NORTH Yorkshire County Council is to accept the offer of a four-year financial settlement from central government.

Instead of the usual one year, the council has chosen to go for four – taking it up to 2020 – in the interests of certainty and forward planning.

Following the national and global economic environment created by Brexit, the council believes the offer will form part of its prudent financial management, allowing it to maintain sensible levels of reserves as a buffer against unforeseen events.

Council leader, Cllr Carl Les (Cons), said the local authority is still facing some very tough challenges, but added he believes it is well placed to ride the storm.

He added: “During a recent peer review, when we were scrutinised by other local authorities, we were praised for our can-do attitude, our committed staff and for the tremendous grip on our finances.

"We have a prudent financial plan in place to help us through the choppy times ahead.”

North Yorkshire has so far made £116 million of savings and has firm plans for a further £36.3 million. It has now begun to consider ways to bridge the remaining funding gap of £14 million through to 2019-20.