Response to Chancellor’s Autumn Statement
Issued by City of York Council
Following today’s Autumn statement, James Alexander, Labour Leader of City of York Council, said:
”With a further two per cent cut in City of York Council funding in 2014/15, on top of already planned reductions, the Chancellor will have taken away 30 per cent of the council’s grant funding in just four years. Before today’s announcement, City of York Council has received a funding cut over two years equivalent to £70 off each person since the general election.
“Together with the ongoing welfare benefit changes, the most vulnerable and poorest in the city have been the hardest hit over the last three years. Given the acute pressures on adult social care services, housing and the impact of flooding, there is no justification for a further cut in grant estimated at the equivalent to one per cent of our Council Tax income.”
The Chancellor’s Autumn statement suggested that additional funding will be put into capital projects for schools. James Alexander added, “It is vital that the Council and Head Teachers are able to influence where capital funding for schools is spent and I will be working across the city to ensure that York gets its share of investment.”
Reflecting on the councils own budget, James Alexander added, ”I recognise how stretched family budgets are and therefore the increase in Council Tax to protect essential services in York will be limited to 38p per week.”
The Chancellor announced Leeds, Derby, Exeter, Sheffield and Ipswich will receive a share of £120m to help with flood defences.
James Alexander said, “The floods minister was here last week offering support and other ministers have personally pledged support to York so it is disappointing to say the least that the Chancellor has forgotten about York when it comes to flood defences. Any further funds would most likely first be spent in the Clementhorpe area.”
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