RESIDENTS are being asked for their views about the financial challenges facing North Yorkshire County Council as it prepares to set its budget for 2018/19.

County council leader Cllr Carl Les and chief executive Richard Flinton are urging people to join them for a live budget web chat on Tuesday, January 23, from 5pm to 7pm.

Cllr Les said: “This will be the third year we have hosted a web chat to listen to people’s comments and questions about spending challenges and decisions facing the county. We found the previous sessions informative and hope members of the public that took part did, too.

“We want to hear people’s views and suggestions on the priorities that guide our work. Everyone who lives and works in North Yorkshire has a stake in the county, so we hope people will take the opportunity to ask their questions and share their views.”

Councillors will meet to decide upon the proposed budget in February. To sign up to the live web chat and leave questions in advance, go to northyorks.gov.uk/budget

They can also take part in an online consultation on the council’s priorities and council tax at www.northyorks.gov.uk/current-consultations.