Legal action launched over roads funding could jeopardise much-needed maintenance work in York, a senior councillor has said.
Cllr Kate Ravilious, City of York Council’s Labour transport spokesperson, said a pause in receiving its £2.6 million allocation would not cause immediate issues but could create longer term problems.
Council environment lead Dave Atkinson said they would await further developments in the judicial review requested by North Yorkshire Council but declined to comment further on ongoing legal proceedings.
It comes after North Yorkshire Council announced it was seeking a judicial review into the mayoral Transport Capital Programme 2026 to 2030.
The council claimed in a letter sent ahead of action being launched that legal errors had been made in a decision on the region-wide funding on Friday, March 27.
Labour York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith and York council Leader Cllr Claire Douglas and deputy leader Cllr Pete Kilbane voted in favour for the four-year programme worth £456 million.
But Conservative North Yorkshire Council Leader Cllr Carl Les and Deputy Leader Cllr Gareth Dadd voted against.
Cllr Les has claimed that makes the decision unlawful on the grounds that it was a budgetary decision and therefore required unanimous approval.
North Yorkshire Council was opposed to extra money provided by the Government being ‘top-sliced’ for other projects and to £4 million from their allocation being diverted to York.
Its leader Cllr Les said decision-making was flawed and council officials have claimed it could see them lose up to £20 million in roads funding over three years.
Mayor Mr Skaith said the move was a political stunt which could cost taxpayers thousands.
He added legal proceedings meant the investment, which includes £2.6m for York road maintenance schemes in 2026-7, would now be paused.
York’s council unveiled plans worth £16.5 million as it faces a backlog in works to bring all roads up to standard worth £102 million.
Labour council transport executive member Cllr Ravilious said the 50 per cent increase in funding for York this year was great news brought about in part by mayoral investment.
She added the council hoped the legal action was a short blip that would be resolved quickly.
Cllr Ravilious said: “The increase in funding to both York and North Yorkshire is thanks to the mayor taking an evidence-based approach to investing in our roads and pavements and making them safer.
“A pause in York’s allocation will not cause any immediate issues but if it’s any longer, it will jeopardise much-needed maintenance works York residents desperately want to see done.”
Mr Atkinson said their maintenance programme was already underway and continued across the city.
The official said: “We have noted the contents of the letter, and will await any further developments in the matter.
“Beyond that, as it’s a legal process between North Yorkshire Council and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
By: J Gerrard, LDRS
