Bradford Council's top finance officer has advised the authority's ruling executive not to rush out and spend the £3.1 million it saved last year, by warning them: "You may need it".

Steve Morris, the Council's finance director, told members there are money risks ahead for the Council and the underspend should be set aside.

City Hall accountants estimate the authority still needs to save £5.6 million next year, £5.2 million the year after and £1.6 million between 2008-09.

The full version of this story is in this evening's Telegraph & Argus, and will appear on the website later tonight.