York’s Labour-run council has set out its priorities in newly released budget proposals.
At the full council meeting tomorrow (Thursday), they will propose investment in free school meals, youth services and road and home repairs.
This will “reflect the new administration’s priorities of equalities, affordability, the environment, and health and wellbeing”.
Proposals include:
- Extra targeted youth services community support: £40,000
- A free school meals pilot to Key Stage 2 pupils: £100,000
- Work with disabled people’s organisations and blue badge holders to improve city centre access: £30,000
- A York Climate Emergency Fund to raise cost effective capital and engage public, stakeholders and investors in climate projects: £10,000
Labour says the money will come from cuts to executive member numbers (saving £40,000) and redirecting £250,000 of one-off ward funding.
Changes to the capital programme are also proposed with an extra £1.8 million to improve council homes by tackling damp issues and bring council houses back into occupation more quickly.
Councillor Katie Lomas, executive member for finance, performance, major projects and equalities, said: “We will invest in our young people with free primary school meals and additional youth service support.
“We will make our city centre accessible for everyone and we will work with residents and partners across our city to tackle the climate emergency.
“We will also be making necessary repairs to our council houses, banishing damp and mould which endanger lives and bringing significant health and environmental benefits as we tackle fuel poverty.
“We will ensure that council houses aren’t left empty for long periods, bringing them back into use for those who need them.”
The full council meeting takes place tomorrow (Thursday) at 6.30pm. You can read the agenda and papers here.
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