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Prime Minister, Gordon Brown
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1:00 am, November 6, 2008
Referendum not the end for TIF says PM
By Simon Binns
The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) will be allowed to go back to the government with a revised Transport Innovation Fund bid – even in the event of a “No” vote in December’s referendum.
At today’s Prime Minister’s Question Time, Gordon Brown said AGMA could do “further work” on its bid if it wanted, even if the public vote went against the £2.7bn package.
When asked by John Leech, MP for Withington, if in the event of a “No” vote, the people of Greater Manchester would have the opportunity to come back with an improved scheme without the concern that the Government might take back the £1.5bn grant that would make up part of the package, Brown responded: “I know that the voting paper has options for a “Yes” vote and a “No” vote, but I am afraid that there is no option for a “Don’t know” vote.
“In the event of a “No” vote, it would be up to Greater Manchester authorities to decide whether they wanted to do further work on the proposals.
“The Government are in principle prepared to contribute up to £1.5bn towards the Greater Manchester package, but that is dependent on the broad scope and nature of the package remaining the same. If Greater Manchester came back with a revised proposition, we would need to assess it on its merits.”
Brown made no explicit mention of the removal of the congestion charging element of the package.
Paul Henly, from the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “This is a very positive statement from the Prime Minister. We are delighted he agrees there are alternatives. We have always wanted to work with AGMA on a scheme which better represents the needs of Greater Manchester residents and businesses. We hope a no vote will be just the start of sensible debate.”
COMMENTS?sbinns@crain.com
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