, it extends beyond that to ensuring that this is undertaken in a transparent manner and that the prosperity of the city is not compromised by its policies and this role is guided by the following strategic principles:
1. For the city to function it is essential that people, goods and services can be transported efficiently.
2. Economically, the city must attract businesses and people to do business with them. This applies not only to private vehicles but also to goods and passenger vehicles.
3. Choice is important to everyone, either where we choose to shop or do business and how we travel to that particular destination. When motorists are exercising their choice to park in a controlled parking zone they have available to them a choice of payment methods.
4. Parking restrictions are in most instances put in place for the reasons of the safety of drivers and pedestrians, prevention of commuter parking in residential areas and to ensure the Council complies with its duty to ensure the expeditious movement of traffic, with enforcement focusing on preventing indiscriminate parking.
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At the same time, the policy is intended to help achieve other objectives of the council, such as:
Improving journey times Sustaining and enhancing the vitality of town centres and contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions Reduce congestion caused by parked vehicles Make best use of the parking space available Enforce parking regulations fairly and efficiently Provide appropriate parking where needed Manage on street parking at all Primary Schools
1 Introduction
The parking policy sets out how the City Council will provide and administer parking provision throughout the city until 2019. Its scope includes the provision, management, and enforcement of parking along with defining links to Planning and The City Plan along with other local plans and initiatives.
Its development takes account of national and local planning, transport and parking regulations, policies, and guidance; the supply, demand and management of parking, perceptions; issues raised, and it anticipates future changes, such as in technology.
The present approach recognises the characteristics of the city, encourages acceptable standards of off-street parking provision, and parking in certain places, whilst prohibiting it in others to limit obstruction and congestion caused by parked vehicles. This is consistent with statute and practices advanced by national and local policies and regulations that complement the general promotion of accessible and sustainable transport options through the Local Development Plan and associated Area Action Plans, the Local Transport Plan, Transport Asset Management Plan, the City Plan, and design guidance.
With Government policy advocating fair and reasonable parking strategies, greater flexibility over parking management and its provisions, and significant amendments to elements of local authority parking policy, it is considered necessary to review the present approach. Furthermore, challenges are apparent and emerging within the City; Hull being compact and densely populated, and growing in terms of population and car ownership. Additionally, there have been considerable changes within the City Centre with redevelopment of some car parks, new parking places provided by a number of organisations, and the establishment of park and ride.
Safe, secure and accessible parking are key attributes for an attractive and viable city, and for its future promotion to help create a good environment and support events like the 2017 UK City of Culture. Whilst the availability of parking affects the level of car use and congestion, it is not possible to supply all with parking places; space is finite and the appropriate provision, efficient
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management, control and enforcement are critical to the operation of the City to meet the pressures on, and the demand for use of, the limited amount of parking space available. Thus, there is need for a revised policy that sets out the approach, addresses the challenges and meets the opportunities offered by policy and technological changes.
2 Background
The arrangements for parking in the City are developed and influenced through a mixture of national and local rules, guidance and regulations encapsulated in the adopted 2008 Parking Policy for the City which recognises the City Council’s obligations under the:
2004 Traffic Management Act to control the parking of vehicles on the highway and to ensure the expeditious movement of traffic through the Network Management Duty. 2006 Planning Policy Statement 3 Housing requirements for local planning authorities to develop residential parking policies taking account of expected levels of car ownership, the promotion of good design and the need to use land efficiently. 2007 Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions Other planning and transportation policies setting the context and requiring the greater use of public transport, cycling and walking and sustainable transport outcomes.
Since then the parking policy has been developing, notably since 2011 to: Meet the Government’s announcements to “end the war on motorists” and improve centres which include the removal of national limits on residential parking, the setting of more flexible parking standards having regard for local circumstances without trying to control car ownership, and to make decisions on parking to benefit the community. Align with planning policy to address newer guidance following cancellation and streamlining of previous documents , such as:
. the 2011 Transport White paper Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon – Making sustainable Local Transport Happen, to promote park and ride to reduce the need for parking in city centres, minimum and maximum levels of parking places and parking places for electric and car club vehicles. . 2012 National Planning Policy Framework that requires the authority to take into account the accessibility of new developments, its type, mix, use, the availability of and opportunities for public transport, local car ownership and overall need to reduce the use of high emission vehicles. Redevelopment of car parks and park and ride are supported within regeneration proposals and as part of a balanced transport policy.
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The main principles and objectives are contained in the following documents:
2000 Local Plan
Policy M19 – Support for motor cycle facilities in development and at other appropriate places Policy M20 -Long stay parking in the City Centre will be restricted to a maximum of 4,000 spaces Policy M21 - Appropriate short-stay public car parking in shopping centres Policy M22 – Encouragement of public car parking at park and ride sites and the provision of other park and ride sites Policy M23 - Encouragement of cycle parking facilities in shopping centres Policy M24 – Consideration of residents’ parking schemes Policy M25 – Protection of coach park at Waterhouse Lane Policy M26 - Lorry park facility Policy M29 - Development will be allowed if it meets criteria, including adequate servicing and parking for motor vehicles and cycles Policy M30 – Development outside the City Centre allowed if it provides off-street motor vehicle parking and servicing space, complying with parking standards in Table M1 Policy M31 – Non-housing and housing development allowed if it provides appropriate on-site operational parking and servicing space. Policy M32 – Development of employment premises or places with public access allowed if it provides car parking space for the disabled complying with standards in Table M1. Policy M33 – Development allowed if it provides cycle parking facilities and designed to be safe, secure and convenient Policy M34 – Design of car parks to take into account access, safety security, materials, landscaping and amenity.
2008 Parking Policy
City Council parking charges follow a formula based on the cost of a return bus fare for two adults from the outskirts of the city to the city centre.
2010 Local Transport Plan 3 Car park guidance system Mini-interchanges at district centres Pedestrianisation and area access controls and car parking rationalisation Lorry park in east Hull Eastern park and ride site Northern park and ride site Enhanced parking capacity at Priory Park park and ride Development of other park and ride sites
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2013 City Plan
Quality and supporting streetscene infrastructure
Parking is controlled by charging and restricting its availability. Some aspects such as the location of yellow lines, provision of on street parking bays etc. are available for the City Council to stipulate through the application of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs), others such as the enforcement of TROs, the issue of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) and adjudication of appeals to PCNs issued are strictly regulated and governed by a prescribed process over which the authority has no jurisdiction.
For the provision of new parking spaces, developers and other parties are encouraged to refer to a number of publications available that provide detailed advice and guidance, such as the City Council’s 2000 Local Plan that sets out the movement policies, maximum levels of car parking and overall approach to parking for new development which is reinforced in the 2010 Local Transport Plan 3 and the 2012 Highway Design Guide for Developers that follow the two editions of Manual for Streets published in 2007 and 2010.
3 Issues and Challenges
Parking influences the appearance of the City. It adds to or reduces congestion and is a component of the street and transport system. Its availability, cost and perception influence decisions on choice of travel and viability of commercial areas. The adequacy of parking impacts on economic returns, affects property values and developer opportunities.
Well-designed on-street parking can positively contribute to the vitality of the City and can reduce traffic speeds along roads provided that issues surrounding safety and convenience are balanced with visual impacts and other physical and environmental constraints. Unallocated parking in developments represents the most efficient use of parking allowing a mix of resident and visitor parking.
Whilst the policy of low car parking provision in the city centre is a key component of an overall transport management system to reduce transport demand and inappropriate car use, it is being undermined by:
Physical constraints where new residential developments in the city centre are not provided with off-road parking Greater use of on-street space by residents allocated by parking permits of which there are unlimited numbers supplied at relatively low cost compared to other parking charges restricting space available to customers of business users who require higher turnover of parking spaces for the effective operation of their business Provision of city centre and edge of city centre off-street car parks that are privately run, greatly adding to the supply, undermining the transport
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policy from use by commuters and being priced more competitively than the publicly run car parks
Within other controlled parking zones elsewhere in the city many residents wish to own cars where no space has been provided. Many zones are at or near capacity resulting in a lack of nearby parking, such as over night and other problems associated with inconsiderate parking of vehicles.
Regeneration of the city centre has impacted upon parking too with a loss of parking spaces combined with an increase in residents. Existing surface site car parks, and the multi storey car parks at George Street and Osborne Street are all listed as potential development land.
Businesses rely on an available supply of parking spaces that are fairly priced to attract customers. This is particularly the case with retailers in the city centre who are competing with out of town shopping centres and on line shopping. Visitors to city centre retailers often want to park close to their preferred retailer. To accommodate this, the Council will provide either on street or off street parking spaces close to clusters of retailers. The principal of charging adopted by the Council is that on street parking which permits the parking of vehicles, often outside of business premises is charged at a slightly higher tariff than off street car parks.
Beyond the city centre other parking pressures are noticeable, even in the newer parts of the City at Kingswood Parks with examples of parking on the footway and the blocking of driveways. Other areas see the removal of front boundary walls and frontage landscaping by residents to create hard standing areas for vehicles. This can have a harmful impact on the appearance of the street scene, rendering an unattractive space for residents and visitors.
Responses to planning applications, and comments by residents and others indicate that parking remains a significant issue for residents with concerns that parking provision in new developments is often inadequate leading to increased on-street parking. Issues raised include lack of availability and inconsiderate parking, high fees and unfair and over zealous enforcement.
Typical parking problems are pavement parking, obstruction of driveways and accesses, obstructions to larger delivery, refuse collection and emergency vehicles, damage to landscaping and footways, congestion associated with the school run and commuters resulting in the unreliability of journey times; over supply of residential permits with insufficient space to accommodate on streets; need for greater support for businesses, and abuse of special requirements, like blue badges, disabled bays loading and unloading.
Other impacts are being felt from the growth in population, car availability and use per household, and size and type of vehicles. The 2011 census recorded 60% of households as having a car and that the car is the most used mode for journeys to work with 35% being made by the car. Another 5% cycle and 8% travel by bus. Cycle and bus use is above that recorded for England; although declining as many still aspire to own and use a car.
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City centre parking charges have lead to a significant number of drivers, particularly commuters seeking to park where charges are not in place, typically in the residential areas that surround the city centre. These areas see a major increase in traffic and congestion to the detriment of the neighbourhood and residents if parking controls are not introduced, such as through a controlled parking zone (CPZ).
Within planning guidance the size for a standard off street residential car parking space is set at 2.4m x 4.8m for a main road and 2.4m x 4.3m on a side road, but this is smaller than newer car models that have increased in width and height whilst others have increased in length, although few cars are longer than 4.4m. Where garages have been provided, there is a trend to forfeit the original purpose for use as storage or room conversion. This results in vehicles being parked overhanging the highway from driveways becoming shorter, increases in the demand for on-street parking spaces, congestion as well as unsightly street scenes, notably where streets have been laid out to encourage and keep speeds low. Unfairness is reported where bays are marked and those with larger or more vehicles take up more space.
4 Parking in the City Centre
4.1 On Street Parking There are currently a total of 833 on street parking spaces, 76 disabled bays and 17 motorcycle parking bays. Regular reviews are undertaken to ensure that wherever practicable parking spaces are available close to attractors of footfall.
Residents of the city centre are entitled to a parking permit restricted to an on street parking place which provides unlimited parking. The cost of this permit is currently £75 and there are 244 active permits from a possible 1462 residential properties within the city centre meter zone. At present this figure is sustainable however with the city centre seeing an ever increasing number of residents and increased car ownership alternative forms of parking for their vehicles may have to be considered. This may involve utilising the multi storey car parks and the 24 hour entry system for both pedestrians and vehicles which is available or restricting the number of residents parking permits that can be issued.
City Centre residents wishing to have multiple parking permits are also able to purchase additional permits to cover any further vehicles they own, the price of these additional permits is the same as the first permit, however in order to manage city centre parking an increase in the cost of any subsequent permit after the first along with a maximum number of permits per residence within the city centre is to be established.
On average a total of 110 pay and display bays are occupied each day by a vehicle displaying a blue badge. Of the 833 on street pay and display bays an
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average of 354 are occupied on any given day by resident permit holders and users of a blue badge.
To ensure there are always sufficient on street parking spaces available, we will Review on an annual basis, the location of car park spaces in the city centre Establish a maximum number of city centre on street residents parking permits Establish an increased charge for second and subsequent permits Establish city centre residents permits that can be used in the multi storey car parks Monitor and address the abuse of the Blue Badge
4.2 Car Parks
Car parks under Council control are designed to cater for a wide range of parking needs. This is reflected in the two different types of car park on offer which cater for long and short term parking. There are a total of 1869 long term car parking spaces spread across the three multi storey car parks and five surface sites. A further 419 spaces are available for short term parking and these sites are generally more centrally located, however short term parking is also available in all of the long stay sites.
Car park Long or short term Spaces available parking Albion Street short stay 260 Blanket Row long stay 120 Francis Street long stay 182 George Street long stay 549 History Centre long stay 51 Hull Arena, long stay 70 Westenders Way John Street long stay 52 Lowgate short stay 61 Osborne Street long stay 419 Pryme Street long stay 514 Tower Street short stay 90 Waterhouse Lane short stay 18 Waterhouse Lane long stay 12 large vehicle park Total spaces 2288
Blanket Row car park is situated outside of the city centre meter zone and due to its location was not widely used. In an attempt to increase patronage an experimental lower all day charge was introduced. This proved to be popular and will lead to other car parks being considered for lower all day charges wherever practicable.
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4.3 Tower Street car park
The Old Town area of the city centre does not have any conveniently located car parks, the narrowness of a number of streets is not conducive to on street parking and as a consequence parking options are limited. To provide a parking alternative close to the area and boost the economy a new car park on Tower Street has been established.
Set just outside the perimeter of the city centre, whilst giving easy access over Scale Lane footbridge this car park is unique within the city. It was commissioned in the late summer of 2013 and provides a 2 hour free of charge parking period with the option of an additional hour at a cost of £1.00. Any vehicle wishing to make use of the car park can do so only once during a 24 hour period. As a result the vehicle’s registration number must be entered into a pay and display machine on arrival and is printed onto the ticket. Logistical problems rule out payment of the £1.00 additional charge by the MiPermit system.
It is hoped that this car park will assist with regeneration of the Old Town and ease congestion.
4.4 Car park accessibility, design
It is essential that all new car parks are designed to take account of accessibility for those with access difficulties, this should include access and parking for modified vehicles which will not fit within a conventional parking bay and in addition to being longer than standard may also be taller. Pay and Display machines should also be provided at a height suitable for wheelchair users.
4.5 Baseline for future parking provision given loss of car park on redevelopment As many of the existing city centre car parks are potential development sites and a number of sites such as at Pryme street, Mason street and Charlotte Street Mews have been lost to redevelopment over recent years it is essential that when such development takes place the loss of parking spaces is mitigated with the provision of alternative publicly available spaces within the development or elsewhere within the city centre meter zone. Currently 2288 spaces are available within Council controlled car parks and this should be set as the minimum baseline as although some capacity does in general exist these spaces are fully utilised during the Christmas period and when events are run within the city centre, the provision of these spaces will be critical to support the City Of Culture 2017.
Sites that have been demolished within the city that are awaiting redevelopment should be considered for use as temporary car parks in order to ensure adequate off street car parking can be provided in areas where a high demand for parking exists.
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4.6 Publicity For the Council’s car parks to be fully utilised it is essential that they are adequately publicised. To do this information relating to their locations, opening hours and charges will be publicised through the Council web site, this will be supplemented by press releases during planned events and at Christmas where discounted rates may be applied. Availability of spaces within the car parks will also be provided through roadside Car Park Guidance signs. In addition the use of smart phone applications that can provide information on the availability of parking spaces within the Council’s car parks will be developed.
To ensure there are suitable parking spaces available in our car parks that meet the needs of our customers, we will Review on an annual basis, the location of car park spaces in the car parks and whether they meet the demands of our customers.
4.7 Coach and Large Vehicle Parking Visitors to the city often arrive by coach and popular productions at the city’s theatres see an increase in this form of travel. This will be particularly the case during 2017 when the city becomes the UK City of Culture and is unlikely to have adequate capacity for major events. Whilst some commercial sites cater for coach parking, Waterhouse Lane Large Vehicle car park is the only Council vehicle park in day to day use for coaches and large vehicles.
Large vehicles are considered to be for domestic use, such as caravanettes and of a size that they are not able to park within marked parking bays or on car parks elsewhere in the city. There is capacity for 9 vehicles only; coach parking is free with all other vehicles paying a tariff of £2.00 per hour. Payment of this charge is required to be made by MiPermit as it is expected that take up will be low and would not justify the cost of a pay and display machine.
Outside the city centre parking places for lorries are provided on Blanket Row and St Peter Street.
A formal lorry park was previously established as part of the park and ride site at Priory Park; however this facility was closed due to changes within the economy, although the facility remains in place and can be opened should sufficient demand exist.
To meet the demands of the need for large vehicle parking we will Establish the demand for lorry parking at the Priory Park and Ride site through annual surveys and re-open if sufficient demand exists Identify other suitable locations for coach and large vehicle parking for events to be held during the period of the UK City of Culture 2017
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4.8 Event Parking
There are occasions when there is an increased demand for parking of commercial vehicles close to the city centre. This may be connected with a travelling market, or for any similar event. To support events such as these parking can be made available on Blackfriargate and car parks such as Francis Street and the History Centre where capacity is seldom reached.
It is intended that by providing this service a contribution can be made to making Hull a more attractive and pleasant environment thereby increasing attendance at such events, promoting the city and aiding local businesses.
4.9 Business User Parking
Business users who choose to travel to work by car or require a car as a part of their business are encouraged to utilise Council car parks through a discounted pass process, although this discount is only applicable to businesses who have in excess of 50 pass holders. The discount may be applied to smaller businesses at the discretion of the City Streetscene Manager in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.
4.10 Electric Vehicle Parking
The use of electric vehicles continues to be an area of growth and although these vehicles can be accommodated within existing car parks no facilities currently exist that will allow such vehicles to be charged. Too promote the use of electric vehicles charging points will need to be introduced within Council car parks in the City Centre
To encourage the use of electric vehicles we will Review the suitability of City Centre Car parks to establish future potential for electric vehicle charging points
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5 Parking in All Areas Outside of the City Centre
5.1 Controlled Parking Zones The City Council makes use of Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) to limit full access to on-street parking places to better meet local activities and requirements both within the City Centre and in areas surrounding it. The current zones are shown in Table 1 below.
CPZ name Number of permits in use 14/11/13 Barrington Avenue 118 Zone A 139 Chanterlands Avenue 12 Zone A1 16 Cranbrook Avenue 34 Zone B 82 Hurley Close 4 Zone D 38 Inglemire Avenue 47 Zone E 66 Jesmond Gardens 21 Zone G 54 Queens Road 8 Zone H 149 Reservoir Road 2 Zone J 68 South Bridge Road 7 Zone K 71 Stadium Zone 1 2,545 Zone L 149 Stadium Zone 2 1,268 Zone M 7 Stadium Zone 3 1,779 Zone N 104 Stadium Zone 4 744 Zone Q 180 Stadium Zone 5 1,018 Zone S 210 Stadium Zone 6 715
Total 9,655
Within the residential areas surrounding the city centre residents can apply for permits for their own vehicles at an annual cost of £7.50. Day permits (scratch cards) for use by visitors and tradesmen are available at a cost of £0.50. These are restricted to 10 per month to prevent abuse. Parking controls are in place throughout the working day Monday to Friday and restrict the length of time for which non-permit holders can park, typically two hours in any three or four hour period.
In the area surrounding the KC Stadium there is a need to control vehicles due to the influx of drivers attending events at the stadium into the residential area. It is not possible to restrict this control to the occasions when the stadium is hosting an event and operational hours are as a consequence designed to cover occasions when it is likely that an event would be hosted. From Monday to Friday control commences at 6.30pm and runs to midnight, on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays control commences at 12 noon and runs to midnight.
Residents are allowed a permit for their own vehicle and each household is allowed two permits for visitors and tradesmen. In addition, no charge is made for these permits as the residents have had the additional parking demand imposed on them by the construction of the stadium at this location.
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It has been identified there is an increasing number of multiple permit holders at individual properties particularly houses in multiple occupation which is causing pressure on the availability of parking spaces. Further consideration should be given to restricting the number of permits issued to those properties
Elsewhere around the city CPZ’s are in place to combat an influx of vehicles where parking is at a premium and demand from non-residents is high, such as around the University of Hull.
Zone N covering Mulgrave Street, Egton Street, Whitby Street and Redcar Street is unique in that the residents of this area have requested that permits be issued to only one vehicle per household as the surveys revealed that the major congestion factor lay with the residents themselves.
5.2 Business permits For all areas, outside the city centre the City Council offer permits to businesses to a maximum of two permits per company to allow them to carry out their business. Companies that fall within a CPZ may see their business adversely affected if they are subject to the same parking control as non- residents. Within the city centre there are simply too many businesses to make this a viable and practical proposition and no business permits are available.
5.3 Waivers All councils have a system for allowing commercial vehicles under specific circumstances to obtain a permit waiving parking restrictions and or charges. Such a Parking Exemption Permit (PEP) is most often used for builders and tradesmen for whom the presence of their vehicle close to the location at which they are working is a requirement.
PEPs are strictly controlled and there are a number of streets where because of the narrowness of the carriageway or the amount of traffic a PEP is not ordinarily issued. In such instances, close liaison with the applicant takes place and if no agreement over the times at which work is to occur can be reached the final option of a temporary road closure is considered.
To ensure that PEPs are not abused and seen as an easy and cheap way of obtaining parking a charge of £10 for the first day and £5.00 per consecutive day thereafter is applied for all PEPs throughout the City. PEPs are currently available through the Customer Service Centre and development of the MiPermit system will in future allow for the issue of a virtual PEP.
Other waivers may apply for business permits, such as for companies who were in existence at the time of establishment of a CPZ. Exceptions to the two permits per business rule can be applied if circumstances dictate as in Zone Q. This Zone covers the streets off Clarence Street just to the east of the river Hull. It has very few residents and as a consequence was the last area of the city to have controls put in place to deter commuters from parking. Such was the level of commuter parking within this zone that businesses themselves were suffering and demanded action. Controls were put in place Page 67 of 224 15
to assist the few residents and also to provide for the businesses to park their own vehicles and receive customers/visitors. Should the situation arise where parking becomes so restricted that residents suffer, a review may be considered.
5.4 Requests for New Zones, Parking Surveys and Consultation The process by which a CPZ is brought into being involves a parking study, a two stage consultation process and determination by local area councillors in response to residents identifying a need to their ward councillors. After parking needs are assessed and all residents are canvassed on their views and provided there is a majority response in favour, the outcome is reported to councillors with rules suggested for the operation of the CPZ. Options or a recommended scheme are then put to the residents again for approval before councillors give the final go ahead. Typically, rules will include the number and types of permits, scratch cards for visitors, visitors passes, time limits on parking etc.
To ensure that CPZ’s are not introduced at the request of a small minority of residents, a formal request must be received from the occupants of 10 or more properties followed by a public consultation exercise of all affected properties to determine that public support exists for the scheme to go ahead. Where a nil return or no response occurs, these are reported as being in favour of the scheme.
To ensure there is a suitable system of permits in place we will Review the cost of permits annually to ensure the cost of operating the scheme is self funding Investigate the possibility of establishing a virtual permit system
Review the charges applicable for PEPs to reduce their usage and
encourage use of existing parking provision throughout the City
Investigate whether new residents in the Stadium Zones should
pay for a residents permit
6 Assistance to those with Restricted Mobility The Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Exemption for Disabled Persons) (England) Regulations 2007 stipulates that holders of a Blue Badge may park for free and in excess of any time limit when correctly making use of such a badge. This exemption is restricted to on street parking only and is not applicable to car parks.
Unlike adjoining councils this exemption has been extended within the city centre to allow blue badge holders to park for free on any of the City Council’s car parks except for George Street and Osborne Street multi storey car parks. The spirit of the blue badge scheme is to allow a person with restricted mobility to park close to the premises they wish to visit. In Hull, this is adequately covered through use of the surface car parks. Should a blue
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badge holder wish to use a multi storey car park, free parking is made available through the Pryme Street car park which offers the most modern facilities including access to disabled toilets.
