Harrogate hospital reports no new coronavirus deaths

No further deaths of patients who tested positive for coronavirus have been reported at Harrogate District Hospital, according to today’s NHS figures.

It means the total number of deaths at the district hospital remains at 80.

Nationally, a further 51 people who tested positive for covid-19 have died in hospitals with eight confirmed to have died in Yorkshire and the North East.

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NHS England said the patients were aged between 48 and 96 years old and all had known underlying health conditions.

It means the coronavirus death toll in hospitals across England has increased to 28,435.

Council commercial tenant’s rent free period to end

A rent free holiday for Harrogate Borough Council’s commercial tenants will not be extended beyond the end of June as the authority prepares to tackle a £15 million hole in its finances as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The authority gave 185 of its tenants three months rent free back in March as part of its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

While most local authorities decided to defer rents for local companies, the borough council opted to wave them completely for its tenants.

The decision, which was taken at an urgent cabinet meeting chaired by council leader, Richard Cooper, was revealed to cost taxpayers £200,000.

Some businesses received a double dose of public money with many applying for emergency government grants on top of a rent free period.

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At the time of the decision, a joint statement from Cllr Cooper and chief executive Wallace Sampson said the authority wanted to encourage others to offer support.

It said: “Our commercial tenants will be offered three months’ rent free and we’ll be doing all that we can to encourage other landlords in the district to consider what support they can offer their tenants.”

Now, the council has confirmed that the period has not been extended beyond the three month period as it faces a £15 million shortfall due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In an effort to tackle the deficit, senior officers at the  authority have outlined a financial recovery plan which will go before a cabinet meeting next Wednesday.

As part of the plan, council chiefs will review the authority’s 2020/21 budget, reserves, investment plans and capital expenditure including borrowing.

Officers are expected to report more on the council’s financial position once the reviews are complete.

Meanwhile, the authority has already frozen all but essential spending and implemented a recruitment freeze on all but critical services.

It comes as both the district council and the county council face a combined deficit of around £57 million due to the pandemic.

Councils urged to help pubs and restaurants create more space

As pubs and restaurants have now been given the go-ahead to reopen next month, the political debate has shifted kerbside as councils are urged to allow businesses to create space on pavements for drinkers and diners.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced this afternoon that pubs, restaurants and hotels will be able to reopen from July 4 after three months of lockdown.

The two metre social distancing rule will also be relaxed to one metre where possible, but people will be encouraged to use their “common sense” and keep their distance.

But the debate among local politicians has now shifted onto how to help businesses deal with the number of customers who are eager for a pint while abiding social distancing guidance.

Ahead of the announcement, trade bodies in the Harrogate district called for quicker licensing laws to help pubs and restaurants open more space onto pavements to increase capacity.

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Geoff Webber, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on North Yorkshire County Council, said that the district and county authority should support businesses where possible and monitor social distancing.

He said: “My first reaction is that it is too soon.

“But as a county council we should do everything we can to assist business. There is a danger that the pavements can get congested, so it needs to be monitored.”

Andrew Jones, Conservative MP for Harrogate, said in the House of Commons this afternoon that he supported using outdoor space for hospitality and added that jobs in the district “depended on it”.

Pleased to be able to ask @BorisJohnson about using outdoor space to ensure space for hospitality businesses to open safely. Many jobs and businesses depend on this locally in #Harrogate & #Knaresborough. pic.twitter.com/lrdHA8qEpy

— Andrew Jones MP (@AJonesMP) June 23, 2020

In response to Mr Jones, the Prime Minister urged local authorities to “be more creative” and said that there was “plenty of space to be found”.

Julian Smith, Conservative MP for Ripon and Skipton, has been contacted for comment on the news but has yet to respond.

Jack Woodruff, owner of The Disappearing Chin in Beulah Street, Harrogate, said a quicker licensing process would help  to open up more space in front of the bar.

He said: ”I’d like to hear a relax in outdoor licensing law from the government,

“I had one in from months ago but you have to go through several agencies.

