THE budget crisis at City of York Council could be even worse than first feared, a new report has warned.

The authority expected to have to save £10 million in 2011/12, but officials have now revised that estimate to £12 million – and say it could yet get worse.

In a report to the ruling executive, the council’s corporate accountant, Andrew Crookham, said such pressures had not been experienced in a generation, if at all.

The council is already running its More For York efficiency drive, which will save £3 million in 2011/12, but Mr Crookham said: “Clearly there will be a need for further expansion of the programme and detailed analysis of the main spending areas of the council.”

Mr Crookham calls for a longer and more detailed budget-setting process at the council.