Within residential areas as the demand for on-street parking continues to rise with the ongoing increase in car ownership parking is also becoming a premium within many residential areas where the Blue Badge Scheme is not targeted. To ensure Blue Badge Holders are not disadvantaged in these areas, provision is created by the establishment of advisory disabled bays. An on street advisory disabled bay will only be considered where all alternative methods of access have first been explored, such as use of rear tenfoot access or construction of a vehicle access to the property. In addition, as such bays are advisory they fall outside the DfT Blue Badge Scheme and are unenforceable if misused.
The assessment and approval of alternative access and ultimate establishment of an on street advisory disabled bay is undertaken by the City Council’s access officer, although where modifications such as a vehicle crossing is advised or approval of an advisory disabled bay is given all funding to provide such a facility must be provided by the applicant
Where an advisory bay becomes unusable due to regular abuse by non blue badge holders a formalised bay can be established through a TRO which would allow enforcement action to be taken against any non authorised users.
Should such a formal disabled bay be considered appropriate this would require approval via area committee along with relevant funding as the creation of such a disabled bay falls outside the standard blue badge scheme and is not a statutory requirement of the City Council.
Where such disabled bays are established it can be expected that such bays may no longer be required in the long term due to the users moving house. To ensure such bays are appropriate and remain in use a review of these bays will be undertaken on a biannual basis.
7 Parking and Development The amount of parking, its design and layout are material considerations in the determination of planning applications. Proposed new developments must seek to promote walking, cycling and public transport with the parking requirements for building uses assessed against the applicable parking standards, physical constraints and accessibility. Developers may make a case for negotiating the provision of parking below the Minimum standards based on clear evidence and travel planning. The dimension and location requirements for parking bays, driveways and turning areas shall be in accordance with the guidance in Manual for Streets and the Highway Design Guide for Developers. The City Council does not consider, however, that residents will chose not to own cars even if they live within the most accessible areas or corridors, and that all new development should, as far as possible, be self-sufficient in providing for future occupiers’ parking.
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To ensure the provision of an adequate number of parking spaces are available to meet the city’s future requirements we will
Develop residential car parking standards based on projected car
ownership levels obtained from census data at ward level.
Offer a flexible approach to the issue of resident’s permits where there is clear evidence of spare capacity and it is not detrimental to other residents, businesses, shoppers or visitors. Develop a structured parking formula or matrix for conversions, redevelopment or additions of properties consistent with and advancement of objectives. Develop shared spaces to decrease the amount of land needed for the storage of cars to reflect different parking capacities and demands at different times of the day.
8 Parking in Bus Lanes The efficient use of bus lanes is essential and parking is restricted during the operating times of the bus lanes. However enforcement of bus lanes is difficult as it requires a civil enforcement officer (CEO) to be on site in order to issue any appropriate penalty charge notice. As a result many motorists will stop for a short time to load / unload or make a quick trip to a shop. Where motorists simply use the bus lane as an additional lane to drive along the presence of a CEO is ineffective. Such abuse of bus lanes cause significant issues to local bus service operation and adversely affect journey times. Camera enforcement of these bus lanes is being developed which will then allow enforcement to be undertaken without the need for a CEO to be present on street.
9 School Run Parking School run parking is an issue close to many schools across the City, where problems are generated by parents dropping off or picking up their children. Although in many instances the schools do all they can to encourage parents to park lawfully and considerately, it is clear that very often this does not happen. There is however only a limited amount that can be achieved by the introduction of parking restrictions, as there are exemptions to most restrictions that allow stopping for a short time to drop off or pick up passengers. In addition as all the children tend to arrive and leave at the same time and parents try and park as close as possible to the school, it is a concentrated problem over a relatively short period of time, typically this is a thirty minute period at the start and end of the school day.
This is a problem that requires a broad approach and although the appropriate policing of parking restrictions is a key factor implementation of School Travel Plans which are designed to promote sustainable travel and reduce the reliance on the use of cars for the school run are a key factor. S Problems are often caused not so much by illegally parked cars but by cars that are parked in such a way that they are causing a danger or obstruction which the authority’s Civil Enforcement Officers are unable to action.
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Any restrictions designed to tackle parking problems near schools will require careful analysis prior to being implemented. They should only be installed if certain to achieve the desired result and satisfy expectations.
10 Fees and Charges Timed parking charges are used to control patterns of parking across the city centre improving traffic flow and thereby contributing to a safer, cleaner environment. Additionally, the appropriate setting of charges and timings help to increase footfall for businesses by ensuring a steady turnover of vehicles.
Within the city centre, parking charges for on-street and car parks managed by the City Council follow a formula that is based on the cost of a return bus fare for two adults from the outskirts of the city to the city centre plus a percentage excess.
No Charge is applied for solo motorcycles at specific city centre locations, both on street and within the surface and multi storey car parks. This is to encourage use of such vehicles and to assist with congestion. Similarly, this also applies to the parking of cycles at on-street cycle stands or within the multi storey car parks.
The City Council uses a pay and display system with payment being made by cash or phone depending on the duration of stay required. Other options are available in the car parks, such as annual passes
The majority of motorists elect to make payment by pay and display ticket obtained from a ticket machine.
Motorists have the option to pay for parking by the use of a mobile telephone that is linked to an account they can set up. This service is currently operated by MiPermit on behalf of the Council which attracts a small administration charge. Its introduction has proved popular and is growing. This payment option provides a number of advantages, such as being more convenient for those with no or limited change and ease of use after the initial set up for returning customers with an ability to change details on car parks, duration of stay, and vehicle registration details. Text reminders are sent acknowledging payment and reminders when the parking time is due to expire with an option to extend the stay. Once payment for a parking stay has been made and linked to a vehicle registration number a virtual parking permit is created and this information is circulated to the hand held computers in use by all Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs). In this fashion payment for a parking stay can be verified during the patrols undertaken by the CEOs without the use of a pay and display ticket.
There are a number of advantages for both the motorist and Council through using the pay by phone method. It reduces the amount of coins the motorist has to carry, reduces the risk of theft of cash from the machines, cash
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collection and handling costs and should reduce, in future years the number of ticket machines that have to be provided.
Annual passes attract a significant discount to the customer (33%) the uptake is low as it requires a one off payment of £1098.50 which is seen as a barrier to many people. In addition the administration of the scheme is significant and management is problematic with pass holders wishing to cancel passes and receive refunds.
Plans are now in place to offer a variety of options for payment of parking charges over set periods with a minimum of one week. Access to these plans will be restricted to MiPermit users only which should also see an increase in use of the system. The intention being that familiarity will extend use of MiPermit over and above the plans on offer. Administration costs will be kept to a minimum. However no discounts will be available for passes of less than one month duration.
The Council’s stock of parking ticket machines are being incrementally modernised to provide improved data collection which will enable more targeted use of tariffs.
To ensure a fair and transparent means of setting parking tariffs is in place we will Recognise that businesses rely on the turnover of parking spaces to function effectively so our parking tariff will recognise there should be reasonable charges for visitors to the city centre. Develop a flexible charging structure which is flexible and competitive with the private sector but supports sustainable travel Enable regular users of City Council car parks to obtain a discount dependant on the level of use. Encourage the use of more sustainable transport by not charging for the parking of motor cycles.
To ensure users of parking facilities in the city centre are given a choice of payment methods we will Continue with our programme of modernising parking ticket machines Develop a pay by phone pre payment system for the public that will allow for any duration to be purchased between one week and 52 weeks in advance Develop the pay by phone service to allow for advance payment of parking on a weekly incremental basis up to a maximum of 52 weeks.
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11 Management and Enforcement 11.1 Overview The City Council took on responsibility for most aspects of parking enforcement in 2006. The A63 (T) and A1033(T) form the major highway through the city and is under the control of the Highways Agency. As the City Council is not responsible for this road their authority to enforce parking regulations does not apply. The police retain the responsibility for parking enforcement on the Highways Agency’s highway and also for any non specific vehicle obstruction which is not covered by Civil Parking Enforcement.
The Traffic Management Act 2004 governs the issue of a PCNs and the procedure to be followed. The table at Appendix 1 indicates the basic timetable for a PCN as it progresses through its various stages. Variations to this timetable may occur depending upon appeals against the service of a PCN being received
11.2 Parking Enforcement Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are issued both on-street and in City Council car parks that are covered by a TRO. These ensure that traffic is allowed to flow free from obstruction around the city; controlling dangerous and obstructive parking whilst also enforcing the rules in place for CPZ’s, car parks and other specific parking regulations. The aim is to issue as few notices as possible whilst ensuring the safety of road users and compliance with parking regulations. To that end any person contesting a notice is not only provided with a response to their appeal but also advice for the future.
11.3 Grace Periods CEO’s are instructed to act against any vehicle they come upon that is parked in breach of parking regulations. They do however abide by a discretion policy that has been put in place by the City Council to ensure that where safety is not an issue motorists are not issued with a PCN the instant a transgression occurs. An example of this policy is validating a pay and display ticket for 5 minutes beyond its expiry time. An example of safety being an issue is a vehicle parking within the confines of a “School Keep Clear” marking where the service of a PCN would be instant.
11.4 Beats For parking enforcement purposes the city is patrolled by CEO’s and divided into sectors, called beats. There are 60 in total with enforcement officers working three shifts: 07.30 to 16.30 hrs, 09.00 to 18.00 hrs and 13.00 to 22.00 hrs. The frequency of patrol takes account of the location, level of parking provision and parking restrictions along with level of contravention that is taken from historic data. Typically, this means that the city centre beats are all undertaken on foot and have a more frequent patrol to take account of the 2 hour maximum, on-street stay, where outlying areas are undertaken by mobile patrol on a less frequent basis; other areas will have a mixture of foot and mobile patrols and the frequency of patrols will vary from beat to beat
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depending on the type of parking provision / restriction that is prevalent within the beat area. Beats are rotated on a daily basis across the city to ensure appropriate coverage and prevent obvious patterns being established that can be abused by motorists and refined by reference to the level of transgression of parking regulation as established from outputs from the Parking Management software package containing information dating back to 2006.
11.5 Foot Patrols The majority of patrols undertaken by the CEOs will be undertaken on foot and have been designed to operate from a City Centre base, patrolling first down the city’s arterial routes and then dispersing into the anti-commuter zones that form the defined beats.
11.6 Mobile Patrols Where parking provision / restrictions are less prevalent beats have been designed that can be patrolled by CEOs on mopeds, this allows for the areas to be adequately covered whilst ensuring greater coverage by a CEO on foot in areas with a higher density of parking provision / restriction. As mobile CEOs are able to cover large areas in a short timescale this allows for an effective method for enforcing restrictions such as yellow lines and loading bays, where the CEO on a moped can easily spot if a vehicle is in contravention whilst driving past, in addition the mobile patrol allows for a rapid response service to be provided.
11.7 Rapid Response The mobile patrol allows for a rapid response service to be provided in order to attend areas that have been identified as a safety concern. This type of response primarily reacts to ad hoc requests when the speed of the response is of paramount importance.
11.8 Match Days and Special Events On match days at the KC Stadium, and Craven Park, and at times of special events, such as Hull Fair, deployment patterns are amended with additional CEOs present in the areas surrounding the stadium/event. This is achieved by reducing the number of CEOs on beats with low levels of contraventions.
11.9 Other Specific Areas and Sites Some beats contain facilities that require additional patrols to be undertaken at specific times during the day in order to be effective. Examples are schools and bus lanes etc. To adequately manage these additional daily patrols over and above those undertaken on the routine beats will be scheduled to be undertaken. These are undertaken by the mobile patrol units with the patrol itself being undertaken on foot.
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11.10 Beat Review The established beats are not required to be changed unless a significant change occurs to the parking provision or restriction within the beat area and as such the beats will be reviewed on a bi-annual basis. Where any significant change is implemented, such as the establishment of new parking provision or a new CPZ, a beat will be reviewed and amended as a part of the implementation of the changes to the parking provision.
Due to the nature of parking, localised areas of contravention within a beat area can become established in a short timescale, due to local demands / needs. To adequately manage such contraventions analysis of the previous weeks PCN issue is undertaken and ad hoc patrols undertaken where such areas are identified.
11.11 Adjudication and Discretion Civil Parking Enforcement legislation requires the City Council to consider appeals against the serving of a PCN. As part of this process adjudication staff are required to prepare and present the City Council’s evidence at hearings of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal where necessary. This is an independent organisation who provide the adjudication service on a National basis.
The progression of a PCN through its various stages needs careful handling to ensure accuracy, methodical and objective responses. It involves liaison with officers at the County Court where cases may ultimately be registered prior to bailiffs being instructed to recover any outstanding debt. On rare occasions, it is necessary for a member of staff to present a case to the County Court in opposition to a request for a warrant to be withdrawn.
In order to ensure a consistent approach is applied to the issue and adjudication of PCN’s and their appeals, whilst ensuring the City Council is acting reasonably a discretionary process has been established as detailed in Appendix 2.
11.12 Cancellations Once issued a PCN should not be cancelled as the adjudication process and discretion allows for such PCNs to be formerly withdrawn or for the charge to be nullified and provides a fully auditable process and avoids allegations of any undue influence being applied in regards the cancellation of the PCN, however where circumstances arise that it is appropriate for a PCN to be cancelled this can be approved by the City Streetscene Manager who will provide the appropriate authorisation detailing the circumstances authorising the cancellation.
To ensure an enforcement service is transparent and focuses on preventing indiscriminate parking we will Carry out a review of Beats on an annual basis Carry out a review of permitted discretions detailed in Appendix 2 on an annual basis Page 75 of 224 23
12 Income v Expenditure Income generation as a result of the application of parking charges and enforcement through patrols undertaken by the CEOs is strictly governed by national legislation. Section 55 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, later amended and incorporated into the Traffic Management Act 2004 dictates that all revenue generated from on-street car parking charges, parking permits and income received for payment of PCN’s for both on and off street contraventions are ring fenced. This is to fund the provision of such parking spaces, their management and administration including the enforcement and adjudication service. Furthermore the legislation dictates that should any surplus income remain after the operating costs are covered this can only be used for the provision or operation of, or of facilities for, public passenger transport services, the purposes of a highway or road improvement project in the local authority's area the purposes of environmental improvement in the local authority's area However the legislation does allow for such income to be built up over a maximum three year period in order that larger schemes can be funded through the use of this income that may otherwise not be possible
Income generated from all other off street parking is not governed by any such legislation and can be used by the authority as it sees fit.
Income from permits issued offsets a small percentage of the full costs of their servicing and takes up 75% of the time of two full-time equivalent officers engaged within the Parking team. Income received for payment of penalty charge notices must first be used to pay for the enforcement. This is not restricted solely to on street enforcement officers but also includes the back office staff and other agencies to ensure that the entire process and system run efficiently.
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Appendix 1 PCN Timetable Time Lapse Documents Issued Comment Day 1 PCN Day 14 Discounted period expires Day 28 Notice to Owner This is sent to the owner of the vehicle who is responsible for payment. Day 56 Charge Certificate At this point no further appeal can be made and charge increases by 50%. Day 63 Pre debt registration letter Day 70 Forms TE3 TE9 At this point a limited form of appeal can be made to the County Court who will only consider whether or not the process has been complied with. £7.00 court cost added to charge. Day 91 Warrant Warrants issued are processed through the debt management team using the City Council’s approved bailiffs
Following the receipt of a notice to the owner, any appeal rejected by the City Council can be considered by the independent Traffic Penalty Tribunal which is the final arbiter. The Traffic Penalty Tribunal is financed by a levy on every penalty charge notice issued. Parking enforcement is intended to be self financing and not a financial burden on the City Council.
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Appendix 2
Parking Enforcement Table of permitted discretion
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PCN Observation Description Examples of why a PCN Examples of why a PCN is Code Times may be cancelled unlikely to be cancelled Code 0 Minutes Parked in a restricted A) Vehicle can be proven to A) W.A. regulation not 01 Statutory street have been actively unloading complied with to a serious (H) outside allowed hours or loading. extent. 5 Minutes (single and B) W.A. not displayed B) Repetition of identical Discretionary double yellow lines, correctly but now proven to error. pedestrian area) be valid.
Code 0 Minutes Parked or A) Reasonable confusion A) Driver unaware of the 02 (H) Statutory loading/unloading in a over validity of W.A. regulations restricted street where 2 minutes waiting and Discretionary loading/restrictions are in force (double yellow lines with single or double kerb markings)
Code 0 Minutes Parked after the expiry A) Serious problem with A) Planned meeting overran 05 Statutory of paid for time (on vehicle, driver or any B) Delayed returning to (L) street pay and display vulnerable passenger. vehicle by everyday event. 5 Minutes parking areas) B) Unforeseeable Discretionary emergency
NB. The five minutes observation period will only apply for the five minutes following the expiry of a pay and display ticket. Where a vehicle is discovered with a pay and display ticket that expired over 5 minutes previously then no observation period will be carried out.
Code 0 Minutes Parked without clearly A) W.A. not displayed A) W.A. regulation not 06 Statutory displaying a valid pay correctly but now proven to complied with to a serious (L) and display ticket / be valid. extent. 5 Minutes permit (on street pay B) If there are records B) I went to get change for Discretionary and display parking confirming a malfunction with the pay and display machine areas) a ticket machine and there c) Repetition of identical are no other ticket machines error. nearby which were available.
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PCN Observation Description Examples of why a PCN Examples of why a PCN is Code Times may be cancelled unlikely to be cancelled Code 0 Minutes Parked with payment A) If the total time purchased A) Total time well in excess 07 Statutory made to extend the does not exceed the of 2 hour limit. (L) stay beyond initial time maximum stay for that 5 Minutes parking place i.e. 2 hours in Discretionary the city centre no PCN will be issued.
Code 0 Minutes Parked displaying A) A PCN will only be issued A) Where the tickets on 09 Statutory multiple pay and where the number of pay display cause serious (L) display tickets where and display tickets on view confusion as to which if any 5 Minutes prohibited causes difficulty deciding are valid. Discretionary which if any are valid. A B) Repetition of identical CEO needs permission from error. a Supervisor before using this contravention.
Code 0 Minutes Parked in a residents' A) W.A. not displayed A) Unaware of the 12 Statutory or shared use parking correctly but now proven to regulation. (H) place or zone without be valid. B) Repetition of identical clearly displaying either error. 5 Minutes a permit or voucher or Discretionary pay-and-display ticket issued for that place – (In Hull this translates as parked in residents' parking bay without displaying a permit)
Code 0 Minutes Parked in a permit A) W.A. not displayed A) Unaware of the 16 Statutory space without correctly but now proven to regulation. (H) displaying a valid be valid. B) Repetition of identical permit B) Serious problem with error. 5 Minutes vehicle, driver or any Discretionary vulnerable passenger. C) Unforeseeable emergency
Code This contravention is not 17 relevant to Hull
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PCN Observation Description Examples of why a PCN Examples of why a PCN is Code Times may be cancelled unlikely to be cancelled Code 0 Minutes Parked in a suspended A) Vehicle parked prior to A) Unaware of the 21 Statutory bay / space bay being suspended. suspension. (H) B). Serious problem with B) Repetition of identical vehicle, driver or any error 2 Minutes vulnerable passenger. Discretionary C) Unforeseeable emergency
Code 0 Minutes Re-parked in the same A) Serious problem with A) Unaware of the 22 Statutory place vehicle, driver or any regulation. (L) vulnerable passenger. B) Repetition of identical B) Unforeseeable error. 5 Minutes emergency Discretionary
Code 0 Minutes Parked in a parking A) Serious problem with A) “I didn’t see the signs 23 Statutory place or area not vehicle, driver or any informing me of the (H) designated for that vulnerable passenger. restriction” 5 Minutes class of vehicle B) Unforeseeable Discretionary emergency
PCN Observation Description Examples of why a PCN Examples of why a PCN is Code Times may be cancelled unlikely to be cancelled Code 0 Minutes Not parked correctly A) Serious problem with A) Another vehicle was badly 24 Statutory within the markings of vehicle, driver or any parked and not in its bay (L) the bay or space vulnerable passenger. B) “ I did not see the lines” 5 Minutes B) Unforeseeable C) “My vehicle is quite big Discretionary emergency and one of my wheels was outside the bay markings. I parked the best I could.” D) “There were bollards / boxes in the way which prevented me from parking as close to the kerb as I could” Code 0 Minutes Parked in a loading A) “I was loading at the time” A) “I did not realise it was a 25 Statutory place during restricted – (proof required i.e. delivery loading area” (H) hours without loading note) B) “I was only there a short 5 Minutes B) W.A. tend not to apply time” Discretionary within a loading bay. C) Serious problem with vehicle, driver or any
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vulnerable passenger. D) Unforeseeable emergency Code 0 Minutes Parked in a special A) Serious problem with A) “I did not realise it was a 27 Statutory enforcement area next vehicle or driver. dropped footway” (H) to a pavement dropped B) Unforeseeable B) “I was displaying my blue 5 Minutes footway emergency badge and thought I was ok Discretionary to park there” C) There were no signs stating the restriction D) I was only partially obstructing the crossing. Code 0 Minutes Parked for longer than A) Serious problem with A) “I did not realise there 30 Statutory permitted vehicle, driver or any was a time limit” (L) vulnerable passenger. B) “The maximum length of B) Unforeseeable stay was not long enough” emergency C) Delayed returning to vehicle by everyday 5 Minutes event. Discretionary D) Permit recently expired.
PCN Observation Description Examples of why a PCN Examples of why a PCN is Code Times may be cancelled unlikely to be cancelled Code 0 Minutes Parked in a designated A) On the first occasion 40 Statutory disabled persons when a valid Blue Badge is (H) 2 Minutes parking place without displayed incorrectly. Discretionary clearly displaying a valid persons badge
Code 0 Minutes Parked in a vehicle This contravention is not 41 Statutory place designated for relevant to Hull (H) 5 Minutes diplomatic vehicles Discretionary Code 0 Minutes Parked in a parking A) “I was only there a short 42 Statutory place designated for time” (H) 5 Minutes police vehicles Discretionary Code 0 Minutes Parked on a taxi rank A) W.A. tend not to apply A) “I was displaying my blue 45 Statutory within a taxi rank. badge” (H) 2 Minutes Discretionary Code 0 Minutes Stopped where A) Serious problem with A) “I hadn't seen any signs” 46 Statutory prohibited (on a vehicle or driver. B) Unaware of the regulation (H) clearway) B) Unforeseeable 5 Minutes emergency Discretionary Code 0 Minutes Stopped in a restricted A) Serious problem with 47 Statutory bus stop/stand vehicle, driver or any
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(H) 2 Minutes vulnerable passenger. Discretionary B) Unforeseeable emergency
PCN Observation Examples of why a Examples of why a PCN Examples of why a PCN is Code Times PCN may be may be cancelled unlikely to be cancelled cancelled Code 0 Minutes Stopped on a restricted A) “I was just dropping my 48 Statutory area outside a school children off” (H) (school zig zag) 0 Minutes Discretionary Code 0 Minutes Parked wholly or partly A) Cycle lane is not covered A) “I didn’t know it was 49 Statutory on a cycle track / lane within a Traffic Regulation compulsory to keep out of (H) 5 Minutes Order the cycle lane – I never saw Discretionary any signs”
Code 0 Minutes A commercial vehicle A) My vehicle does not A) Unaware of the regulation 55 Statutory parked in a restricted exceed five tonnes (proof (H) 5 Minutes street in contravention required) Discretionary of overnight lorry waiting ban
Code 0 Minutes Parked in A) I was instructed / 56 Statutory contravention of a authorised to park in commercial vehicle contravention of the (H) 5 Minutes waiting restriction restriction by the police and Discretionary produce evidence. Code 0 Minutes Parked for longer than A) Serious problem with A) Unaware of the regulation 80 Statutory the maximum period vehicle, driver or any B) Delayed returning to (L) 5 Minutes permitted. vulnerable passenger. vehicle by everyday event. Discretionary B) Unforeseeable Car Parks Only emergency
Code 0 Minutes Parked in a restricted A) Serious problem with A) There was no where else 81 Statutory area in a car park vehicle, driver or any to park. vulnerable passenger. B) I considered I was not (H) 5 Minutes B) Unforeseeable causing an obstruction. Discretionary emergency
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PCN Observation Description Examples of why a PCN Examples of why a PCN is Code Times may be cancelled unlikely to be cancelled Code 0 Minutes Parked after the expiry A) Serious problem with A) Delayed returning to 82 Statutory of paid for time vehicle, driver or any vehicle by everyday event (L) 5 Minutes vulnerable passenger. B) Repetition of identical Discretionary Car Parks Only B) Unforeseeable error. emergency
Code 0 Minutes Parked in a car park A) Ticket displayed A) Repetition of identical 83 Statutory without clearly incorrectly but serial number error. (L) 5 Minutes displaying a valid pay on view. Discretionary and display ticket or B) W.A. valid but not permit displayed correctly Code 0 Minutes Parked with additional Not relevant to Hull at this Not relevant to Hull at this 84 Statutory payment made to time time. (L) 5 Minutes extend the stay beyond Discretionary time first purchased
Car Parks Only Code 0 Minutes Parked in a permit bay A) W.A. valid but not A) Repetition of identical 85 Statutory without clearly displayed correctly error. (H) 5 Minutes displaying a valid Discretionary permit
Car Parks Only Code 0 Minutes Parked beyond the bay A) Another vehicle was badly 86 Statutory markings parked and not in its bay (L) 2 Minutes B) “ I did not see the lines” Discretionary Car Parks Only C) “My vehicle is quite big and one of my wheels as outside the bay markings. I parked the best I could.” D) “There were bollards / boxes in the way which prevented me from parking as close to the kerb as I could” Code 0 Minutes Parked in a designated 87 Statutory disabled persons (H) 2 Minutes parking place without Discretionary displaying a valid persons badge in the prescribed manner
Car Parks Only
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PCN Observation Description Examples of why a PCN Examples of why a PCN Code Times may be cancelled is unlikely to be cancelled
Code 0 Minutes Vehicle parked 89 Statutory exceeds the maximum (H) weight or height or 5 Minutes length permitted Discretionary Car Parks Only Code 0 Minutes Re-parked within one Not relevant to Hull 90 Statutory hour or other specified time of leaving a (L) 5 Minutes bay/space in a car park Discretionary
Car Parks Only Code 0 Minutes Parked in a car park or A) Unaware of the regulation 91 Statutory area not (H) 0 Minutes designated for that Discretionary class of vehicle
Car Parks Only Code 0 Minutes Parked causing an A) Unaware of the regulation 92 Statutory obstruction (H) 5 Minutes Discretionary Car Parks Only
Code 0 Minutes Parked in a car park A) Car park not adequately A) I didn’t see the signs 93 Statutory when closed signed.