“A relaxation to those rules would be ideal and it would be a really big help as we have a few areas that would allow that at the front but currently can’t use.”

The news comes as businesses in the district called for clarity on the the rule in order to reopen in July.

Pub, hotel and restaurant owners said the rule needed to be relaxed in order for their businesses to be viable after lockdown.

Two North Yorkshire recovery plans launched to save tourism

Two county-wide recovery plans are set to be put in place to help tourism and hospitality as the industry faces a battle to recover from coronavirus. 

Analysis by the York and North Yorkshire Enterprise Partnership has forecast 20,000 jobs losses and a drop in value of 40% across the sector this year as a result of the pandemic.

The industry in the wider-county, which is worth around £9 billion a year, has taken a hit due lockdown as hotels, attractions and the hospitality sector have been closed for the past three months.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement today on the two metre distancing rule and further relaxing of restrictions.

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Bosses at the North Yorkshire LEP have launched an economic recovery plan for the region which will focus on getting people back to work, greater digital connection and safer, greener public spaces.

David Kerfoot MBE DL, chair of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said:

“The Covid-19 pandemic has bought challenge in one way or another to every single one of us, yet it has undoubtedly impacted heaviest on those in our society who already had the least.

“It is absolutely crucial that this vision is realised. We must ensure those who have previously been left behind aren’t pushed further into the margins. 

“We must seize the incredibly unique opportunity we have to grow and strengthen our economy, whilst positively mitigating against climate change.”

Meanwhile, Welcome to Yorkshire has also launched its own recovery plan to help the industry and its 225,000 employees.

The organisation has said it will offer regional support for businesses, introduce a Yorkshire gift card for customers and launch a marketing campaign for the county.

The move comes as owners of firms in the Harrogate hospitality sector have urged for clarity on the one metre rule in order for hotels, bars and restaurants to reopen.

But some restaurant owners have warned that some in the industry may not survive.

David Straker, co-owner of popular Harrogate restaurant William & Victoria told The Stray Ferret that the situation is perilous for many restaurants in the town.

He said:

“It’s hard. It’s really, really hard. We’re fortunate here as we own our property and we have a fantastic loyal clientele which is absolutely paramount to a business.”

District hotels, pubs and restaurants desperate for one metre clarity

Hotel owners, pub landlords and restaurants in the Harrogate District say they are desperate for clarity on the reopening of the hospitality sector after a tough three months of lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement today on cutting the two metre social distancing rule and relaxing restrictions as pressure mounts on the government to revive the economy.

It comes as the industry has been hit hard by lockdown with hundreds of staff furloughed and hotels, bars and restaurants closed to the public since March.

In Harrogate, Simon Cotton, owner of The Yorkshire Hotel and White Hart Hotel, said introducing a one metre rule would “without question” help his business and boost capacity to around 80% compared with just 25% under the current guidance.

The Yorkshire Hotel, Harrogate.

Mr Cotton added that he was eager for the government to give more clarity on social distancing rules so that hotels can prepare for a July opening.

He said: “We need to know that now. We have prepared for a lot of things, but we cannot do more until we known the rules.

“We are desperate for this to be able to plan. We are in the time of the year where we normally make our money. It is where most businesses survive. If you do not have a good summer, then you will not survive the winter.”

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The need for clarity is shared by pub owners who will have to grapple with the number of drinkers looking for a long awaited pint.

Trade bodies have already called for local authorities in the district to speed up the licensing process to help bars in the district open out onto the street and create space for customers.

But Tony Brown, manager at The Crown in Pateley Bridge, said it would not be viable for his pub to reopen if the two metre distancing rule is not cut.

He said: “For us, it’s quite simple, if social distancing doesn’t come down from two metres to one, it won’t be financially viable for us to reopen on July 4.

“Even with a change in social distancing, we will still need to look at what other measures we will need to put in place, such as a screen at the bar and markings on the floor. I’ve kept in touch with our regulars and they can’t wait for us to reopen.”

