Council calls on volunteers to step in as service charges rise

The proposed increase comes as York Council this week launches a scheme designed to encourage people to volunteer for tasks such as helping to keep their neighbourhoods clean and tidy at a time when the authority has had to make cuts.

Members of the authority’s cabinet will be asked to agree proposals to increase some of the councils fees and charges for services, when they meet on Tuesday.

If agreed, several fees and charges including some for bereavements, registrar, waste services, community centres, libraries, information and archives services, housing services and highways, transport and planning services would be increased by approximately five per cent.

The increase could be in place as soon as the beginning of next year and council bosses say the increase is based on the current rate of inflation.

The council says the increases will generate income of £32,000 in this financial year which will help pay for priority services.

An authority spokeswoman said it was possible that further rises could be on the agenda in as charges are to be reviewed for services including: public toilets, sports facilities, adult social care, car parking and markets, environmental health and trading standards, pest control and waste services and others, as council officials and members considers the budget for 2013/15.

The spokeswoman said: “Charges in these key areas would generate £128,000 in 2013/14, based on current level of activity across all services.”

Earlier this year the authority announced it would have to cut £19.7m over the next two financial years.

A report to be considered by members of the cabinet next week says: “There is a risk that the increase in charge could result in users deciding not to use a service.

“Individual service areas will continue to monitor activity to ensure any loss of income is identified and mitigated by other savings.”

Cabinet members will also be asked to approve projects for funding – through its Economic Infrastructure Fund (EIF) – when they meet on Tuesday.

The projects include approving funds for York to be represented at MIPIM 2013, one of the world’s largest property events, which it is hoped will help target potential investors in key projects.

This week the council officially also launches a community scheme intended to unite everyone in York to help keep the city clean and pleasant to live during the years of austerity

The purpose of Smarter York is to work beside the council’s waste and street cleaning teams and encourage residents to take part in more opportunities to volunteer in their local neighbourhoods.

The council is already supporting community initiatives including snow wardens, street buddies and resident recycling champions.

Councillor David Levene, cabinet member for environmental services at the council, who is supporting volunteering by acting as a snow warden himself, said: “Smarter York is about the council recognising the huge financial challenges we face by being honest about what we can do, encouraging residents to help out, and working more effectively to help keep York looking like a world-class city.

“For example, as well as supporting volunteering, the council has already made smart decisions such as investing in a number of solar compactor bins – helping to save money through fewer collections while reducing street clutter.”

Further details about the volunteering initiative and getting involve have been posted on the city’s website – www.york.gov.uk/smarteryork – or can be requested by email – [email protected].