Parking charges, 20mph zone, a wonder of the world ...
We're back with a bumper edition of our roundup of news in Ilkley and West Yorkshire ...
LOCAL
Bradford Council confirms Ilkley car park changes will go ahead
Controversial changes to car parking charges in Ilkley will go ahead, Bradford Council has confirmed, resulting in a reduction in the number of free-hours spots in the town.
The changes, which are also taking place in the centre of Braford, will take effect on Monday 19 January despite widespread opposition from residents and businesses in Ilkley.
The council has said the changes are part of its wider efforts to “introduce a simplified tariff structure”, which it argues will be easier to understand.
“In Ilkley town centre, the residential and commercial streets will offer a mixture of short, medium and long stay between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week including bank holidays, priced at £1 per hour with maximum stay periods applying to blue badge holders,” Bradford Council explained.
“Following the recent consultation process New Brook Street, Kings Road and Cowpasture Road will provide more than 160 parking spaces which retain the free hours parking.”
Responding to news of this, Ilkley and Addingham Conservatives Andrew Loy and Richard Downey said: “We have been clear that the council should scrap the parking charge hike and go back to the drawing board and we will continue to campaign for this.”
Elsewhere, the MP for Keighley and Ilkley, Robbie Moore, claimed that “yet again” Ilkley was being “used as a cash cow” for the council, describing it as an “outrageous decision”.
He said that the decision to make changes to car parking charges in the town was bad for residents, visitors, local independent businesses and local economic growth.
“Bradford Council should scrap these plans immediately, and whilst they are at it scrap parking charges all together across the whole town,” Moore went on to say.
“Our hospitality sector, our retailers and our many small independent businesses are being hammered by tax increases brought in by this Labour government and now, yet again, they are being hammered by our Labour controlled council.”
Back in October, Ilkley Town Council (ITC) described the partial roll back of proposed changes as “damaging and ill-considered” in a letter to the council.
The council criticised the executive for its continued sidelining of ITC in decisions affecting Ilkley, explaining that it was not kept in the loop or briefed about the changes being made to car parking charges.
“This omission is unacceptable and reflects a concerning lack of transparency and respect for local democracy and community representation,” ITC said.
“Furthermore, it is deeply disappointing that the executive committee’s report and decision make no reference whatsoever to the strength of local opposition to these proposals.
“More than 4,000 residents have made their views known: 1,558 residents signed Bradford Council’s own e-petition, and a further 2,753 signed a paper petition – submitted to BMDC in June/July 2025.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said on the back of news that the changes were going ahead this month that the council had taken into consideration the feedback and needs of residents, businesses and visitors to both Ilkley and Bradford.
“These changes bring our on-street parking charges into line with neighbouring authorities and reflect some of the feedback we’ve had over the original proposals,” he said.
Ilkley Town Council to discuss controversial 20mph scheme at full council meeting
Ilkley Town Council will receive and consider the completion certificate and invoice for the controversial 20mph scheme that has caused the town a significant and prolonged headache.
According to the council agenda, councillors will be looking to make a decision on approving a payment of £76,914 for the introduction of traffic calming measures in Ilkley, which was completed in June 2025.
After a few, very quiet months of full council meetings with very little attendance from the public, it’s expected that the upcoming meeting on Monday 12 January 2025 will be a better attended affair.
In a recent letter to the Ilkley Gazette, prominent campaigners Barron, Birch and Gillespie, who have spent the last six years fighting for a coherent, more professional and effective response to traffic calming measures in the town, said they still do not believe that the scheme has been delivered as promised.
Though they urged ITC councillors to “carry out due diligence, understand evidence put before them and reach the appropriate conclusion” ahead of and at the meeting, they said that they were cautious about the council’s appetite to continue to address and properly deal with the controversial scheme.
Reflecting on her first six months as one of Ilkley’s district councillors in November 2024, Ros Brown said that she was “proud of what has been achieved with the introduction of the 20mph speed limits across Ilkley and the necessary self-enforcing traffic calming”.
She added at the time: “When residents stop me in the street to thank me that their families can now cycle more safely around town or that visually impaired or elderly people now have more time to cross the road, I feel a sense of satisfaction that I’ve contributed to a safer and more inclusive community.”
In May 2024, images of town councillor Karl Milner mocked up as Mao Zedong, the first chairman of the People’s Republic of China, appeared on some 20mph road signs in Ilkley.
With voting on Bradford Council’s plans to introduce a town-wide 20mph speed limit at an extraordinary meeting of Ilkley Town Council in August 2023 tied at 7-7, Milner, in his then capacity as town mayor, used his casting vote to back the plans.
“I am pretty sure that there are people who are going to go away unhappy, but I am also absolutely sure there are people who will go away completely content with what we’ve decided this evening,” he was quoted as saying by the BBC at the time.
