OUTRAGE was expressed by North Yorkshire County Council executive on Wednesday at Government plans to take back money already given to the council - much of which has already been spent.

The council is expected to be asked to repay £1m of grant money it received last year.

The Government intends to re-distribute this money, said to be the result of a miscalculation of populations. The total is more than £26m in grants paid to local authorities, including North Yorkshire.

The loss is likely to apply to next year's budget which would result in a reduction of more than £2m to council services or require larger increases than necessary in council tax.

County Coun John Weighell, leader of NYCC, said: "The Government is arguing that it miscalculated our population. It amounts to another assault on the delivery of services in rural areas. We already face extreme pressures in delivering services such as social care and highway improvement. This will be a devastating blow if it is implemented.

"While the proposals are open for consultation, the council will make strong representations to Government as we believe this extremely unfair. Significant damage could be done to our rural communities by clawing back such large amounts of money after it has already been spent on necessary services. This clearly cannot be justified.

"It is totally wrong taking this money back when it is their mistake, especially as the money is going from rural areas to urban ones."

The move would have a serious impact on the budget, added Coun Weighell. "It will mean a £5 increase on a D band property for the next two years," he said.

He is writing to Nick Raynsford MP, Minister for Local Government, opposing the request, and a copy will be sent to all MPs in the county asking for their support.