I’m delighted that local residents will have the opportunity to vote on the congestion charge.
Conservatives in Salford has always backed a public vote on the plans, and the referendum represents an astonishing u-turn on behalf of the Labour Party in Greater Manchester. Most Labour Groups vehementely opposed a referendum, but as soon as Sir Richard Leese changed his mind they all flocked like sheep to back the new line.
Of concern still is the obscene amount of public money being spent on propaganda. A referendum might mean that Labour get to spend the same amount of taxpayers’ money again on “yes” literature. I’d prefer that no public funding was spent on referendum campaigning but if it has to be, then it should be fairly balanced.
Just to echo similar thoughts from the Liberal Democrat group. Wording of the question is key and equal spending will also play a key role. Although I believe the whole consultation and the issue as a whole has been poorly handled. Hopefully democracy will win out in the end.