“I am absolutely sure we have come to the right decisions this evening.”
For more background and to up to speed on things, check out the below:
Government “has no idea what water will cost in public ownership”
The Labour government does not know what it would cost to put water under public ownership, a local campaigning group has claimed.
This was revealed by a freedom of information request submitted by the Ilkley Clean River Group.
The group said that it wanted to better understand what the government had done to compare and contrast the financial and non-financial costs of keeping water private versus bringing it back under public control.
In its response to the group, addressed to prof Becky Malby, who is a member of the Ilkley Clean River Group, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that they did not have the information requested “the government has no intention to nationalise”.
As such, it had not assessed the “ongoing costs of continuing with the current privatised model versus public ownership of the water industry”.
Describing the response as shocking, Malby said: “We expect the government to be protecting the public by securing a water sector that protects our environment and provides reliable, clean water at the best possible price to the public.
The government should have worked out all the options and be pursuing the most effective and efficient for the public. Clearly this is not the case. Despite shocking performance and outrageous profiteering the government is shackling the public to a broken and expensive private system.”
The UK government recently announced that water companies will now have a legal responsibility to develop “pollution-cutting” plans, describing the ongoing high levels of sewage discharge into our waterways as “unacceptable”.
“This government is delivering a new era of accountability in the water sector,” the water minister, Emma Hardy, said.
“We’ve banned unfair bonuses for water bosses, introduced tough penalties for pollution and these mandatory plans are the latest step to hold water companies to account and tackle the root causes of pollution.”
DISTRICT
Bradford Council launches “major housing consultation”
A major housing consultation has been launched by Bradford Council across the district to gather the views and opinions of local residents to help shape the local authority’s approach.
According to the council, the consultation has been designed to dig deeper into what locals think and want from housing, from the design of properties and the way neighbourhoods “feel” to the big, ongoing issue of affordability.
Acknowledging the impact that housing has on all aspects of people’s lives, from finances to a “sense of belonging”, Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, transport and planning at Bradford Council, said that the council was “committed to ensuring that homes across the district meet the needs of local people”.
“Whether you rent or own, are looking for a home, or have lived in the same neighbourhood for decades, this is a real opportunity to help shape the future of housing in Bradford and the places we all call home,” he said.
Some of the questions in the survey ask residents to tell the council what they think about the condition of their home, whether they’ve experienced damp, mould or delays with repairs, and how confident they are about whether they can stay in their home for the next 12 months.
According to the 2021 housing census, most people across the district live in semi-detached houses or bungalows (36.7%), the percentage of people owning their own home (61.7%) is higher than the national average and the number of people renting (23%) is higher than anywhere else in West Yorkshire.
You can read more about the consultation and take part in the process here.
CONSTITUENCY
Victims of crimes “need to be told about unduly lenient scheme”
The MP for Keighley and Ilkley has reiterated his call for victims of crimes to be notified of unduly lenient sentence scheme (ULS), which is available to individuals who disagree with the severity of the sentence handed out to their offender.
Robbie Moore said that he was “campaigning for a new mandatory duty” that would mean victims would be told about the ULS, providing them with recourse to increase the severity of the original sentence.
This scheme enables “anyone” to refer “certain” crown court cases to the attorney general’s office, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.
“Earlier this year, I was successful in my campaign to increase the ridiculously short sentences handed down to three vile grooming gang members in our area,” Moore explained.
“I did this by referring their sentences to the attorney general via the ULS. Shockingly, many victims and families are not even told about the ULS scheme and that they can challenge sentences that are obviously too lenient.”
Last month the Conservative MP asked in the House of Commons if the solicitor general, Ellie Reeves, would meet with him to discuss this further.
Reeves responded: “This year I expect to have received in the region of 900 referrals to look at sentences under the unduly lenient sentence scheme.
“It is an important part of our criminal justice system that some cases can be referred for a review. I would be happy to meet the honourable gentleman to discuss the issue further.”
REGION
New Year’s messages from councillors and MPs
We have been in touch with all of the MPs in West Yorkshire and councillors on Bradford Council to share their new year’s message for 2026. Here are the responses of those who got back to us.
Debbie Davies, councillor for Baildon and deputy leader of the Conservative Group
My priority continues to be to work for the residents of Baildon and Esholt on individual and community concerns.
Among other issues I will be pushing for progress on Baildon’s new library, improvements to Esholt’s playground, the reopening of the Dockfield Road footbridge and action on the “hole in the ground” in the centre of Baildon.
Caroline Firth, Labour councillor for Keighley East ward
Our area hosted world-class events in 2025, and volunteers were a big part in making our UK City of Culture year so special.
Giving back to the community is something we could all do in 2026. I’m going to be a trustee of a local organisation. What will you do?
