CITY of York Council is to consult the public on its proposed budget for the next financial year.

The move follows the Government's decision to allow the council to spend £11 million more next year leading to a £154 million total budget - a rise of 7.3 per cent.

However, some of the increase could have to come from a council tax rise of 11.6 per cent - about £90 a year on the average bill - a move which the council says residents would find unacceptable.

Options which will be discussed in a series of public committee meetings starting on January 13.

"We want to continue to involve people in the budget process as far as is practicable," said council leader Dave Merrett.

"We are working towards keeping the increase in York's council tax below the six per

cent maximum figure indicated in our residents' opinion poll by funding limited improvements through savings elsewhere.

"Officers are now suggesting savings of £2.7million to help keep the council tax as low as possible and fund £2.3 million in vital service improvements.

"The savings will also help remedy some of the problems in the education budget where unavoidable rises in wages and pensions, inflation and pupil numbers exceed the 4.3 per cent increased funding from the Government."

The public meetings of executive members and cross-party advisory panels will be held at the Guildhall on the following dates and times - January 13, at 5pm, for transport and corporate and financial, January 14, at 3.30pm, for community, economic development and commercial, January 15, at 6.30pm for social services, January 16, at 5pm for education and leisure, and heritage, also housing at 6pm, and on January 17, at 4pm, for planning and environment.

Information on these meetings is available five working days in advance by telephoning 01904 551088.

Should you wish to speak at one of the meetings you must register to do so by 10am the day before the meeting by telephoning 01904 551088.

Anyone seeking information on ward committee meetings should telephone 01904 551026 or look on the council's website.

Details of the Talkabout survey

questions will also be posted on the council's website.

Updated: 15:46 Friday, January 03, 2003