AN inquiry is being demanded after Kirklees area committees spent only a third of the money they were allocated.

The demand came after a report revealed that £357,000 remained unspent out of nearly £560,000.

Clr Martyn Bolt, chairman of a council group reviewing the activities of area committees, said: "It does raise a number of questions.

"Is the low take-up because area committees are not communicating with the public effectively to form partnerships?

"Are they failing to promote the opportunities for local groups and local people to come forward with ideas for local projects?" he asked.

"Is it simply that in some areas there are fewer problems than in others?"

Eleven area committees cover the Kirklees district.

Spending ranges from 2.6% in Holme Valley North to just under 76% in Mirfield.

Clr Bolt said: "When I look through the details for each committee there are huge percentage differences in the take-up of money allocated.

"While there are still three months to go until the end of the financial year, the fact that only one committee has taken up more than half the money available is quite worrying."

He said he was not urging spending for the sake of it.

But he added: "Area committee chairmen should explain the reasons not taking up the money for their committee - and, more importantly, outline their committee's plans for the coming year.

"It would seem unwise to simply allocate the committees more money if they have not get any planned strategy for spending it," said Clr Bolt.

Schemes paid for by area committees during the year have included Christmas lights, safety and lighting projects, gardening competitions, public park improvements and grants for disabled groups.

Support has also been given to over-60s groups, health projects, youth initiatives, first aid courses, sports groups and folk festivals.