Bob Felstead, Conservative and Queensbury Independent Group councillor for Wharfedale
I’m a Conservative councillor with a small ‘c’. I believe that I’m a competent councillor representing the best interests of residents, rather than being wedded to a political ideal that serves few.
That regularly means challenging the status-quo and autocracy which permeates the fabric of Bradford Council.
Susan Hinchcliffe, Labour councillor for Windhill and Wrose and leader of Bradford Council
I wish everyone a very happy new year. We had a great year with City of Culture. It’s been fantastic to see so many people getting involved and showing off all of our wonderful district.
Let’s build on that progress with a great 2026 full of hope and opportunity whilst always doing all we can for those neighbours who, through no fault of their own, find themselves needing our help.
Paul Godwin, Labour councillor for Keighley West
I would like to offer all my residents in Keighley West best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year. We are ready to help you with any problems you have with your district council. We look forward to representing you up until May 2026.
Andrew Loy, Conservative councillor for Ilkley
As we start the new year, let’s all make a resolution to support our local shopkeepers and small businesses, who are facing a tough time due to rising taxes and regulations, especially as Bradford Council begins the year by hiking parking charges in Ilkley town centre.
Talat Sajawal, independent councillor for Little Horton and leader of the Bradford Independent Group
As a dedicated independent councillor for 10 years, I have always worked for the people and not a party.
Kevin Warnes, councillor for Shipley
I would like to wish a very happy new year to all our Shipley constituents. There may be storms on the way, but I trust that everyone enjoys a peaceful start to 2026.
In the meantime, myself and my fellow green councillors in Shipley will continue to work on your behalf to make our community an even better place to live in!
Anna Dixon, MP for Shipley
Representing the Shipley constituency in the House of Commons is the privilege of my life and I am incredibly excited to continue working hard on behalf of the residents of Menston, Burley-in-Wharfedale and everyone else across our local area in 2026.
2025 was a year of significant progress. I am very proud of what this Labour government delivered nationally, including an extra five million NHS appointments, cutting energy bills for millions of households, expanding free school meals, and raising the living wage, the state pension, universal credit, and the earnings limit for carers, meaning millions of people will be better off.
Locally, much progress has also been made. I was proud to help secure the implementation of the new fair funding formula, which guarantees that local authorities like ours in Bradford will receive a much-needed extra cash injection, pleased to be involved in securing the funds for a complete rebuild of Airedale General Hospital, and was delighted to play a part the opening of multiple brand new free breakfast clubs in schools across our constituency.
However, this is just the beginning. As we start 2026, I can assure you that I will continue to do everything I can to ensure our government delivers on the priorities of the people across our communities, including cracking down on antisocial behaviour, taking bold action on water companies dumping sewage in our rivers, taking decisive action on child poverty, and effectively tackling the cost-of-living crisis.
I wish you a fantastic new year, and I look forward to meeting and speaking with as many Shipley constituents as possible in the coming 12 months.
Imran Hussain, MP for Bradford East
As we welcome 2026, I’m taking a moment to reflect on everything the past 12 months have brought to our communities.
After years of being overlooked, Bradford has begun to see real progress. From long-fought funding commitments for our city, to vital support for families and the scrapping of the two-child cap, these changes show what can be achieved when we put fairness and opportunity first. There is more to do, but this year has shown that Bradford’s voice is being heard.
But as we mark progress, we must also reflect on the challenges that remain. Across our region and around the UK, too many people still face poverty, inequality and hardship. Around the world, others continue to face persecution, war and genocide.
The New Year is a time to renew our resolve to fight for fairness, equality, and opportunity for all, and to building a better future for everyone in 2026
Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Spen Valley
I want to wish everyone in Spen Valley a very Happy New Year and all the very best for 2026. I hope you had a chance to spend time with loved ones over Christmas and take a well-earned break.
Not everyone gets to switch off, so I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone who has been working over the festive period, including our emergency services and NHS staff. Our communities could not function without you.
Like every year, 2025 was a mixture of highs and lows. We saw some brilliant achievements in the world of sport from Lando Norris, Luke Littler, the Red Roses and the women’s football team.
Sadly, terrible conflicts continued, including in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan. I hope in 2026 death and destruction can give way to genuine and just peace and security around the world.
Locally, I know many people continue to face real pressures in their day-to-day lives. The government continues to work hard to turn the country around after years of neglect. Change can’t happen overnight, but I know how frustrating this can be and I remain focused on doing everything I can to make a positive difference for people across Spen Valley.
“It was encouraging to see my Private Members’ Bill, giving terminally ill people choice at the end of their lives, pass through the House of Commons. It still needs to get through the Lords, and I am determined that we must not let down everybody this Bill is there to help.
