SIR – The bold proposal by Kris Hopkins that Keighley and Ilkley should separate from Bradford MDC (T&A, January 19), although not exactly reverting to pre-1974, would seem to suggest that Mr Hopkins believes those original ‘big council’ reforms implemented by his own party under Edward Heath were a failure. Few in the outskirts would disagree.

It would be fascinating if Bradford Council ever revealed what proportions of revenue were collected in each postcode, compared to how much was spent. But don’t worry, they’ll never do that for fear of the ensuing suburban revolution.

We all know which the ‘cash-cow’ postcodes are, and which are the ‘cash-sinks’, it’s just that they dare not publish the scale of that disparity.

Perhaps the Hopkins proposal would gather more steam if it became a composite ‘Airedale & Wharfedale’ model, also taking in Shipley, Bingley, Baildon and all those other contributing communities north of Frizinghall.

Chances are the council tax in that new area could then fall by 50 per cent, and we’d also get the bins emptied, the roads fixed, the snow cleared and the schools run properly into the bargain.

Bring it on, Kris.

Graham Hoyle Kirkbourne Grove, Baildon, Shipley