DEVON County Council has met its budget target for the 18th consecutive year.

DEVON County Council has met its budget target for the 18th consecutive year.

The Authority has however been warned of "increasing financial pressure" over the coming year by it leader, John Hart.

The Council announced its 2009/10 budget outturn at first meeting of its new County Council Cabinet yesterday.

Looking ahead, officers warned that there would no longer be the safety net of surplus income from council investments in the coming year. Reserves had also fallen and there was a need to maintain these at the current level to help manage any future emergencies.

Councillor Hart said: "Over the next 12 months we will need to call on all our skills and experience to keep on providing the best possible local services whilst making sure we balance the books.