AUSTERITY measures are likely to continue for some years, so people in Ryedale are being asked for their views on plans being drawn up by North Yorkshire County Council about the services it provides.

It suggests more people will have to take greater responsibility for supporting their local communities.

But the council has stressed it will continue to do all it can to protect and modernise frontline services for those who rely upon them the most.

“Reductions in Government funding represent a cut in our spending power between 2011 to 2019 of more than a third,” said county councillor John Weighell, council leader.

The scale of cuts means the council has had to rethink what it is able to provide directly. The squeeze on finances could last up to 2020, which could mean more collaboration with other organisations and volunteers to provide services differently.

People are being asked for their views by Monday, June 30, either through an online consultation form, or by emailing ppp@northyorks.gov.uk

The plan can be viewed at northyorks.gov.uk

• Last week, was the 40th anniversary of the demise of the County Council of the North Riding of Yorkshire and its replacement by North Yorkshire County Council.