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Welcome to your latest Families update

This week we're talking about the extension of the free school meal pilot, how to sign up for parenting courses, changes to council tax bills, how to take part in the Great British Spring Clean and more. 

York's free school meal pilot rolled out to a third school

Pupils at Fishergate Primary School will now able to get a free breakfast at school as part of the citywide campaign to deliver free meals to primary school pupils.

The Hungry Minds campaign is part of our wider commitment to helping families start good health and wellbeing as early as possible in their lives.

Changes to council tax

Council Tax bills for 2025/26 are being sent out in the next few days. Council tax funds approximately 75% of the council’s 'General Fund' budget, delivering services including health, schools and education. This year, the council’s proportion of Council Tax will increase by 4.99%. For example, for a Band D property, this could mean an increase of about £96.99 more per year.

Protect against norovirus

Norovirus cases are continuing to rise across the country. It's a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about 2 days.

You can usually treat yourself at home, but the most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids.

Sign up for new parenting courses

Children don't come with a handbook. But did you know that you can find out about free courses for parents on www.raiseyork.co.uk/parenting ? The courses cover a wide range of topics from pregnancy, to teenagers or children and young people with SEND. Take a look!

If you and your partner are expecting your first child together in June or July and you live in York, why not check out our Free course?

It includes 7 interactive workshops before and after the birth of your child, helping you and your partner overcome the challenges of parenting while building a strong co-parenting partnership.

Join the Great British Spring Clean

We support Keep Britain Tidy's campaign, Great British Spring Clean, returning from 21 March to 6 April 2025.

You can help in your neighbourhood by taking part in a litter pick, leaf clearing, or you can organise a community clean up event.

Changes at York Station

Four bus stops on the city walls side of Station Road will be relocated from Monday 10 March, and the long stay car park will close after Friday 14 March to allow Network Rail to begin work on a new multi-storey car park.

This is part of work to improve the area, which also includes some overnight works and lane closures on Blossom Street. 

Photo credit: John Sisk & Son.

Have your say!

Want to share your opinions? Here's what we're asking about at the moment, and what the deadlines are for taking part.

• York and Scarborough Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust partnership agreement - 13 March
• Unpaid Carers Survey - 16 March

One of the best ways to influence what happens in York is to get involved in our Talkabout citizen's panel, which happens twice a year.