(L) 5 Minutes
Discretionary Code 0 Minutes Stopped on a A) Serious problem with 99 Statutory pedestrian crossing vehicle, driver or any (H) and / or crossing area vulnerable passenger. marked by zig zags B) Unforeseeable emergency C) When a Police Officer has issued a Fixed Penalty Notice in addition to PCN, the PCN will be cancelled on appeal or when the City Council becomes aware.
W. A. = Written authority, this is an exemption document and may take the form of a Blue Badge, Residential Permit, Pay and Display ticket or similar. (H) Higher - £70 outside the deadline for discount payment £35 to settle at discounted stage (L) Lower - £50 outside the deadline for discount payment £25 to settle at discounted stage
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Page 86 of 224
Briefing Paper to the Northern Area Committee Wards:
September 2014
Thomas Ferens Academy
Briefing Paper of the City Learning and Skills Manager
1. Purpose of the Paper and Summary
1.1 To provide updated information requested by Northern Area Committee on Thomas Ferens Academy
2. Background
2.1 The Academy was subject to a full section 5 inspection 17/18 June 2014. The final report was published on the Ofsted website on Monday 15 September 2014. Thomas Ferens Academy is judged to require special measures
2.2 The key priorities for improvement identified by Ofsted are:
2.2.1 Swiftly improve the quality of all teaching so that it is at least consistently good and enables all groups of students to make rapid improvements in achievement, especially in English and mathematics, 2.2.2 Swiftly improve students’ behaviour and safety, including their attendance, by developing effective practices 2.2.3 Rapidly improve the impact of leaders and managers at all levels, including governors
2.3 In August 2014 the Academy reported that 20% of Year 11 students had achieved 5A*-C grades at GCSE including English and mathematics
3. Issues for Consideration
3.1 Following the announcement of the Year 11 outcomes the Principal resigned with effect from 31 August 2014.
3.2 The sponsors immediately took steps to secure robust leadership by approaching a local high-performing academy. Sirius Academy agreed to Author: Page 87 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 1 of 3
second an Assistant Vice Principal to serve as Interim Principal 3 days per week support from the Principal of Sirius Academy, and 2 days per week from the Vice Principal.
3.3 Sirius Academy has put in place an Academy Development Plan to address the key priorities identified in the Ofsted inspection. The plan is structured to address the four aspects of school effectiveness which Ofsted inspects: Quality of Leadership and Management; Quality of Teaching; Behaviour and Safety; Achievement of pupils. The following actions have been put in place
3.4 LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT, including effective use of data Re-structure of middle and senior leadership to ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities and clear lines of accountability Timetable re-written to maximise teaching time o move to 1-week timetable o lessons 85 minutes to support the Teacher Effectiveness Enhancement Programme (TEEP) model o Tutor time moved from the end of the day to the start Rationalisation of the curriculum to ensure all courses are accredited Learning cycles set: 3 per year for Years 7 and 8; 5 per year for Years 9, 10 and 11
3.5 QUALITY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING TEEP training delivered to all staff to improve challenge and pace within lessons
3.6 BEHAVIOUR & SAFETY, including attendance 3 days support per week from the Sirius Assistant Vice Principal (Behaviour & Attendance) Discipline for Learning programme introduced Simple 4-step system introduced Rewards system completely refreshed Student voice taken into account
3.7 ACHIEVEMENT OF PUPILS o Significant support from English and mathematics staff from Sirius Academy o Additional time for English and mathematics created to ensure effective delivery of core subjects o Calendar of Intervention activities produced o Emphasis on English and mathematics in Years 7 and 8 to ensure immediate ‘catch-up’
3.8 CONSULTATION WITH PARENTS / CARERS Parents / carers were sent a copy of the final Ofsted report on Wednesday 10 September 2014. A meeting for all parents / carers was held on Thursday 11 September to inform them about the interim leadership arrangements and to
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seek their views on the actions planned to address the issues identified in the Ofsted report.
4. Next steps
4.1 The sponsors and members of the Governing Body are working in partnership with the leadership of Sirius Academy to ensure that the school-to-school support brings about rapid improvements
4.2 The governing body has commissioned a review of governance in order to assess how this aspect of leadership can be improved
4.3 The governing body has commissioned a review of the academy’s use of the pupil premium in order to assess how this aspect of leadership can be improved
4.4 The Academy Improvement Plan and the sponsors’ statement of action will be scrutinised at the first HMI monitoring visit which is likely to occur before October half term
Vanessa Harvey-Samuel, City Learning and Skills Manager
Contact Officer: Ken Sainty Telephone No. : 616255
Officer Interests: None
Background Documents: - None
Ken Sainty Assistant City Manager, Standards and Improvement September 2014
Author: Page 89 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 3 of 3
Page 90 of 224
Report to All Area Committees- September/ October 2014 Wards- All
Housing Lettings Policy Options, 2014
Housing Lettings Policy Options, 2014
Report of the City Manager, Neighbourhoods and Housing
1. Purpose of the Report and Summary
1.1 To seek the views of the Area Committee on options for the Housing Lettings Policy, in the light of national proposals and local considerations.
2. Recommendations
2.1 That the Area Committee provides views on the questions raised in section 6 and the recommended approaches in 5.3.2.3; 5.3.2.5; 5.5.5 and 5.6.4 and provides any other associated comments that the Committee would wish to make.
This is a key decision. The matter is in the Forward Plan – 0027/14
3. Area Committee Impact
3.1 The report relates to citywide policy proposals on which the views of the Area Committee are sought. Appendix 1 provides area based data which may help inform the Committee of the impact of the policy options in their area.
4. Background
4.1 There are a number of national policy developments in respect of the allocation of social housing and local policy considerations which need to be consulted on and developed. In addition, it has been identified that in some cases, there is a need for bespoke lettings policies and potentially specific tenancy agreements for some grant funding regimes and regeneration programmes.
4.2 These policy issues relate to:
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Providing social housing for local people (“Local connection”) High income social tenants (“pay to stay”) Means testing for access to social housing Affordability testing for access to social housing A review of the local policy on downsizing (the Tenants Incentive Scheme- “TIS”) Adaptations and making best use of adapted stock The need to consider specific local lettings policies for particular regeneration schemes linked to grant funding regimes The Lettings Policy link to extra care allocations protocol- (proposed not to be part of the Homesearch Choice Based Lettings Scheme)
4.3 Section 5 sets out the policy issues, and the options for consideration with the risks and benefits associated with the options identified.
4.4 Age restrictions are not part of this Lettings Policy Review and will be considered separately.
4.5 As a further consideration, amendments to the Lettings Policy may require a review of the Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy. If it is necessary to amend the Tenancy Strategy or Tenancy Policy where the changes accord with the overall direction of the existing Strategy and/ or Policy, it is proposed that Cabinet delegates approval to the City Manager Neighbourhoods and Housing, to make such changes in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder. It should also be noted that if Cabinet agree policy changes that are significant, there would be a period of implementation to allow for training, amendment of procedures and any necessary notifications to tenants, customers, partners, etc.
4.6 Changes that will be required to the Northgate Housing system to accommodate any Lettings Policy changes agreed and timescales for changes/testing and costs will need to be factored in.
4.7 This paragraph provides a summary of evidence members may wish to consider in reviewing the Letting Policy and area based data is set out in appendix 1
a. Income levels in Hull are lower than regional and national averages. 2013 Experian market surveys showed 31% of households had an average household income of less than £15,000 which is comparable to the position in 2011 Experian estimates the mean average household income was £25,440 in 2013 compared to £25,900 in 2011. Household income is made up of a range of sources including welfare benefits.
Author: Page 92 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 2 of 23 The Experian survey indicates that less than 3% of Hull households across all tenures and including owner occupiers had an income of £60,000 or more in 2013. Average gross weekly income of full time employees living in Hull is £432.20 compared to a regional average of 479.10 and a national average of £518.10 (Source: ONS – annual survey of hours and earnings – resident analysis (2013).
b. Employment levels are lower than regional and national figures The employment rate in Hull is 62.5% (based on people aged 16-64) compared to the regional figure of 69.7% and a national figure of 71.2%: (Source: ONS annual population survey)
c. Benefit take up is higher than regional and national figures. Around 30% of households are in receipt of housing benefit, the housing benefit case load at March 2014 being 34,113 households compared to an estimated number of households in Hull of 112,596 ( Census 2011) . Around 68% of council tenants are in receipt of housing benefit ( August 2014) and a high proportion of rental income is derived from housing benefit ; for example nearly 60% of all rental income received in the week ending 15th August was derived from housing benefit . At August 2013, information from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) indicated that 21.8% of the 16-64 resident population were in receipt of key benefits compared to 15.1 % and 13.6% of the regional and national population aged 16-64 . 7.1% of residents aged 16-64 claimed Job Seekers Allowance in February 2014 compared to 7.3% in August 2013; this is around 2.3 times the national average.
d. Affordability The recent strategic housing market assessment indicates a continued need for an provision of affordable housing (including new social and affordable housing to rent and shared ownership). Housing is normally considered affordable based on government guidance if the price of a home is less than 3.5 times the gross household income (if based on one income) or 2.9 times gross household income based on more than one income or is less than 25% of gross household income is spent on rent however this does not fully take into the impact of differing household sizes. The Joseph Rowntree Minimum Income Level calculator enable different household sizes to be taken into account and this would suggest suggests a couple with 2 children (aged 6 & 12 ) buying as an a example a terraced house costing £52000 over twenty five years based on a loan of 80% of the value and a 4% interest rate would require an income of £35,644 with a weekly mortgage cost of £51.20 Forty per cent of Hull households have a combined household income of less than £19,999 (Experian 2013) and less than 3% of Hull households have a household income of more than £60,000.
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e. Housing demand Demand for different types of housing varies depending on type of property and location.
5. Issues for Consideration (including options and benefits risks)
5.1 Providing social housing for local people (“Local connection”)
5.1.1 Background
In 2012 the CLG published statutory guidance („„Allocation of accommodation: guidance for local housing authorities in England”), which outlines things that authorities may wish to consider when framing their allocations schemes, in light of the changes brought by the Localism Act. The Localism Act gave local authorities the freedom to decide who qualifies for social housing in their area, providing that overall they still meet their obligations in terms of ensuring that priority for social housing is given to those in the greatest housing need.
Further statutory guidance to support the 2012 version was published in December 2013 entitled “Providing social housing for local people – strengthening statutory guidance on social housing allocations”. This latest guidance strongly encourages authorities to introduce qualification criteria for their housing list based upon a minimum period of residency within that area, as they are allowed to do under The Localism Act. We do not have to introduce this but we are required to have regard to the guidance when framing our policy.
The Government feels that a minimum residency period of two years would be appropriate, but that policies should provide for exceptions to deal with urgent cases, should include other „strong connections‟ as well as residency (e.g. family association) and that such criteria should not apply to certain members of the Armed Forces
The Government wants to increase opportunities for „hard working households‟. They will consult later in 2014 on a „Right to Move‟ for social tenants who need to move to be closer to their work or take up employment. However in the meantime they ask that local authorities make appropriate exceptions to any residency test for social tenants so as not to impede the labour market.
5.1.2 Current Policy
Our current Lettings Policy does not have a residency based qualification criteria, which means that applicants will be accepted onto the housing list whether they have a local connection to Hull or not. However, applicants with a local connection to Hull always have priority over those without.
The local connection criteria in our current policy are:
Author: Page 94 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 4 of 23 1. The applicant has lived in Hull for at least 6 out of the last 12 months or 3 years out of the last 5 years 2. The applicant has close family who live in Hull and have done so for at least the last 5 years (e.g. parents, children, brothers, sisters or grandparents) 3. The applicant has permanent employment in Hull 4. The applicant is receiving specialist medical treatment in Hull (where the treatment is significant and ongoing and requires them to live in Hull for a minimum of 6 months) 5. The applicant was provided with accommodation in the city under section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (support for asylum seekers) prior to being given refugee status.
5.1.3 Issues for consideration
Consideration needs to be given to whether we change our policy or not, and if we do change it, how we change it.
Policy impacts/considerations
If we decide to introduce a residency test qualification criteria that excludes customers without a strong connection to Hull, we would need to decide what our definition of a strong connection should be, e.g.
for how long should the applicant have been living in the city?, or for how long should they have been working in the city?, or how long should relatives have lived here and which relatives should this include?
An alternative approach could be to continue to accept all applications onto the list, but amend our local connection criteria so that people have to have had stronger connections to Hull than our current policy states to have any degree of priority. (for example, the applicant has lived in Hull for the last 12 months) This would mean that people would be in a low priority band unless/until they have a stronger connection to the city than our current policy requires.
If we decide to make changes to our lettings policy we would need to consider whether we honour the applications from those who are already registered on our housing list but do not meet the new criteria or whether we review each application and remove any customers that do not meet the new criteria.
As context, on the current register, of 6,913, 198 do not have local connection and in 2013/14, just 7 households were allocated HCC properties where there was no local connection.
Homeless applications
The homelessness legislation defines who an authority has a duty to house and local connection criteria apply in determining which authority has this duty. If our policy was changed we would need to consider the impacts upon our homelessness service and procedures. It should however be noted that in dealing with a homeless Author: Page 95 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 5 of 23 application, Part 7 Housing Act 1996 duties override local policies with regard to local connection and the current policy on local connection purposely mirrors the legislation.
Other providers
Some housing providers have introduced local connection qualification criteria for their housing lists meaning customers without a local connection are not allowed on their lists. Other providers have continued to allow people to register without a connection, but give them a lower priority for re-housing than those who have got one.
Whichever of the two options above providers have chosen, most have continued to have local connection criteria which require a person to have lived in their area for a period of 6 months.
For example, East Riding of Yorkshire Council has introduced residency based qualification criteria for their housing list meaning they will not accept applicants onto their list if they do not have a connection to their area. However, their minimum residency period is 6 out of the last 12 months rather than two years as suggested in the guidance.
Options
Option Benefits Risks 1. Stay as we are – open 1. Applicants with a local 1. Applicants who have waiting list with priority given connection to Hull continue to only been living in Hull for to people with a local have priority over those without 6 months are classed as connection 2. Larger housing list/customer having a local connection, base to allocate our properties which is not the 2 year from (may help with more minimum suggested as difficult to let properties) appropriate by the 3. Accords with homelessness Government legislation 2. Continue to have an open 1. Ensures applicants with a 1. Newer residents to the waiting list but tighten up the stronger/longer connection to city (including those in local connection criteria the area have priority over high housing need) will (which would need to be others have a low priority for re- agreed) housing 2. Customers who are homeless could be given priority if they have a local connection of 6 months which would differ from other customers. Could possibly encourage homeless approaches from customers who do not meet the new local connection criteria
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3. Introduce a residency 1. Prioritises the housing stock 1. Newer residents to the based qualification that for people with strong city (including those in excludes applicants who do connections/associations with high housing need) would not live in the area or have a the area not be able to access strong connection to the area Council housing (criteria would need to be 2. A smaller housing agreed) list/customer base could make harder to let properties even more so 3. Customers could access Council accommodation after being in Hull 6 months if they are homeless – this could encourage homeless applications from those not meeting the new residency qualification criteria
5.2 High income social tenants – “Pay to Stay”
5.2.1 What is „Pay to stay‟?
The Government issued consultation in 2013 regarding charging higher earning tenants a higher (market) rent, with the idea being that the extra revenue can be invested back into providing more affordable housing.
It is thought that the threshold for being able to charge a higher rent will be where the tenant (or the tenant and the highest earning occupant jointly) have an income of £60,000 or above.
It is likely that providers will be able to choose whether or not to adopt the policy.
5.2.2 Issues for consideration
Whilst the policy has not been launched yet, opinions are sought as to whether we should adopt it when it is.
There are various issues to consider;
Potential numbers affected in Hull
2013 data for Kingston upon Hull shows that 97.4% of households had a total household income of less than £60,000*. It is unlikely that many, if any, of the people in the £60,000+ bracket will be Hull City Council tenants.
* based upon Experian surveys
Administering the policy Author: Page 97 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 7 of 23
Introducing such a policy would require:
regular checks on tenants‟ incomes, probably requiring them to provide proof for verification purposes (up to 25347 tenants, every year) a process to increase the rent formally and legally a process to follow if the tenant‟s income decreases below or increases above the threshold a process to follow if a false declaration is suspected, requiring the support/input of the Fraud Team
Considering the numbers this would potentially affect that would pay more rent, it is likely that this would cost the Council far more to administer than we would benefit in increased revenue.
5.2.3 Options
Option Benefits Risks 1. Adopt the „pay to stay‟ 1. Tenants with household 1. Administering the policy when it is launched incomes of £60,000 or more policy costs far in excess will pay an increased rent of the benefits due to the meaning increased revenue to low numbers potentially the Council affected. All tenants not in receipt of Housing Benefit would need to be checked (possibly rising to ALL tenants once Universal Credit is rolled out and we do not have access to HB records) 2. Do not adopt the policy 1. No administrative burden/ 1. Tenants with when it is launched cost household incomes of £60,000 or more will not pay increased rent and therefore there will be no increased revenue to the Council 3. Consider the policy as a 1. Can consider the current 1. Decision making separate issue when it is issues at that time process needs to be launched followed again at that stage
5.3 Review of the local policy on down sizing (currently known as the Tenants Incentive Scheme- “TIS”) and mutual exchange
5.3.1 Background
Author: Page 98 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 8 of 23 The Tenant Incentive Scheme was introduced in 2009 to provide incentives to encourage council tenants that were under-occupying their home to downsize to a smaller property This approach released larger properties, contributed towards making best use of stock and tackling overcrowding in council accommodation. In April 2013 a number of temporary changes were made to enable the scheme to assist customers in financial hardship and in the main to support those households most significantly impacted on by the introduction of the social sector size criteria
During 2013/14, 209 tenants downsized under TIS.
There have been a number of consequences from the temporary changes to TIS e.g. the original target group that TIS was initially introduced to help cannot now access TIS unless they can demonstrate financial hardship despite requesting tenants to explore mutual exchange the current scheme does not support this because tenants prefer to move under TIS in order to access the incentives. It is in the council‟s interests to promote mutual exchange because it is a way of addressing multiple cases of housing need at once; it can offer more choice and a quicker solution for tenants rather than waiting for a transfer and is more cost effective than a transfer. The Chartered Institute of Housing estimates that mutual exchange can save landlords an average of £1800 compared to a re- let (source: How to support tenants to find a mutual exchange).
5.3.2 This review considers options for TIS and Mutual Exchange. The issues to consider are: Should we continue to offer priority to council tenants to downsize? Should we continue to offer incentives to tenants to downsize? Should we offer some financial assistance to enable/encourage tenants to move via mutual exchange?
5.3.2.1 Downsizing priority
There are clear advantages to the council in offering council tenants a priority to downsize for example it allows the council to make best use of its stock of housing. It also provides council tenants who are in financial hardship living in larger properties than they need with a speedier option for rehousing and thereby provides some safeguard to the HRA by reducing future rent arrears.
It is therefore recommended that a downsizing priority direct let be retained and that the operational details are to be agreed and authorised by the City Manager, Neighbourhoods and Housing and the Portfolio Holder.
5.3.2.2 Incentives for downsizing
Currently the only incentives that are offered within the lettings policy are those offered to tenants downsizing under TIS. The budget allocation for 2014/15 is £77,700 and provides each TIS applicant with the following incentives once the move has gone ahead; 2 x white goods disconnected and reconnected and A one off payment of 2 x average weeks rent, £145.26 per TIS move (2013- 14) Author: Page 99 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 9 of 23
There are two options to consider with regard to incentives for downsizing, these are shown in the table overleaf along with the risks and benefits of each option.
Option Benefit Risk
No change – Customer receives financial Financial reward is paid after the Continue to offer reward move therefore does not assist the incentives to As those moving under the tenant with removal costs tenants who are current scheme are in Incentives are paid to tenants who awarded a financial hardship, this are in arrears without seeking to downsizing priority approach has a positive anti recover any of the outstanding debt poverty impact from the incentive payment Incentives are not targeted to those in need Incentives are targeted to release larger properties when it is currently smaller family housing that is in short supply. The inequity between mutual exchange and TIS remains, tenants may not engage in mutual exchange whilst TIS provides additional incentives Staff time spent on administration Do not offer any Removes the disparity Potential for reduced turnover of incentives and between TIS and Mutual larger properties because tenants redirect the Exchange which will help who are under occupying are not appropriate make mutual exchange a incentivised to move budgets to the more attractive option for Under occupiers may not be able to area housing tenants. afford to move and therefore remain teams to support Removes the inequity in a larger property than they need tenants to move between TIS and other possibly accruing arrears due to where necessary direct let categories bedroom tax through whichever Targeted approach Increased intervention costs route therefore more controlled associated with arrears and evictions spend of HRA resource Dissatisfaction amongst current TIS Provides managers with applicants who will no longer receive discretion to assist the most the financial incentive financially vulnerable Potential for inconsistent decisions tenants to enable them to across the city
Author: Page 100 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 10 of 23 move to more suitable accommodation. Positive anti poverty impact
5.3.2.3 Recommendation re incentives for downsizing
It is recommended that all downsizing incentives are removed and that appropriate budgets are redirected to the area housing teams. The operational details for the use of this budget allocation are to be agreed and authorised by the City Manager Neighbourhoods and Housing and the Portfolio Holder.
5.3.2.4 Financial assistance to enable/encourage mutual exchange
Increasingly social landlords are recognising that mutual exchanges play a key role in making best use of stock and helping tenants to move to the right property in the right area.
Over the last 12 months there has been a concerted effort within the housing service to promote mutual exchange; area team staff are promoting mutual exchange at every opportunity; a dedicated officer has been appointed to work closely with tenants to identify matches and provide support; there has been joint working with Registered Providers and we have held and supported a number of public “matching” events. A continuation of the effort to promote the take up of mutual exchange would be to consider offering a financial payment to tenants who exchange properties.
During 2013/14, 187 Hull City Council tenants secured alternative accommodation via mutual exchange, this compares with 124 mutual exchanges in the previous year. Despite this increase managers have reported an increase in the number of cases where tenants who need to downsize and have identified a suitable mutual exchange have been unable to afford the costs associated with moving. A financial payment would go some way to addressing this problem.
