Concerns raised over lack of consultation on pavement café plans

York’s Liberal Democrat councillors are calling on the council’s Labour administration to properly consult with businesses ahead of introducing new rules affecting pavement cafes across the city.  

At a Decision Session last week, Transport Executive Member Cllr Kate Ravilious approved plans to charge businesses for putting out tables and chairs and other items including hardware, with the fee set at £500 per year for first time applications and £350 for renewals. The new rules will apply to businesses that make use of outdoor space on council-owned land and also on some areas of private land. This will have implications for a range of businesses – not just cafes - in areas such as Acomb Front Street and Bishopthorpe Road, as well as in the city centre.

Lib Dem councillors Andrew Waller, Ashley Mason and Stephen Fenton spoke at the meeting to raise concerns about a lack of communication with potentially affected businesses. In response, on Monday 22 July the council advertised on its Facebook page a drop-in session for businesses to be held later that same day. But it then became apparent that the drop-in event was actually taking place on Monday 29 July from 3-5pm. The Facebook post was corrected after the error was brought to the council’s attention.

Lib Dem councillor for Westfield ward Andrew Waller has called on the council to pull its plans and properly consult with businesses.

“Over the past week I have been talking to businesses in the Front Street area who were completely unaware that this policy was on its way. This is unacceptable, as there are lots of unanswered questions particularly around how the rules will apply to land that is private but might be considered to be part of the ‘public highway.’ Consulting with businesses after a decision has been made is not consultation. The council has added insult to injury by arranging a drop-in session, at short notice, in the middle of the afternoon, when many small businesses are busy at work.”

Councillor Ashley Mason added:

“The confusion over pavement licensing arrangements is part of a worrying trend of the Labour council treating small businesses with a lack of respect. For example, street traders – many of whom have been part of York’s retail offer for many years and who pay for the right to trade in the city – have been told that they will have to give up their pitch at certain times of the year, with no rebate on what they have paid. The council and the new Labour Government claim to be business-friendly and committed to promoting economic growth, but the reality on the ground appears to be somewhat different.”