YORK’S council leader said a “cost of living crisis” is hitting many people in the city as he delivered his New Year message.

Coun James Alexander praised York’s food banks for their work in tackling poverty and said he hoped 2014 would see the city move towards a “consensus” on workers being paid a living wage – which City of York Council has already introduced – of £7.45 an hour.

He said the authority would face “hard choices” over services in the year ahead as funding cuts continue, but decisions would be “built on the views” expressed by residents in recent budget consultations.

Coun Alexander said 2014 would also see York placed on “a global platform” as it hosts part of the opening stage of the Tour de France, which is expected to bring £100 million into Yorkshire’s economy.