SELBY District Council aims to save £3 million over the next five years.

The efficiency drive – which will not result in redundancies – is part of a long-term programme to make better use of resources given that Government funding is expected to be cut by a quarter this year.

The council said since last year it had already made savings of about £2 million, but further savings will be needed.

A spokesman said it would involve using new technology to make working practices more efficient; looking at how the council uses buildings and other assets with the aim of reducing the need for office accommodation and looking at whether services could be hired out to other organisations to improve income.

Coun Mark Crane, the leader of the council, said: “Our aim is to deliver the savings we need in a measured way, to ensure that we can continue to deliver the services our residents need most. I believe these savings can be achieved by being innovative and open to new ideas.”