City of York Council leader Rod Hills today admitted the Labour group was making budget decisions without giving the public a chance to be heard.

He said it had made a mistake and left too short a time between revealing the proposals and tonight's final budget meeting.

And he promised to get it right next time.

He said: "It is important that people get a proper chance to understand the proposals and an opportunity to make comment.

"We have tried to meet interested parties and groups, but there is a problem there. I don't think we have got it right this time.

"We have made a mistake. There hasn't been enough time for people to make representations and we are already looking at that. I have asked chief executive David Atkinson to investigate how that can be put right for the future."

The problem follows last year's transition from government by committees to the new cabinet style.

Last year, individual committees came up with budget proposals which were discussed publicly well in advance of debate by the full council.

This year, the Executive of eight Labour members made decisions which were revealed only two weeks ago. They will be debated and voted on tonight.

Although the budget decisions will still be made tonight, Councillor Hills has promised to listen to affected groups throughout the year, and act accordingly.

He said: "We have proposed a £5,000 cut in grant aid to Shopmobility (disabled scheme) because we thought the organisers could raise more money.

"They say that it's probably not possible for them to do that. Now we are asking them to try to and, if they can't, then we'll listen and respond in the course of the year."

Coun Hills's admission that he had underestimated the time needed for public representations follows accusations from Liberal Democrat leader Steve Galloway that the cabinet system was taking democracy back to the 19th century.

He said: "It has been a race against time for us to find out what each proposal means, and I am concerned that we still haven't picked up everything that is planned. I am sure that people who are going to be affected by these cuts have absolutely no idea at all yet.

"This is making sure there is no consultation at all, and that decisions can be made by the few people who are members of the Executive. As far as public accountability is concerned, this is a step back to the 19th century."

Coun Galloway said that many controversial schemes were hidden away by bland descriptions.

He said: "The agenda speaks about cutting money from grounds maintenance, which doesn't sound a big deal until you learn they are planning schemes like a 20 per cent reduction in cutting grass round the bar walls.

"It is extraordinary that the council is not consulting people."

Tonight's budget meeting is expected to vote through a seven per cent council tax rise in the city, and cuts in services.

Proposals include scrapping two social worker posts and increasing charges for car parks and York Crematorium.

The Liberal Democrats will propose an alternative budget, which will include a one per cent cut in the proposed council tax level, cutting the council's public relations budget by £250,000 and aiming to save £100,000 by reducing sick leave at the council.

Updated: 11:42 Thursday, February 15, 2001