TAXPAYERS who want to know how their money will be spent locally this year have been invited to question senior members of North Yorkshire County Council at a series of meetings.

The authority's leader, Councillor John Weighell, has confirmed he will be attending all of the authority's area committee meetings to discuss the budget for the next financial year and to field questions from the public.

Alternatively, local libraries are helping with an on-line questionnaire and hosting question-and-answer sessions with other senior councillors.

"Councillors serving North Yorkshire are facing a number of very difficult decisions over the next few weeks and it is vital we hear the views of as many people as possible through public consultation," said Councillor Weighell.

The initiative will be put to the test for the first time today when the authority's executive member for corporate affairs, Councillor Carl Les, will be among a delegation at Easingwold Library from 11am until 2pm.

Coun Weighell will also attend the Hambleton area committee meeting at County Hall in Northallerton, from 5pm today.