5.3.2.5 Recommendation – Mutual Exchange
It is recommended that delegated authority be given to the City Manager Neighbourhoods and Housing and Portfolio holder, to introduce financial assistance for mutual exchange if further research and consultation carried out locally demonstrates that there is a sound business case for it.
5.4 Means testing for access to social housing and affordability checks at pre- tenancy stage
5.4.1 Background- means test to access the housing list
The statutory code of guidance for allocations made it clear that the Government want social housing to go to those that need it most, giving an example of those that do not need it as being those who own their own home which is suitable for them to live in.
We consulted in 2013 on the subject of a means test for our housing list and there was no significant support to adopt such a policy, for the following reasons: Author: Page 101 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 11 of 23
a. People‟s circumstances can change and accordingly their need for social housing. Social housing would not then be a tenure of choice. b. Income/capital caps qualification criteria would be too simplistic and not take account of their wider circumstances or financial commitments customers may have, or the fluctuating value of property values in the housing market. c. A means test would be very labour intensive to administer and the data at the time showed that 82% of households had an income of less than £40,000. d. Setting an income/capital cap that would have any meaningful impact on the register would exclude households who have no realistic alternative housing options
Therefore, no means test was proposed following the consultation.
The December 2013 statutory guidance “Providing social housing for local people” again mentions that the Government wants social housing to go to those “who are on low incomes or otherwise disadvantaged and who would find it particularly difficult to find a home on the open market”. Our policy does not have any form of means test applied.
5.4.2 Issues for consideration-means test to access the housing list
As the message has been reinforced in the latest statutory guidance (although still optional), consideration needs to be given as to whether we should adopt a means test for our housing list.
The issues outlined above are still relevant and should be taken into account, although 2013 Experian data now shows that 83.5% of households in Hull had a household income of less than £40,000 (with 31% having less than £15,000).
The Government believes that home owners should not be allocated social housing if their home is suitable for them to live in. Our policy is framed so that customers are only awarded points or a priority if they do have housing need and therefore if a home owner with no or low housing need were to make a successful bid for a property it means that there were no bids from anyone with higher housing need. If we adopted a means test it could mean that home owners in housing need would not be able to go on our list if we deemed it appropriate for them to sell their property and buy something else, or rent it out and rent another property privately, for example.
Assessing such issues would be resource intensive and not be of much benefit overall. In 2013/14 only 56 of 2493 properties let (2.25%) were to homeowners. Of these, 22 had a priority (including medical priorities) and 24 had some degree of housing need. 10 (0.4% of lettings) had no housing need. This means that no-one in a higher Band either bid for or could be offered these properties. Therefore, only 1.84% of lettings last year were made to homeowners when there could have been someone who did not own a home in housing need wanting the property.
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It should be noted that we already have the ability to place a customer in Band E or even disqualify them from the housing list if they make a false declaration in their application, misrepresent their circumstances or deliberately worsen their circumstances to gain priority on the housing list. Therefore, these tools can be used when a customer is, for example, telling us they are no fixed abode but it is discovered that they own a property that they are renting out, or something similar.
5.4.3 Background-affordability
The changes to Housing Benefit and the other welfare reforms mean that tenants may no longer get as much housing benefit towards their rent as they once would have, due to them being classed as under-occupying their property.
We consulted in 2012 about our eligibility criteria for properties in terms of whether we should amend our rules on what size of property we will offer a household to match the new Housing Benefit rules (which state that two children under 16 of the same sex and two children under 10 of either sex can share a bedroom and they will be classed as under occupying anything larger). Cabinet agreed that we would not amend our eligibility criteria to match the Housing Benefit rules and customers should continue to have a choice over whether they bid for something where full rent will be covered by Housing Benefit, or, if it suits their circumstances something bigger and they make up the difference in their rent.
In addition to this we also have to advertise some of our lower demand properties to households that would be under-occupying in order that we can let them. An example is two bed roomed flats, which in many cases we have to offer to single people.
It has been suggested that we have an affordability check before we make an offer of a property to a customer, to make sure we do not allocate people properties that they cannot afford which would result in them losing their tenancies. It should be noted that legal advice received in respect of this issue is that this approach could be seen as draconian and subjective and that the customer should be the one to decide whether they can afford something after having all the associated costs pointed out to them.
5.4.4 Issues for consideration-affordability
As our eligibility criteria is more generous than the Housing Benefit regulations it means that households can be offered a property which they would be classed as under-occupying if they claimed Housing Benefit. Similarly, having to advertise our lower demand properties to households that do not need all of the bedrooms has the same outcome.
There is concern that whilst this can affect many different household types, the group of people it has the most impact upon is single people under the age of 25.
Author: Page 103 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 13 of 23 This is because they potentially have less disposable income with which to pay their 14% shortfall, than a family that has to pay 14% of their rent.
e.g. a 2 bedroomed high rise flat in the Riverside area has a weekly rent of £79.02.14% of this amount is £11.06, which is the amount a single person would have to pay towards their rent if they moved in and claimed full Housing Benefit. A single person under the age of 25 would receive £57.35 per week Job Seekers Allowance, from which they would have to pay the £11.06 shortfall (leaving £46.29 for all other bills, food and living expenses).
A single person aged 25 or over would receive £72.40 Job Seekers Allowance, which would leave £61.34 per week for bills, food and living expenses after the £11.06 shortfall had been paid.
However, it is important that we do not assume that other households that might be affected would have more ability to pay a shortfall. For example, we will offer a 3 bedroomed house to a family with two children. If Housing Benefit state those children can share and therefore the Housing Benefit does not cover the full rent, this would mean a shortfall having to be paid. Purely because the family has a higher income does not necessarily mean they have a higher disposable income after all living expenses are paid.
5.4.5 Options
Option Benefits Risks 1. Continue as we are with 1. Applicants are housed 1. Applicants can be no means test to access according to their housing awarded a high the housing list need thus no danger of priority for re-housing not meeting the (e.g. medical priority) requirements of the even if they own a reasonable preference property or have categories income/savings that 2. Larger housing would enable them to list/customer base could secure mean an increased accommodation in the chance of letting harder to private/owner occupier let properties sector 3. Council housing is still 2. Applicants with few or available as a tenure of no other options could choice rather than purely miss out on properties necessity due to the above 4. No administrative burden in terms of checking all applicants‟ means for the benefit of very few it would exclude 2. Exclude customers with 1. Would ensure applicants 1. Additional income or savings/assets with few or no other administrative burden (including home owners) options have access to of checking all from the housing list council housing and those applicants‟ means for
Author: Page 104 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 14 of 23 (criteria would need to be with the means to secure the benefit of agreed) housing by another means excluding small do not. numbers of applicants 2. Any criteria applied could not take into account the applicant‟s wider financial commitments or whether it is possible to sell a property in the market at that time, although this could be addressed by an appeals/ exceptions policy 3. Exclude one or two of the 1. Would ensure applicants 1. Administrative burden three groups only with few or no other of checking all (homeowners, high options have access to applicants‟ means for income or savings/assets council housing and those the benefit of over a certain amount) with the means to secure excluding small housing by another means numbers of applicants do not. 2. Any criteria applied could not take into account the applicant‟s wider financial commitments or whether it is possible to sell a property in the market at that time 4. Continue as we are and let 1. Decisions would be made 1. Customers could move the customer decide by the customers rather into properties that whether they can afford a than the authority they cannot afford and tenancy after having all ultimately this would the costs pointed out to lead to eviction and them debt problems 5. Introduce an affordability 1. Customers would not be 1. Decisions would be check at pre-tenancy offered properties that the made by officers stage and not make offers authority believes they which could be seen where we believe the could not afford as draconian, customer will not be able subjective and open to to afford the property challenge 2. All customers have different circumstances and some may on income and expenditure checks have limited ability to afford but Author: Page 105 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 15 of 23 good budgeting skills and similarly , those apparently with more income may be less able to manage their budgets and priority debts effectively
5.5 Adaptations and making best use of adapted stock
5.5.1 Background
The installation of major adaptations in the council‟s housing stock such as level access showers and stair lifts can support elderly and disabled residents to live independently at home. Adaptations also reduce pressures on residential and nursing care and enable hospital discharge to the home. In order to make best use of its adapted stock the council needs to ensure that it is matched to those tenants who are in need of the adaptation, and that as a result, the removal of a major adaptation is only undertaken when it is beyond economical repair.
The council makes a significant investment in adaptations (approximately 1,000 major and 1,200 minor adaptations per annum; budget allocation for 2014-15 is £3 million) and records show that 20% of the council‟s housing stock is adapted.
5.5.2 Current policy and procedures
The Council‟s current procedures aim to prioritise and match disabled customers with an adapted property e.g. if a house with a stair lift and level access shower becomes available for letting, customers with an urgent need for an adapted property on the direct let or Tenant Incentive Scheme (TIS) list will be considered in the first instance and then customers on the adapted housing list will be considered.
If there are no suitable customers, the property is advertised and the allocation of the adapted property to a customer with those needs is then dependent upon a customer meeting the eligibility criteria and making a bid for the property. Although preference is usually given to those who need the adaptations, this is the stage of the process where the property could then be let to a customer without a need for the adaptations rather than it being held vacant until appropriately „matched‟. Consideration could be given to undertaking a cost comparison for holding a property with significant adaptations vacant for longer to maximise the opportunity for a suitable match to be made and for the adaptation to be utilised, with a consequent impact on rent loss, against a quicker relet to someone not requiring the adaptation (for example a stair lift costs approximately £3000 which if not utilised/ requiring removal equates to in the region of 40 weeks rent. If a tenant in a non-adapted property considers that they require an adaptation they are advised in the first instance to make an enquiry with the council‟s Occupational Therapy (OT) Service for an assessment of their needs. In most cases the area housing teams may not be aware that the tenant has made an enquiry and therefore other housing options i.e. moving to an adapted property under TIS will not necessarily be discussed
Author: Page 106 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 16 of 23 in more detail. Similarly our current policies mean that someone with medical priority can make a successful bid on a non- adapted property and then subsequently move in with an OT assessment and recommendations to adapt their new home.
5.5.3 Issues for consideration
Should the council consider refusal to adapt the customer‟s current property where it is not reasonable or practicable, or where there is significant investment needed, if an alternative property/s is/are available that is/are already adapted or part-adapted to meet a customer‟s needs, both in terms of the adaptations and area, support etc?
Should the council consider that medical priority should only apply for existing adapted properties i.e. customers would have a priority for properties that are suitable for their needs but not to those that need fully adapting to be suitable? This would need to allow for exceptions, for example when the customer needed a property type that was unlikely to become available for a considerable period of time.
The initial consideration of these issues, having regard to the council‟s legal responsibilities, is that whilst it would be perfectly proper to offer alternative adapted properties rather than adapting our own property, it would be potentially open to legal challenge if we refused the adaptation. Similarly, that for medical priority to only apply for adapted properties that are suitable for a person‟s needs but not to those that need fully adapting to be suitable would be discriminatory under the Equality Act 2010. It would be more appropriate to ring fence adapted properties for allocation only to applicants with appropriate medical priority which is what the council is already doing.
Should the council offer additional support (including incentives) for customers supported with an Occupational Therapy assessment to move from an unadapted property into an alternative adapted property than it does currently?
Local authorities and other housing providers who are included in good practice guides are providing incentivised and supported schemes for customers to move from non-adapted into adapted properties. There is more emphasis within these schemes on „up front‟ housing options advice and support for customers when they initially contact the council to request an adaptation and an OT assessment. There is also a range of assistance (including financial assistance for removals etc) to support the customer to move into an adapted home.
The Council currently offers incentives under TIS for customers moving from a non- adapted council property into an adapted council property without the need for downsizing (although customers that are already living in an adapted property and wish to move to another can only be accepted onto the scheme if they are downsizing).
The current TIS scheme (which is currently under review – see section 5.3) offers an incentive, however, this is fairly minimal and is only given once the move has gone ahead. Other schemes in comparison offer greater support, either as a financial pre- agreed payment or payment of reasonably incurred moving costs i.e. furniture removals, re-decoration allowance etc. The incentives would be for further Author: Page 107 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 17 of 23 consultation and agreement; however, they would have to demonstrate a „spend to save‟ business rationale. As a general guide the current costs of a major adaptation are as follows:
Extension (bedroom or bathroom) £15,000 - £20,000 Through floor lift £8,000-10,000 Level access shower £ 3,000 Ramp £1,000
5.5.4 Options
Option Benefits Risks Option 1. No policy No increase in the number of Do nothing – remain the change to customers who move to already same implement– OT adapted stock service raises Increase in % adapted stock – Include within TIS policy re-housing with pressures on general needs stock customer Pressure on CSDPA capital budget Medical priority awarded and/or makes for delivery of adaptations for non adapted stock area housing Increased waiting times for customers team aware for adaptations
Option 2. Makes better Potential legal challenge in terms of use of council‟s statutory obligations and/or equalities Amend policy to include adapted Potential for increased re-let times for the option to refuse to housing stock adapted stock adapt a customer's current Reduces Increased no. of appeals property if it is not requests to Stock not available to provide reasonable or practicable remove „reasonable offer‟ within required to do so, and there is adaptations timescale already a suitably adapted Reduced Customers refusal – vulnerable property available which pressure on customer unable to live independently; meets their needs CSDPA capital increased pressure on Care services budget – Restrict medical priorities demonstrated for adapted properties only savings (except in exceptional circumstances)
Option 3. Makes better Incentive has to be attractive or there use of council‟s will be no increase in the number of Provide an incentivised adapted customers who move to already and supported scheme for housing stock adapted stock and pressures will customers to move from Reduces remain on CSDPA capital budget non-adapted into adapted requests to If there is demand for the incentives properties, as part of remove there will need to be budget provision housing options adaptations within HRA, but would be less than support/advice with Reduced the cost would be for the related customer. Author: Page 108 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 18 of 23 pressure on adaptations CSDPA capital budget – demonstrated savings
5.5.5 Recommendation – Making best use of adapted stock
The council needs to be able to balance the needs of individuals who require adaptations whilst making the best use of its adapted stock (and minimising the number of adaptations that are being removed) so that it can use resources more efficiently to enable vulnerable residents to remain living independently in their homes.
It is recommended that delegated authority be given to the City Manager Neighbourhoods and Housing and the Portfolio Holder to introduce an incentive scheme, including financial assistance, for moving to adapted housing if further research and local consultation demonstrates that there is a sound business case for it.
5.6 Local Letting Policies for regeneration schemes
5.6.1 The CIH/CLG Practice Brief „Allocations and Local Flexibility‟ February 2010 describes Local Lettings policies as „an important tool in response to specific local circumstances and are one of the main vehicles for local authorities and their partners to use flexibilities within the allocation process.‟ It states that Local Lettings policies may be used to address a wide range of issues, including particular housing management and wider public policy concerns, and gives examples which include the following: creating balanced and mixed communities protecting existing stable communities reducing void rates and tenancy turnovers improving community stability and cohesion tackling low-demand areas and difficult-to-let estates reducing incidences of anti-social behaviour preventing future problems occurring on new developments or in relation to recently modernised properties
5.6.2 There are examples nationally, where housing providers have introduced a Local Lettings policy for particular new build developments or major refurbishment schemes with the aim of creating sustainable neighbourhoods. Work has been undertaken to look at what approaches other authorities have been considering. This has included looking specifically at schemes in Leeds, Bournemouth, Manchester, Southend, Stockport and Liverpool. We have been able to look at the criteria that schemes include which are quite varied, but as yet there is no comprehensive analysis of the outcomes that the schemes have achieved, although providers report that demand for properties covered by the schemes has been good.
Author: Page 109 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 19 of 23 5.6.3 Local lettings must not dominate the scheme at the expense of the statutory reasonable preference categories and if used, their nature and scope must be published alongside the Lettings Policy. When developing local lettings policies, it is important that any equalities implications are also carefully considered within an Equalities Impact Assessment. Having a separate Local Lettings Policy creates an additional process for housing allocators to consider within the area teams and the council will have to review the initial information that is being captured on its housing application form. One challenge will be to incorporate a degree of flexibility into the policy, for example, in order to pay due regard to equality issues. The Council will need to work to identify suitable matches for disabled customers whose medical housing needs would be met by a move into one of the properties covered by the Local Lettings Policy.
5.6.4 Recommendation- Local lettings Policies
It is proposed that where local lettings policies may be appropriate for regeneration schemes and that these polices would not overwhelm choice based lettings, authority is delegated to the City Manager, Neighbourhoods and Housing to develop and agreed local lettings policies in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and any and all relevant Area Committees. Should the council wish to consider a Local Lettings policy for any of its regeneration schemes, the CIH/CLG Practice Brief sets out a framework for any proposals to follow:
a clear definition of the objective(s) to be achieved, backed up by clear evidence a method which is likely to achieve the objective(s) a potential (equality) impact assessment how the scheme will be monitored and who will be involved mechanisms of reporting and reviewing the scheme how the views of local communities have shaped the scheme a clear exit strategy.
5.7 Link to Extra care allocations protocol (not part of CBL)
5.7.1 The Council is currently nearing the end of a procurement exercise to develop extra care housing schemes at Hall Road, Hawthorn Avenue and Leads Road. Although the actual allocation of the accommodation will not take place until sometime in the future, work is being undertaken on a lettings protocol in conjunction with the preferred bidder. At this stage, it is envisaged that people will be nominated for accommodation and all allocations will be made outside of the Choice Based Lettings scheme from a waiting list held by the provider. Discussions are progressing to formalise a lettings protocol.
6. Questions to the Area Committee
6.1 The questions below have been posed during the consultation process and all responses will be collated for Cabinet to inform the decision making process. A written questionnaire issued to consultees is attached at appendix 2
6.1.1 Should we amend our policy on local connection? Author: Page 110 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 20 of 23 6.1.2 Should tenants on high incomes pay a higher rent? 6.1.3 Should we adopt a means test for our housing list? 6.1.4 Should the council undertake an affordability check before allocating council homes? 6.1.5 Should the council offer incentives for disabled tenants to move to a suitably adapted property which meets their needs? 6.1.6 Should the council provide incentives/ support in specific cases and against set criteria, for tenants to move?
7. Options and Risk Assessment
7.1 These are set out in section 5 above
8. Consultation
8.1 Prior to consideration by Cabinet, the options in this report are subject to comprehensive consultation:
• Tenants consultation events • Elected members consultation events • Direct consultation with specific groups (e.g. groups representing older people/ younger people etc) • On-line questionnairre • Housing managers briefing and cascade to staff • Area Committees
9. Monitoring Officer Assurance Statement
9.1 A Legal Services representative has been part of the project group developing these proposals and has provided advice. Formal comments to be completed by the Monitoring Officer via the Egenda system for the formal report
10. Section 151 Officer Assurance Statement
10.1 The City Treasurer notes this stage of the consultation process with regard to the revision to the lettings policy, and will comment on the details of the proposals & the conclusions once the overall consultation exercises have been completed.
11. Comments of Head of Human Resources
11.1 Due regard has to be taken of any equality issues that might arise from each of the proposals. Some will impact on the staffing requirements to administer the particular scheme. For example introducing the pay and stay scheme would result in additional checks having to be carried out and it is assumed that this work could not be accommodated within current staffing levels. Therefore the benefit of the additional income may be eroded by higher staffing costs.
12. Comments of Overview and Scrutiny
Author: Page 111 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 21 of 23 12.1 The final report will be considered by the People and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Commission at its meeting held 13 November 2014, before it is considered by Cabinet. (Sc4221)
13. Comments of the Portfolio Holder
To be completed for the final report
14. Conclusions
14.1 This report sets out a number of lettings policy matters on which this Area Committees views are sought
Contact Officer : Angela Dearing, Assistant Head of Service, Housing and Well being Telephone No. : 612464
Officer Interests: None
Background Documents: - None
Appendices: - 1- Area specific data 2- Written questionnaire
V8 3.9.14- For Area Committees
Author: Page 112 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 22 of 23 Implications Matrix
I have informed and sought advice from HR, Legal, In progress Finance, Overview and Scrutiny and the Climate Change Advisor and any other key stakeholders i.e. Portfolio Holder, Area Committee etc prior to submitting this report for official comments Is this report proposing an amendment to the budget Yes or policy framework?
Value for money considerations have been accounted Yes for within the report
The report is approved by the relevant Corporate Director
I have included any procurement/commercial N/A issues/implications within the report
I have liaised with Communications and Marketing on In progress any communications issues
I have completed an Equalities Impact Assessment Will be progressed subject to the options and the outcomes are included within the report that are approved
I have included any equalities and diversity Issues are referred to implications within the report
Any Health and Safety implications are included within N/A the report Any human rights implications are included within the Yes report I have included any community safety implications and Yes paid regard to Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act within the report I have liaised with the Climate Change Advisor and N/A any environmental and climate change issues/sustainability implications are included within the report I have included information about how this report Yes contributes to City/Council/ Area priorities within the report
Author: Page 113 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 23 of 23
Page 114 of 224 Appendix 1- Northern area
Housing demand city wide As of June 2014 there were 9423 households registered with Homesearch citywide. The distribution by band and divided by new applicants or existing tenants seeking transfers is shown below. 6798 or 97% of households registered with HomeSearch who are not currently HCC tenants have a local connection. Within Bands A-C 472 households are included on the sheltered list & 191 on the adapted homes list
Register - Choice Based Lettings Transfer - Choice Based Lettings Grand Total Band A 4 2 6 Band B 256 124 380 Band C 3974 1506 5480 Band D 2025 664 2689 Band E 744 123 867 (blank) 1 1 Grand Total 7004 2419 9423
Housing demand at an area level based on Home search registrations
Band Band Band Band Grand B C D E Total Register - Choice Based Lettings 8 264 138 37 447 Beverley 1 36 32 3 72 Orchard Park & Greenwood 2 159 76 20 257 University 5 69 30 14 118 Transfer - Choice Based Lettings 15 268 69 29 381 Orchard Park & Greenwood 11 209 55 20 295 University 4 59 14 9 86 Grand Total 828
20 (15) households are included on the adapted properties list in the Northern area and 66 (36) on the sheltered housing list (figures in brackets are within Bands A-C).
Household size 49% of households registered with HomeSearch overall are one person households and within the Northern area this is 37% (see the following chart)
Page 115 of 224 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 Grand Total Register - Choice Based Lettings 183 124 79 29 17 9 4 2 447 Beverley 25 25 13 5 2 2 72 Orchard Park & Greenwood 114 66 46 19 5 3 2 2 257 University 44 33 20 5 10 4 2 118 Transfer - Choice Based Lettings 124 110 52 48 26 14 3 3 1 381 Orchard Park & Greenwood 96 85 33 39 23 13 2 3 1 295 University 28 25 19 9 3 1 1 86 Grand Total 307 234 131 77 43 23 7 5 1 828
The chart below shows registration trends citywide (excluding transfers) since 2009 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
The next two charts and 2 tables show trends over the last year in respect of bidding through HomeSearch for different property types
a) Flats – the levels of bids indicate high demand for smaller flats
90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 2012 /13 2013/14
Page 116 of 224 2
Bids B
Bids per
property
April – Bedsit
5 storey 5storey 5storey 9storey 9storey 9storey
- - - - -
July 2014 -
1bed flat
1bed flat 2storey 2bed flat 2storey 3bed flat 2storey 1 bed flat 3 2bed flat 3 3bed flat 3 6 2bed flat 6 3bed flat 6 Bedsit 10+ storey 1bed 10+ flat storey 2bed 10+ flat storey LinkBedsit
East 74.1 - - 55.3 15 9 - - - - 25 10.6 - 5 North Carr 66.8 32.5 ------28 8 - -
Northern 44 ------West 42 - - - 41 - - - - 35 19.5 10.8 48 - Wyke 53.8 - - - 35.3 ------Park 50 - - - 14.3 3 ------Riverside 55.1 32.3 17.5 71.5 41.4 - 67 16.5 13 - 57.9 15.5 - 49 Hull 62.6 32.4 17.5 61.8 30.5 6 67 16.5 13 35 41.3 13.3 48 40.2
b) Houses, bungalows and maisonettes: The bidding trends show higher demand for smaller houses 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 2012/13 0 2013/14
Bids per property House House House House House Bungalow Bungalow Maisonette Maisonette April – July 2 bed 3 bed 4 bed 5 bed 6 bed 1 bed 2 bed 2 bed 3 bed 2014 East 70.8 36.0 31.0 - - 40.5 - - 12.0 North Carr 61.4 24.9 23.3 26.0 - 25.3 - - - Northern 80.4 37.1 20.8 - - 33.0 - - - West 97.8 66.9 - - - 47.2 - - 16.0 Wyke 167.0 - - - - 32.0 - - - Park 58.7 38.3 39.5 - - 62.0 - - - Riverside 96.8 80.4 49.0 - - 45.2 - 34.3 16.0 Hull 75.1 45.1 28.0 26.0 - 40.5 - 34.3 13.6
Housing supply The table overleaf shows the supply rate for different types of properties based on the monthly supply rate over the past 24 months.