Sara Ferguson, owner of Sasso restaurant in Harrogate.

Meanwhile, Sara Ferguson, owner of Sasso restaurant on Princes Square, Harrogate, said the need for a clear picture from government extends to staff.

She said: “We need clarity on whether it’s one metre or two metres and whether we are allowed customers inside or outside.
“We also need clarification on the coronavirus job retention scheme and if staff can work part time.”
Vulnerable Harrogate council taxpayers to see £150 cut in bills

Council taxpayers in the Harrogate district who are struggling to pay their rates will receive a £150 cut in their bills amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Harrogate Borough Council will reduce the bills as part of a £500 million hardship fund announced by the government back in March.

The authority has received £863,157 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, based on an estimated 4,000 council taxpayers who receive support for their bills.

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As part of the support package, those who already qualify for the council tax reduction scheme will see their bills reduced.

In a report before the council’s cabinet, Wallace Sampson, chief executive of the authority, said the council was supporting those who are the most vulnerable.

Mr Sampson added that every home which is eligible will receive the support “in the first instance”. He said:

“The covid-19 pandemic has set an unprecedented challenge which the council has responded to well through its support to some of the most vulnerable in our community, as well as to those businesses that have been hit the hardest through the crisis.”

Laura Ashley in Harrogate to have closing down sale

Laura Ashley is set to reopen its branch in Harrogate this weekend for a closing down sale as administrators keep the company’s stores under review.

The outlet on James Street in the town centre will open its doors on June 20 as part of a reopening of stores across the country.

Social distancing measures will be in place, including floor markings, and fitting rooms will be closed.

The company’s stores are expected to trade until further notice.

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It will be the latest retailer to reopen since lockdown restrictions were relaxed on non-essential shops earlier this week.

It comes as Laura Ashley brought in administrators PwC back in March after trading concerns due to coronavirus. PwC sold part of the company to Gordon Brothers, but it did not include any of the 147 stores in the sale.

A spokesperson for PwC said:

“The administrators continue to review the position of Laura Ashley stores and will provide further updates in due course. Laura Ashley stores in the UK started to reopen from June 15 in line with government guidance. 

“The administrators continue to trade the e-commerce business and prepare for all stores to reopen once permitted to do so, to sell through the stock on hand.”

The company announced earlier this week that a further 56 redundancies will be made at the business in head office and back office positions.

It follows 268 roles which were scrapped back in April.

Lib Dems criticise ‘abysmal’ communication over leisure company

Harrogate Liberal Democrats have criticised an “abysmal lack of communication” from the borough council on its decision to overhaul leisure services in the district.

Councillors on the opposition group said concerns raised about the shakeup “fell on deaf ears” and added that many were left unaware of the consultation.

The criticism comes after senior councillors last night voted to set up a new company, called Brimham’s Active, to run facilities such as the Harrogate Hydro, Ripon Leisure Centre and Nidderdale Leisure Centre.

Liberal Democrat councillors have set “red lines” for the company, including transparency, affordable prices and investing profits back into leisure.

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The group has also called for Starbeck Baths to be protected. Council leader, Richard Cooper, has vowed not to close the facility while he was in post.

Pat Marsh, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said the communication from the authority gave her “no reassurance that this will be transparent and accountable”. She said:

“If this is to go ahead it must be done with very little day-to-day difference within the service.

“It must be about delivering a quality service, not a profit-hungry corporation. It must remain affordable, with prices not increasing beyond inflation. It must guarantee the protection of services, especially Starbeck Baths. 

“It must be transparent and accountable, with major decisions being made by full council. Current workers must be protected and new staff must receive the same pay and conditions.”

The council said it will save around £400,000 a year on leisure and sport, which last year was estimated to have cost taxpayers £3.5 million.

Council officials will also borrow £26 million from the government’s Public Works Loans Board to fund an investment strategy into the Harrogate Hydro and a new leisure centre in Knaresborough.

