A CONTROVERSIAL decision to increase car parking charges in Kirklees has been put on hold.

A Cabinet meeting was expected to debate the proposals yesterday.

But the ruling Tory administration within the "no overall control" council put back the decision.

It stated more issues needed to be addressed before the final announcement was declared.

There was widespread anger at the plan to raise day-long parking from £2.80 to £4, increase charges for shoppers' car parks and bring in Sunday charges for the first time.

Clr Martyn Bolt, the Tories' Cabinet member for Environment and Transportation, said: "As with all reports on important issues being considered by Cabinet, they are all publicised well in advance to give the opportunity for responses in advance of the Cabinet meeting.

"A number of detailed points have been raised on particular aspects - obviously at a late stage. We want to consider them fully and have therefore put back the decision."

But the Liberal Democrats have slammed the Tories' actions.

They claim they simply bottled out of increasing the parking charges following constant pressure from their Lib Dem opposition.

Clr Dennis Hullock, said: "We have put pressure on the Tories by highlighting the fact that they seem to have the 'say one thing and do another' attitude since coming into power.

"This may have forced a last minute re-think.

"Before last May, the Tory group said they would reduce or even abolish charges for shoppers in Dewsbury.

"Now they have taken control, the charges have remained entirely untouched in a blatant U-turn."

It is not yet clear when the next meeting to review this case will be.

Clr Hullock added: "I am certain that shoppers and local businesses will take great hope from this reprieve, but we will have to wait and see.

"I am convinced that local pensioners across Kirklees would prefer to see parking charges maintained or even reduced in their shopping centres rather than receiving 60p a week on their council tax! 60p is an insult really, it won't even pay for an hour in the Kingsgate car park!"