An attempt by Keighley’s MP to discourage major precept increases by town and parish councils has not been debated.

Kris Hopkins called for a change in the law to force smaller councils – including Keighley’s – to hold a referendum if they propose a precept rise of two per cent or more.

His proposal was on a list to be debated in the House of Commons last Friday. But the parlimentary session ended on April 25 after the Government managed to get its programme of legislation through both Houses.

Any Bills which did not receive Royal Assent by last Thursday – including Mr Hopkins’ proposal – are deemed to have ‘fallen’.

He said he still hoped to have the measure debated in Government time in the new session of Parliament, which begins on May 8.