This week in East Riding of Yorkshire:

Council Leaders to Interview for Top Executive Roles

The East Riding of Yorkshire Council's Appointments Committee met on Tuesday 6 October 2026 to consider candidates for a crucial senior leadership position. The committee resolved to invite shortlisted candidates for interview for the role of Executive Director of Prosperity and Place. This is a significant appointment that will shape the council's approach to economic development and the environment across the region.

To protect the privacy of candidates and the integrity of the recruitment process, the committee agreed to exclude the press and public from part of the meeting. This decision was made because the discussions were likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information under the Local Government Act 1972. The committee determined that the public interest in maintaining confidentiality during this stage of the recruitment process outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

Further details on this appointment process can be found in the Appointments Committee meeting agenda.

Emergency Preparedness and Local Planning Take Centre Stage

The Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Sub-committee was scheduled to meet on Thursday 8 October 2026 to discuss vital aspects of emergency planning and local resilience. The agenda included discussions with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service and a review of the council's own emergency planning arrangements.

Strengthening Emergency Response with Fire Service

A key item was a report from Niall McKiniry, Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Humberside Fire and Rescue Service. This report was expected to outline the service's comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. It was set to detail how the fire service contributes to statutory duties, local resilience requirements, and multi-agency working. The discussion was anticipated to cover preparedness measures, including contributions to the Humber Local Resilience Forum, and the implementation of Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP). The report was also expected to detail response capabilities and recovery arrangements.

A Unified Approach to Local Emergencies

The sub-committee was also scheduled to consider the council's own approach to emergency planning. This discussion was intended to explain the council's responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and its involvement in the Humber Local Resilience Forum. The agenda indicated a focus on internal planning, the role of the Humber Emergency Planning Service (HEPS), and the development of Business Continuity Plans. The report was expected to cover multi-agency coordination, the Community Risk Register, and emerging challenges such as interconnected risks and financial pressures.

The sub-committee was also scheduled to receive an update on its work programme and review the Forward Plan of Key Decisions, including items like the Review of the Dangerous Wild Animals Policy and the Review of the Mobile Homes Licensing Policy.

More information on these discussions can be found in the Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Sub-committee meeting agenda.

Local Plan Development and Housing Needs Under Review

The Environment and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee was scheduled to meet on Wednesday 7 October 2026, with a significant focus on the progress of the new East Riding Local Plan. This plan is crucial for shaping future development and land use across the region.

Shaping Future Development: The Local Plan

The discussion on the Local Plan was expected to provide an update on the evidence base, governance structures, and stakeholder engagement. Key areas of focus were anticipated to include:

• Housing Growth: The plan aims to address the need for approximately 584 affordable homes per annum, with a significant portion designated for older and specialist accommodation. This aligns with Policy H2 of the adopted East Riding Local Plan Update (2025), which sets out requirements for affordable housing provision.
• Infrastructure Delivery: The preparation of an Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) was a key topic. This plan assesses the infrastructure needed to support planned growth, ensuring development is delivered sustainably. A draft IDP Baseline covering flood risk, utilities, health services, education, and transport has been published.
• Development in Goole: The report was expected to detail development opportunities in Goole, including healthcare infrastructure funding and affordable housing provision.

The sub-committee was also scheduled to receive updates on its work programme and the Cabinet's Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

Further details can be found in the Environment and Regeneration Sub-committee meeting agenda.

Council Considers New Director for People Services

The Appointments Committee was scheduled to meet on Friday 09 October 2026 to interview candidates for the vital role of Director of People Services. This position oversees critical services related to the well-being and development of residents, including children's services, adult social care, and public health.

Similar to other senior appointments, the committee was expected to consider excluding the press and public from discussions relating to the interviews. This measure is in place to protect the confidentiality of candidates and the recruitment process, as outlined in the Local Government Act 1972. The committee would need to be satisfied that the public interest in maintaining confidentiality outweighed the public interest in disclosure.

More information can be found in the Appointments Committee meeting agenda.

