City of York Council is warning of further cuts ahead as it faces an "unprecedented" budget blackhole.

The council says it has to close a £30 million budget "gap", which has pushed its financial situation to a "critical level".

It comes after the council was forced to find £14.3 million in savings earlier this year. The budget for the year 2024/25 saw the introduction of the 'green bin charge' and changes to the Lord Mayor of York's civic funding.

Ian Floyd, chief operating officer at City of York Council, said: "The financial challenges facing local authorities are very significant, on the back of many years of reductions in local government funding.

The council says they have a £30 million budget 'gap' (Image: Newsquest)

"There will need to be significant decisions made to ensure the council can continue to deliver critical services.

"We are committed to listening to residents, businesses, and partners to help shape the future of the council's budget. I encourage everyone to contribute to this important conversation."

In the hope of managing future challenges, the council has launched 'Our Big Budget Conversation' - an ongoing consultation that aims to gather residents' priorities ahead of upcoming cuts. 

The consultation has been asking for external input since June this year, and it is expected to end on January 1, 2025.

"This is a conversation we cannot afford to ignore," the council's director of finance, Debbie Mitchell added.

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"The financial decisions we make now will make sure we provide a balanced budget which is critical for the council to operate, and it is vital that all voices are heard."

City of York Council said it "must also consider difficult cuts".

"The council is looking at income and cost-saving measures, including more efficient ways of working, some staff reductions, service reviews and increasing charges or other ways to generate income."

So far, proposals include reducing highway investment and 'streamlining' parking charges.

In response to the possibility of staff cuts, Andrea Dudding, the York city branch secretary for UNISON - which represents local government staff across the country - said: "It is crucial that City of York Council works with UNISON and other trade unions to navigate any significant changes at the authority as smoothly as possible, to minimise the impact on staff and residents.

"UNISON is committed to defending the jobs of staff, as well as their terms and conditions. I’d encourage anyone working at the council who is not yet a member to join us."