BATTLING politicians have agreed on a truce over claims of a vast 'black hole' in Kirklees Council's finances.

Two political parties called time on the row, which began after social services spending plunged £3.3m into the red.

The deficit sparked claims that the then Liberal Democrat administration was to blame for even bigger cash troubles.

But the argument fizzled out yesterday during talks in Huddersfield Town Hall on an Audit Commission report.

It was the first meeting of the council's Cabinet since the Tories took over control last month.

Lib-Dem leader Clr Kath Pinnock, there as an observer, said: "The report proves there was no black hole and never has been.

"I hope it will finally draw the line under all this nonsense."

Clr Margaret Bates, new Tory Cabinet member in charge of adult services, said she wanted to move on.

She told the meeting: "This is now my watch. I will be responsible and accountable for the future of this service and how it performs."

The bill for the Audit Commission investigation is expected to be about £3,000 to £4,000.

Clr Bates said: "I don't feel it was silly to call for it and I'm sure the ratepayers don't.

"All and sundry could see there was an overspending in the social services budget. This was the right way to approach it."