Kirklees Council's Cabinet was to decide whether to replace staffed cash offices in Dewsbury, Cleckheaton and Batley with machines on Tuesday, but deferred the item at the request of Coun Mary Harkin, cabinet member for culture and leisure.

Coun Harkin (Lab, Batley East) said she had received enquiries from members of the public who were concerned the new equipment would mean the loss of a personal touch in the town halls.

A report presented to the cabinet said the new machines were cheaper than face-to-face payment methods within cash offices, allowing for savings to be made within the council's budget.

Initial support would be given in each town hall to assist the use of the machines.

The report states that the first of the machines would be introduced in Dewsbury in May, and set up in Batley and Cleckheaton later in the year.
Coun Harkin asked for representations to be made to her so she could assess the strength of opposition.