Amazement at congestion charge referendum U-turn

Date published: 26/06/2008

Conservative councillor Ann Metcalfe has expressed her amazement at the congestion charge referendum U-turn by the Liberal Democrats. Councillor Metcalfe put forward a motion requesting a local referendum on the Congestion Charge but the motion was unanimously voted down by the Lib Dems, and decried and dismissed as obstructive and ill-informed by the Leader of the Liberals, Councillor Alan Taylor.

Councillor Metcalfe said: "Having discussed and listened to people's views on the subject it has been obvious for some months there are huge concerns with regard to the imposing of a charge.

"Now in typical fashion, the Lib Dems have done a complete U-turn.

"I continue to resent comments made by Alan Taylor at the Council meeting because I, along with thousands of other people who speak their minds, are considered to be 'protesters who have been shouting so loud they haven't actually listened'.

"Far from it, as a Conservative elected member it is my role to listen and act upon the issues brought before me. This is the reason I put the motion of a local referendum to the full council in the first place.

"Without the opportunity of a public referendum public opinion would be denied yet again. We have experience of this with our hospitals and the recent threat of Post Office closures.

"Many people see the idea of 'consultation' as a requirement which simply goes through the motions when already the decision has been made. I would question such a short consulation period for this massive project. Surely six weeks consultation time is insufficient for such a long term project which has far reaching implications and is so costly.

"Without local level representation and the devloution of decision making through a referendum this scheme cannot succeed. We beleive in devolution let us see it in action. For informed judgements and decisions to be made it is vital the true facts are explained fully to balance the invasive propaganda which is being thrust upon us through all areas of the media.

"I am delighted the Lib Dems have decided to follow the lead of the Conservatives in Rochdale and are finally supporting going for a referendum.

"We certainly need to ensure the so called drivers of our council navigate with care thus avoiding further U-turns."

Rochdale Lib Dem agent David Hennigan said in response to Councillor Metcalfe's comments: "What the Conservative Motion in April would have done was to commit this Council to an expensive referendum before we knew the details of the offer from the Government. This would have meant that even if we had been offered half the money we bid for and decided to turn it down - we would still be obliged to hold a referendum. We've always said that we would support one once we knew the details."