PETITION UPDATE – YORK STATION GATEWAY £34 MILLION COST INCREASE

Dear Supporters,

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has signed and supported my petition calling for City of York Council to be held accountable for the reported £34 million increase in the cost of the York Station Gateway project.

I am writing to update you on the situation and to express my serious concerns about the lack of any formal response from City of York Council.

Despite the significant amount of public money involved and the legitimate questions raised by this petition, I have received no official acknowledgement or explanation from the council.

I have serious concerns that a petition raising questions about tens of millions of pounds of public expenditure has received no response whatsoever.

This raises important questions about transparency, accountability and how seriously City of York Council takes the concerns of residents.

I believe everyone who signed this petition deserves answers.

WHAT WE ARE ASKING THE COUNCIL TO EXPLAIN

Why has the York Station Gateway project reportedly experienced a £34 million increase in costs?
Where exactly has the additional money gone? We want a detailed breakdown of the expenditure, including construction costs, design changes, delays and consultancy fees.
What was the original approved budget, and what is the current estimated total cost?
Who authorised the additional expenditure, and what financial scrutiny took place?
How much of the additional expenditure is being funded by council resources, government grants or other sources?
What measures are being taken to prevent further increases in costs?
Will the council publish a full and transparent financial explanation so residents can see how public money is being spent?
Why has our petition received no formal response, and will it now be considered by the appropriate council committee?
MY SERIOUS CONCERNS

I find it deeply concerning that residents can raise legitimate questions about such a substantial increase in public expenditure and receive no formal response.

The council should welcome public scrutiny of major projects, not leave residents wondering whether their concerns are being taken seriously.

This petition is not about opposing improvements to York railway station. It is about ensuring that public money is properly accounted for and that those responsible for major financial decisions are answerable to the public.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

I have now written to City of York Council formally requesting answers and an explanation for the lack of response to this petition.

I have requested a substantive written reply within 14 days.

If a satisfactory response is not received, I will consider escalating the matter through the council’s formal complaints and scrutiny procedures.

I will keep everyone updated on any developments and share the council’s response when it arrives.

To everyone who has signed, shared or supported this petition, thank you.

Your support matters, and I intend to continue asking these questions until we receive clear answers.

£34 MILLION IS NOT SMALL CHANGE. THE PEOPLE OF YORK DESERVE TRANSPARENCY, ANSWERS AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

Shane Sayner
York Resident & Petition Organiser