Page 117 of 224 3
ALL Houses Bungalows Maisonettes Flats Bedsits PROPERTIES Citywide 106.92 25.38 2.83 78.33 3.33 216.79 East 19.58 7.50 1.54 11.88 0.71 41.21 North Carr 13.46 2.50 0.00 6.38 0.00 22.33 Northern 23.67 2.29 0.00 8.83 0.00 34.79 West 9.08 4.67 0.21 7.88 1.08 22.92 Wyke 2.42 1.38 0.13 2.21 0.00 6.13 Park 26.92 3.13 0.04 4.96 0.13 35.17 Riverside 11.79 3.92 0.92 36.21 1.42 54.25
Income Household income is made up of a range of sources including welfare benefits. The 2013 Experian market survey showed 31% of Hull households have an average household income of less than £15,000 which is comparable to the position in 2011 The survey indicated that the mean average household income was £25,440 in 2013 compared to £25,900 in 2011. In Northern area the average household income in 2013 was £22,697 (£23,033 in 2011) The Experian survey indicates that less than 3% of Hull households have an income of £60,000 or more in 2013. Average income of full time employees living in Hull is £22,474 compared to a regional average of £24,913 and a national average of £ 26,936 – source ONS Income levels vary across the city. The table and chart (based on the 2013 Experian data) shows distribution by ward.
Household income by percentage within income band by ward (2013) 70 60 50 40 30 20
Percentage 10
0
… … …
…
Hull
Ings
Myton
Sutton
Avenue
Longhill
Drypool
Bricknell
Beverley
Marfleet
Newland
Pickering
University
Kings Park Kings
Boothferry
Newington
Holderness
St Andrews St
Derringham
Bransholme
Southcoates Southcoates
OrchardPark Bransholme East Bransholme
< £19,999 £20,000- £39,999 £40,000-£59,999 £60,000-£99,999 £100,000+
Page 118 of 224 4
£20,000- £40,000- £60,000- < 19,999 £39,999 £59,999 £99,999 £100,000+ Avenue 29% 46.8% 18% 5% 0.6% Beverley 28.7% 46.9% 20.7% 3.3% 0.3% Boothferry 31.5% 46.5% 18.7% 2.8% 0.4% Bransholme East 61.7% 30.5% 7% 0.7% 0 Bransholme West 58.1% 37.3% 4.3% 0.3% 0.02% Bricknell 29.7% 38.2% 26.1% 5.3% 0.65% Derringham 34.6% 50.9% 13.5% 1% 0.09% Drypool 33.1% 44.3% 17.2% 4.8% 0.6% Holderness 23.8% 48.5% 24.8% 2.6% 0.2% Ings 40.7% 40.2% 15.8% 2.8% 0.5% Kings Park 19.6% 33.8% 33.7 11.9% 1% Longhill 50.8% 39.5% 8.1% 1.6% 0.04% Marfleet 56% 37.3% 6% 0.6% 0.07% Myton 49.2% 39.7% 9.7% 1.2% 0.1% Newington 37.5% 50.1% 11.7% 0.6% 0.06% Newland 40.4% 47.3% 11% 1.1% 0.2% Orchard Park and Greenwood 63.3% 33.3% 2.9% 0.5% 0.04% Pickering 42% 43.6% 12.6% 1.5% 0.2% St Andrews 43% 46.6% 9.8% 0.6% 0 Southcoates East 52.6% 39.4% 7.5% 0.4% 0.06% Southcoates West 31.9% 54.7% 12.3% 1% 0.09% Sutton 34.8% 43.2% 18.8 2.8 0.5% University 46.2% 39.4% 11.8% 2.2% 0.3% Hull 40.9% 42.6% 13.9% 2.4% 0.3%
Employment Employment levels are lower than regional and national figures. The employment rate in Hull is 62.5% (based on all residents aged 16-64) compared to the regional figure of 69.7% and a national figure of 71.2%:
Economic activity – this means people in employment and people who are unemployed but seeking work and able to take up work Source: ONS annual population survey Hull, Hull, Yorks & Humber GB(%) (numbers) (%) (%)
All people Economically active† 134,700 73.3 76.8 77.4 In employment† 115,200 62.5 69.7 71.2 Employees† 103,900 56.7 60.6 61.1 Self employed† 10,200 5.3 8.4 9.5 Unemployed (model-based)§ 19,200 14.3 9.2 7.7 † Numbers are for those aged 16 and over, % are for those aged 16-64 § Numbers and % are for those aged 16 and over. % is a proportion of economically active
Page 119 of 224 5
Economic inactivity Kingston upon Kingston upon Yorkshire and The Great Hull, City of Hull, City of Humber Britain (level) (%) (%) (%) All people Total 48,200 26.7 23.2 22.6 Student 14,500 30.1 26.1 25.8 looking after 14,100 29.3 25.5 25.6 family/home long-term sick 11,100 23.1 22.8 21.8 retired 5,200 10.8 15.6 15.4 other 2,400 5.0 7.4 8.8 wants a job 8,700 18.1 25.3 24.5 does not want a 39,500 81.9 74.7 75.5 job
Benefit take up Benefit take up in Hull is higher than regional and national figures Around 30% of households are in receipt of Housing Benefit, the housing benefit case load at March 2014 being 34,113 households compared to an estimated number of households in Hull of 112,596 (Census 2011) Over 60% of council tenants are in receipt of housing benefit and an estimated 89% of rent is met through housing benefit (December 2013) At August 2013, information from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) indicated that 21.8% of the 16-64 resident population were in receipt of key benefits compared to 15.1 % and 13.6% of the regional and national population aged 16-64 7.1% of residents aged 16-64 claimed Job Seekers Allowance in February 2014 compared to 7.3% in August 2013. This more than twice the national average
Affordability Data from Hometrack House prices ~ there are not enough sales at a small geographical area, to provide a good enough sample size to give detailed and robust data. In 2014 (year to date) sales were as follows: No. of Average Turnover (private sector Turnover sales price stock) regionally Beverley 22 £108,195 0.6% 0.7% OP & 19 £73,360 0.3% 0.7% G’Wood University 26 £104,667 0.6% 0.7% Rental prices ~ the average market rent for a 2 bedroom private sector house is £98 in Orchard Park and Greenwood, £103 in Beverley and £109 in University ward.
Page 120 of 224 6
Strategic housing market assessment The recent Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) completed on behalf of Hull City Council by GL Hearn Limited to inform the Local Plan development identifies a continued need for affordable housing of 338 additional homes per year to 2030. Affordable housing means housing that is affordable in perpetuity and affordable to local residents who on an objective assessment of income compared to housing costs cannot afford market housing.
The SHMA, in assessing housing need, takes into account the different affordable housing products (intermediate housing including shared ownership and rent levels higher than affordable rent or social rent but less than market housing as well as affordable rent and social rent). The SHMA was produced according to Department of Communities and Local Government guidance on financial assessment. It is based on an assessment that a household can afford to buy if the property price is up to 3.5 times a single income or if the rental cost absorbs less than 25% gross income. This calculation is simplistic and does not take into account household size. The SHMA was based on the Experian household income data –some of which is composed of welfare benefits
Impact of different household size on affordability An average terraced house in Hull at June 2014 costs around £52,000 based on Land Registry data. Theoretically an income of around £14,900 (based on the ratio of income to value of 1: 3.5) would be required based on a mortgage of 80% of the value and a deposit of £10,400.
The table below shows comparative income required for different sized households based on a weekly mortgage charge of £51.20, using for demonstration purposes a mortgage rate of 4% for the above terraced house. Interest rates vary depending on length of the loan, level of deposit and risk – mortgage lenders take into account income and outgoings to assess what is affordable to the person seeking a mortgage resulting in an individual assessment rather than a straight forward assessment of comparing household income and house price.
The minimum acceptable income required is derived from the Joseph Rowntree Trust Minimum Income Calculator. The Minimum Income Standard for the UK shows how much money people need, so that they can buy things that members of the public think that everyone in the UK should be able to afford. http://www.minimumincome.org.uk/
Single parent Couple with Couple with Couple Single with child under children aged 6 children aged 15, person 2 &12 7 & baby Annual £19758 £35644 £39119 £23896 £15164 gross income Net Weekly £494.38 £552.62 £611.34 £365.72 251.84 income
Page 121 of 224 7
Page 122 of 224 Lettings Policy 2014 Report to Area Committees- September/ October 2014 Supporting presentation
Page 123 of 224 1 Area Committee summary of report content • Local/ national position • Some basic citywide data to help inform discussion and an area specific appendix, covering: -income levels -benefit take-up -affordability -demand Page 124 of 224 2 Local Connection
• Background-Government strongly encouraging qualification criteria of minimum residency (with exemptions) • We do not exclude* but give priority for local connection • Minimum residency in an area - suggested minimum 2 years- there would be exemptions • Government will be consulting later in the year on “right to move for work” *only exclude for unacceptable behaviour and 16/17 year olds if not financially independent
Page 125 of 224 3 Local connection continued
• On the current register, of 6,913, 198 do not have local connection • In 2013/14, just 7 households were allocated HCC properties where there was no local connection (all in Riverside) • We belong CBL (Choice Based Letting) North and most state they are not changing
Page 126 of 224 4 Current local connection criteria • The applicant has lived in Hull for at least 6 out of the last 12 months or 3 years out of the last 5 years • The applicant has close family who live in Hull and have done so for at least the last 5 years (e.g. parents, children, brothers, sisters or grandparents) • The applicant has permanent employment in Hull • The applicant is receiving specialist medical treatment in Hull (where the treatment is significant and ongoing and requires them to live in Hull for a minimum of 6 months) • The applicant was provided with accommodation in the city under section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (support for asylum seekers) prior to being given refugee status.
Page 127 of 224 5 Local connection continued
• What issues are there for us? • What would the impact be on demand? • Key points-should we change our local connection rules? • Should we increase the time needed to live in Hull to qualify for local connection (currently 6 months) • Should this go further and exclude people without a local connection? Page 128 of 224 6 “Pay to Stay”-high income social tenants
• Background-Government proposal- not yet launched • Key point-should we charge more rent to our higher earning tenants (>£60k for the tenant plus the highest earner’s joint income)
Page 129 of 224 7 Downsizing - Tenants Incentive Scheme (TIS)
Background
What issues are there for us? – How do we balance tenants needs and making best use of our stock? – Which households should be prioritised- e.g. older households under occupying, households in severe financial difficulties – Difference between mutual exchange and “TIS” moves
Page 130 of 224 8 Tenants Incentive Scheme (TIS) continued Key questions – Should we continue to offer incentives to tenants to release larger properties? – Should we be able to offer additional support to help tenants to move where necessary? – Should we offer incentives to encourage council tenants to move by mutual exchange
Page 131 of 224 9 Means test
Should we exclude higher earners from accessing Hull City Council housing at all? • We asked about this in 2012/13 (rejected) • 83.5 % of households in Hull have an income of less than £40k and 31% have incomes less than £15k
Page 132 of 224 10 Means test continued • What issues are there for us? • Demand? • Mixed communities? • Resources to check the income of all applicants
Page 133 of 224 11 Affordability
• We asked about this in 2012/13 • Should eligibility be linked to HB levels- any change was rejected on the basis of customer choice, demand, circumstances change, etc • Is this still the correct position?
Page 134 of 224 12 Affordability continued
• What are the issues for us? • Are households paying the under occupancy element of their rent? • Example- a family with a boy aged 2 and a girl aged 7 would only receive housing benefit for a 2 bed but would be eligible for a 3 bed • Example- a single person offered a 2 bed flat (as lower demand) • We do check with the tenants now and point out the shortfall they would need to pay
Page 135 of 224 13 Affordability continued • Should we only allocate in line with housing benefit levels? (would need to apply to all groups of tenants)
June June £ Due £ Paid % Paid 2014 2014
Tenants charged bedroom 2,466,2 2,233,48 3,607 3,641 90.6% 90.4% tax 98 3 1,255,5 1,255,53 % tenants paying in full 50.4% 52.5% 100.0% 100.0% 45 6 1,171,1 % tenants paying partial 47.4% 44.8% 977,947 83.5% 83.1% 61 % tenants paying none 2.2% 2.7% 39,592 0 0.0% 0.0%
Page 136 of 224 14 Affordability continued
June 2014
New* tenants charged bedroom tax 675 641 % tenants paying in full 47.6% 50.7% % tenants paying partial 48.4% 43.8% % tenants paying none 4.0% 5.5%
* new tenants since start Oct 12
Page 137 of 224 15 Affordability continued
Should we: • Change our eligibility rules to match the HB rules? • Keep our eligibility rules but make a judgement on affordability before we offer • Keep our eligibility criteria and continue to let the customer decide if they can afford • Keep our eligibility rules but stop relaxing the eligibility rules for harder to let properties
Page 138 of 224 16 Adaptations
Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (CSDPA) budget is £3m • 20% of our properties are adapted • 75% occupied by person(s) who are disabled • Issue of medical priority- applies to adapted and un- adapted homes
Page 139 of 224 17 Adaptations continued
• What are the issues for us? • Are there occasions when we could move people to an adapted home rather than adapt their current property and if so, how would we best do this? • Should we incentivise moves? • Legal position • What support should be offered? Page 140 of 224 18 Questions/ recommendations to Area Committees Recommendations: “That the Area Committee provides views on the questions raised in section 6 and the recommended approaches in 5.3.2.3; 5.3.2.5; 5.5.5 and 5.6.4 and provides any other associated comments that the Committee would wish to make.”
Page 141 of 224 19 5.3.2.3-downsizing
• It is recommended that all downsizing incentives are removed and that appropriate budgets are redirected to the area housing teams. The operational details for the use of this budget allocation are to be agreed and authorised by the City Manager Neighbourhoods and Housing and the Portfolio Holder.
Page 142 of 224 20 5.3.2.5- mutual exchange
It is recommended that delegated authority be given to the City Manager Neighbourhoods and Housing and Portfolio holder, to introduce financial assistance for mutual exchange if further research and consultation carried out locally demonstrates that there is a sound business case for it.
Page 143 of 224 21 5.5.5-making best use of adapted stock It is recommended that delegated authority be given to the City Manager Neighbourhoods and Housing and the Portfolio Holder to introduce an incentive scheme, including financial assistance, for moving to adapted housing if further research and local consultation demonstrates that there is a sound business case for it. Page 144 of 224 22 5.6.4-local lettings policies
It is proposed that where local lettings policies may be appropriate for regeneration schemes and that these polices would not overwhelm choice based lettings, authority is delegated to the City Manager, Neighbourhoods and Housing to develop and agreed local lettings policies in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and any and all relevant Area Committees. Should the council wish to consider a Local Lettings policy for any of its regeneration schemes, the CIH/CLG Practice Brief sets out a framework for any proposals to follow: • a clear definition of the objective(s) to be achieved, backed up by clear evidence • a method which is likely to achieve the objective(s) • a potential (equality) impact assessment • how the scheme will be monitored and who will be involved • mechanisms of reporting and reviewing the scheme • how the views of local communities have shaped the scheme • a clear exit strategy. Page 145 of 224 23 Questions (as per SNAP survey)
• Should we amend our policy on local connection? • 6.1.2 Should tenants on high incomes pay a higher rent? • 6.1.3 Should we adopt a means test for our housing list? • 6.1.4 Should the council undertake an affordability check before allocating council homes? • 6.1.5 Should the council offer incentives for disabled tenants to move to a suitably adapted property which meets their needs? • 6.1.6 Should the council provide incentives/ support in specific cases and against set criteria, for tenants to move?
Page 146 of 224 24 1. Providing Social Housing for Local People
Hull City Council allows people with and without a ‘local connection’ to register on our housing list. People with a local connection always have priority over those without. This means we can let our less popular properties to people without a local connection in the event that no-one with a local connection bids for them. Someone has a local connection if they:
Have lived in Hull for at least 6 out of the last 12 months or 3 years out of the last 5 years, or
Have close family (parents, children, brothers, sisters or grandparents) who live in Hull and have done so for at least the last 5 years, or
Have permanent employment in Hull, or
Are receiving specialist medical treatment in Hull, where the treatment is significant and ongoing and requires them to live in Hull for a minimum of 6 months, or
They were provided with accommodation in the city under section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (support for asylum seekers) prior to being given refugee status
Q1 Please prioritise your preferred local connection criteria and approach. Write 1 - 5 in each box, with 1 being most preferred option and 5 being the least preferred option.
Continue applying the same rules Continue applying the rules but increase the amount of time they must have lived in Hull Exclude people who do not have a local connection (keeping the local connection criteria as detailed above). Exclude people who do not have a local connection and increase the minimum time you must have lived in Hull to have a local connection Extend the present local connection criteria to include more categories
Page 147 of 224 2. Adaptations
Some people with a disability assessed by an Occupational Therapist need to have their homes adapted (for example, doors widening to accommodate a wheelchair, or the installation of a stair lift, ramp etc.). 20% of the council’s housing stock is adapted to suit the needs of disabled people. Currently, when a tenant needs an adaptation, they are given the option to move to a suitable, already adapted property, if there is one. In most cases the tenant chooses to have their current home adapted to suit their needs.
Q2 How much do you agree or disagree with the following, where 1 is strongly disagree, and 5 is strongly agree. Please tick one box. 1. 2 3 4 5. Strongly Strongly disagree agree The council should offer incentives for disabled tenants to move to a suitably adapted property which meets their needs
Q3 Which of the following do you think the Council should offer? Please tick all that apply. Cost of furniture removals ...... Advice/help to re-direct post...... Cost of disconnection/re-connection of Cost of the re-direction of post ...... white goods ...... Advice/help with re-connection of Decoration allowance at the new utilities (gas, electricity supply) ...... property ...... a fixed monetary sum that the tenant Other (please specify below)...... could utilise for their move......
3. Incentives and Assistance to Move
In 2009, the Council introduced incentives to encourage council tenants to move out of properties that were too large for them. This was done to release larger properties which were at the time in short supply. Whilst the Council still needs a good turnover of larger family accommodation it is currently smaller family accommodation that is in short supply. The Council does not offer incentives to move to any other tenants.
Q4 How much do you agree or disagree with the following, where 1 is strongly disagree, and 5 is strongly agree. Please tick one box. 1 2 3 4 5. Strongly Strongly disagree agree The Council should not give incentives to council tenants to downsize
Page 148 of 224 3. Incentives and Assistance to Move (Continued)
Sometimes tenants, who need to move, and where it would be in the best interest of the council for them to move, are unable to because they cannot afford the removal costs.
Q5 How much do you agree or disagree with the following , where 1 is strongly disagree, and 5 is strongly agree. Please tick one box.
1 2 3 4 5. Strongly Strongly disagree agree The Council should be able to provide additional support to help tenants to move where necessary
A Mutual Exchange is where two or more tenants swap properties with the Council’s agreement. This can be the quickest rehousing option for tenants and is usually a cheaper option for the Council compared with a transfer. Many social landlords are now considering offering incentives for tenants to move via mutual exchange.
Q6 How much do you agree or disagree with the following , where 1 is strongly disagree, and 5 is strongly agree. Please tick one box 1. 2 3 4 5 Strongly Strongly disagree Agree The Council should offer incentives to encourage council tenants to move by mutual exchange
4. Affordability
Hull City Council's housing eligibility criteria enables customers to be offered a property that, by Housing Benefit rules, they will be classed as under occupying. This means that the Housing Benefit would not cover the full rent, and so the tenant would have to find the extra needed to pay the full rent.
Q7 How much do you agree or disagree with the following, where 1 is strongly disagree, and 5 is strongly agree. Please tick one box on each row. 1. 2 3 4 5. Strongly Strongly disagree agree Let the customer decide if they can afford the tenancy The Council should undertake an affordability check and not allocate a property where it thinks the customer cannot afford the tenancy The council should only offer all customers properties of a size that match the Housing Benefit rules (whether they claim Housing Benefit or not) Other (Please specify below) Page 149 of 224 5. About You These questions help us to understand if different groups of people have different views to each other, and to make sure we are seeking a cross-section of views from local people. You don't have to answer these questions. Leave blank any you don't want to answer.
Q8 What is your post code?
Q9 What is your year of birth? (write yyyy)
Q10 What is your gender? Please tick one box. Male ...... Female ...... Is there anything about your gender you want to tell us? Please write below.
Q11 Are your day-to-day activities limited because of health problem or an impairment which has lasted, or is expected to last at least 12 months? Please include conditions such as mental health issues or problems related to ageing. Please tick one box.
Yes, limited a little...... Yes, limited a lot ...... No......
Q12 Which of the following best describes your ethnic background? Please tick one box. White British ...... Asian / Asian British ...... White other...... Mixed / multiple ethnic group...... Black / Black British...... Other (please state below) ......
Q13 Is there anything else about yourself that you want to tell us. Please write below
Hull City Council has many ways for you to tell us what you think. Tenants can give their views on the Housing Service through the Tenant Participation Team. Anyone can give their views to The People's Panel - local people who give their views about health services, roads, jobs, crime and much more. No meetings to attend, just a questionnaire every few months.
Q14 If you would like more information, please give us your contact details.
*Name
*Address
*Post code
Email address
Telephone number
Thank you for completingPage this survey.150 of 224 Your views are important to us.
Briefing Paper to the Northern Area Committee Wards: All 25 September 2014
Hull City Council Library Service Strategy
Briefing Paper of the of City Customer Services Manager
1. Purpose of the Paper and Summary
1.1 To provide Northern Area Committee with the opportunity to comment on the draft Library Strategy and the proposed changes to the Library Service from April 2015.
1.2 Public consultation is also underway seeking feedback from the general public and key stakeholders on the Library Strategy and the proposed changes to the Library Service from April 2015 which are made in the context that by 2020 Hull City Council will have been required to cut its budget by circa £100million due to a reduction in funding from central Government. This means the Council has to make some very difficult decisions regarding the services it provides. The proposals outlined in the Strategy aim to prevent wholesale library closures ensuring people have access to vital services in their community.
1.3 The Library Strategy will set out the Council’s vision for its public library service over the next five years and will provide a framework that will allow the service to develop and change whilst continuing to meet customer need and demand.
2. Background
2.1 Local authorities have a duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient public library service to meet the requirements of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) hold Government responsibility for superintending the Act and issued guidance to all local authorities following the public inquiry into The Wirral’s public library service delivery plans. The guidance states each local authority should provide a statement of what the service is
Page 151 of 224 Page 1 of 3 trying to achieve and how the service will be delivered, based on an assessment of local need and how those needs will be met.
2.2 The draft Library Strategy document at Appendix 1 provides a clear approach for the delivery of public library services in Hull over the next five years based on the varied needs of local people and the priorities and outcomes set out in the City Plan. However, the Strategy will also be delivered against a backdrop of public sector budget reductions which will necessitate changes to service delivery. The proposed changes to the library network, opening hours and service delivery were set-out in Part 1 of the Hull City Council Budget Report agreed at Full Council on 27th February 2014.
2.3 This year, to help manage the budget reduction and after carrying out an Equality Impact Assessment and undertaking consultation the Council withdrew the mobile library from service at the end of August, which cost over £8.40 per person using it. In its place we are seeking to establish small Library Access Collections. In 2015/16 the Library Service needs to reduce its budget by a further £320,000. The Council’s preferred option is to maintain as many libraries as possible however to do so we will need to review the opening hours at each one.
2.4 The draft Library Strategy has been developed based on an assessment of local need utilising the Council’s Customer Insight data and mindful of the financial situation facing the Authority.
2.5 Whilst a clear statement of what the service is aiming to achieve and how it will be delivered is suggested by DCMS, particularly when making significant changes to budgets and services, a strategy for delivery and change is also often required when seeking external funding.
3. Current Provision in the Northern Area
3.1 The public library which serves the Northern Area is the Greenwood Avenue Library. Their current opening hours of which are:
The Greenwood Avenue Library Monday 10.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. & 1.30 p.m. – 5.00 p.m Tuesday 1.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m Wednesday 10.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. Thursday 1.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m Friday 10.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. & 1.30 p.m. – 5.00 p.m Saturday 9.30 a.m. – 1.30 p.m.