Other Matters

• The Assessment Sub-committee was scheduled to meet on Wednesday 07 October 2026 to consider complaints made against councillors. The agenda included reports on complaints identified by reference numbers LA/SASC/558 and LA/SASC/559-563. The sub-committee was also expected to confirm previous minutes. You can find more details in the Assessment Sub-committee meeting agenda.
• The Appointments Committee was scheduled to meet on Wednesday 07 October 2026 to interview candidates for the position of Director of Digital Change and Technology. This role is key to the council's digital transformation efforts. The committee was also scheduled to confirm previous minutes. More information is available in the Appointments Committee meeting agenda.
• The Planning Committee was scheduled to meet on Thursday 08 October 2026 to consider two significant planning applications: one for the erection of three dwellings at Brough Golf Course Club House and another for the change of use of the R A O B Club in Goole to four residential units. The committee was also scheduled to receive minutes from previous planning sub-committee meetings. You can find more details in the Planning Committee meeting agenda.

This week in East Riding of Yorkshire:

Homes Proposed for Golf Course Land Face Rejection Over Policy Conflicts

Plans for three new homes at Brough Golf Course Club House are set to be refused by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council's Planning Committee. The proposed development, intended as enabling works for the clubhouse, has been flagged for conflict with national and local planning policies, particularly concerning development in the countryside and the protection of open spaces.

The application, submitted by Holtby Builders Limited, seeks to erect the dwellings on land south of Links House, 49 Elloughton Road, Brough. However, the Director of Planning and Economic Growth's report highlights that the site lies outside the defined Development Limit for Elloughton-cum-Brough, classifying it as 'Countryside' for planning purposes. This directly contradicts Policy S5 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which strictly controls development in rural areas unless specific exceptions apply.

Furthermore, the site is designated as Open Space under Policy C3 of the East Riding Local Plan Strategy Document Update (ERLP SDU). The report states that the application has not demonstrated that the land is surplus to requirements or that replacement provision would be secured.

Concerns have also been raised about the impact on the character and appearance of the area, including the setting of the Elloughton Conservation Area. The loss of mature trees and the potential erosion of the site's verdant character are noted. The report suggests that the proposed density and layout are incongruous with the spacious character of Westfield Park. While the harm to the conservation area is assessed as low, the report concludes that no clear and convincing justification has been provided, and the limited public benefits do not outweigh this harm.

The proposal also raises concerns about the living conditions for future residents, including the risk of stray golf balls and potential overshadowing. Crucially, the report points out that introducing residential use next to an established golf course could lead to future pressure to restrict the golf course's operation, a conflict with the agent of change principle in Policy P4 of the NPPF.

The Planning Committee will consider this application on Thursday 8 October 2026. You can find more details in the Planning Committee meeting agenda.

Goole Club Faces Redevelopment Amidst Flood Risk and Amenity Concerns

A proposal to convert the former R A O B Club in Goole into four residential units is also facing a recommendation for refusal due to significant flood risk and amenity concerns. The application, by Bremcoda Ltd, seeks to change the use of the building on Chapel Street.

The Director of Planning and Economic Growth's report highlights that the site is located within Flood Zone 3 and identified as being within a Rapid Inundation Zone (RIZ) according to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council Level 2 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) for Goole. The SFRA explicitly states that changes of use increasing vulnerability or proposing additional residential units are not permitted within the RIZ. The proposed development, introducing four residential units, directly conflicts with this policy and has led to an objection from the Environment Agency.

Further concerns relate to the impact on the Humber Estuary, a protected site. The application has not demonstrated that increased recreational disturbance, a potential consequence of new residential development within the estuary's zone of influence, would be appropriately mitigated. This conflicts with Policy ENV4 of the ERLP SDU and relevant sections of the NPPF.

The report also indicates that the proposal would significantly harm the amenities of neighbouring occupiers. The reintroduction of windows on the western elevation, combined with increased activity from residential use, would lead to unacceptable overlooking and a loss of privacy for neighbouring properties, conflicting with Policy ENV1 of the ERLP SDU.

While the reuse of a building and the principle of development in Goole, a Principal Town, are generally supported, the identified conflicts with flood risk policy, protected sites, and residential amenity are considered to outweigh these benefits.

The Planning Committee will discuss this application on Thursday 8 October 2026. Further details are available in the Planning Committee meeting agenda.

Council Considers New Homes in Bubwith Amidst Infrastructure Concerns

The Western Area Planning Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss a planning application for seven new dwellings in Bubwith, Land North And East Of 79, Main Street. The application, submitted by Pentire Properties Ltd, was recommended for approval with conditions, despite objections from Bubwith Parish Council regarding the existing sewer network and initial concerns from the Transport Planning Team about the internal road layout.

