MP Hugh Bayley was today challenged to explain why the spending plans which have put City of York Council at risk of capping are "extravagant".

A motion from the ruling Liberal Democrat group to a full City of York Council meeting next week resolves to invite Mr Bayley to attend its next gathering and reveal "which items of expenditure in its budget he considers to be extravagant".

Stating that the council is "deeply aggrieved" at Mr Bayley's position, the motion has heightened the war of words between the MP and authority leader Steve Galloway.

The Liberal Democrat group composed the motion on hearing Mr Bayley's comments following the Government's announcement that York was at risk of having the amount it can increase council tax by this year capped.

The York MP then said Local Government Minister Phil Woolas's decision to curb the council's budget meant the authority would have to "change its extravagance with taxpayers' money", a claim which has enraged council leaders.

The Liberal Democrat motion also notes concern at the capping announcement and will urge the council to place on record its "amazement" that the budget should be labelled "excessive".

City Liberal Democrat leaders are pouring scorn on Government's position, and question why, by trimming 7p per week off an average council tax bill, York would then become a "prudent" authority. The motion continues: "(The) council's main concern is to sustain good quality public service standards while continuing to provide excellent value for money.

"In looking forward to the day when council tax is abolished in favour of a more equitable way of funding local government, this council regrets the crude and unfair discrimination against York residents demonstrated by the present Government."

Coun Galloway told the Evening Press: "There is no criticism of other representatives of York who have commented in a very measured way. It is very easy for members of parliament to issue media statements without any substance.

"Now is the time for him (Mr Bayley) to put up or shut up. He has been making wild claims for several weeks and we want him to make it clear how he feels we have been extravagant."

Mr Bayley said: "We need to meet (the Minister and the council) much more urgently than that.

"I suggest this week. The minister has already agreed to see me and the council to discuss how York can avoid capping.

"I have spoken to the director of resources (Simon Wiles) and suggested we do this together on an all-party basis, because that's the best way to get York off the hook."

Updated: 10:38 Wednesday, April 05, 2006