City of York Council to make further budget cuts

A further £22m in savings will have to be made by the City of York Council over the next two years in addition to the £21m cut agreed in February.

The council said it was having to provide more care for older people and children and also facing higher energy and fuel costs.

Three assistant director posts are to be cut saving £250,000 a year.

Councillor Julie Gunnell said they would have to take some "unpopular" decisions to balance the books.

The cabinet member for corporate services said: "We will need to make those tough decisions to ensure we can protect services for the most vulnerable members of our communities."

The Labour-controlled authority has been told it will need to find an additional £12m of savings in 2012/13 and another £10m in 2013/14 in order to balance the budget.

Officials said the number of children requiring council care was now 13% higher than when the budget was set in February.

Other budget pressures include the cost of the Landfill Tax and high inflation on contracts the council has with external providers.

The council has not said if any further job losses beyond the three assistant director posts are anticipated.

Councillors will discuss the latest budget on 6 December.