City of York council unveils key proposals in ‘Our Big Budget Conversation’ amidst unprecedented financial pressures

City of York Council is asking for the community’s continued engagement as it tackles one of the most challenging budgets in its history. As part of Our Big Budget Conversation, residents, businesses, and partners are invited to provide feedback on proposed budget changes designed to protect essential services while ensuring the council operates within its limited resources.

Facing a big challenge together

Having navigated over a decade of cuts, City of York Council remains one of the lowest-funded unitary authorities in England, receiving nearly £700 less per resident than the average council. However, this financial pressure has now reached a critical level, with the council needing to close an approximate £30 million budget gap while continuing to deliver essential services for York’s residents.

Comprehensive budget consultation

Since May 2024, the council has undertaken an in-depth budget consultation process.  Starting in June 2024, residents were invited to give their feedback on how the council operates.  This was followed during the summer with a combination of workshops and on and offline surveys asking residents, businesses and partners which services they would prioritise.  Now, in this final stage, the big budget consultation is asking people to provide their thoughts of proposals to help the council balance its budget based on feedback from the previous two stages.

The Our Big Budget consultation will again include workshops and surveys and has already included a cross-party Councillor discussion at Corporate Scrutiny Committee on 11 November 2024.

The budget consultation will conclude on 01 January 2025, leading to the opportunity for more formal public participation in January 2025 when Executive will be invited to recommend the budget to Council for approval in February 2025.

This staged approach over the last six months builds a nuanced understanding of the impact of budget proposals on different demographics and community groups while exploring how partners, businesses, and residents can work together to achieve shared ambitions for the city.

Debbie Mitchell, Director of Finance, highlighted the importance of collective effort:

“This is a conversation we cannot afford to ignore. The financial decisions we make now will make sure we provide a balanced budget which is critical for the council to operate, and it is vital that all voices are heard. Thank you to everyone who participated over the past few months. Now more than ever, we need residents, businesses, and partners to help us prioritise the services that matter most.”

You said, we did

The latest proposals in Our Big Budget Conversation build on feedback received from previous consultations, ensuring that residents’ priorities are reflected in the budget. This input, gathered through workshops, surveys, and community discussions, has shaped key elements of the current budget strategy, which includes a balanced approach to income generation, service efficiencies, and necessary cuts.

Difficult decisions ahead

Despite exploring all avenues for generating income, City of York Council must also consider difficult cuts. The council is looking at income and cost-saving measures, including more efficient ways of working, some staff reductions, service reviews, and increasing charges or other ways to generate income. Proposals include reducing highway investment and streamlining parking charges.

It is vital that its financial strategy supports the council’s priorities as outlined in the Council Plan. However, delivering these priorities in a time of significant financial challenge will require a more transformational, long-term approach to reduce costs overall while ensuring resources are prioritised where they are needed most.

Next steps – Join Our Big Budget Conversation

Ian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer, City of York Council, has urged residents to continue engaging with the budget process:

“The financial challenges facing local authorities are very significant, on the back of many years of reductions in local government funding.

“There will need to be significant decisions made to ensure the council can continue to deliver critical services.

“We are committed to listening to residents, businesses, and partners to help shape the future shape of the council’s budget. I encourage everyone to contribute to this important conversation.”

To have your say, visit https://www.york.gov.uk/OurBigBudgetConversation for more information.  Printed surveys will also be available at York Explore libraries.