The new company is expected to be operating by August 2021 and will cost the council £300,000 to set up.

Harrogate Borough Council has been approached for comment.

Councils to unveil plans to tackle coronavirus shortfalls

Council officials are expected to reveal recovery plans to tackle a £57 million shortfall facing North Yorkshire amid the coronacvirus pandemic.

Both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council have been hit financially by the outbreak and racked up large deficits from tackling the virus.

The borough council faces an estimated shortfall of around £15 million due to loss of income from car parking and leisure during the lockdown.

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It had initially estimated a deficit of £10 million in April, but chief executive Wallace Sampson revealed the figure had increased just two weeks later.

In a report before cabinet last night, the council said it had received £1.65 million from government to support cash flow and had already put a freeze on non-essential spending and recruitment to tackle the deficit.

A financial recovery plan will be brought before senior councillors in July, which will outline how the council will address the shortfall further.

It comes as councils across the country have warned of job losses and cuts to services which will need to be made due to the cost of the pandemic.

In neighbouring Leeds, the city council has said it may need to cut 415 jobs and introduce an emergency budget in August as it faces an overspend of £200 million.

Richard Flinton, chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, told senior county councillors that the authority faces a £42 million deficit.

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire County Council is expected to face a deficit of £42 million by the end of the year due to fighting the outbreak.

Richard Flinton, chief executive of the county council, told senior councillors earlier this month that the authority will have to take measures to address its finances.

Mr Flinton said, while the county council had been given £26 million in government support and will recover around £7.7 million in clinical commissioning group costs, it will still have to do more to tackle the deficit. He said:

“We are hopeful that the government will recognise the need for further funding.

“We will need to take measures ourselves to protect our financial position and we are calling on the government to help on some of those future income streams, particularly around council tax.”

Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council and finance spokesperson for the County Council Network, said he had told Chancellor Rishi Sunak about the financial state of local government and called for the same support as has been given to businesses.

‘I will not close Starbeck Baths’, vows council leader

The leader of Harrogate Borough Council has said he will not close Starbeck Baths after approving a shake-up of the district’s leisure services.

Residents in Starbeck vowed to fight any future threat to the 150-year-old baths after a council officer report suggested the facility’s future “would need to be considered”.

But council leader Richard Cooper said he has made it clear that it will not close under his leadership.

It comes as the borough council’s cabinet voted to set up a new company to run services, including Starbeck, as part of an overhaul of leisure and sport.

The council said the move would help to save around £400,000 a year on services. Starbeck Baths were among the facilities which increased in cost year on year.

Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet addressed the fears over Starbeck Baths at a virtual meeting on YouTube last night.

A Freedom of Information request by The Stray Ferret showed the bill for running the baths increased from £234,193 in 2018/19 to an estimated £239,370 last year.

In a report before cabinet, the council estimated that it would save around £191,000 a year without Starbeck following investment and redevelopment of its other leisure facilities.

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Cllr Cooper said at the meeting streamed live on YouTube that he would not close the facility and the authority was being open with the costs of the baths:

“While I sit here, we are not closing Starbeck Baths and in any case it is not part of the plans. 

“It is just telling people how much things cost because we want people to know.”

Meanwhile, Michael Constantine, head of culture, tourism and sport, said the move was not a “stalking horse” and that any closure would need a separate council decision.

But Pat Marsh, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said the she would rather Cllr Cooper had made a whole council commitment to Starbeck:

“I am pleased to hear the comments and to give the people that reassurance, but are we still going to have him as leader in a few years’ time?

“It would have been better if he had said: ‘This council will not close Starbeck Baths’.”

Last night, senior councillors voted to set up Brimham’s Active to run its leisure services which cost the taxpayer £3.5 million in the last financial year.

The authority will also borrow £26 million from the government’s Public Works Loans Board to fund an investment strategy into the Harrogate Hydro and a new leisure centre in Knaresborough.

The new company is expected to be operating by August 2021 and will cost the council £300,000 to set up.