Referendum arrangements approved

Manchester City Council’s Executive has approved arrangements for a referendum on Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) proposals.

The proposed package involves up to £3 billion investment in local transport and the introduction of a weekday, peak-time only congestion charge.

Results in the Greater Manchester-wide referendum will be broken down authority by authority.

Ballot papers will be sent out in late November with a deadline for their return of 10pm on 11 December. Anyone on the electoral register, which is currently being updated, will be eligible to vote. Each household must complete and return their annual electoral registration forms by Wednesday, November 5 to ensure they are on the updated register.

The Executive also welcomed the appointment of Sir Neil McIntosh CBE as returning officer for the referendum across Greater Manchester. Sir Neil served as electoral commissioner for Scotland from 2002 to January this year and played a lead role in overseeing the 1997 Scottish devolution referendum.

He will provide independent scrutiny and supervision of the Transport Innovation Fund referendum.

Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese said: "This would be the biggest investment this city has ever seen so there can be no doubt that this is a hugely important issue for the future of our city and the whole of Greater Manchester. We are determined to ensure that as many people as possible can exercise their democratic right to have a say on the proposals. I'd encourage anyone who has not yet returned their registration form to do so as soon as possible, and definitely by November 5."

For any queries about electoral registration, residents should call the City Council's electoral services unit on (0161) 234 3145 or e-mail esu@manchester.gov.uk

MEDIA CONTACT:

Roger Williams, Press Office Tel: 0161 234 3275