3.2 Appendix 2 provides usage data, from April 2013 to March 2014, for the Greenwood Avenue library, as well as data from all of the other City libraries.
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4. Impact of the Library Strategy and Proposals on the Northern Area 4.1 The impact of the Library Strategy and proposals for achieving the revenue budget savings in 2015/16 on the Northern Area are:
A reduction in opening hours at the Greenwood Avenue library A reduction in librarian and management support Changes to the Library Link housebound service which will see an increase in the use of volunteers and the development of a new ‘Care to Read’ service (a pick and collect service for carers and carees)
4.2 Copies of the public and stakeholder surveys have been included at Appendix 3 for the Area Committee’s awareness.
4.3 The Library Service Strategy has been developed using the Council’s Customer Insight data to understand the needs of residents specifically taking in to account levels of education, employment data and known levels of engagement in cultural activity. Changes to library service delivery, specifically opening hours, location and number of libraries and the number of trained staff to support residents will have an adverse impact on some residents. The Library Service will maintain an Equality Impact Assessment and take action to mitigate any adverse impact through partnership working, use of volunteers and offering alternative means of service access.
5. Next steps
5.1 The Area Committee are asked to consider and comment on the Draft Library Strategy, at Appendix 1 and the proposals for change set out within it and which are summarised at 4.1 above.
5.2 Following analysis and consideration of the results of the consultation on the Library Strategy and proposed changes to service delivery a report will be submitted to the Council’s Cabinet in November 2014 to present the findings of the consultation and to seek approval for the specific changes to service delivery necessary to achieve the required budget savings in 2015/16.
Andy Brown, City Customer Services Manager
Contact Officer : Michelle Alford Telephone No. : 616849
Officer Interests: None
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Hull City Council
DRAFT Library Strategy 2014 – 19
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Portfolio Holder’s Introduction:
“This strategy sets out the contribution the Library Service makes to dealing with the challenges and aspirations of the City. It aims to make clear the Council’s vision for its Library Service and the library offer to residents, based on the knowledge we have about our communities, current and past use of library services and how we anticipate residents will want and need to services in the future.
However, the Strategy has to be delivered in the context of public sector funding reductions, Hull City Council has seen a 25% reduction in funding from central Government of £104million since 2010/11 and there is to be a further £47million reduction by 2020. As a result the Council has some very difficult choices to consider in order to make decisions which will enable the Council to deliver a balanced budget. In February 2014 Full Council agreed proposals to reduce the Library Service budget by £415,000 in 2014/15 and 2015/16.
To ensure we deliver the best possible library services within the financial constraints mentioned above we will be consulting with residents and key stakeholders on how and when they use library services and seeking their views on the Library Strategy and how the budget savings might be made.”
Councillor Terence Geraghty
Portfolio Holder/City Plan Enabler: Public Health (including running of culture, sports, youth and library facilities; Parks and Gardens and Events; Targeted Youth Services)
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1. Introduction and Purpose
In Hull we have a thriving public library service that has high levels of satisfaction by those who use its many services. Our public libraries have evolved to be vibrant centres in our communities playing a vital role for people of all ages and backgrounds by supporting their education, work, curiosity and general health and well-being by providing free access to knowledge, reading materials and cultural activities, IT and the internet, neutral spaces in communities that are open to all and provide opportunities for social contact.
The purpose of this strategy is to set out how our libraries will continue to support the needs of residents over the next five years against a backdrop of public sector funding reductions, the rapid advancement of technology and societal change. In order to address these funding reductions the strategy also includes proposed actions to meet these challenges.
It is evident from usage levels in recent years that our public libraries are as relevant to residents today as they have ever been and we believe they will continue play a critical role in the future by ensuring our residents have equality of access to knowledge, cultural activities and the increasing number of services delivered digitally.
The next ten years in Hull will see considerable change and rapid progress with the preparation, delivery and legacy of being UK City of Culture 2017 and the regeneration of the City and its economy as investment in its industry and infrastructure comes to fruition. Both of these, in quite different ways, will require a responsive, engaging and innovative public library service to support our residents and communities to benefit from Hull’s renaissance and reach their full potential.
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2. Our Vision
Our vision for Hull’s public library service is for a service that “connects residents and communities to knowledge, culture and one another to create ambition, aspiration and a sense of positive well-being”. We aim to achieve this by providing a highly skilled staff team who will enable and support residents to be independent and self-resilient.
We believe that a thriving, successful city is one in which people are curious, confident and ambitious, all of which require access to excellent learning opportunities. Our libraries will continue to be a key part of the City’s learning offer, underpinning formal education in school, college and beyond but also by providing people with the opportunity for informal and self-directed learning for any purpose.
Providing individuals and communities with access to a diverse range of cultural activity is also essential to creating aspiration and ambition. Our public libraries provide residents with unique opportunities to explore a wide range of high quality culture and arts activity within their community, as a creator, participant or both. Furthermore they give people access to a wide range of resources that allow them to
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explore and widen their cultural interests and direct them to opportunities for participation.
We are committed to innovation and creativity in developing and delivering library services and have a strong record of collaboration and partnership, locally, regionally and nationally. We believe this approach will enable us to continue to provide residents with the access to affordable high quality services for many years to come.
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3. What We Aim to Achieve
We believe delivering our vision for our public library service will play a positive contribution to the outcomes and priorities set out in Hull’s City Plan, specifically in the following areas:
Outcomes:
Create and Sustain Jobs in Hull Improved Skills Levels Reduced Health Inequalities Reduced Child Poverty Reduced Levels of NEETS Improved Perception of Living in the City
Priorities:
Help residents to make their money go further (enable them to be economically and socially resilient) Deliver preventative and early intervention services to improve health and mitigate critical need Safeguard the most vulnerable and provide acute support
3.1 Key Areas of Delivery
The Library Service contribution to the above outcomes and priorities can be defined within four key areas of public library service delivery that are vital to a 21st Century library service. Appendix 1 provides details of the Library Service functions and activities which deliver within the above priority areas to achieve the specified outcomes. These can be summarised as follows:
3.1.1 Connecting People with Knowledge
Providing people with free access to knowledge in any format remains the fundamental role of a public library service. Free access to knowledge is the single most important social equaliser and as such should be available to Page 160 of 224
everyone. Providing access to knowledge through a virtual library presence or a library building gives people the assurance that the information is accurate and from a legitimate source having been researched by information professionals.
We recognise the importance of having a staff team who have the skills and knowledge to acquire an appropriate range of resources to meet the many different needs of Hull’s residents in addition to having the skills to support and coach people to find information that is relevant to their purpose.
Particular focus, although not exclusively, will be given to supporting people to access information and services in life critical areas such as careers and job seeking, health, personal financial information and benefits, bringing together government and non-governmental sources of information researched by information professionals.
To ensure our residents have access to a wide spectrum of information resources we will:
i. Employ information professionals to acquire and manage the most appropriate resources that will meet the needs of our communities ii. Ensure public Library staff and volunteers are continually developing their skills iii. Provide support and coaching to people to help them access the information they require iv. Find creative and inspiring ways of encouraging curiosity and a love of learning v. Work with partners and volunteers to improve access, support and affordability of learning vi. Provide health information, community space and trained staff to ensure residents have the information they need to make informed health choices and reduce health inequality vii. Provide expertise and resources to enable residents to develop a business idea or grow their business
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3.1.2 Connecting People Digitally
Technology is a fundamental part of every aspect of our lives in the 21st Century and will increase rapidly. More and more residents need to use IT to access government and local authority services, to get the best deals when purchasing goods and services, to discover the latest information or to contact family and friends. Low levels of digital literacy and poor access to IT are creating a new social divide at all ages, it is critical that all residents have good IT access and support to reduce inequality.
Our public libraries are already used heavily by residents and visitors who need access to technology, be it a computer, WiFi, printer, scanner etc, and this demand continues to grow.
Furthermore, as the need to get online to access essential everyday services increases library staff are experiencing a huge increase in demand for support to do so.
To ensure our residents and visitors are able to connect to digital services we will:
i. Provide free access to computers and the internet for every customer
ii. Provide online access to Council and library services whenever possible
iii. Provide 24/7 access to services through a virtual library presence
iv. Provide staff and volunteers who are highly skilled to help customers to access digital information and services
v. Provide support to residents to access council and government services online independently
vi. Offer support and opportunities for customers to be creative and innovative in their use of technology
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3.1.3 Connecting People with Reading, Literature and Culture
Recent research has demonstrated that children who read for pleasure are likely to do significantly better at school than their peers1; research has also proved its effectiveness at significantly improving people’s prospects of finding employment2. We believe reading for pleasure and access to high quality cultural activity should begin at the earliest opportunity. A love of reading and learning is most often formed from birth to age five, particularly through shared stories and reading between parent and child.
There remains high public demand for a lively and engaging reading and cultural offer, reinvigorated locally by the announcement that Hull will be 2017 UK City of Culture. Reading and cultural engagement have the potential to generate curiosity and inspire ambition.
Our public libraries are located in the hearts of our communities and as such provide a wide network through which high quality cultural activity can be accessed. This is a recognised strength to help ensure local people feel connected to Hull being UK City of Culture 2017. In addition our Library Service is the only one in the Country to be a key partner in an Arts Council funded ‘Creative People and Places’ programme. Hull’s programme ‘Roots and Wings’ has a major strand, titled ‘Untold Stories’ that has been developed in order to build on the ability of library services to engage the most disengaged and vulnerable in our society. Untold Stories will be the first major strand of work in the programme and will provide valuable data and early engagement with individuals and communities to ensure the remainder of the programme responds to what people in Hull want to see, hear, read and do.
The public library service will build on public demand and their ability to engage people in cultural activity by:
i. Providing a lively and engaging reading offer which extends beyond providing reading materials. This will include, book awards, reading groups, challenges, promotions and writer events
1 Sullivan, Alice and Brown, Matt (2013), Institute of Education Centre for Longitudinal Studies 2 Taylor, Mark (2011), http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/news_stories/2011/110804.html Page 163 of 224
ii. Providing high quality, inspiring events and activities that will encourage curiosity, develop new audiences and encourage participation
iii. Offering community space
iv. Providing free access to reading resources and spaces where reading can be enjoyed as a cultural experience in itself
v. Developing an e-book and digital reading offer
vi. Ensuring staff have the skills and knowledge to engage and inspire communities and individuals
vii. Signposting residents to activities and events that will further their engagement and participation in cultural activity
3.1.4 Connecting People with One Another
It is well documented that social isolation considerably impacts on a person’s health, at worst reducing their life expectancy. Public libraries are frequently the only place within a community that an individual can go for social contact without having to spend money. Opportunities for people to meet with others, participate in events and activities or learn from one another are often the most valued aspects of a public library and frequently why there is such opposition to library closures.
We recognise our public library network is extremely important to the health, education, culture and social capital of our City and wish to continue providing residents with access to high quality and welcoming services both in physical buildings and online.
We do though have to recognise that increasing financial pressures and changes to the way people wish to access services will mean we have to make changes to our network; this may mean closure or relocation to an improved location.
Whenever and wherever we need to make changes to library services we will do so following an assessment of local need that will be based on an Equality Impact Assessment and consultation with residents.
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Recent investment in some of our library buildings has illustrated how this can increase use and engagement not only in library services but also in other community activity and volunteering. We will continue to seek funding to improve our buildings.
Volunteering continues to be important in the delivery of library services. It provides local residents with opportunities to increase their skills, meet new people, and increase their self-confidence. The Library Service benefits from increased capacity to support residents, new ideas and the building of a community of advocates for the services it offers. We will continue to develop our partnerships to increase volunteering opportunities and the support and training we can offer our volunteers.
Connecting people with knowledge, culture and one another forms our vision for public library services, to ensure those connections continue and grow we aim to:
i. Work with communities to ensure library opening hours meet the needs of residents within the resources we have available ii. Seek investment to ensure our libraries are exciting and welcoming spaces to spend time iii. Continually review the location of our libraries to ensure they remain accessible for communities within available resources iv. Provide space and facilities for communities to meet and organise events and activities v. Arrange and deliver events and activities that inspire and encourage participation and engagement vi. Provide a wide range of volunteering opportunities vii. Explore new opportunities to develop public library services viii. Seek grant funding to extend services and activity ix. Provide the best possible digital services and support within the resources available Page 165 of 224
4. Meeting the Financial Challenge
As public sector budget reductions continue the library service needs to make changes to meet the challenges this presents. The proposals considered are:
2014/15 £95k to be met by:
withdrawing the mobile library reducing the number of librarians and securing external funding for electronic resources and language and literacy programme delivery.
Consultation has been undertaken on the above changes and implementation will begin from 1 September 2014.
The savings target for 2015/16 is a further £320k. The proposals to achieve this are:
a further reduction in the number of librarians and managers, a further reduction in opening hours at all libraries to change the delivery of services to housebound residents by increasing the number of volunteers to deliver materials to residents and by increasing take-up of a new ‘Care to Read’ service (a pick and collect service for carers and carees), and to secure external funding for one librarian post.
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5. Taking the Strategy Forward
Delivering this strategy is vital to achieve our vision for public library services in Hull and in realising the full extent of the contribution the Library Service makes to improving outcomes and raising the profile of the City. We have therefore developed the following high level action plan to deliver our vision:
ACTION TIMESCALE Consult the general public and key stakeholders on Consultation August and budget savings proposals which will involve a review September 2014. of library opening hours and the library network. Service delivery changes to be implemented from 1 April 2015 The Library Service will contribute to the Transfer to the new development of the business case and business plan company by April 2015. to transfer the Library Service to a Council wholly- owned company along with a range of other Council services
The Library Service will be involved in the Citizen 2014 - 2019 Engagement and Empowerment Programme which aims to encourage customer self service and generic customer services activities.
We will seek to improve the Library Service to enable 2014 - 2019 people to access the increasing number of Council and Government services available online with trained library staff to encourage and support digital service access.
We will continue delivery and development of the 2014 - 2015 Enterprise, Business and Intellectual Property services across the City.
The Library Service will deliver the Arts Council and 2014 - 2017 James Reckitt Library Trust funded Roots and Wings ‘Untold Stories’ project.
The Library Service will make a key contribution to 2014 - 2019 Hull’s UK City of Culture 2017.
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Page 168 of 224 Appendix 2:
2013-2014 Footfall Footfall Transactions Transactions Costs per Cost Total Total Daily Daily Transaction per Costs Costs Average Average visit excluding including Property Property
(staffing) (staffing + rent+ rates)
Libraries
Longhill 11,700 94 30,968 248 £ £ £ £ Library 1.36 3.59 12,260 41,977
Marfleet 3,394* 13* 14,198* 56* £ * £ £ £ Library 1.64 6.85* 16,054* 23,236*
*This data is incomplete due to relocation
Fred Moore 38,483 126 122,040 400 £ £ £ £ Library 0.98 3.11 94,721 119,600
Freedom 32,084 117 54,821 200 £ £ £ £ Centre 0.79 1.35 43,256 43,256 Library
Holderness 44,029 144 84,764 277 £ £ £ £ Road 0.72 1.39 61,033 61,033 Library / CSC
Western 40,716 157 51,174 198 £ £ £ £ Library 1.50 1.88 63,365 76,743
Avenues 41,841 137 112,681 368 £ £ £ £ Library 0.70 1.87 66,458 78,398
Page 169 of 224 Gypsyville 57,005 188 65,883 217 £ £ £ £ Multi 0.68 0.79 45,000 45,000 Purpose Centre
Greenwood 45,783 150 108,488 356 £ £ £ £ Avenue 1.03 2.45 99,507 112,232 Library
Bransholme 80,339 308 145,701 558 £ £ £ £ Library 0.83 1.51 97,080 121,257
Ings 89,715 315 148,839 522 £ £ £ £ Library/CSC 0.66 1.09 97,755 97,755
Mobile 5,824 21 25,262 91 £ £ £ £ Library 3.23 14.02 44,474 81,659
Library Link N/A N/A 57,285 220 £ £ £ 1.10 44,474 63,066
Central 507,491 1,664 857,623 2,812 £ £ £ £ Library 1.02 1.72 703,279 875,112
Page 170 of 224 Hull City Council Library Service Library Strategy Consultation
The Library Strategy sets out the contribution the Library Service makes to dealing with the challenges and aspirations of the City. It aims to make clear the Council’s vision for its Library Service and the library offer to residents, based on the knowledge we have about our communities, current and past use of library services and how we anticipate residents will want and need services in the future.
However, the Strategy has to be delivered in the context of public sector funding reductions. Hull City Council has seen a 25% reduction in funding from central Government of £104million since 2010/11 and there is to be a further £47million reduction by 2018. As a result the Council has some very difficult choices to consider in order to make decisions which will enable the Council to deliver a balanced budget. In February 2014 Full Council agreed proposals to reduce the Library Service budget by £415,000 over 2014/15 and 2015/16.
To ensure we deliver the best possible library services within the financial constraints mentioned above we are consulting with residents and key stakeholders and seeking their views on the Library Strategy and how the budget savings might be made.
You can find a copy of the Library Strategy in your local library or on the Council's website.
Q1 How much do you disagree or agree with our vision for Hull's public library service as a service that "connects residents and communities to knowledge, culture and one another to create ambition, aspiration and sense of positive well being"? Please select one of the following Strongly Disagree ...... Disagree ...... Neither ...... Agree ...... Strongly Agree ......
Q2 Do you have any further comments about our vision for Hull's public library service?
Page 171 of 224 Q3 On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is Not At All Important and 5 is Crucially Important, how important do you think each of the following are in achieving our vision? 1 - Not At 5 - All Crucially Important 2 3 4 Important Continued free access to knowledge Skilled and knowledgeable library staff Supporting people to access information and services in life critical areas e.g. jobs, health, finance etc Free access to computers and internet Online access to council and library services Supporting people to access digital information and services Free access to reading resources and spaces Broader reading offer including book awards, challenges, promotions, and writer events etc Offering community space High quality cultural activity Opening hours which meet the needs of residents (within the resources available) Exciting and welcoming library spaces in accessible locations Volunteering opportunities
Q4 Do you have any further comments about our key areas of delivery ? Have we missed anything that you think is really important if we are to achieve our vision? Are any areas more important than others and, if so, what are they?
Page 172 of 224 Q5 The library service has already run a number of consultations aimed specifically at the challenge presented by public sector budget reductions. These include consultations looking at the mobile library service, opening hours and use of the library network. The responses to these consultations are informing our plans for the future of the library service. However, if you have any specific comments about the savings proposals being considered, or any ideas as to how the library service might save money, then please provide them below.
Q6 Do you have any other comments relating to Hull City Councils Library Strategy 2014 - 2019?
About You
The following questions will help us to understand the views of different groups of people and make sure that we deliver all of our services fairly.
You do not have to answer these questions but if you do, the information you provide will be kept confidential. If there are any questions you do not want to answer, please leave them blank.
What is your gender? Please select one of the following Male...... Female......
What is your age?
What is your full postcode?
Page 173 of 224 Are your day-to-day activities limited because of a health problem or impairment which has lasted, or is expected to last at least 12 months? (Please include conditions such as mental health issues or problems related to ageing.) Please select one of the following Yes, limited a little ...... No ...... Yes, limited a lot......
Which of the following best describes your ethnic background? Please select one of the following White British/English/Scottish/Northern Irish/Welsh ...... Other White ...... Black/Black British ...... Asian/Asian British...... Mixed/Multiple Ethnicities ...... Other......
Hull City Council also runs the People's Panel, a group of over 3500 residents from across Hull who are surveyed four times a year (either online or by post) on a range of subjects. The results of these surveys influence decisions that are made about the City and it's future.
If you are not already a Panel member but would be interested in joining please give your details below.
Name
Address
Email / Phone
Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.
Page 174 of 224 Hull City Council Library Service Public Libraries Consultation Children's Survey
Hull City Council has to make some very difficult choices about the services it can continue to provide in the future.
We would like to learn your views on how you use the Library Service. The results of this survey will help us to make some decisions about the future of Hull Library Services and will ensure that future plans are based on feedback from you.
If you do not have an answer to a question just leave the question blank. If you do not understand a question, please ask the library staff.
All your answers will remain confidential and will not be passed to anyone else
Q1 Which of the following libraries do you usually use? Please select one of the following Avenues Library...... Holderness Road CSC Library ...... Bransholme Library ...... Ings Library...... Central Library...... Waudby Library (Isaac Newton) ...... Fred Moore Library...... Longhill Library ...... Freedom Centre Library ...... Western Library...... Gipsyville Library ...... None - Do Not Use Libraries ...... Greenwood Avenue Library ......
Q2 Have you used any other libraries in the last 12 months? Please select all that apply Avenues Library...... Holderness Road CSC Library ...... Bransholme Library ...... Ings Library...... Central Library...... Waudby Library (Isaac Newton) ...... Fred Moore Library...... Longhill Library ...... Freedom Centre Library ...... Western Library...... Gipsyville Library ...... None...... Greenwood Avenue Library ......
Q3 What do you use the library for? Please select all that apply Borrow books...... Find information for study/homework. Use the computers...... Take part in craft sessions or storytime ...... Borrow CDs or DVDs ...... Other...... Please tell us what else you use the library for.
Page 175 of 224 Thinking specifically about the library you use visit most often :
Q4 How often do you visit this library? Please select one of the following Every day ...... At least once a month...... At least once a week ...... A few times a year ...... Every 2 - 3 weeks...... Once a year or less ......
Q5 How long does it take you to travel to this library? Please select one of the following Less than 10 minutes ...... Between 30 and 45 minutes...... Between 10 and 20 minutes ...... Between 45 minutes and one hour.... Between 20 and 30 minutes...... Over an hour ......
Q6 How do you usually travel to this library? Please select one of the following Walk...... Car...... Taxi ...... Other...... Bus ...... Cycle...... Motorcycle ....
Q7 Thinking about the library you use most often, how would you rate each of the following? Please select one response on each row Very Very Don't Good Good OK Poor Poor Know The library overall The library opening hours The library as a nice place to visit How easy it is for you to visit the library The friendliness of the staff How helpful the staff are The library has the books you need The computers
Q8 What would be your preferred days and times to be able to visit this library? Please select the five days and times that you would prefer most Morning Lunchtime Afternoon Early Evening Late Evening (9am - 12pm) (12pm - 2pm) (2pm - 5pm) (5pm - 7pm) (7pm - 9pm) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
I have no specific preference ...... Page 176 of 224 Q9 If the library you use most often was not available, or not open at the times you preferred which of the following would you do Please select all that apply I would use another library ...... I would visit Central library in town with friends or family...... I would ask someone else to borrow books on my behalf ...... I would stop using libraries altogether ......
Q10 Do you know where your nearest alternative local library is? Please select one of the following Yes ...... No......
Q11 Do you have any other comments about your local library that you would like to tell us?
Page 177 of 224 About You
The following questions will help us to understand the views of different groups of people and make sure that we deliver all of our services fairly.
You do not have to answer these questions but if you do, the information you provide will be kept confidential. If there are any questions you do not want to answer, please leave them blank.
Q12 Are you a boy or a girl? Please select one of the following Boy ...... Girl......
Q13 How old are you?
The following questions should only be answered if a parent or responsible adult gives their consent :
Q14 Please provide consent by providing your relationship with the child. Please select one of the following Parent ...... Carer...... Grandparent...... Child - minder...... Other Family Member ...... Other (Please Specify)......
Please Specify
Q15 What is the child's usual postcode?
Q16 What is the child's ethnic background? Please select one of the following White British/English/Scottish/Northern Irish/Welsh...... Other White...... Black/Black British...... Asian/Asian British ...... Mixed/Multiple Ethnicities...... Other......
Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.
Please hand your completed form to a member of staff.
Page 178 of 224 Hull City Council Library Service Public Libraries Consultation
Following a reduction in government funding, Hull City Council is required to make some very difficult choices about the level of services it can continue to provide in the future.
This questionnaire is seeking your views on how you use the Library Service. The results of this survey will help us to make some decisions about the future of Hull Library Services and will ensure that future plans are based on feedback from users and residents.
Hull City Council has a commitment to protecting personal information. All your responses will be treated confidentially and will not be passed to anyone else.
Q1 Which of the following libraries have you used most often in the last 12 months? Please select one of the following Avenues Library...... Holderness Road CSC Library ...... Bransholme Library ...... Ings Library...... Central Library...... Waudby Library (Isaac Newton) ...... Fred Moore Library...... Longhill Library ...... Freedom Centre Library ...... Western Library...... Gipsyville Library ...... None - Do Not Use Libraries ...... Greenwood Avenue Library ......
