A LOCAL authority has launched a consultation exercise to encourage residents to have a say on future decision-making.

North Yorkshire County Council has sent out more than 300,000 questionnaires to households and businesses, inviting opinions on new political structures.

A format is to be introduced following a central Government call for all councils to change the way they make decisions. Three options have been set out for residents to choose from:

l A directly elected mayor with a small cabinet drawn from county councillors;

l A directly elected mayor supported by a council manager;

l A council leader with a small cabinet of county councillors.

Head of policy and performance, Bill Cross, said: "We are extremely pleased with the response so far, but urge anyone who has not yet responded to do so. The more responses we have, the more representative the result.

"Councillors make decisions that affect everyone who lives or works in the county, so it is important that you let us know what you think."

The county council is testing a political structure with a leader and cabinet system, with five scrutiny committees covering main service areas.