Regards,
Nick Wharton (he/him) | Political Assistant to the Labour Group t: 07593 528214 | e: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
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(l-r) Westfield Ward Labour Councillors Jo Coles and Emily Nelson
City of York Council Labour Group News Release
Immediate Release: 29th April, 2026
Councillors welcome significant funding boost for Westfield
Westfield Labour Councillors have welcomed a more than 60% increase to the ward's budget for 2026-27, following a recent decision taken by the council's Labour Executive.
The uplift follows a change to the ward funding model that now better reflects levels of deprivation in wards across the city, and the decision to invest more to support groups and individuals in most need.
Westfield Ward's annual budget will increase from around £24,500 to around £39,500.
Ward councillor Jo Coles said:
"We're delighted that Westfield ward will receive additional funding this year. With our existing ward funding we've already significantly increased the amount of holiday and evening activities for children and young people as well as providing youth provision with Energise gym and swim vouchers for families and young people in our area. We'll now be looking at what else we can do, working with local providers to embed that provision".
Westfield's current ward funding priorities are increasing access to activities for young people and improving community safety, tackling the cost of living crisis, reducing social isolation and improving health and wellbeing and the local environment.
Ward councillor Emily Nelson encouraged local groups to access the funding available. She said:
"We want to use this funding to benefit local people as much as possible so encourage local organisations and groups to apply to fund activities that fit with our three priorities. The value of giving young people something to do and reducing social isolation amongst older residents cannot be underestimated".
New grant applications will be opening in May, with details of how to apply available here from next month: Westfield Ward - City of York Council
