COUNCIL chiefs are planning a programme of consultation before making any decisions over next year's budget.

They have agreed to a "comprehensive consultation" before sitting down to consider how much council tax to charge next year.

North Yorkshire County Council's executive has agreed that the programme will include public consultation at area committee meetings; meetings with major stakeholders such as businesses and a regular information flow to the media.

They also plan an interactive website questionnaire and drop-in sessions at local libraries.

And before advising the executive, a members' panel drawn from all political parties will consider all the services' budgets

County council leader John Weighell said there was immense pressure on the services offered by the authority.

"While we await the announcements by the Government on what Standard Spending Assessment we are to receive, we know that service demands will place us under great pressure," he said.

"For that reason we are embarking on a wide consultation programme with the public and interested groups before any decision on the council tax is made."