MP Kris Hopkins calls for action on spending (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

MP Kris Hopkins calls for action on spending

6:37pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News

Huge tax hikes by town and parish councils would be outlawed without a referendum, under a Bill introduced by Keighley MP Kris Hopkins yesterday.

He urged ministers to act after two councils in his constituency – Keighley and Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury – pushed up bills by 73 per cent and 60 per cent respectively.

Under changes introduced by the Coalition, local authorities must win the support of voters in a referendum if they wish to increase council tax by more than two per cent.

Mr Hopkins (Con) said the same rules should apply to the lowest tier of councils, as he introduced his Parish and Town Council Precepts (Referendum) Bill.

He said: “There are no firm spending intentions, but the council has taken the money without holding a meaningful debate with residents.”