Q2 Which other libraries have you also used in the last 12 months? Please select all that apply Avenues Library...... Holderness Road CSC Library ...... Bransholme Library ...... Ings Library...... Central Library...... Waudby Library (Isaac Newton) ...... Fred Moore Library...... Longhill Library ...... Freedom Centre Library ...... Western Library...... Gipsyville Library ...... None...... Greenwood Avenue Library ......
Q3 Which of the following activities do you currently do at libraries? Please select all that apply Borrow books...... Attend adult events and activities ...... Use the computers...... Attend childrens events and activities Borrow CDs or DVDs ...... Access other Council services ...... Carry out research ...... Other...... Please Specify
Page 179 of 224 Thinking specifically about the library you currently visit most often :
Q4 How often do you visit this library? Please select one of the following Every day ...... At least once a month...... At least once a week ...... A few times a year ...... Every 2 - 3 weeks...... Once a year or less ......
Q5 How long does it take you to travel to this library? Please select one of the following Less than 10 minutes ...... Between 30 and 45 minutes...... Between 10 and 20 minutes ...... Between 45 minutes and one hour.... Between 20 and 30 minutes...... Over an hour ......
Q6 How do you usually travel to this library? Please select one of the following Walk...... Car...... Taxi ...... Other...... Bus ...... Cycle...... Motorcycle ....
Q7 Thinking about the library you visit most often, how would you rate each of the following? Please select one response on each row Very Very Don't Good Good OK Poor Poor Know The library overall The library opening hours The look and feel of the library Physical location of library The accessibility of the library Friendliness of staff Knowledge of staff The choice and quality of books The computer facilities
Q8 What would be your preferred days and times to be able to visit this library? Please select the five days / times that you would prefer most Morning Lunchtime Afternoon Early Evening Late Evening (9am - 12pm) (12pm - 2pm) (2pm - 5pm) (5pm - 7pm) (7pm - 9pm) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Page 180 of 224 I have no specific preference ...... If the library you currently use most often was not available , or not open at times convenient to you :
Q9 Do you know where your nearest alternative local library is? Please select one of the following Yes ...... No......
Q10 Would you find it easy to access your nearest alternative local library? Please select one of the following Yes...... No ......
Q11 If the library you currently use most often was not available, or not open at times convenient to you, which other options would you consider in order to access library services in future? Please select all that apply I would use my nearest alternative local library...... I would visit Central library in the City Centre ...... I would ask family, friend or carer to borrow books on my behalf...... I would use the housebound service ...... I would use the online service ...... I would stop using libraries altogether ......
Q12 There are a number of libraries throughout the country operated by local groups and communities. Is that something you could see successfully operating in your community? Please select one of the following Yes...... No ......
Q13 The Library Service needs to reduce its spending by £415,000 by the end of March 2015 as part of the Council's £48 million budget reduction.
Do you have any further comments which you feel would help the Library Service to achieve this saving?
Page 181 of 224 About You
The following questions will help us to understand the views of different groups of people and make sure that we deliver all of our services fairly.
You do not have to answer these questions but if you do, the information you provide will be kept confidential. If there are any questions you do not want to answer, please leave them blank.
Q14 What is your gender? Please select one of the following Male...... Female ......
Q15 What is your age?
Q16 What is your full postcode?
Q17 Are your day-to-day activities limited because of a health problem or impairment which has lasted, or is expected to last at least 12 months? (Please include conditions such as mental health issues or problems related to ageing.) Please select one of the following Yes, limited a little...... No...... Yes, limited a lot ......
Q18 Which of the following best describes your ethnic background? Please select one of the following White British/English/Scottish/Northern Irish/Welsh...... Other White...... Black/Black British...... Asian/Asian British ...... Mixed/Multiple Ethnicities...... Other......
Q19 Hull City Council also runs the People's Panel, a group of over 3500 residents from across Hull who are surveyed four times a year (either online or by post) on a range of subjects. The results of these surveys influence decisions that are made about the City and it's future.
If you are not already a Panel member but would be interested in joining please give your details below.
Name
Address
Email / Phone
Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.
Your feedbackPage 182 is important of 224 to us.
Briefing Paper to the Northern Area Committee Wards Beverley, Orchard 25th September 2014 Park & Greenwood, University
Community Infrastructure Levy – Draft Charging Schedule – List of Projects
Briefing Paper of the City Planning Manager – Alex Codd
1. Purpose of the Paper and Summary
1.1 The Committee considered the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule (PDCS) in October 2012 and agreed to compile a list of infrastructure projects that they considered should be a focus for CIL funding in its area. The PDCS was published for consultation in August 2013.
1.2 The Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule was the first stage of the process of setting a CIL charge in the city. The required stages are set out in the CIL regulations. The next stage is to produce a Draft Charging Schedule (DCS), which will be subject to further consultation before being submitted to government for examination with the intention that it becomes adopted. Work is currently underway to produce the DCS, including a review of key evidence bases considering what infrastructure CIL will be charged against and the economic viability of imposing a charge. Cabinet is due to consider the Draft Charging Schedule in October.
1.3 As part of this work, Northern Area Committee, alongside other Area Committees, has been asked to review and update, through ward member meetings, the list of infrastructure projects required to support development of the area, and that it considers should be funded by CIL in its area. This briefing note provides further guidance and clarification of what is required from Area Committees.
Page 183 of 224 Page 1 of 5 2 Background 2.1 The Planning Act 2008 (as amended by Part 6 of the Localism Act 2011) introduced powers for Local Authorities to introduce the Community Infrastructure Levy in their areas. The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 set out how CIL will be introduced into an area. Various amendment regulations have been introduced in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Amended Government Guidance was issued as part of National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) in June 2014.
2.2 The Community Infrastructure Levy allows local authorities to raise funds from developers undertaking new building projects in their area. The money should be used to fund the range of infrastructure that is required to support development of the area. The Community Infrastructure Levy will replace the mechanism currently used by the Council by which it pools money received through S106 agreements in relation to provision of open space improvement, play space facilities and waste bins, when these are not able to be provided on the site where development is taking place.
3 Issues for Consideration
3.1 Members of the Council have already considered the first stage of producing a CIL charging schedule for the city, through agreement of the content of the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule that was published for consultation in August last year.
Infrastructure Needs
3.2 The CIL Regulations, as amended, require that in setting rates in a charging schedule, a charging authority must strike an appropriate balance between:
the desirability of funding from CIL (in whole or part) the actual and expected estimated total cost of infrastructure required to support the development of its area, taking into account other actual and expected sources of funding; and
the potential effects (taken as a whole) of the imposition of CIL and the economic viability of development across its area.
3.3 To meet these criteria the Council has produced evidence of Infrastructure needs and costs and determined where there may be gaps in funding, and also evidence of the economic viability of development.
3.4 Of importance for the Committees consideration at this stage, and in this briefing note, is the production of evidence of infrastructure need. Regulation 123 of the Community Infrastructure Regulations provides for charging authorities to set out a list of those projects or types of infrastructure that it intends to fund through the levy. This must relate to the broader infrastructure needs to support the growth plans of the city. The emerging Infrastructure Study 2014 concludes that ‘Place Shaping’ infrastructure should remain the target of CIL funding, as this is where clear gaps in funding exist and is likely to be of a scale that is appropriate for CIL funding. Larger ‘Strategic’, and ‘Enabling’ Infrastructure, including transport related infrastructure, either has no gap or is of a scale that the likely CIL receipt would be too small to provide a meaningful contribution. Therefore these infrastructure types would be the target of other funding
Page 184 of 224 Page 2 of 5 sources and not CIL. It is important that Members are clear of the likely CIL receipt when considering the inclusion of projects. Projects must be for new infrastructure and not to substitute existing gaps in maintenance funding, although CIL funding will be able to be used for ongoing maintenance of new infrastructure provided. As well as setting out what CIL is intended to fund, the purpose of the list is to set out that there is a gap in funding available to meet the projected costs of infrastructure and therefore justification for a levy to be applied.
3.5 Ultimately Government Guidance requires that at public examination of the Draft Charging Schedule, the charging authority should set out a draft list of the projects or types of infrastructure that are to be funded in whole or in part by the levy.
3.6 Appendix 1 of this briefing note presents a list of projects that has been compiled, with significant input of Area Committees, in accordance with regulation 123 of the CIL Regulations 2010. This list was produced in support of the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule in 2013. As we move towards the next version of the document, the Draft Charging Schedule, Members are asked to review and update where necessary.
The Regulation 123 list and the future of S106
1.1 Members will be aware that S106 obligations have been used to create a pooled resource to help fund open space and play space needs resulting from housing development. This approach will change with the introduction of CIL. The intention is that S106 requirements should be scaled back to those matters that are directly related to a specific development proposal. While S106 has been used in the city as a general method of pooling contributions from developments, CIL will be the only way of doing this in the future. In any event the CIL regulations will prevent the Local Planning Authority from pooling funds from S106 planning obligations, after April 2015. So the Council will lose this funding stream unless it adopts CIL.
1.2 It is important for Members to understand that as well as setting out what projects would be the target of CIL funding, Regulation 123 also prevents S106 planning obligations being used in relation to those things that are intended to be funded through the Levy (preventing double charging). The 123 List therefore as well as setting out the target of CIL funding, effectively also sets out where S106 planning obligations will not be used in the funding of infrastructure projects once CIL is adopted. Therefore a clear distinction needs to be made in compiling the list between infrastructure projects that will definitely only be a target for CIL and those where there is a future potential for these to be brought forward through a development proposal through a S106 obligation. Where the regulation list includes a generic type of infrastructure, e.g. ‘all open space’ rather than specific locations, then S106 contributions will not be able to be sought for projects within that broad category. Therefore it will be beneficial to be as specific as possible inn defining projects to prevent loss of funding in the future.
1.3 CIL receipts are unlikely to provide sufficient funds to cover all costs of identified infrastructure projects. The currently drafted 123 list presents projects with a total cost of £56m. Current estimate suggest CIL receipt from housing development could fund between 16 – 32% of this cost. It is important that Members also have a view to how other funding sources could also contribute to delivering these projects where
Page 185 of 224 Page 3 of 5 appropriate, including in some cases retaining the ability to use S106 alongside site specific development proposals. .
1.4 The only other type of development that a charge would be levied against would be retail, based on evidence of development viability. It is less certain what the CIL receipt from retail development will be because this will be more ad hoc in how it comes forward compared to housing. It would clearly add to the proportion of CIL fund available but it would still leave a significant deficit.
1.5 The CIL regulations as amended 2014 now specify that where highway works are specified within the CIL 123 list (i.e. to be targeted by CIL funding) then these works would no longer be capable of funding through S278 agreement. It is important that any local highways works are therefore not included within the 123 list where there is clear merit in retaining the ability for developers to contribute towards specific local highway works through s278. Unlike S106 obligations, there is no restriction with S278 agreements on the number of contributions that can be pooled.
2 Next Steps
2.1 To take account of all these requirements Members have already provided significant input into the production of draft regulation 123 list as part of the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule. Members are being requested to provide an update to this list to ensure that it is as relevant as possible as we move towards the next stages and public examination of the document. The City Manager – Neighbourhoods is coordinating the review and update of the list of projects in consultation with Ward Members.
2.2 In particular the update provides opportunity to consider some of the City Plan projects and consider whether they might fall within the defined infrastructure needs and have potential to be funded through CIL, if not through alternative sources. City Plan projects where referred to in the list of projects presented with the PDCS, but in more generic terms, and more detail may be available now.
2.3 The Regulation 123 list that was published as part of the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule consultation is attached to this note at Appendix 1 as reference.
2.4 The Draft Charging Schedule itself is being prepared for October Cabinet.
City Planning Manager – Alex Codd
Contact Officer : Roger Gray, Principal Planner Telephone No. : 612614
Officer Interests: None
Background Documents: - Regulation 123 List – Attached at Appendix 1.
Page 186 of 224 Page 4 of 5 Appendix 1
See attached Regulation 123 List (Schedule of projects) as previously agreed and presented with the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule.
Page 187 of 224 Page 5 of 5
Page 188 of 224 3
Planning Committee
30th July, 2014
(2.00 p.m.)
PRESENT:- Councillor S. Chaytor (Chair), Councillor A. Clark (Deputy Chair), Councillor P. Allen, Councillor J. Conner, Councillor J. L. Fareham, Councillor A. D. Gardiner, Councillor R. M. Jones, Councillor T. E. Keal, Councillor D. Kirk, Councillor E. A. Mann, Councillor T. J. McVie, Councillor M. H. O’Mullane, Councillor C. E. Payne, Councillor R. D. Payne and Councillor L. M. Petrini. IN ATTENDANCE:- A. Codd (City Planning Manager), D. Harris (Development Manager), G. Hall (Assistant Head of Service, Transport and Asset Management), N. Chester (Legal Services) and P. Rawcliffe (Democratic Services Officer). APOLOGIES:- Councillor N. Fudge.
Minute Description/Decision Action No. By/Deadline PROCEDURAL ITEMS NON-EXEMPT ITEMS 29 THE WHEELHOUSE PUBLIC HOUSE, 920 (a-b) City BEVERLEY ROAD, KINGSTON UPON HULL, HU6 Planning 7DA Manager, (c) Paul 5835V Rawcliffe
Erection of 12 dwellings with associated parking. (Amended Plans).
Mr. Laurence Corrigan
Moved by Councillor Chaytor and seconded by Councillor Fareham:
a) That the above application be refused as detailed in the Planning Schedule with the addition of the following reason:
03) The proposed development would not result in a high standard of design and layout by virtue of the poorly detailed houses, and would be out of keeping with the surrounding
Page 189 of 224 4
area, to the detriment of visual amenity, contrary to policies BE1, BE3 and H1 of the Local Plan;
b) that the applicant be advised that the Committee suggests if a further application is submitted for this site, that application is the subject of a pre-application meeting prior to consideration by this Committee, and
c) that, the issue of the access to Parkstone Road through the central reservation of the A1079, as referenced in the above Planning Application 5835V, be referred to the Northern Area Committee for further consideration.
Motion carried.
(Councillor McCobb (ward councillor) addressed the Committee on this application.)
Start: 2.00 p.m. Finish: 3.40 p.m.
Page 190 of 224 Wards: Holderness, Marfleet, Southcoates East and Briefing Note to the Northern Area Committee Southcoates 25 September 2014 West
Subject: Northern Area Funds briefing
Financial year 2014/15
Briefing Note of the City Neighbourhoods and Housing Manager
1. Purpose of the Briefing Note and Summary
1.1 To update members on the Local Community Initiatives area funds currently available for Northern Area in the financial year 2014/15
2. Background
2.1 The Community budget Revenue and Capital is allocated per ward on an agreed basis. It is devolved to the Area Committee for their determination of its allocation to services/groups.
3. Amounts currently available for each ward
3.1 Beverley Ward
Revenue - £5524 Capital - £29,370.74
3.2 Orchard Park and Greenwood ward
Revenue - £12,669.56 Capital - £ 56,807.97
3.3 University ward
Revenue - £ 8955 Capital - £ 39, 963.55
4.0. Conclusions
4.1 The Northern Area briefing note provides Members with information on the currently available funds at this point in the financial year 2014/15.
4.2 That the Northern PageArea 191 Committee of 224 notes the currently available funds as set out in this briefing note.
Laura Carr City Neighbourhoods and Housing Manager
Contact Officers Jane Price
Telephone No: (01482) 318810
Officer Interests None
Page 192 of 224
Appendix B SUMMARY OF APPLICATIONS
New Applications for consideration by the Area Committee
APPLICANT PROJECT TARGET OFFICER COMMENTS / Allocation
COMMUNITY BUDGET
1.
2
3.
4.
5.
Page 193 of 224
Appendix C COMMUNITY BUDGET – SUMMARY OF APPLICATIONS
Applications approved by delegation in accordance with minute 87 of the Northern Area Committee 17th January 2005
APPLICANT PROJECT TARGET RECOMMENDED ALLOCATION
1. Northern Area Team PROBE target hardening Residents in the £1000 Orchard Park and Greenwood ward
COMMUNITY SAFETY FUND
Page 194 of 224 2
Report to the Wards: All
East Area Committee – 2 October 2014 North Carr Area Committee – 17 September 2014 Northern Area Committee – 25 September 2014 Park Area Committee – 24 September 2014 Riverside Area Committee – 8 October 2014 West Area Committee – 15 October 2014 Wyke Area Committee – 17 September 2014
Ward Budget Decision Making
Report of the City Neighbourhoods and Housing Manager
1. Purpose of the Report and Summary
1.1 This report is in response to a request from the Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Communities to review the delegated decision-making arrangements for Ward Budgets with the aim of minimising delays in implementing local projects and initiatives following the reduction in frequency of Area Committee meetings.
2. Recommendations
2.1 That the Assistant City Manager (Neighbourhoods) be authorised to approve all applications for funding from the Ward Budgets following consultation with the relevant ward members except:
(i) where applications relate to more than one ward, or (ii) where unanimous agreement cannot be reached by relevant ward councillors
in which cases the application will be submitted to the relevant Area Committee for consideration.
2.2 That a briefing note is submitted to every other Area Committee meeting setting out decisions made under delegated powers and advising members of amounts available to spend.
This is a non-key decision.
Author: Page 195 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 1 of 6
3. Area Committee Impact
3.1 The proposed amendment to the existing delegations is intended to speed up the decision making process in relation to the allocation of ward budgets following the change to the frequency of Area Committee meetings. Retaining the current delegations could significantly delay the implementation of projects thereby limiting members’ ability to respond swiftly to resident or community concerns.
4. Background
4.1 The current delegations for each committee are set out at Appendix B. Whilst there are some differences of detail, they are all intended to enable decisions to be made on smaller funding bids as quickly as possible, whilst providing safeguards for situations where ward members are not all in agreement. In most cases applications requesting more than £10,000 are decided at Area Committee. With a reduced frequency of Area Committee meetings, maintaining this financial limit will mean that larger applications can only be considered every two months.
5. Issues for Consideration
5.1 At present applications for ward budget funding of more than £10,000 capital or revenue (£5000 revenue in the case of Wyke Area Committee) need to be submitted to Area Committee for decision. The majority of applications for funding are for amounts of less than £10,000 and each Area Committee has already agreed delegations to the Assistant City Manager (Neighbourhoods) for these smaller applications to avoid delaying decisions until the next Area Committee. The potential for delay will increase as Committees meet less frequently.
5.2 Area Committees can allocate funds received in connection with S 106 agreements for the purposes set out in that agreement (eg the provision or enhancement of public open space and/or children’s playspace). This function is delegated from Planning Committee and cannot be delegated further.
5.3 There are also varying arrangements with respect to two housing budgets, Area Based Spend and Environmental Works budgets. Some Area Committees have retained decision making powers in relation to these funds and some have delegated all or part of the budgets to Landlord Services Managers. If required, a review of the delegations in respect of these budgets will be the subject of a separate report by the Assistant City Manager (Housing Management).
6. Options and Risk Assessment
6.1 The following options have been considered:
Option 1 Retain existing delegations This would retain the status quo, but risks a delay in the approval of larger projects which could impact on implementation.
Author: Page 196 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 2 of 6 Option 2 Increase financial limits This option would allow decisions on larger projects to be made more swiftly, but depending on the financial limit selected, would mean that a number of applications were still required to be considered by the Area Committee causing potential delays in implementation. Option 3 Remove financial limits This would enable decisions on all applications, except those where ward members were not unanimous, or where projects affected more than one ward to be made quickly. The risk that decisions would not then be subject to public scrutiny would be addressed by the submission of a regular report to the Area Committee setting out decisions made under delegated powers. Option 4 Require all applications to be This option would maximise submitted to Area Committee public scrutiny of decision making on ward budget applications but would introduce potentially significant delays to the implementation of all projects.
6.2 Option three is recommended as this gives the most flexibility, reduces potential delays but provides safeguards to ensure that applications can be considered by Area Committee if members wish as well as enabling public scrutiny of decisions made under delegated powers.
7. Consultation
7.1 Consultation has been undertaken with the Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Communities who has requested this be considered by Area Committees.
8. Monitoring Officer Assurance Statement
The allocation of budget to each ward is made at the start of the year. It would seem appropriate that the discretionary power to spend it is made by the Ward Councillors subject to the restrictions placed by 2.1(i) and 2.1(ii) of the recommendations and subject to the criteria agreed by the Deputy Leader (Portfolio Holder for Finance Land and Property) and the Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Communities in August 2013.
Author: Page 197 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 3 of 6 9. Section 151 Officer Assurance Statement
The City Treasurer notes the proposals to change authorisation limits as outlined in the report and is content with this proposed change in arrangements subject to all decisions being properly documented by the Assistant City Manager (Neighbourhoods).
10. Comments of Head of Human Resources
The HR City Manager has considered this report and there appears to be no HR impact.
11. Comments of Overview and Scrutiny
This report has not been subject to scrutiny (Sc4229).
12. Comments of the Portfolio Holder
I support option 3 which will allow local ward members to carry out their obligations more quickly without needing to agree with other area members when in reality there is a general concensus that local ward members have all the good reasons for the allocation of funds.
13. Conclusions
13.1 The proposal that approval of all ward budget applications is delegated to the Assistant City Manager – Neighbourhoods, except in specific circumstances, (option 3) will allow local projects to progress without delays that might be generated by the reduced frequency of Area Committees. Other options would not provide tis flexibility.
Laura Carr City Neighbourhoods and Housing Manager
Contact Officer : Jane Price Assistant City Manager (Neighbourhoods) Telephone No. : 8810
Officer Interests: None
Background Documents: - None.
Author: Page 198 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 4 of 6 Implications Matrix
This section must be completed and you must ensure that you have fully considered all potential implications
This matrix provides a simple check list for the things you need to have considered within your report
If there are no implications please state
I have informed and sought advice from HR, Yes Legal, Finance, Overview and Scrutiny and the Climate Change Advisor and any other key stakeholders i.e. Portfolio Holder, Area Committee etc prior to submitting this report for official comments Is this report proposing an amendment to the budget or policy framework? No
Value for money considerations have been accounted for within the report N/A
The report is approved by the relevant Corporate Director
I have included any procurement/commercial N/A issues/implications within the report
I have liaised with Communications and N/A Marketing on any communications issues
I have completed and Equalities Impact N/A Assessment and the outcomes are included within the report I have included any equalities and diversity N/A implications within the report
Any Health and Safety implications are included N/A within the report Any human rights implications are included N/A within the report I have included any community safety N/A implications and paid regard to Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act within the report I have liaised with the Climate Change Advisor N/A and any environmental and climate change issues/sustainability implications are included Author: Page 199 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 5 of 6 within the report
I have included information about how this report Yes contributes to City/Council/ Area priorities within the report
Author: Page 200 of 224 Status: Date: 17/09/2014 Page 6 of 6 Appendix B
Ward Budget delegations
East Area Committee
The process for considering applications was determined by this Committee on 29 May 2013. It was agreed that: a. The Area Director, following consultation with, and with the agreement of the relevant Ward Councillors for that scheme be authorised to approve schemes within that Area with a value up to £2,000 which can be signed by the Chair and funded from the appropriate Ward Community Initiative Budget/Community Safety Fund Ward allocation; b. The Area Director in consultation with and with the written approvals of the relevant Ward Councillors for that scheme be authorised to approve schemes for Community Initiative Budget/Community Safety Fund Ward allocation with a value up to £10,000, and c. That schemes identified for spend from the Community Initiative budget/Community Safety Fund Ward allocation with a value exceeding £10,000 or which are not specific to one ward, be submitted to the Area Committee for consideration.
North Carr Area Committee
The process for considering applications was determined by this Committee on 20 July 2011 (minute 29 refers). Agreed:- a. That the determination of all projects seeking funding from the Community Initiatives Budgets and Community Safety Fund (now termed Community Budget) be delegated to the Area Director in consultation with the appropriate ward councillors, where applications are at a value of £10,000.00 or below; b. that all projects that (i) are above the £10,000.00 ceiling, (ii) which impact on all of the North Carr Area, or (iii) where unanimous agreement cannot be reached between the Area Director and ward councillors, be referred to the North Carr Area Committee for consideration, and c. that a quarterly monitoring report of the Community Initiatives Budget be submitted to this Committee.
