TIF e-mails send Tories in a tizz
Reporter: Jennifer Hollamby
Date published: 05 November 2008
‘Hidden’ message is encouraging a pro-vote, they say
OLDHAM’S Conservative councillors have accused the council of forcing the pro-congestion charge agenda by adding a note on to the disclaimer of council e-mails encouraging people to vote.
As residents across Greater Manchester gear up to vote in the referendum, the Tories, who are opposed to the charge, are outraged that what they believe to be pro-charging propaganda is appearing on all e-mails being sent out by council officers and elected members.
The message, which is not visible to the e-mail writer and is added while the message is being sent, reads:
“The referendum on the £3 billion Greater Manchester public transport investment plan — Oldham’s investment would be £300 million — with peak time only congestion charging is coming. PLEASE USE YOUR VOTE. For further details log on to: www.oldh am.gov.uk/tif”.
Councillor Len Quinn, deputy leader of the Conservative group, said: “The unbalanced and pro-charging propaganda from Oldham Council has now reached a new and worrying level. Oldham Council is now using councillors’ and staff e-mails to carry advertisements to encourage a yes vote.
“This has been implemented without their knowledge or permission. We believe this is unfair and must be stopped immediately.”
Ballot packs, containing information on the congestion charge and the proposed improvements to public transport, which form the TIF (Transport Innovation Fund) bid will be sent out to households from November 24.
Conservative Councillor Ian Barker, who represents Failsworth, said: “The Tories are opposed to the charge and it makes us look incredibly stupid when we respond to residents who want to know our views on the charge and we have this seemingly contradictory message appearing at the bottom of our e-mail.
“I only got to know about this when a perplexed resident got in touch.”
Councillor Barker is also concerned that the notice undermines the relationship between councillors and the people they represent, which he says should be politically neutral.
He said: “The council’s official line is that it supports the congestion charge, and if it wants to do some general campaigning for the yes vote, I don’t have a problem with that.
“But I don’t think that personal e-mails between constituents and councillors are the place for political comment.
“We leave our political views to newsletters and elections.
“We’re here just to help residents, regardless of what our political views are.”
Cllr Philip Rogers said: “This decision was made without any consultation with councillors or the public.
“I find this situation totally unacceptable.
“We have to answer to the electorate and sending out misleading information is just not on.
“Councillors must be told of these actions before they take place.”
A council spokesman said: “The decision to put the message on all outgoing e-mails was taken by the leader of the council in agreement with the chief executive and the TIF project leader.
“The message was checked by the council’s legal department and by GMPTE, which were both satisfied by its neutrality.
“However, following representation from the Conservative group, it has been agreed that e-mails originating from their council addresses will not feature this header.”
Low fares ‘will woo voters’
CAMPAIGNERS claim the promise of lower bus fares will secure the Yes vote they want.
A huge publicity campaign is being waged by groups on both sides of the debate to sway the public.
The Yes Campaign say cheaper bus fares will secure them a win in Oldham.
Changes confirmed to the TIF bid include a daily congestion charge cap of £5 and a 20 per cent discount on rush hour bus, train and tram fares, and the congestion charge, for low-paid workers.
Yes Campaign chairman Lis Phelan said: “Our street team was out canvassing in Oldham in late October, before the changes to bus fares were announced.
“They had a really positive response, largely based around enthusiasm for the tram coming into the heart of the town. However a lot of people raised the issue of bus fares, saying that fares were high and often confusing.
“The new simpler fares, along with a fares cap and cheaper fares for workers on a minimum wage will make a real difference.”
“The case for a Yes vote in Oldham is stronger than ever.”
But the Tax Payers’ Alliance, Drivers Against Road Tolls and Drivers’ Alliance are orchestrating a No campaign and have also taken to the streets of Oldham.
They claim the charge could cost Manchester families up to £1,200 a year and said they had much support in Oldham against it.
