A COUNCILLOR has called for a debate on the cost of civic entertaining as Ilkley's precept looks set to rise.

Cllr Susan Cuthbertson questioned whether the parish council should be "wining and dining" at Christmas in the current financial situation.

She told a meeting of Ilkley Parish Council: "It embarrasses me a little when we are going to increase the precept that we are having entertainment on public money."

The parish council had staged a small reception after its pre-Christmas meeting towards the end of last year.

Cllr Cuthbertson added: "I didn't stay for the Christmas bash because it didn't sit well with me."

Her call for a debate at a future date was supported by Cllr Henri Murison who said he also wanted to see the issue discussed so that the council could have a clear view on the matter.