Tories challenge city role in £1bn transport fund

They want more debate over any precept that may be needed from York council tax payers to support the fund and have expressed fears transport schemes in the city will receive lower priority than those in West Yorkshire.

The council’s cabinet approved the move earlier this month but now three Conservative members have used a rule known as “calling in” to have the decision reviewed.

The fund will see councils pooling transport money along with extra cash from the Government.

Council leader James Alexander said: “I have been working with Conservative Ministers over this scheme and it is Government policy.

“Why would they oppose us acquiring large amounts of Government funding to alleviate congestion and improve transport?”

Conservative group leader Ian Gillies said he was concerned York was “putting all its eggs in one basket” by partnering with West Yorkshire over transport but not also with North Yorkshire.

He also questioned whether proposals for transport improvements in York would be supported when there were not immediate benefits to West Yorkshire.

“I am concerned we could end up getting the scraps from the table,” he said.

The transport fund will be considered again next month.