Public confusion over C-charge referendum

OLDHAM Labour Group has raised concerns that misinformation has confused the public on how to vote in the forthcoming congestion charge referendum.

Labour has publicly stated that they accept the principal of congestion charging, but only to tackle congestion and not just to raise revenue.

Labour submitted plans to scrap the M60 as a charging point but state that they did not get support from the Lib- Dems or Tories at this month’s council meeting.

Labour Group Leader, Councillor Jim McMahon attended a recent forum in Saddleworth and said: “What was very clear from the meeting is that those who oppose the proposals overstate the negatives and underplay the benefits and I get a similar impression from the “Yes” campaign. “I don’t think people know what information to trust on this important issue.”

Councillor Dave Hibbert hit out at Oldham council tax being used to fund a local “Yes” campaign by saying: “The information put out by the council is factually incorrect in saying that only drivers travelling into Manchester will suffer the charge.

“The council are happy to have Failsworth in the borough when they come with their council tax demands but not so when keen when trying to convince the rest of Oldham to vote “Yes” in the referendum.”

Councillor McMahon added: “Unless facts are put across without any spin, then people will have no confidence in either side and although one group will certainly win the vote — no one would win the argument.

He also slated local Tory opposition as a cynical publicity stunt by opposing the congestion charge and demanding the Government pay the whole cost of the planned investment in public transport for Greater Manchester, including the extension of Metrolink into Oldham.

The referendum takes place across Greater Manchester on December 11.