Following the publication of initial proposals by Labour for City of York Council's budget, Cllr Chris Steward reacted:
Although the Lib Dems left a poor legacy, yet again City of York Council is seeking the maximum possible council tax increase and amidst all the talk of funding issues 24/25 will in fact have a record amount to spend. However, Labour continues to spend money freely in many areas, just like the Lib Dems did from unwanted bollards in Acomb to payoffs to senior staff, whilst making cuts to the services residents need.
One of the worst aspects of the budget is the new £46.50 charge for greens bins. We will oppose this charge, green bins are a basic service that must be provided in the already high council tax people pay and it is also a false economy to charge more in more waste will go in gray bins.
We also oppose what amounts to Labour making easy choices for themselves but making York residents and small businesses suffer, for example with yet another increase in parking charges. This will worsen the picture going forward as will the lack of a true basis to believe many of their targeted savings will be realised. Whilst Labour are going nowhere sensible on key projects like Castle Gateway and getting behind on ring road dualling they are still seeing record borrowing for the council and the using up of reserves.
