A LACK of information and “disjointed” management has left City of York Council on course for a budget black hole of almost half a million pounds, it has been claimed.

A briefing document leaked from the council said its property services department would not meet its savings target of £495,000 in 2011/12.

The document said a review of facilities management services planned in November 2010 was expected to save £165,000 in 2010/11, and £495,000 in 2011/12.

But the report said: “It became apparent quite quickly in the process that the timetable was overly ambitious and there have been delays in managing the project.”

It said delays were caused by lack of quality reliable data; questions over the total value of the services; the disjointed nature of how it is managed across the council; changes in project management, leadership and support; a lack of clarity over which functions should be included and further work being required on early drafts on reports.

Council leader James Alexander said the shortfall would have to be balanced by further savings elsewhere.

He said: “Labour have demanded an explanation for the current situation inherited. We have been told the reason for this latest black hole is lack of clarity and disjointed management under the previous Liberal Democrat administration.

“The black hole will have to be met by off-setting under-spends in other services, but leaves the council with much tighter room for manoeuvre.”

Kersten England, the council’s chief executive, said: “We are aware of the issues raised and action is already being taken to resolve the budget position.

“Members will receive a detailed report outlining the position in July, but budget savings are already being made through relinquishing leases on buildings ahead of the move to our new headquarters next year.”