Austerity warning as council plans ahead

The council has identified key aims which it is attempting to achieve as part of a blueprint for evolving a series of vital strategies.

The annual update of the Council Plan, which maps out the local authority's vision, has pinpointed a need to promote the battered economy in the wake of the recession as one of the main objectives.

It has also highlighted a desire to preserve North Yorkshire's rich heritage and the environment, as well as promoting healthy living and boosting education services for children and young people.

However, council leader John Weighell admitted that the authority is facing a massive challenge to achieving its aims while battling major financial constraints.

He said: "We know that many local people have suffered from the recession and the county council is now entering a period of severe financial austerity.

"This will place even greater challenges on the county council, and other partners, as we seek to work with less money whilst facing increased demand for services. We will therefore face tough choices over the coming years.

"We remain confident that the county is as well placed to face the challenges ahead as anywhere in the country."

The council's previous chief executive, John Marsden, warned of the financial pressures that the authority is facing amid a surge in demand for services while funding from Westminster falls significantly.

Concerns are growing that up to 500 posts could be lost from the county council, which employs 24,000, during the next three years in the battle to balance an annual 900m budget.