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31
Aug
Mayor Watch: Planning powers and Army Foundation College allegations
Each month, the Stray Ferret analyses the activity of the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, and his deputy mayor for policing, Jo Coles.
We look at their decisions, their public and online presence and their use of money by both politicians.
In August, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced major plans to hand mayors the power to overrule local councils on planning decisions.
The rationale for Mayor David Skaith’s decision to divert pothole money from North Yorkshire to York was also revealed.
Meanwhile, Ms Coles reacted to latest revelations from Harrogate’s Army Foundation College.
York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire
What did he do?
On August 7, the Stray Ferret revealed the rationale behind Mayor Skaith’s move to divert funding from North Yorkshire to York to tackle potholes, which infuriated the Conservative-run North Yorkshire Council.
The mayor welcomed a move by the government on August 14 to announce a temporary ban on disposable barbecues amid dry weather and fires across the country.
On August 23, the Prime Minister revealed major plans to hand mayors, including Mr Skaith, powers to overrule local councils on planning decisions.
In a statement to the Stray Ferret, the Labour mayor said the move could help to unblock delays in the planning system.
Meanwhile, on August 25, the Labour mayor and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority revealed £300,000 in funding to help businesses in the region export to international markets.
What decisions did he make?
On August 26, the mayor launched a consultation on his local transport plan.
He said the 10-week consultation will help to “guide future improvements across all forms of transport”.
What else?
The Stray Ferret asked the combined authority if it had anything further it wished to add to Mr Skaith’s activity.
In a statement, the mayor said:
Securing Established Status marks a major milestone for York and North Yorkshire, demonstrating growing government confidence in our ability to deliver. This status unlocks greater access to devolved powers and long-term, flexible funding. That will give us the direct control needed to tackle structural challenges and make decisions right here in our county, for our county.
One year on from the devastating wildfire at Fylingdales, I am pleased to see retailers removing disposable barbecues from their shelves. This is a common-sense step that I and my Deputy Mayor Jo Coles have been calling for, so it's been welcome to get the backing of our government for a temporary ban. It's an important move after another dry summer and will help us safeguard our countryside, wildlife, and rural communities.
Those very landscapes will be in the spotlight next weekend as we welcome stage four of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men. Passing through Boroughbridge, Ripon, and Pateley Bridge before finishing in Leyburn, the race brings world-class cycling to our doorstep while delivering a fantastic boost for local tourism, hospitality, and trade.
Connecting these communities is at the heart of our vision for the region. Transport in York and North Yorkshire hasn't been good enough for too long, but through our new 10-week Local Transport Plan consultation, you can help us change that. Have your say and our visit our website to complete the survey and ensure the Harrogate district’s voice is heard.
Jo Coles, deputy mayor for policing.
Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing
What did she do?
On August 7, Ms Coles issued a statement after fresh allegations of sexual abuse, rape and bullying were made at Harrogate’s Army Foundation College.
The deputy mayor described the accounts, which were revealed as part of a BBC investigation, as “incredibly upsetting” and pledged to hold North Yorkshire Police to account over its progress on protecting victims.
On August 13, Ms Coles released a statement on the Langdale Fire one-year on, where he urged action on disposable barbecues.
What decisions did she make?
Ms Coles made no formal decisions in June, according to the Office for Policing, Fire and Crime transparency details. Her last one was on July 17.
What else?
On the Office for Policing, Fire, Crime and Commissioning website, personal expenses for Ms Coles are published monthly.
The office published expenses claims for June this year, which are the most recent data available.
In June, Ms Coles claimed £4 for a car parking ticket in Scarborough on June 23 for an event.
Meanwhile, she also claimed 526 miles in mileage in June which included events in Manchester, Thirsk, Scarborough, Harrogate and Malton.
The Stray Ferret approached York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to ask if it had anything further it wished to add to Ms Coles’ activity.
She said:
Summer is an incredibly busy time for police and fire services with an average 14.5 million visitors to the county over the holiday period. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has seen a 21% increase in calls over the last three months, in comparison to last year relating to open fires. So, I have spent as much time as possible thanking firefighters for their work, including the Boroughbridge and Robin Hood’s Bay drill nights.
Following the Langdale/ Fylingdales wildfire last year, the Mayor and I called for a ban on disposable barbecues, and it is extremely welcome that the Government have now backed campaign with a temporary ban. We will continue to press for a permanent ban on the sale of disposable barbeques in our county, where the risks and consequences of wildfires are so high.
I have also been focused on the early intervention and prevention efforts being made across the region. I have met twice with the Harrogate Neighbourhood Policing team, as well as the Harrogate BID to understand the work taking place to tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour. I’ve also joined policing teams recently in Eastfield, Scarborough town centre, and Acomb and Haxby in York.
I am continuing to press the Government on Police Reform, including the Home Secretary and have been very clear that a mega-police force for Yorkshire would weaken rural policing, collaboration and accountability and would not work in our county. This campaigning continues.
And our work on road safety continues too – the Mayor and I met with road safety campaigner Lauren Doherty) and the recruitment of our strategic road safety manager is underway to lead on the coordination of the work across the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership.
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