Local Lib Dem councillors have criticised the legislative agenda for the coming year set out in Tuesday’s Queen’s speech that amount to terrible solutions to non-existent problems.

During the pandemic local Councils have been permitted to hold formal meetings online, enabling them to carry on Council business through lockdowns and other restrictions. This has brought more flexibility and improved accessibility for both councillors and residents, with representatives being able to work more efficiently. After the Government announced that this legislation will be withdrawn, judgement in the High Court has now confirmed that local councils will not be able to meet virtually after 7th May.

Lib Dem-led administration has announced that a citizen’s advisory panel will be formed to support the implementation of the Auditor’s recommendations in a bid to further improve transparency and bolster governance procedures at the Council. This follows the approval of the Council’s action plan at a Full Council meeting on the 4th May.

Councillor Andrew Waller has discussed the progress of the 10-year Skills Strategy development, which will support people and businesses through change and develop the skills infrastructure that will support York’s longer-term economic recovery from COVID-19.

In the light of a surge in demand for mental health support from residents of all ages and backgrounds, city’s leaders have come together to set in place an action plan that would ensure a joined-up and coordinated response to a growing mental health challenge.

Councillor Paula Widdowson is set to review the progress of several flood schemes across the city at a public meeting on the 5th May.

Following the investment of £20million for the city’s road maintenance as a part of the 2021/22 Council Budget secured by Lib Dem councillors, the Council’s Annual Maintenance Report details the planned work that will be undertaken to maintain around 1,000 miles of adopted highway, 43,000 gullies, 23,000 street lights, traffic signals and around three miles of the city’s historic walls.

Liberal Democrat Councillors have ensured that the most vulnerable children in the city will have access to Free School Meal vouchers over May break.

After proposals put forward by York’s Liberal Democrat councillors to call on the York and North Yorkshire Pension Fund to invest £120 million in green infrastructure were approved by Full Council in March, senior officers have lobbied on behalf of the city’s councillors.

York’s Lib Dems have hit out at Government’s plans to deregulate the planning process, as Executive Member for Economy and Planning is set to discuss impact of Permitted Development Rights at his decision session on Tuesday (27th March).