York City Council warns of significant financial challenges ahead
The local authority revealed its proposed budget ahead of a public meeting next week
£19 million in additional funding is going to invested in protecting key public services in York.
The figure's part of the city council's budget, which'll be discussed in a public meeting next week.
Officials say they're facing significant financial challenges as the cost of living remains high.
The budget proposals are also set to continue the Council’s transformational £480 million Capital Programme, to drive regeneration and continue the city’s economic recovery by delivering major schemes, including York Central, Station Frontage, road improvements, carbon reduction schemes, school upgrades and affordable housing delivery.
Following the increase in the Council tax flexibility by the Government, City of York Council has proposed a basic council tax increase of 2.99 % in 2023/24, in order to ensure crucial services can continue to be delivered. In addition, an increase of 2% in line with the government’s social care precept is also proposed, which will provide critical financial support for increasing adult social care responsibilities. This would still leave the average York council tax bill over £100 cheaper for residents each year compared to the national average.
Executive member for finance and performance, Councillor Nigel Ayre, commented:
“The impacts of the pandemic, rising costs and increasing demand for services, as well as the Government’s failure to provide what councils need to respond to these challenges, has meant that, as other councils across the country, we are left facing tough decisions.
“Although thanks to prudent financial management of the Council’s finances over the last few years, we are in a better position compared to many other Councils that are facing significantly worse financial troubles.
“The recent national crises are compounded by the ongoing pressures in meeting the demands of growing social care responsibilities and providing the support and services that our communities need now more than ever.
“This budget looks to stabilise our financial position in what is an extremely uncertain and turbulent financial time, whilst continuing to provide essential services to our local communities. Despite the national financial challenges we are increasing spending on adult social care to support the most vulnerable, investing to support children and young people, protecting frontline services and supporting those facing most dire financial difficulties during this cost of living crisis.”
The budget proposals for 2023/24 will be presented to the Executive Member for Finance and Performance on 12th January, the Council Executive on 9th of February and then debated at Full Council on the 23rd February.