City of York Council is presenting some budget options for residents to consider as part of the consultation for this year's plans. Residents are being asked for their views on a series of proposed service cuts and income generation ideas and about the level of council tax increase for next year. Councillors have not yet made any decisions on these issues and will be taking residents' views into account before agreeing next year's budget and council tax next month.

The council is committed to extending its budget consultation to give York residents more opportunity to get involved. Information will be available at the 23 ward committees, which meet at the end of January and beginning of February and those attending will be able to complete a questionnaire asking for their views.

Residents can also provide their comments on the budget options through the council's website, by completing an online questionnaire outlining a number of options. The website address is www.york.gov.uk and the consultation can be found under 'latest news', in the ward committee section. Residents can also get copies of the questionnaire at the City Finance Centre in Library Square from 17th January onwards.

Simon Wiles, the council's acting director of resources, said: "By providing residents with this opportunity, they will have the chance to have their say on some key budget issues. This year the council is facing tough decisions about spending priorities. We are lobbying central Government to increase the money they provide to York, but the council will have to decide on budget priorities for next year before any changes can take effect."

Budget decisions for the city will be finalised at the full council meeting on February 21. Anyone wanting to find out details of their local ward committee meetings should contact citizens support group on 01904 551026.

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