The report detailed how the proposal represented a departure from the East Riding Local Plan Allocations Document Update (ERLP ADU) as it involved market dwellings outside of a defined development limit. However, the planning assessment concluded that the planning benefits, including the delivery of much-needed market housing, outweighed the adverse effects.

The application required careful consideration of various policies, including the East Riding Local Plan Strategy Document Update (ERLP SDU) and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), covering aspects such as development in villages, design, environmental hazards, and housing provision.

The committee was also scheduled to receive information on recent planning appeal decisions, including those concerning extensions in Shiptonthorpe and Holme Road, and enforcement notices in Melton.

The meeting took place on Tuesday 29 September 2026. You can find more information in the Western Area Planning Sub-committee meeting agenda.

Health Committee to Examine Childhood Diabetes and Emergency Admissions

The Health, Care and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee was set to discuss critical issues surrounding preventable emergency admissions and the early diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in children. A presentation from the NHS Humber Health Partnership was expected to detail trends in DKA admissions, diagnostic pathways, and strategies for improving early identification.

The agenda highlighted the serious nature of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and DKA, noting that DKA is a life-threatening complication. The discussion was expected to cover the four key symptoms of T1D (Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner) and the importance of early recognition, particularly in very young children where presentations can be atypical. The committee was also to consider referral pathways, safety-netting advice for parents, and quality improvement actions to learn from DKA admissions.

The Sub-Committee was also scheduled to consider arrangements for joint health scrutiny and review its work programme for the upcoming year.

The meeting took place on Tuesday 29 September 2026. Further details can be found in the Health, Care and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Sub-committee meeting agenda.

Council Appoints Director of Digital Change and Technology

The Appointments Committee met on Tuesday 29 September 2026 and resolved to invite shortlisted candidates for interview for the position of Director of Digital Change and Technology. This role is vital for the council's ongoing digital transformation efforts. The committee determined that the public and press should be excluded from this part of the meeting due to the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. The committee concluded that the public interest in maintaining this exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

More information can be found in the Appointments Committee meeting agenda.

Other Matters

• The Eastern Area Planning Sub-committee met on Monday 28 September 2026. A key item was a planning application for Park Farm in Routh, concerning the erection of an office building and a change of use of a workshop. Tickton and Routh Parish Council had objected, citing concerns about the industrialisation of open countryside and traffic impact. The report recommended approval subject to conditions. The Sub-Committee also received information on recent planning appeal decisions. You can find more details in the Eastern Area Planning Sub-committee meeting agenda.

This week in East Riding of Yorkshire:

Council Debates Smoking and Vaping Policies, Committee Representation

East Riding of Yorkshire Council convened on Wednesday 23 September 2026, tackling significant policy changes and the internal workings of council committees. The meeting saw a motion to endorse new Smoking and Vaping Policies for council environments and a discussion on the fair allocation of seats on council committees.

Creating Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Council Spaces

A key decision point was the proposed endorsement of new Smoking and Vaping Policies for council workplaces, vehicles, and public-facing areas. The aim is to foster healthier environments for both staff and the public. The motion encourages councillors to champion these policies within their communities and ensures that employees wishing to quit smoking have access to support services. This initiative aligns with broader public health goals to reduce smoking and vaping prevalence.

The full details of the proposed policies and the council's commitment to supporting cessation can be found in the Council meeting agenda.

Ensuring Fair Representation on Committees

The council also addressed the proportionality and allocation of places on its various committees. A report from the Chief Executive outlined the legal requirements to ensure that committee appointments reflect the political balance of the council, as mandated by Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. This ensures that different political groups have a voice in the council's decision-making processes. New arrangements for ordinary committees are set to take effect from 31 October 2026, with specific provisions for the Standards Committee coming into force immediately.

The report included detailed proposals for seat allocations across different committees, aiming for equitable representation. You can review the proposed allocations in the Council meeting agenda.

Goole Pub Seeks Extended Hours

The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to consider a significant application to vary the premises licence for The Mulberry, a pub located at 70 Aire Street, Goole. The application, submitted by Admiral Taverns Limited, seeks to extend the pub's opening hours, as well as the hours for the sale of alcohol and the provision of live and recorded music.

