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11:58 am, March 18, 2010
Trafford backs City Region plans

Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council has agreed to back new governance arrangements for the City Region put forward by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities.

The Conservative controlled council abstained from a vote on the issue at an AGMA meeting three weeks ago alongside Lib Dem ruled Stockport. The other eight councils in Greater Manchester are supporting the plans.

The City Region deal will make Greater Manchester the first area outside of London to become a Combined Authority, giving councils greater access to funding and more control over regeneration, transport, education and skills development.

When they abstained, Trafford and Stockport said they were opposed to plans for decisions to made by majority vote.

After Trafford's executive decided to back the plans yesterday, council leader Matt Colledge said in a news release that the authority had "secured assurances", without giving further details.

He added: "These plans are an excellent opportunity for Trafford to reap the benefits of being part of a Combined Authority. We have worked really hard to ensure that the new arrangements will improve the economic regeneration and transport links across Trafford and the wider area.

"Throughout the consultation we have responded positively, ensuring that we have properly represented the interests of the communities and businesses of Trafford. As a result we have secured assurances that the new arrangements will strengthen the delivery of Trafford's objectives in the future."

Stockport, the only authority now witholding its backing for the City Region proposals, is expected to make a decision next week.

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