LOCAL government in England's biggest county has entered a new era for the new millennium.

North Yorkshire County Council has signed its new constitution, officially sweeping away its old committee structure.

The Government introduced legislation last year requiring all local authorities over a certain size to streamline decision-making and increase accountability.

The traditional committee system, criticised in some quarters for being time-consuming, has been replaced by a cabinet-style structure.

Council leader John Weighell, from Bedale, will work with an executive of eight other councillors, each with particular responsibilities.

The actions of the executive will be monitored through a scrutiny process similar to Parliamentary select committees. There will be five overview and scrutiny committees, which can require the executive to reconsider controversial decisions.

Coun Weighell said: "It will be clear who has made decisions and the public will have a contact in the form of the relevant executive members to approach about issues of concern.

"Councillors have a strong local role, as there are seven area committees involving all members."

l The county council's forward plan and constitution are available from County Hall free of charge, or on the website at www.northyorks.gov.uk