Proposed Changes to Operating Hours

The proposed new hours include extending opening times on Thursdays until 02:30 (currently 01:00) and on Fridays and Sundays until 03:30 (currently 02:30). The sale of alcohol and live and recorded music would also see extensions, with proposed end times of 02:00 on Thursdays and 03:00 on Fridays and Sundays.

Police Concerns Raised

Humberside Police have submitted a representation concerning the application, citing potential impacts on the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and protecting children from harm. The sub-committee will consider these concerns alongside the application. The report references the Licensing Act 2003 and relevant Home Office guidance in its deliberations.

Further details on the application and the sub-committee's procedures can be found in the Licensing Act 2003 Sub-committee meeting agenda.

Cabinet Approves Tenant Support Policy and Resilience Fund

East Riding of Yorkshire Council's Cabinet met on Tuesday 22 September 2026, making key decisions on tenant support and financial resilience for vulnerable residents. The Cabinet recommended an updated Decant Policy for Council Tenants for approval by the full Council and approved the final Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) scheme for 2026/27.

Ensuring Fair Treatment for Tenants Facing Relocation

The proposed Decant Policy for Council Tenants establishes a clear framework for situations where tenants need to temporarily or permanently leave their homes. This can be due to essential repairs, emergencies, or redevelopment projects. The policy aims to ensure tenants are treated fairly, receive appropriate support, and are consulted throughout the process. It also addresses compensation where legally required, reflecting new legislation such as Awaab's Law and the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.

This policy is crucial for ensuring that tenants are not disadvantaged during necessary housing works or regeneration schemes. The Cabinet's recommendation for full Council approval signifies its importance in protecting tenant rights.

More information on the Decant Policy can be found in the Cabinet meeting agenda.

Lifeline Funding for Vulnerable Residents

The Cabinet approved the final Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) scheme for 2026/27, a vital resource for supporting low-income and vulnerable residents experiencing financial hardship. The CRF, which replaced the Household Support Fund, has allocated £3.839 million to East Riding for the upcoming year.

The fund will provide immediate essential needs assistance and address the underlying causes of crisis. The proposed allocation includes significant funding for Crisis Payments, Resilience Services, and Housing Payments, alongside community coordination and administration. The approach focuses on prevention and community-based support to reduce repeat hardship. Authority has been delegated to manage demand and ensure the full grant funding is used effectively.

Details of the CRF scheme and its allocation are available in the Cabinet meeting agenda.

Budget Outlook and Treasury Management

The Cabinet also reviewed the 2026-27 Revenue and Capital Budget Outlook, noting an early forecast of a £1.4 million General Fund underspend. However, challenges remain, particularly within the Schools Budget, which faces a significant deficit. The Cabinet approved supplementary budget requests and amendments to capital scheme budgets. Additionally, the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2025-26 was noted, confirming that treasury management activities were conducted in line with policy and strategy, with capital security as the primary consideration.

The Forward Plan of Key Decisions for September 2026 to February 2027 was also approved, outlining future key decisions for the Cabinet and Council.

Further details on these financial matters can be found in the Cabinet meeting agenda.

This week in East Riding of Yorkshire:

Council Grapples with Budget Pressures and Tenant Support

East Riding of Yorkshire Council's Cabinet met on Tuesday 22 September 2026, facing critical decisions on how to support vulnerable residents and manage the council's finances. The meeting addressed the proposed Decant Policy for Council Tenants and provided an update on the vital Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).

Protecting Tenants Through Major Changes

The proposed Decant Policy for Council Tenants aims to create a clear and fair process for residents who need to move from their homes. This could be due to essential repairs, emergencies, or larger redevelopment projects. The policy is designed to ensure tenants are treated with respect, receive the necessary support, and are consulted at every step. Crucially, it also outlines how compensation will be provided where legally required.

This policy is particularly important for tenants who may be facing disruption due to essential housing improvements or regeneration schemes. The council has stated that the policy has been developed in response to new legislation, including Awaab's Law and the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, which place greater emphasis on tenant safety and rights. The Cabinet recommended approving this policy for onward approval by the full Council.

You can find more details about the proposed Decant Policy in the Cabinet meeting agenda.

Lifeline Support for Vulnerable Residents

An update on the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) highlighted its crucial role in supporting low-income and vulnerable residents facing financial hardship. This fund, which replaced the Household Support Fund, has provided East Riding with £3.839 million for 2026/27. The funding is being used to offer direct financial aid, preventative support, and community-based interventions.

