A FORMAL report on the Government's bid to ban hunting will be debated when Harrogate Borough Council meets in the autumn.

Tory councillor Mike Bury tabled a motion at a full meeting of the authority, urging fellow members to press Westminster to rethink its policies.

"Whether you are for or against hunting is beside the point," he said.

"What we need to consider are the financial ramifications of a ban.

"Not only would jobs be at stake but, if it were to be enforced, then the police would need a significant boost to their resources which is bound to mean higher taxes."

However, the authority voted to refer the matter to the council leader, Mike Gardner, for consideration.

A formal report could then be sanctioned ahead of a debate and vote in the council chamber in October.