Hold City of York Council Accountable for the £34 Million York Station Gateway Increase
The Issue
York residents deserve to know how a £26 million project became a £60 million project. Sign this petition to demand transparency and accountability from City of York Council.”
Why this petition matters
York taxpayers deserve answers.
The York Station Gateway project was originally estimated to cost around £26 million. The latest published figures show the cost has now risen to over £60 million—an increase of approximately £34 million, meaning the project now costs more than double its original budget.
At a time when residents are paying higher council tax, local services face financial pressures, and many households are struggling with the cost of living, this level of overspending raises serious questions about how public money is being managed.
We are not asking for blame without evidence. We are asking for openness, accountability and transparency.
We call on City of York Council to:
Publish a clear and detailed breakdown explaining how costs increased from around £26 million to over £60 million.
Explain the key decisions that led to the project exceeding its original budget by approximately £34 million.
Publish the actions being taken to ensure recommendations from the independent audit are fully implemented.
Strengthen financial oversight and governance for all future major infrastructure projects.
Commit to regular public reporting on the costs and progress of major council-funded projects.
Why you should sign
Every pound spent by the Council comes from taxpayers.
Residents have a right to know why one of York’s largest infrastructure projects has increased in cost by around £34 million and what safeguards will be put in place to prevent this happening again.
Signing this petition is not about opposing investment in York. It is about demanding that public money is managed responsibly, transparently and with proper accountability.
If you believe York taxpayers deserve clear answers and better financial accountability, please sign and share this petition.
Together we can send a clear message that transparency, accountability and value for money must come first.
269
The Issue
York residents deserve to know how a £26 million project became a £60 million project. Sign this petition to demand transparency and accountability from City of York Council.”
Why this petition matters
York taxpayers deserve answers.
The York Station Gateway project was originally estimated to cost around £26 million. The latest published figures show the cost has now risen to over £60 million—an increase of approximately £34 million, meaning the project now costs more than double its original budget.
At a time when residents are paying higher council tax, local services face financial pressures, and many households are struggling with the cost of living, this level of overspending raises serious questions about how public money is being managed.
We are not asking for blame without evidence. We are asking for openness, accountability and transparency.
We call on City of York Council to:
Publish a clear and detailed breakdown explaining how costs increased from around £26 million to over £60 million.
Explain the key decisions that led to the project exceeding its original budget by approximately £34 million.
Publish the actions being taken to ensure recommendations from the independent audit are fully implemented.
Strengthen financial oversight and governance for all future major infrastructure projects.
Commit to regular public reporting on the costs and progress of major council-funded projects.
Why you should sign
Every pound spent by the Council comes from taxpayers.
Residents have a right to know why one of York’s largest infrastructure projects has increased in cost by around £34 million and what safeguards will be put in place to prevent this happening again.
Signing this petition is not about opposing investment in York. It is about demanding that public money is managed responsibly, transparently and with proper accountability.
If you believe York taxpayers deserve clear answers and better financial accountability, please sign and share this petition.
Together we can send a clear message that transparency, accountability and value for money must come first.
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 1 August 2026