Manchester Lib Dems Welcome Labour U turn on C-Charge Referendum.

2.23.28pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th Jun 2008

Manchester Liberal Democrats have welcomed Council Leader Richard Leese's proposal, announced today, to hold a Greater Manchester-wide referendum on proposed public transport improvements including an element of congestion charging. A referendum, if agreed by Council Leaders across Greater Manchester, would take place after consultations on the funding bid end in October.

Manchester Liberal Democrats have consistently called for a referendum on this issue. Recent polls that showing that 86% of respondents supported having a Greater Manchester wide referendum before introducing a Congestion

Charge.

Lib Dem Leader Cllr Simon Ashley said:

"Manchester Lib Dems have been arguing for a long time that we need a referendum on such a critical issue. I am glad that Labour Council Leader Richard Leese has finally come round to our way of thinking."

Cllr Ashley added:

"This announcement, if agreed by the ten Council Leaders, means that we can have a proper debate about the Tif bid and congestion charging. This is a victory for the people of Greater Manchester."

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