The Selby and Ainsty Area Constituency Committee of North Yorkshire Council met to discuss various issues affecting the local community, including updates from the local MP, a proposed summer playscheme, air quality, educational achievement, and economic development funding.

Constituency MP Keir Mather

Keir Mather, MP for the Selby and Ainsty Constituency, addressed the committee on several key issues. He highlighted the forthcoming Mayoral election for North Yorkshire and York, emphasising the benefits of having a single voice for the region. Mather discussed his dialogue with Councillor Carl Les, OBE, on local matters such as flooding and public transport. He also mentioned the lack of pest control services in Selby compared to other areas and the need for better coordination with South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire Mayoral Authorities. Mather spoke about boundary changes, a Cost of Living support event, and his ongoing work in Westminster, including processing over 5,000 pieces of casework. He also mentioned his upcoming meetings with the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police and the Chief Executive of North Yorkshire Council.

Councillor John McCartney raised concerns about affordable housing, to which Mather responded by acknowledging the urgent need for more affordable housing in the Selby area. The committee thanked Mather for his updates and responses.

Groundwork North Yorkshire

Amanda G Scrimgeour and Tracey Sugden from Groundwork Yorkshire presented a proposal for the GO WILD SELBY – SUMMER PLAYSCHEME 2024 . The scheme aims to provide a summer playscheme for 30 children aged 7-11 in Selby Park, running from 29 July to 24 August 2024. The programme includes structured activities around the environment, health, and well-being, with lunches provided for children in receipt of free school meals. The total cost of the programme is £27,000, with a current shortfall of £22,085. The committee discussed potential funding sources but noted that the ACC did not have a specific budget for this scheme. They suggested exploring other funding options, including the Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) funding.

Air Quality in the Constituency Area

Vikki Flowers and Dr Kevin Carr presented the draft North Yorkshire Council Air Quality Action Plan (2024-2029), which combines the Air Quality Action Plans (AQAPs) from former Borough and District Councils. The presentation covered local air quality management, pollutants of concern, and the progress of measures to address air quality. Members suggested potential locations for pollutant monitoring tubes in the Selby area and discussed the importance of working with Public Health colleagues. The committee's comments and views on the draft AQAP were noted.

Schools, Educational Achievement, and Finance

The committee reviewed a report on the local educational landscape, achievement, and financial challenges affecting schools in the Selby and Ainsty area. John S Lee, Strategic Planning Officer, Education and Skills, responded to members' questions on various educational issues, including the impact of COVID-19 on early years development, NEET provision, and the financial difficulties faced by some schools. The committee requested further information on several points, including the criteria for NEET funding allocation and the process for building new secondary schools.

Economic Development Seed Funding

Duncan Ferguson provided an update on the £50k seed funding pot for economic development allocated to the ACC. The committee discussed priorities for the funding, focusing on heritage and the arts, public transport, and social enterprise. A Task and Finish Group was proposed to identify and prioritise projects, with a report to be presented at the next ACC meeting in June 2024.

Public Transport

The committee received updates on bus and rail matters, including minor changes to the Coastliner 840/843 timetable and proposals for funding allocation following the cancellation of the HS2 rail project. The updates included plans to cap bus fares for under-19s and improve timetables for several bus routes.

New Free SEND School in Selby

A written report on the progress of the new free SEND school in Selby was circulated. The planning application for the school was discussed at the Strategic Planning Committee meeting on 9 April 2024. The committee resolved to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, and discussions on the proposed colour palette for the building were ongoing.

North Yorkshire Council's Role in Emergencies

Matthew Robinson presented on North Yorkshire Council's role in responding to and recovering from emergencies. The presentation covered the responsibilities of multi-agency partners, the council, and elected members, as well as community resilience. The committee welcomed the offer of an annual report on emergency and resilience work in the area.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Minutes 26 April 2024 - Final and the Public reports pack 13th-Jun-2024 10.00 Selby and Ainsty Area Constituency Committee.