Northern Area Committee
The process for considering applications was determined by this Committee on 17 January 2005 (minute 87 refers). The procedure requires that funding requests (i) of more than £10,000; (ii) that affect more than one
Page 201 of 224 Appendix B ward, and (iii) where unanimous agreement cannot be reached by ward councillors, be considered by the Northern Area Committee.
Park Area Committee
The process for considering applications was determined by this Committee on 6 November 2003 (minute 60 refers)
The procedure requires that the Area Director be authorised to approve or reject applications for funding from the budgets for this and future years, up to a maximum of £10,000 in each ward after consultation with Ward Members.
Any applications over £10,000 must be approved by the Area Committee.
Riverside Area Committee
The process for considering Area Fund applications was determined by the Riverside Area Committee on 12th June 2013 (minute 20). The procedure requires funding (capital and revenue) requests (i) with a value of £10,000 or less to be delegated to the Area Director (Riverside, West & Wyke) following consultation with the relevant Ward members, and (ii) (ii) with a value greater than £10,000, affecting one or more Wards and where unanimous agreement cannot be reached by Ward members, to be considered by the Area Committee.
West Area Committee
The process for considering applications for funding from the Community Initiatives Budget was previously determined by this Committee. The procedure requires that funding requests (i) of more than £10,000; (ii) that affect more than one ward; (iii) applications for Section 106 funding; or (iv) where unanimous agreement cannot be reached by relevant ward councillors be considered by the West Area Committee.
Wyke Area Committee
The process for considering Area Fund applications was determined by the Wyke Area Committee on 19th October 2011 (minute 57 refers). The procedure requires funding requests (i) of more than £5,000 revenue funds or £10,000 capital funds; (ii) that affect more than one ward, and (iii) where unanimous agreement cannot be reached by Ward Councillors, to be considered by the Wyke Area Committee.
Page 202 of 224 Page 1 17/09/2014
Briefing Note to the Northern Area Committee 25 September 2014
Northern Area Neighbourhood Management Update
Briefing Note of the City Neighbourhoods and Housing Manager
1. Purpose of the Briefing Note and Summary
1.1 To provide an update to the Northern Area Committee on ward activity across the Area.
2. Beverley ward update
Achievements
2.1 The Oak Road festival took place on 19th July and was a huge success raising a significant amount of money for several charities. The organisers are already planning for next year building towards a major event for 2017. The organisers kindly wrote in to compliment the Area Team for their support towards making this a successful event.
2.2 In July 80 young volunteers from all over the world as part of Hull Vineyards Summer School undertook a day of activity opening up footways, clearing land, coppicing and making habitat stacks within the woodland areas at Oak Road Playing Fields. Prior to Vineyards activity Streetscene undertook significant grounds cutting back overgrowth, removing lower tree limbs and copping sever willow trees.
2.3 Community Payback followed Vineyards group carrying out grounds improve works and the painting furniture within the park.
Progress Updates
2.4 Gardening enthusiasts in the ward have participated in the ‘Hull in Bloom’ competition. There was an awards ceremony at the City Hall on the 9th September, all participants were invited to attend. The city wide winner for best full garden was to Mr & Mrs Willis Wadsworth Avenue
Author: Susan Rahman Page 203 of 224 Status: FINAL Date: 17/09/2014 Page 1 of 4 Page 2 17/09/2014
Future plans
2.5 Northern Area Team is working closely with Parks and Gardens, Sports Development and the Friends of Oak Road to establish a Trim Trail at Oak Road with funding coming from Healthier Hull, Beverley ward Community Budget and the Friends of Oak Road.
2.6 Bring out your rubbish days are being scheduled to start to the south of Beverley ward working northwards on Saturday 20th September and nine consecutive Saturdays thereafter with assistance from the probation service for letter drops over the ten week period.
2.7 As part of a road safety education project a road safety competition for primary school children to enter to provide artwork and slogans for banners is being arranged by the Local Policing and Area Team with support from Beverley Ward members. Initial areas within the ward to be covered are Mizzen Road to discourage cycling on the footways and Parkstone Road to encourage safer more considerate parking of vehicles.
2.8 Barry Cooper is looking to develop a ‘Men in Sheds’ group within the area and is being encouraged and supported by the Area Team and Ward Members on this. Although this is at an initial stage it is encouraging that Mr. Cooper has received interest from 24 men and is currently looking at setting up a constituted group to move this forward.
2.9 Trafalgar estate footway refurbishments are progressing and members are looking towards progressing refurbishments to include further footways on the estate
Author: Susan Rahman Page 204 of 224 Status: FINAL Date: 17/09/2014 Page 2 of 4 Page 3 17/09/2014
3.0 Orchard Park and Greenwood ward update
Achievements
3.1 The Rainbow Community Garden has been successful in retaining its prestigious ‘Green Flag’ status. It is the only project to achieve the Green Flag Community Project award in East Yorkshire.
3.2 The ‘Big Northern Event’ family fun day took place on 31st July (funded via Orchard Park and Greenwood ward Community Initiatives budget). More than 500 people attended the event which included: art and crafts, cultural activities, sports activities.
3.3 The North Hull Knights Rugby League team will have Shaw Park as their home pitch for the forthcoming season.
Progress updates
3.4 Work is ongoing on the Cityheart development which will provide a new shopping parade on Orchard Park. The first phase of this project is due to be completed in December.
3.5 Green fingered residents in the ward have participated in the ‘Hull in Bloom’ competition. An awards ceremony was held at Hull City hall on 9th September with participants from the Orchard Park and Greenwood ward invited to attend. The city wide winner for Best Communities garden was the Rainbow Garden, Levisham Close
Future plans
3.6 Work is ongoing to develop a nature trail in the Dane Park pitch and putt area. A meeting is due to take place in September to discuss this further with the Rainbow Community Garden, St Michaels youth project, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Hull City Council Northern Area team
3.7 A further programme of the popular ‘Bring out your rubbish’ days is being planned in conjunction with the Northern Area Street care team.
Author: Susan Rahman Page 205 of 224 Status: FINAL Date: 17/09/2014 Page 3 of 4 Page 4 17/09/2014
4. University Ward Update
Achievements
4.1 The ‘Beach Day’ took place on the 28th August at King George V Playing Fields (funded via University Ward budget with KWL donating the sand). The day started off wet and dull as the weather improved the residents came out in force to enjoy the day and participate in the activities which included a free climbing wall, free bouncy castle, free sports activities, the event also saw childrens rides, refreshments and a charity stall. Thank you to all who made the day such a success.
4.2 The Endike Lane bungalows Residents’ Association have held a ‘Blooming Lovely’ competition. Assistance with judging was provided via Northern Area Team. This competition promoted gardening and helped to develop community spirit.
4.3 Pedestrian safety barriers have been installed to the south side of Inglemire Lane at the Junction of Beverley Road to improve road safety for pedestrians in this area.
Progress updates
4.4 The Philip Larkin Traffic regulation order is an agenda item at this meeting.
Future plans
4.5 Additional facilities for the King George V Playing fields are being planned to include an extension to the skate park and more play equipment.
Laura Carr City Neighbourhoods and Housing Manager
Contact Officer: Sue Rahman, Neighbourhood Co-ordinator Telephone No. : (01482) 331995 Officer interests: None Background Documents: None
Author: Susan Rahman Page 206 of 224 Status: FINAL Date: 17/09/2014 Page 4 of 4 Sept 2014 Northern Area Committee Resolution List
Minute Resolution Officer Action/Response Outcome /Date
Actions from meeting held on 26.6.14
(5) Review of Article 4 Direction related to A. Codd Response received from City Proposed for 26.6.14 Houses in Multiple Occupation Planning Manager deletion
b) That the Committee has concerns that Motion carried by Full Council on 17th two years is too long to leave before a July with a review to be undertaken in formal review and that the impact for long two years time. term residents should be monitored closely. As such the Committee recommends that an interim review be conducted after 12 months and a further comprehensive review at the end of the two year period
(7b) Thomas Ferens Update K. Sainty On agenda Sept 2014 Proposed for deletion 26.6.14 b) That Members be informed of the number of attendees and the remaining capacity within school, by email.
(7c) Thomas Ferens Update K. Sainty On agenda Sept 2014 Proposed for 26.6.14 deletion c) That the Committee received a further report in September 2014 to outline (i) the progress made by the school; (ii) the outcome of the recent Ofsted assessment and summer GCSE results
(9) Highcourt Demolition Programme G. Taylor Response received from G. Taylor 26.6.14 Page 207 of 22427.8.14 The block is vacant and That Members receive further information therefore works are being undertaken Sept 2014 off agenda to clarify: (i) what void repair to prepare the block for demolition works are currently outstanding in relation through strip out and therefore no to the properties identified for the remaining repairs are being progressed. The residents at Highcourt; (ii) whether KWL block is out to tender for demolition have been approached in order to prioritise currently and tender period closes 29th these works; (iii) whether consideration had August. been given to tenanted repairs; and (iv) at what point the Regeneration Team seek tenders for the contracts.
(10) Housing Action Trust Capital Receipts Landord Services Response from Landlord Services Proposed for 26.6.14 Manager Manager 8.7.14 - Matter has been put deletion that the matter be referred to Ward on ward agendas meetings in order to determine a way forward. (11) Northern Area Housing Fourth Quarter 26.6.14 Performance
a. that a letter signed by the Chair be L. Holmes Response from Landlord Services Proposed for forwarded to staff in recognition of their Manager 8.7.14 Letter drafted deletion performance
b.That consideration be given to amending J. Mortimer Response from Landlord Services Proposed for the criteria used for Neighbourhood Manager 8.7.14 Request sent to Colin deletion Nuisance tables to ensure that the statistics Clixby /Justine Mortimer provide a clear indication of performance in relation to definitive action taken rather than initial responses to services requests; and
c.That future reports indicate the number of L. Holmes/ Response from Landlord Services Proposed for customer satisfaction questionnaires issued Manager 8.7.14 Request sent to Colin deletion to provide Members with a true reflection of Clixby /Justine Mortimer their performance.
Page 208 of 224
Sept 2014 (15) Resolution List/Area Funds University Ward 26.6.14 Members b. That Councillor Wilson and Councillor Korczak Fields hold further discussion at ward level with regard to the requirement for installation of bollards to prevent parking on grass verges at 193 Cranbrook Avenue. (Minute 136 refers);
related minute 136 (27.3.14)
Area Funds
b. that a decision on the allocation of Sue Rahman Response received 17.6.14 £1,000 from the University Community Budget Revenue to the Northern Area A site visit has been scheduled for Team to purchase and install 4 bollards to 20.6.14 to ascertain the requirements. prevent parking on the grass verge outside Further updates will be provided upon 193 Cranbrook Avenue be deferred to a the outcome of the visit. (SR) future meeting pending further investigations as to the requirements.
(15) Resolution List Proposed for 26.6.14 Deletion c. That Graham Hall (Assistant City Graham Hall Manager, Highways, Safety and Transport) attends the next meeting of this Committee c. Response requested 4.4.14. to update Members on the completion of 17.6.14 – this matter is ongoing and the register of un-adopted streets in the will be addressed within the next Northern Area (minute 127 refers) quarterly update
Related Minute 127 (28.2.14) Graham Hall
c. that Members be provided with a update On agenda on progress on completion of the register of Page 209 of 224 un-adopted streets in the Northern Area Sept 2014
Outstanding Actions from previous meetings
(142) Public Questions 24.4.14. Mrs Bertram a resident of Hull asked the following questions:
1. Could Members say why the 1c bus 1. Jane Price Response from Graham Hall – it is Monitor service which previously ran down unfeasible to divert the route and this Downfield Avenue had been rerouted. could lead to the route being withdrawn. There are alternative The Committee responded that the route routes and does not appear to be was previously a subsidised service which sufficient demand to justify an due to financial cutbacks the Council was additional crossing . no longer able to support and that the bus operator as a commercial business had decided it could no longer operate the service. However the Area Committee would ask for a report which outlined the impact of withdrawing the service and what the financial costs would be to divert an existing bus route to provide a service.
2. Could consideration be given to the 2. Jane Price installation of a pedestrian crossing on Beverley Road from Downfield Avenue to the eastern side of Beverley Road so as to allow residents to cross safely and enable them to access the local bus service?
The Committee responded that the issue would be investigated and the outcome reported back to the Beverley Ward Page 210 of 224 Members who would then be in touch with Mrs Bertram. Sept 2014
(127) Resolution List 28.2.14.
d. that Member receive a briefing note at the March 2014 meeting to provide an update on the current position regarding d. Briefing note circulated off agenda Monitor CCTV cameras in the Northern Area. d. Graham Hall 23.4.14.
related Minutes
Minute 86b – 29.11.12. Action to Briefing note has been circulated on Action Outstanding List Monitor 13.12.12 and 24.01.13 reallocated to that a briefing note is circulated to Andy Members of this Committee which details Burton/Graham the current working status of the CCTV Hall on 6.8.14 cameras within the Northern area; the delay to the repair of the CCTV camera on Cottingham Road referred to at minute 154(a), and the number of times this repair has been requested by this Committee
Minute 17b - 7.6.11 Tracy Harsley This issue is being reviewed in light of Action Outstanding List the impact of demolition of the Highcourt flats, as the camera that the Committee is not satisfied with the concerned transmits signals to the response received from the Portfolio Holder roof of the flats. Once the flats are for Neighbourhoods and Communities demolished this camera will not regarding minute 154(a), and requests that function without being refitted to a central funds are found to pay for the repair different signalling system. A detailed of the camera. paper on the impact of the flats demolition on the citywide CCTV Page 211 of 224system will be presented to the Committee later this year once costs Sept 2014 have been obtained.
( 111) Highways Quarterly Performance Report c. Monitor 30.1.14.
c. that all highways schemes be included c. Tim c. Response received 17.6.14 the on the list of schemes and projects, Binnington/Rhurie matter has been forwarded to the Lees Assistant City Manager for review in G. Hall/S. Henley conjunction with Highways Development Control
(52) Waterlogging of Pitches at Oak Road 26.9.13. b. that feedback on the success of the “verti b. Andrew Wilson b. The “verti draining” was b. Monitor draining” due to be undertaken in October successfully completed at the end of 2013 be provided to the Committee. October. The process relieved local soil compaction and should improve surface water draining. The results will be monitored and if necessary the process repeated in early spring.
The drainage has greatly improved on the field compared to last year despite the recent weather. It is intended to repeat the verti draining in the late spring/early summer and to also programme the operation as an annual event for future years. (17.2.14.)
(35) Catherine McAuley Close, Philip Larkin 25.7.13. Close and St Anthony’s Close Consultation Results
Page 212 of 224 b. that, a public meeting be arranged, for all b. Graham Hall b. A meeting was held on the 1st b. Monitor interested parties to discuss the best way October 2013 at the Endsleigh Centre Sept 2014 to progress the proposed scheme to ensure at 6.45pm with nearly 50 members of the best outcome is achieved. the public in attendance. The discussions raised several ideas which might be considered as part of the thinking around resolving the access and parking problems in the area.
Highways are currently working on alternative proposals for the area and are due to consult further with affected residents (17.2.14.)
A 2nd consultation document was sent to residents of Catherine McAuley Close, Philip Larkin Close and St Anthony’s Close (in March 2014) to inform them that after comments made on the initial consultation and at public meetings that the final proposal was to just put double yellow lines on the entrance of Philip Larkin Close. There are to be no restrictions proposed for Catherine McAuley Close and St Anthony’s Close due to residents from Catherine McAuley Close voting against them and appealing heavily against them at the public meeting. The returned comments from the second consultation are currently with the Area Office awaiting a decision on whether the scheme will or will not be progressed as no money has been allocated towards the £4,000 cost of a Page 213 of 224traffic regulation order (25.4.14.)
Sept 2014 Response received 17.6.14 An order has now been received from the Area team to fund the TRO. The TRO is to be advertised in the next couple of weeks. The schedule just needs to be complete for the agreed design and a date agreed with Legal for advertising. Once advertised residents may object to the TRO within the objection period (just over 3 weeks). If any objections are logged the TRO will be brought back to Area Committee with the objections for a final decision on the scheme
Page 214 of 224 Sept 14 Northern Area Committee Forward Report Programme 2014/15
Meeting Date Item By List of Supporting Documents
Monthly Minutes of Previous Meeting Democratic Services Minutes Monthly Forward Report Programme Democratic Services Plan Monthly Resolution List Democratic Services List Monthly Area Funds Community Manager Report Monthly Area Director’s Update Area Director Briefing Note Fire and rescue Update Policing Update Waste and Open spaces quarterly update Off agenda When required Appointment of Authority Governors to Hull Schools David Beilsten Report
2014 November Quids In Project Update Kate Winstanley The Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy Protocols Keith Griffiths Bus Strategy 2015 January
February
April
2016 June/July Interim Review of Article 4 Direction Alex Codd
Page 215 of 224
Page 216 of 224
KINGSTON UPON HULL CITY COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE FORWARD PLAN
Key Decisions
September, 2014 onward
Page 217 of 224 1
INDEX OF KEY DECISIONS
Subject of Decision Decision Internal Deadline Expected Date of Maker for Draft Reports Decision to Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder: City Plan Enabler – Key Partnerships Leisure and Heritage Services Cabinet Not before 24 Report February 2014 Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder: City Plan Enabler – Finance, Land and Property Hull City Council Insurance Cabinet 4 August 2014 22 September Tender 2014 Proposal for the procurement of Cabinet/ Decision on a Revenues and Benefits and Portfolio delegation: 28 July associated ICT and financial Holder 2014; assessment and payment Key Decision of services as a service Deputy Leader: Not before 15 August 2014 Portfolio Holder: Visitor Destination
None.
Portfolio Holder: Public Health, Prevention & Safeguarding Adults Review of the delivery of Adult Cabinet 4 August 2014 27 October 2014 Social Care Services Portfolio Holder: City Enabler – Culture, Leisure, Events and Public Well-being None.
Portfolio Holder: City Plan Enabler – Council Infrastructure Gypsy and Traveller Permanent Cabinet 27 October 2014 15 December 2014 Sites - Licence Holder Award of contract for upgrade of Cabinet 4 August 2014 22 September 2014 prepayment meters. Citywide Lead Developer Cabinet 6 October 2014 24 November 2014 Partner Appointment Housing Lettings Policy Cabinet 6 October 2014 24 November 2014 amendments Review of the application of age Cabinet 6 October 2014 24November 2014 restrictions to Hull City Council Properties Portfolio Holder: Neighbourhoods and Communities Bereavement Services Rules CabinetPage 218 of 2244 August 2014 22 September 2014 2 Subject of Decision Decision Internal Deadline Expected Date of Maker for Draft Reports Decision to Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer and Regulations Future Provision of Hull Advice Cabinet 4 August 2014 22 September 2014 Service
Portfolio Holder: Energy City Hull Bus Strategy Review Cabinet 8 September 2014 27 October 2014
Hull Parking Strategy Cabinet 2 June 2014 27 October 2014
Community Infrastructure Levy – Cabinet 8 September 2014 27October 2014 Draft Charging Schedule – Consultation Hull and East Riding of Cabinet 8 September 2014 27 October 2014 Yorkshire Joint Waste Plan – Evidence Base Report – Consultation George Lamb Memorial Chapel Cabinet 4 August 2014 22 September 2014
Newington and St Andrew’s Cabinet 8 September 2014 27 October 2014 Neighbourhood Area and Forum applications Supply of Metered & Unmetered Cabinet 4 August 2014 22 September 2014 Electricity Bus Lane Enforcement Cabinet 8 September 2014 27 October 2014
Green Deal ECO Partner Cabinet 8 September 2014 27 October 2014 Appointment Listed Buildings at Risk & CPOs Cabinet 4 August 2014 22 September 2014
Portfolio Holder: City Plan Enabler – Business Support and Change Programme Procuring Framework Contracts Cabinet 4 August 2014 22 September 2014 and Approval of the Adoption of a Social Value Policy Statement Portfolio Holder: City Plan Enabler – Learning, Skills and Safeguarding Children Corporate Parenting Strategy Cabinet 4 August 2014 22 September 2014
Health and Well-Being Board Hull Healthy Weight Strategy – a Health and 23 September 2014 community wide, multi agency Well Being approach to address obesity Board prevention and management, including future commissioning intentions. Page 219 of 224 3 Hull’s Joint Health and Health and 23 September 2014 Wellbeing Strategy Well Being Board Autism Strategy Health and Not before January Well Being 2015 Board Public Health Finance Allocation Health and September - – Childhood Healthy Weight Well Being November 2014 Board Commissioning of Public Health Health and 23 September 2014 School Nursing Well Being Board Public Health Finance Allocation Health and September - – Mental Health and Wellbeing Well Being November 2014 Board Public Health Tobacco Control Health and 23 September 2014 Plan – commissioning of future Well Being targeted smoking cessation Board services.
Public Health Finance Allocation Health and September - – Social Isolation Well Being November 2014 Board Public Health Finance Allocation Health and September - – Adult Services and Early Well Being November 2014 Intervention Board
Page 220 of 224 4
Report to the Northern Area Committee Wards: University, 25 September 2014 Orchard Park and Greenwood and Beverley
Appointment of Authority Governors to the Governing Bodies of Hull Schools
Report of the City Learning and Skills Manager on behalf of the Corporate Director – Children, Young People and Family Services Directorate
Appendix 1 and supporting application forms are not for publication by virtue of paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972, as they contain information relating to individuals that is exempt information in all the circumstances of the case and the public interest test in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because each candidate has a reasonable expectation of confidentiality of personal information provided for the governor selection and appointment process.
1. Purpose of the Report and Summary
1.1 The purpose of this report is to recommend appointments to Authority governor vacancies on school governing bodies.
2. Recommendations
2.1 It is recommended that Authority governor appointments be made in accordance with the schedule attached at Appendix 1.
3. Options
3.1 Make Authority governor appointments to vacancies on school governing bodies.
3.2 Leave vacancies on governing bodies; the risk is that this would lead to ineffectiveness of governing bodies in undertaking their statutory duties.
This is a non-key decision.
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4. Background
4.1 In accordance with the Council’s constitution, Area Committees determine arrangements for making Authority governor appointments to school governing bodies.
4.2 The appointment of Authority governors supports governing bodies to fulfil their statutory duties and contribute towards improving attainment, achievement and employability; and safeguarding children.
5. Main Body of Report
5.1 Every school’s governing body is constituted according to its Instrument of Government which must meet legal requirements regarding the proportions of different categories of governors.
5.2 Governors’ priority is to contribute to raising standards of educational achievement at the school and throughout the City.
5.3 Authority governors are encouraged to regularly attend meetings of the governing body and its committees as well as induction training and updating training as appropriate.
5.4 Authority governors are appointed to governing bodies by the Local Authority for a period of 4 years unless the Instrument of Government states a shorter period of office.
5.5 School Governance Regulations advise that Local Authorities can appoint any eligible person as an Authority governor and are encouraged to appoint high calibre candidates to schools that need most support.
5.6 A person is disqualified from appointment as an Authority governor if they are eligible to be a staff governor of the school, that is, if they are paid to work at the school.
5.7 Authority governors can be removed from office at any time by the appointing Authority.
5.8 The Area Committee is asked to make appointments to governing bodies in accordance with the schedule attached at Appendix 1.
6. Consultation
6.1 No consultation has been undertaken.
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7. Monitoring Officer Assurance Statement
7.1 “The Council operates a strong leader model and Part A of the Constitution allows for the Leader to make executive decisions. The budget provides a contingency fund for the Leader and he is able to use those funds for projects etc which he considers will be of benefit to the City.”
8. Director of Resources and City Treasurer (Section 151 Officer)
8.1 The Section 151 Officer notes the report recommending the appointment of a School Governor, but has no specific comments on the content of the report. (AB)
9. Comments of Head of Human Resources
9.1 The HR Account Manager for Schools has noted the comments on the report and at this stage there are no staffing implications to consider so no further action required.
10. Comments of Overview and Scrutiny
10.1 This report has not been subject to scrutiny. (Sc4078)
11. Conclusions
11.1 Option 3.1 is proposed in order to avoid vacancies on governing bodies and thereby mitigate the risk of governing body ineffectiveness with regard to fulfilling statutory duties.
Vanessa Harvey-Samuel City Learning and Skills Manager on behalf of the Corporate Director – Children, Young People and Family Services Directorate
Contact Officer: Maria Bannister Telephone No.: (01482) 613 573
Officer Interests: None
KS/MB/NB 4 September 2014
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