CONCERNS have been raised over debt levels at North Yorkshire County Council, where politicians will today be asked to authorise an overdraft of £410 million.

Debt at County Hall is predicted to hit £329 million by the end of March, and the council's ruling executive is being asked to increase its limit as part of its budget considerations for the next three years.

Coun Carl Les, executive member for corporate services, said such debt levels were concerning, but said the council had no option, given the Government's policy of lending rather than giving money for major schemes.

"It is not a situation we are happy about," said Coun Les.

"We would rather the Government gave us direct grants."

He added: "It is not a stealth tax, but there has been a consistent shift by the Government in spending money, from national resources to local resources. We have to borrow money and the revenue budget has to go on servicing debt.

"The alternative is to stop spending money on the people of North Yorkshire - but I do not think that's something people want us to do."

Coun Les said the system was disappointing, but said: "That's the way of local government - you do not get grants to cover all your expenditure now. You get approvals to borrow money from Government. It's no different to a private citizen taking out a loan to pay for a mortgage on a house."

He said the level of debt was already a concern, saying: "There is an increasing proportion of council tax and revenue budget that must go on servicing the loan."

Aside from budgetary matters, the executive will today receive reports from its area committees for Harrogate, Selby and Ryedale and will also be asked to approve the allocation of £527,000 towards upgrading the Bewerley Park outdoor education centre.

A report to councillors says parts of the centre, near Pateley Bridge, are "outdated and inadequate" and feedback from users has shown increasing dissatisfaction with the facilities.

The ear-marked money is from the Wrea Head Trust, and cannot be spent on statutory council responsibilities.

Bewerley Park is the largest of the council's four outdoor education centres, with 130 beds. But a report to the executive states: "Feedback from schools and others shows that the buildings at Bewerley Park do not provide the quality of accommodation required in the 21st century."

It said key parts of the facilities are unsuitable for adults, and added: "Prices for customers have recently been increased and feedback shows that clients are increasingly questioning the quality of accommodation. Without further investment in the buildings, Bewerley Park will be unable to hold on to its existing customer base, never mind attract additional business."