A MAJOR initiative is under way to make county council services across North Yorkshire easier for everybody to make use of.

The main aim of a strategy being developed by the county authority is to make access to all services simpler and more efficient.

The move will involve developing a number of points across the county where members of the public can go to meet their needs.

The network of high-tech points could be in local libraries or council offices, and will provide a "one-stop shop" style of service.

According to a Government Best Value Inspectorate report, the county council is already developing a good information technology that will only get better.

The report said: "The council is at the start of enabling the public to have electronic access to its services."

It went on to say: "The council is developing communications technology in partnership with other agencies and district councils, and has already participated in initiatives across North Yorkshire.

"The council is looking to maximise the use of information technology to deliver more effective and efficient services."

The Best Value Inspectorate's endorsement of North Yorkshire's approach to information technology has been welcomed by the authority.

Director of financial services John Moore said: "The Government wants everyone to be 'plugged in' by the year 2005, and North Yorkshire is using technology to modernise local government and achieve that aim."

He said the authority had set itself a challenging agenda to transform access to services and to make significant improvements in the quality of its service delivery