PEOPLE in York have been urged to share the questions they have about the council’s budget as work gets underway on plans for the coming financial year.
The budget for City of York Council, which is due to be decided next year, is set to see spending plans set out along with any hikes to council tax and fees and charges for services.
Cllr Katie Lomas, the authority’s Labour finance spokesperson, said setting the budget was one of the most important decisions the council makes.
She added she wanted people to come forward with questions about the budget including about services that are important to them and she would provide clear, honest answers.
It comes ahead of the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) speaking to Cllr Lomas about the budget for 2027/8.
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LDRS will put questions from the public to the finance executive member on Friday, August 28.
It follows BBC analysis showing the council is facing a £9.65 million black hole in its finances in the coming financial year.
A Shared Data Unit investigation found it came after the council planned savings worth £10.92 million for 2026/7 and hiked council tax by the maximum 4.99 per cent allowed.
It also comes amid fears that York could lose up to £38.4 million if national reforms to the way councils are funded go ahead.
Council finance lead Debbie Mitchell said the authority along with others across the country is facing significant cost pressures.
The Government has said councils are set to receive £78 billion through this year’s funding settlements.
Ministers have said changes proposed as part of the national Fair Funding Review are needed to ensure money goes to the most deprived areas that need it most.
City of York Council's Labour Finance Executive Member Cllr Katie Lomas
(Image: City of York Council)
Cllr Lomas said it was vital that residents have the opportunity to understand how their money is spent and the challenges they face.
She said: “I would encourage people from across York to send in their questions about the budget.
“Whether it’s about council services, investment priorities or how funding decisions are made, we want to hear what’s important to you and provide clear, honest answers.
“Your questions will help us have an open conversation about the choices ahead and the future of our city.”
Send your questions to The Press in the comments below, on social media or to the email address on the Local Democracy Reporter's author page.