In response to a Freedom of Information request the York Council has revealed that it has made 685 staff redundant over the last decade.

The highest number recorded came last year when 222 left the authority. Most were “voluntary” redundancies.

The total coast to taxpayers was £13.05 million. The costs included additional pension contributions, redundancy payments and “pay in lieu of notice”.

The staff concerned all worked for the York Council or in local schools.

The figures cover the period to the end of March 2012.

There are fears that the current year will see a record number of redundancies declared by the now Labour run authority which has embarked on a policy of privatisation and external contracting to meet its financial obligations.