The report outlined how the CRF is being used to address immediate needs while also tackling the root causes of financial difficulties. The proposed spending for the first year includes allocations for crisis payments, resilience services, housing support, community coordination, and administration. The Cabinet was asked to approve the final CRF scheme and its delivery model, ensuring the full grant funding is utilised effectively to help those most in need.

More information on the Crisis and Resilience Fund can be found in the Cabinet meeting agenda.

Budget Outlook: Challenges and Strengths

The 2026-27 Revenue and Capital Budget Outlook presented a mixed financial picture. While a projected £1.4 million underspend in the General Fund was noted, the report cautioned that this was an early forecast. Significant financial challenges remain, particularly within the Schools Budget, which faces a forecast £17.8 million in-year deficit, largely due to the increasing costs of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. The Housing Revenue Account is also forecast to overspend.

The capital programme remains substantial at £609.5 million. The Cabinet was recommended to approve supplementary budget requests and amendments to capital scheme budgets. The report also noted that the delivery of the Council's £17.8 million savings programme is a key focus, with some savings carrying delivery risks.

Details of the budget outlook are available in the Cabinet meeting agenda.

Council Finances and Risk Management Under Scrutiny

The Overview Management and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 17 September 2026, reviewing the council's financial position and its strategic risks. The committee also discussed communication with town and parish councils.

Budget Position and Financial Risks

The committee received a report on the council's revenue and capital budget position at the third month of the financial year. While a projected £1.4 million underspend in the General Fund was identified, the report stressed that this was an early forecast. The significant deficit within the Schools Budget, particularly for SEND provision, was highlighted as a major concern.

The committee also reviewed the council's Strategic Risk Register. Five risks were rated as 'red', indicating a high level of concern. These included containing spend within budget, managing challenges with the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, implementing effective business change programmes, establishing an enterprise approach to data, and delivering a robust health and safety framework. The report acknowledged that while the council's financial position had improved, medium-term risks remained significant.

Further details on the budget and risk register can be found in the Overview Management and Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.

Improving Communication with Local Councils

The committee received an update on efforts to improve communication between East Riding of Yorkshire Council and its Town and Parish Councils. Initiatives like the Parish Open Door (POD) service and the Streetscene Hub (SHub) were discussed, with reports indicating continued engagement and positive feedback from cluster events.

However, a survey highlighted that communication remains a key issue for town and parish councils, with a desire for more direct contact, improved responsiveness, and greater transparency. The report noted that email is the primary communication channel, and there is a strong call for more collaborative working and consultation before decisions affecting local communities are made.

More information on town and parish council communications is available in the Overview Management and Scrutiny Committee meeting agenda.

Pension Fund Faces McCloud Remedy and Cyber Threats

The Pensions Committee met on Friday 18 September 2026 to discuss crucial matters concerning the Local Government Pension Scheme. Key agenda items included an update on the McCloud Project, the committee's knowledge and understanding of pension matters, and cyber risk arrangements.

Addressing Pension Discrimination

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the McCloud remedy, which addresses age discrimination in public service pension reforms. The report detailed the progress and ongoing challenges in rectifying benefits for eligible members. The complexity of applying the remedy retrospectively, from 2014 to 2022, was highlighted, involving intricate calculations and the need for accurate historical data. The committee was informed that some retrospective rectification work had not been completed by the extended deadline, and a breach of the law was expected to be reported to The Pensions Regulator.

Enhancing Committee Knowledge and Cyber Security

The committee also focused on ensuring its members possess the necessary knowledge to fulfil their responsibilities effectively. This included reviewing an updated Training Strategy to comply with new government reforms. The fund plans to participate in a national knowledge assessment to identify training needs.

Concerns about cyber risk were also addressed, following previous discussions with the East Riding Pension Board. The committee reviewed cyber risk and continuity arrangements, aiming to ensure robust policies are in place to protect the Pension Fund from digital threats.

Further details on these discussions can be found in the Pensions Committee meeting agenda.

Other Matters

• The Joint Local Access Forum met on Wednesday 16 September 2026, discussing updates from Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council regarding public rights of way, active travel initiatives, and the impact of new planning policies. The forum also reviewed statistics from the Definitive Map Team. You can read more in the Joint Local Access Forum meeting agenda.