The ruling Labour group’s Budget was approved on Thursday, February 27 as the council says it faces an up to £10 million-a-year black hole in its finances.
Labour council leader Cllr Claire Douglas said the Budget was ambitious but responsible and aimed to raise money through increasing income rather than through cuts.
Liberal Democrat opposition leader Cllr Nigel Ayre and Conservative leader Cllr Chris Steward both said the Budget left residents facing rising costs including council tax hikes.
The Budget includes £150,000 for new Neighbourhood Caretakers, £130,000 more in food and fuel assistance, £50,000 for free school meal trials and £20,000 to explore a Dial & Ride replacement.
There is also £50,000 more for grants to support organisations helping people with the cost of living.
The Budget has set aside £8 million to cover contractual cost increases and to address demographic pressures facing health and adult social care.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Opposition groups reveal their budget proposals for York
- Calls for certainty over York library services ahead of cuts
YOU’LL FIND MORE ON THIS STORY AND OTHERS AT www.yorkpress.co.uk OR PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE NEWSPAPER ITSELF AVAILABLE SIX DAYS A WEEK AT YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT
Temporary traffic lights at one of York's busiest junctions are causing 'awful' queues - and are set to be in place until late March.
