We are encouraging residents to learn more about the challenges facing local government finances and share their ideas as part of a new campaign ahead of next year’s budget setting process.
Over the coming months, the council will be explaining how York’s budget is shaped, the growing pressures on council services and the decisions that need to be made to ensure resources are used effectively.
Like councils across the country, City of York Council is facing significant financial challenges as demand for services continues to grow and costs continue to rise. York also receives some of the lowest levels of government funding in the country and could become the lowest funded council in England under proposed future funding arrangements.
The campaign aims to give residents a clearer understanding of the factors that influence the council’s budget, while providing opportunities for people to share their views and suggestions.
Councillor Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance and Major Projects at City of York Council, said:
"Setting the council’s budget is about making difficult decisions in the best interests of York residents, and we want people to understand the challenges we face and have the opportunity to contribute their ideas."
"While financial pressures remain significant, our focus is on protecting the services residents rely on and planning ahead responsibly for the future. We are continuing to make the case for better funding for York while reducing costs, improving efficiency and modernising how we work to deliver the best possible value for residents."
Alongside campaigning for a better funding settlement, the council continues to take action to manage financial pressures. This includes successfully securing additional investment in York’s highways, exploring new ways to support essential services and looking at how technologies such as artificial intelligence can help improve efficiency and modernise council services.
Every decision made as part of the budget process will be guided by the council’s commitment to supporting residents today while investing in York’s future, helping to keep the city a great place to live, work and visit.
Residents are invited to watch the campaign videos and share their ideas for the council’s budget by emailing budget@york.gov.uk
Further information about the council’s finances and budget process is available at www.york.gov.uk