Summit for council leaders planned

There's some rationale behind having a combined council for Greater Manchester. But, at the same time, there's some scary stuff in this article.

COUNCIL leaders are planning a private meeting behind closed doors to thrash out their differences over a planned Greater Manchester constitution.

The document – already being drawn up by officers – could change the way the 10 member councils govern.

It will signal the biggest return switch back to regional decision-making since the abolition of the Greater Manchester Council in 1986. But members are divided over issues such as the congestion charge.

If the constitution is approved, it will form binding ties between the Greater Manchester's 10 councils and create new voting rules which could end an individual authority's right to veto key decisions.

So, essentially, if Trafford has a problem with the congestion charge, they can't just veto? Even if it's what voters want? That doesn't sound very good.

But yay for Trafford, Bury and Stockport.

All leaders want the new powers, but Trafford, Bury and Stockport councils have insisted that on all reference to congestion charging should be taken out of a key submission to the government about what issues they face and which powers they want.

I find this really ecouraging. Whether you're for or against the congestion charge, these three councils are actually listening to their constituents. It's a nice change from Wigan and others.

Council bosses plan summit