“I am inspired every day by the strength and kindness of people in Spen Valley. I was delighted by the Pride of Britain Award for Zach Eagling from Hartshead, and the King’s Award for the Safe Anchor Trust in Mirfield. Over 60 inspiring young people attended my first ever Youth Summit. And I enjoyed watching Matilda Firth from Cleckheaton in the brilliant Christmas film ‘Tinsel Town.’
Thank you to everyone who plays their part in making our area such a special place to live, work and visit, and all the very best for 2026.
Iqbal Mohamed, MP for Dewsbury and Batley
“Yorkshire is the centre of the United Kingdom. It is a melting pot of different races, beliefs, skills and genuine diversity. Our historical strength has been our no nonsense, hard-working, compassionate contribution to our county and our nation.
Given current times, we must channel these qualities, combined with unity and respect for each and every one of us, to face the forces of hate, division and dishonesty in our politics. Let us promise ourselves to make new friends of different backgrounds, and to learn from and share with one other.”
Alec Shelbrooke, Conservative MP for Wetherby and Easingwold
A new year always brings renewed hope for change and prosperity.
In Wetherby and Easingwold, we need the government to make a series of u-turns to ease the burden on businesses and working people – cut employers’ national insurance, cut taxes, especially for pensioners who will soon be facing tax on their basic state pension, reverse the family farm tax that’s suppressing growth in rural communities, and lift the heavy hand of the state from the neck of the free market.
Together, these actions will provide the backdrop for a more prosperous 2026.”
Bradford Pennines Gateway National Nature Reserve “1 of the 7 wonders of the world” in 2026
Bradford Pennines Gateway National Nature Reserve has been named as one of the seven wonders of the world for 2026 by Condé Nast Traveller.
Designated as such in early 2025 as part of Charles III’s Series of National Nature Reserves to celebrate his coronation, the reserve stretches some 1,272 hectares and includes iconic destinations like Ilkley Moor.
“If Britain ever needed proof that the everyday could still surprise, the Bradford Pennines Gateway delivers with quiet aplomb,” the well-renowned travel magazine said.
Bradford Pennines Gateway National Nature Reserve was the only destination from the UK on the list, which also included the Faroe Islands, Matera in Italy and Djemila in Algeria.
Describing the creation of the new reserve as a landmark moment last year, the minister for nature, Mary Creagh, said at the time that it would “bring huge numbers of people closer to their iconic nature-rich habitats, as part of this government’s plan for change to halt nature’s decline”.
Women of West Yorkshire Network hits membership milestone
The Women of West Yorkshire Network (WoWY) has hit a major membership milestone, with over 1,000 members now signed up to the group.
The 1,000th member to join the WoWY Network was Kerry Noble, head of faculty at Outwood Grange Academies Trust.
She said: “I would like to see members of the group from different religious, business and cultural backgrounds come into my academy and speak to students.
This is particularly important because of current community trends with misogyny reported in the latest West Yorkshire crime figures.”
Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), described it as a “fantastic milestone” for the “innovative network”.
Fatima Khan‑Shah, West Yorkshire’s first ever inclusivity champion, highlighted the role the WoWY Network plays in bringing women together in the region to connect, network and grow “both in life and in work”.
The WoWY Network was established in October 2023. According to WYCA, some of the benefits of being a member include having access to events, opportunities to hear from business and community leaders and “a voice in key policy decisions through a direct line to the Mayor and political leaders”.
Calderdale councillors asked to back the Halifax 2036 Place Vision
Councillors on Labour-controlled Calderdale Council are being urged back the Halifax 2036 Place Vision at the upcoming full cabinet meeting Monday 12 January 2026.
The 10-year plan aims to transform the town into a destination “where creativity, enterprise and opportunity are woven into everyday life”.
The council has identified six objectives it needs to achieve its vision, including building a diverse and inclusive economy, improving the way people travel and boosting its green credentials by “weaving nature into the fabric of the town”.
Describing Halifax as a town known for its “innovation and business, rich culture and heritage, strong local pride and community spirit”, Jane Scullion, leader of Calderdale Council, said that the 2036 Place Vision was about creating a “stronger future where everyone thrives”.
“It’s about being proud of our past, and even more excited about what’s to come,” she added. “A town where together, we get things done. This is what builds a thriving town, place and economy.”
Last month it was revealed that Calderdale Council’s core spending power will increase by 30.1% between 2024/25 and 2028/29 as part of the national government’s provisional local government finance settlement.
Speaking about the overall change back November, Alison McGovern, the local government and homelessness minister, said that the multi-year local government finance settlement, the first in a decade, would level up funding to local authorities and make it more transparent.
She went on to attack the Conservative government’s approach to funding, describing it as a “misguided programme of austerity” that “saw local government services slashed to the bone”.
“This government is taking the tough decisions to create a fairer, evidence-based funding system,” McGovern continued.
“This means that poorer local authorities that have been unable to generate as much funding through local tax will finally receive the funding they deserve.”
You can read more about the vision here.