Bradford Council leader Margaret Eaton today warned that a Yorkshire parliament would be a retrograde step for Bradford.

She said a Yorkshire and Humber Regional Assembly would take away big decision-making powers from the city - to the detriment of its people.

In the Commons today, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott was to give the go-ahead for referenda in three areas - thought to be York-shire and Humber, the North East and the North West.

A "yes" vote would see Government legislation to set up the assemblies, with elections by 2006. The elected "mini parliaments", would have tax-varying powers.

The proposal to establish regional assemblies has been criticised by Conservatives who say there is widespread lack of interest in the scheme.

Coun Eaton said: "I think it's right that people should have the opportunity to express an opinion but it would be a retrograde step to have a regional assembly.

"What worries me most is that decisions would be taken further away from local citizens in Bradford - at least they know where they can find me and their local councillor if they have a problem."

But Bradford Council labour leader Ian Greenwood said a referendum was good news for Bradford. He said: "People will have the opportunity to decide about the future form of regional government in their area.

"Yorkshire people have the capability of taking much greater control of their lives, economy and institutions."

The Government was today accused of "hypocrisy" by the Tories as Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott prepared to announce the first regions in England to be given the chance to vote.

Shadow deputy prime minister David Davis attacked the Government for refusing to allow a referendum on the European Constitution but going ahead with referenda for assemblies.

Mr Davis claimed there had been a "terrible" response to a consultation with only 8,000 people replying.