The 2023/24 budget consultation begins today and closes on 9 January 2023. Residents are asked to share their views on funding priorities and levels of Council tax, which in York is amongst the lowest in the country – over £100 less than the national average for a band D property.
York residents are encouraged to share their views on City of York Council’s budget plans for the upcoming year, including funding for crucial local services, like social care, supporting communities during the cost-of-living crisis, and maintaining local schools and facilities.
The 2023/24 budget consultation begins today and closes on 9 January 2023. Residents are asked to share their views on funding priorities and levels of Council tax, which in York is amongst the lowest in the country – over £100 less than the national average for a band D property.
The consultation follows a recent report prepared for the Council’s Executive on the cost-of-living crisis and its wider impact on the city’s residents and the Council. The report highlights that Councils across the country are facing unprecedented financial pressures, as rising energy, fuel and food prices, and inflationary increases are continuing to put pressure on service delivery.
These pressures across the country mean that Councils are facing additional cost pressures of £2.4 billion in 2022/23. In 2023/24, there is a funding gap of £3.4 billion just to maintain services at pre-COVID levels. For all these pressures to be met through council tax alone, councils would have to put up council tax by 20 per cent over the next two years, which is neither sustainable nor desirable.
Consecutive years of significant decline in funding from central government is now compounded by the challenges brought about by the pandemic, energy costs and rising inflation. York is no exception to these challenges and is facing a significant budget pressure of £10 million next year.
City of York Council’s leader, Cllr Keith Aspden, said:
“As a council, we are facing significant financial pressures and increasing demand for our services. Rising energy costs and increases in the cost of contracts and supplies are making it difficult for the Council to balance its budget, just as inflation is making it extremely challenging for households to balance their budgets.
“Despite successive Government funding cuts for local councils, we continue to provide support for those who need it most, tackle climate change, deliver value for money services and long term investment in our city for the benefit for our businesses and residents for decades to come.
“These ongoing challenges have left City of York Council facing major financial pressures, similarly to councils across the country. There are incredibly difficult decisions we will have to make to ensure we can continue to support our communities, so it’s vital that people in York share their views on what's important to them when it comes to the Council’s future spending plans. I would urge everyone to complete the online survey and give their views.”
To take part in the online consultation, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Budget23-24
There will also be an opportunity to take part in the survey in the next edition of the Council’s Our City newspaper. The 2023/24 budget consultation survey is available from today and closes on 9 January 2023.
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